A few more questions :)

[twinkle toes]

My family has never cruised on NCL before, only on RC and Princess. Can you please tell me what you like about NCL that you didn't find on Princess that you wish they had? I really want to try NCL, but don't know if my family would like the change. They are all kind of laid back people, not partiers. If we go, we will be doing the last cruise to Bermuda October 30th. Can someone tell me what side of the boat is facing the island and which faces the ocean while docked at Kings Wharf? Also, do have the same type of setup on NCL as Princess where there is a central atrium where live entertainment happens? Thanks for the answers in advance.

[willysgrandma]

There are two things I like about NCL - you never have to dress up for dinner if you don't want to and the disembarkation is a little easier. You choose what time you want to get off the ship and then obtain luggage tags according to that time.

 

They also don't rush you out of your cabin - we were given until 9 AM to leave our cabin on the Epic.

 

Just be prepared - NCL is not for everyone. Because there is no assigned dining, if you are the type that likes your glass of wine waiting for you when you arrive in the dining room (i.e- you like the personalized attention from your waiters) you won't get that on NCL because there is no assigned dining.

 

If that is not a big deal, you will probably enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

[propandrudder]

If they are not into partying, I don't think they are going to enjoy Norwegian Epic. Everywhere you went onboard, there was a crowd of people. It took ages to wait for an elevator, at least twice as long as any other ship I've cruised on. If you're going to give NCL a shot, go for the Jewel Class ships (Jewel, Pearl, Jade, Gem). They seemed to be less party oriented than Epic.

[che5904]

If they are not into partying, I don't think they are going to enjoy Norwegian Epic. Everywhere you went onboard, there was a crowd of people. It took ages to wait for an elevator, at least twice as long as any other ship I've cruised on. If you're going to give NCL a shot, go for the Jewel Class ships (Jewel, Pearl, Jade, Gem). They seemed to be less party oriented than Epic.

 

The Gem and Dawn are the only ships that go to Bermuda in Oct. So no worry about the Epic.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

Don't overly count on anyone's answer about what side the ship will dock on. Sometimes it changes every week so the crew members who are in charge of lifeboats can practice and do drills. The following week the ship docks on the other side so the rest of the boat teams can practice.

 

James

http://twitter.com/#!/cruiseshipcrew

[che5904]

I’ve never cruised with Princess. But I do like total freestyle dining (the same style of dining you do at land based restaurants). The choice of many specialty restaurant (surcharge). I like the fact that the dress code is relaxed and you can dress up or not. I like the a la carte system (keep the initial price low and then only pay for what you want to participate in such as drinking, up scale restaurants, spa, liquor tasting seminars) yet have enough free food and entertainment you don’t have to pay anthing extra. I love the crew.

The Dawn has live music in the Atrium but they have music all over different parts of the ship. I’m not sure about the Gem Atrium. But I’m sure they have music all over as well.

We are in our 50’s and have given up partying years ago. There are plenty of nice quiet spots to get away from the crowds and partying if you so choose. Lots of choices with NCL.

[che5904]

Don't overly count on anyone's answer about what side the ship will dock on. Sometimes it changes every week so the crew members who are in charge of lifeboats can practice and do drills. The following week the ship docks on the other side so the rest of the boat teams can practice.

 

James

http://twitter.com/#!/cruiseshipcrew

 

Very interesting James, thanks for the input.

[willysgrandma]

Aside from the fact that the Epic doesn't go to Bermuda, I am not into partying and I loved the Epic. Not sure why whether you like to party or not has anything to do with the enjoyment of the ship.

 

I found plenty of places that were quiet and uncrowded on the ship and if you used the forward elevators, I found much less of a wait than using the aft elevators.

 

 

If they are not into partying, I don't think they are going to enjoy Norwegian Epic. Everywhere you went onboard, there was a crowd of people. It took ages to wait for an elevator, at least twice as long as any other ship I've cruised on. If you're going to give NCL a shot, go for the Jewel Class ships (Jewel, Pearl, Jade, Gem). They seemed to be less party oriented than Epic.

[fridaythe13th]

I loved the Gem and hope to love the Dawn too! Every time we have been to Bermuda (The Dockyard) the ships have been docked portside to the land but as James said, "don't count on it". Even if you are on the "ocean" side you will be able to see across toward Hamilton and St Georges.

[propandrudder]

Aside from the fact that the Epic doesn't go to Bermuda, I am not into partying and I loved the Epic. Not sure why whether you like to party or not has anything to do with the enjoyment of the ship.

 

I found plenty of places that were quiet and uncrowded on the ship and if you used the forward elevators, I found much less of a wait than using the aft elevators.

 

That's fantastic that you enjoyed Epic. I personally didn't because it seemed overly crowded and busy. I stayed in a Courtyard Villa, and I spent most of the trip up there away from the mass of pushy people, only venturing out at night to sample the alternative dining venues and to see the entertainment. On my sailing, with 5,000 people onboard, the Courtyard was pretty much the only quiet place on the whole ship. There isn't even a proper library to hide in anymore (that was my sanctuary on the Jewel Class ships). I think Epic is geared towards the younger, hipper crowds who like to party. Lots of noise + lots of people + lots of booze + cramped environment = party atmosphere.

 

BTW, keyword being LESS. There's LESS of a wait. There's still an unacceptable waiting period regardless. I used the forward elevators almost exclusively because they are the ones that service the Courtyard complex.

 

And yes, there is musical entertainment in all of the atriums of NCL's ships, Jewel Class is no exception. Don't expect anything spectacular, usually it's someone plucking on a guitar or playing on a keyboard. Less entertainment and more background/ambience music.

[Monaco02]

My family has never cruised on NCL before, only on RC and Princess. Can you please tell me what you like about NCL that you didn't find on Princess that you wish they had? I really want to try NCL, but don't know if my family would like the change. They are all kind of laid back people, not partiers. If we go, we will be doing the last cruise to Bermuda October 30th. Can someone tell me what side of the boat is facing the island and which faces the ocean while docked at Kings Wharf? Also, do have the same type of setup on NCL as Princess where there is a central atrium where live entertainment happens? Thanks for the answers in advance.

Since you mentioned it..........no, NCL ships do not have the huge atrium areas that Princess ships have. We much prefer the layout of Princess - NCL jewel class ships (and spirit) have a very small area with a bar, piano and a monstrous TV screen. Princess also has more entertainment venues and thus more 'things' going on - NCL uses that space for restaurants.

[dasmonkey]

Since you mentioned it..........no, NCL ships do not have the huge atrium areas that Princess ships have. We much prefer the layout of Princess - NCL jewel class ships (and spirit) have a very small area with a bar, piano and a monstrous TV screen. Princess also has more entertainment venues and thus more 'things' going on - NCL uses that space for restaurants.

 

Wrong! :rolleyes:

[slotaddict]

Aside from the fact that the Epic doesn't go to Bermuda, I am not into partying and I loved the Epic. Not sure why whether you like to party or not has anything to do with the enjoyment of the ship.

 

I found plenty of places that were quiet and uncrowded on the ship and if you used the forward elevators, I found much less of a wait than using the aft elevators.

 

 

I loved the Epic as well, we like to have a good time, I would hardly call us party people....:D

[newmexicoNita]

If they are not into partying, I don't think they are going to enjoy Norwegian Epic. Everywhere you went onboard, there was a crowd of people. It took ages to wait for an elevator, at least twice as long as any other ship I've cruised on. If you're going to give NCL a shot, go for the Jewel Class ships (Jewel, Pearl, Jade, Gem). They seemed to be less party oriented than Epic.

 

why would you even mention the Epic, are you aware of which ships go to Bermuda in October?

[newmexicoNita]

My family has never cruised on NCL before, only on RC and Princess. Can you please tell me what you like about NCL that you didn't find on Princess that you wish they had? I really want to try NCL, but don't know if my family would like the change. They are all kind of laid back people, not partiers. If we go, we will be doing the last cruise to Bermuda October 30th. Can someone tell me what side of the boat is facing the island and which faces the ocean while docked at Kings Wharf? Also, do have the same type of setup on NCL as Princess where there is a central atrium where live entertainment happens? Thanks for the answers in advance.

 

There is so much to think about when choosing a cruise line. We happen to love Carnival and are not RCI people in any way. Princess is ok but a little to formal for us. As for partying, NCL isn't known for being a party cruise line, but is not as subdued as Princess. We have gotten better service on NCL than the other two. Again, this is a matter of luck. Some of the ships will have an atruim and yes, there will be some entertainment, it might be a small band, a piano player, whatever but not 24/7.

 

The plus in totally freestyle which means you eat anything and pretty much wear what you want to dinner (within reason) They do freestyle better than other lines, but to many this is con as well. You will miss that personal connection with the wait staff. This isn't always bad, just a fact.

 

Cabin size, entertainment, age of cruisers will be the same on all three pretty much, with Princess having a slightly older group, but going the end of OCt will probably mean older cruisers on all lines. BTW, that is a pretty late time for Bermuda, don't be too surprised if it isn't all smooth sailing.

 

NIta

[Monaco02]

Wrong! :rolleyes:

Oh, excuse me, the Spirit does not have the monstrous TV screen. Why the need to point that out with 'sarcastic' emoticon is beyond me.

[propandrudder]

why would you even mention the Epic, are you aware of which ships go to Bermuda in October?

 

Forgive me, I did not read that the OP was going to Bermuda in October :(

 

I still think that if you enjoy RCI or Princess, having come from that particular background before trying NCL myself, you're going to view NCL's ships as more party-oriented. In actuality, it is more "gaming" oriented ;)

 

NCL is essentially Vegas upon the waves. That fact has a lot to do with NCL's ownership. Apollo owns 50% of NCL and a majority of Harrah's Entertainment (Bally's, Caesar's, Rio, Paris, Planet Hollywood, etc.). Their two companies have grown a number of partner programs over the years. Frequent players at Harrah's are often given free cruises with NCL to help build up NCL's player base.

 

NCL has, by far, the best player program at sea. They are the only line, that I'm aware of, to give comps to high-rollers. Free dinners, alcohol, even entire cruises are available to those who play enough in their casinos. Casino revenue is huge for this company, and they know how to get gamblers to book with them.

 

Every single "innovation" that NCL touts basically derives from the policies of Star Cruises (the other 50% owner of NCL). Star needed to work around the gambling habits of its asian clientele. Passengers didn't want to leave their machines and tables at preset times, thus the glorious concept of "Freestyle" was born. The idea of multiple dining venues covering a wide variety of tastes? Once again, you needn't look further than the inside of any casino mega resort to see where that came from. Even NCL's choice of Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert for Epic reeks of Vegas.

 

NCL's ships are the perfect place for gaming and entertainment upon the waves. Not necessarily the best place for a family of laid back people. I think RCI and Princess are much more suited to that.

[che5904]

Forgive me, I did not read that the OP was going to Bermuda in October :(

 

I still think that if you enjoy RCI or Princess, having come from that particular background before trying NCL myself, you're going to view NCL's ships as more party-oriented. In actuality, it is more "gaming" oriented ;)

 

NCL is essentially Vegas upon the waves. That fact has a lot to do with NCL's ownership. Apollo owns 50% of NCL and a majority of Harrah's Entertainment (Bally's, Caesar's, Rio, Paris, Planet Hollywood, etc.). Their two companies have grown a number of partner programs over the years. Frequent players at Harrah's are often given free cruises with NCL to help build up NCL's player base.

 

NCL has, by far, the best player program at sea. They are the only line, that I'm aware of, to give comps to high-rollers. Free dinners, alcohol, even entire cruises are available to those who play enough in their casinos. Casino revenue is huge for this company, and they know how to get gamblers to book with them.

 

Every single "innovation" that NCL touts basically derives from the policies of Star Cruises (the other 50% owner of NCL). Star needed to work around the gambling habits of its asian clientele. Passengers didn't want to leave their machines and tables at preset times, thus the glorious concept of "Freestyle" was born. The idea of multiple dining venues covering a wide variety of tastes? Once again, you needn't look further than the inside of any casino mega resort to see where that came from. Even NCL's choice of Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert for Epic reeks of Vegas.

 

NCL's ships are the perfect place for gaming and entertainment upon the waves. Not necessarily the best place for a family of laid back people. I think RCI and Princess are much more suited to that.

 

I won't dispute your would be facts above as yes some of them I know as actual facts, others seem to be more opinion or innuendo, but not ones in which I know either way to be true or not.

 

Where I become confused is your statement "still think that if you enjoy RCI or Princess, having come from that particular background before trying NCL myself, you're going to view NCL's ships as more party-oriented. In actuality, it is more "gaming" oriented " What does partying have to do with Vegas? We are over 50 and have not partied for many years now, and thoroughly enjoy Vegas and gaming there, and also know people that go back every year and are not into partying or gaming.

 

I also became confused with your statement "Not necessarily the best place for a family of laid back people. I think RCI and Princess are much more suited to that" Again we have not partied for many years now, we found NCL (only ship line we've cruised) to be very laid back and relaxing and really in no way geared to any particular group, partying or otherwise. Wonderful thing about freestyle in all ways is that it gives you so many choices to do whatever you are into. If Princess or RCI are much more suited to "that", then I had best not go on either since if I got any more laid back than on my last 2 cruise vacations with NCL I'd need one foot in the grave and the other slipping.

[propandrudder]

I won't dispute your would be facts above as yes some of them I know as actual facts, others seem to be more opinion or innuendo, but not ones in which I know either way to be true or not.

 

Where I become confused is your statement "still think that if you enjoy RCI or Princess, having come from that particular background before trying NCL myself, you're going to view NCL's ships as more party-oriented. In actuality, it is more "gaming" oriented " What does partying have to do with Vegas? We are over 50 and have not partied for many years now, and thoroughly enjoy Vegas and gaming there, and also know people that go back every year and are not into partying or gaming.

 

I also became confused with your statement "Not necessarily the best place for a family of laid back people. I think RCI and Princess are much more suited to that" Again we have not partied for many years now, we found NCL (only ship line we've cruised) to be very laid back and relaxing and really in no way geared to any particular group, partying or otherwise. Wonderful thing about freestyle in all ways is that it gives you so many choices to do whatever you are into. If Princess or RCI are much more suited to "that", then I had best not go on either since if I got any more laid back than on my last 2 cruise vacations with NCL I'd need one foot in the grave and the other slipping.

 

As you don't have the experience necessary to make such a comparison (having only sailed with NCL), I think your argument is rather mute. Nobody is going to force you to party anywhere, and virtually all ships have nightclubs. Even the QM2 (run by same company that manages Princess), with her average passenger age in the 70's, is fitted with a well equipped nightclub.

 

I think your definition of "partying" may differ greatly from my own. For me, "partying" is any social gathering that includes music, drinking, and dancing (I always thought this was the general conception). However, NCL's crowd seems to be a much livelier bunch than what you'll find on RCI and Princess. More suggestive dancing, more noise, etc. You don't have to take part in that if you don't want to, obviously, but it's still there.

 

NCL's ships tend to have a slightly lower space ratio in comparison to RCI and Princess. There are times when it feels difficult to escape from the noise and crowds, although it's never impossible. I'm not claustrophobic, but there have been times on NCL's ships when people are uncomfortably close to each other in hallways and lounges. I've rarely experienced this on any other line. That's where my observation of "party-oriented" comes from.

[stephenandrew]

NCL's ships tend to have a slightly lower space ratio in comparison to RCI and Princess. There are times when it feels difficult to escape from the noise and crowds, although it's never impossible. I'm not claustrophobic, but there have been times on NCL's ships when people are uncomfortably close to each other in hallways and lounges. I've rarely experienced this on any other line. That's where my observation of "party-oriented" comes from.

 

I was concerend about this--we just booked our first NCL ccruise on the Epic having sailed Princess several times before. My perspective is that Princess has become more "party-oriented" over the years---not over the top party time, but more so that it used to be. I expect NCL Epic to be a harder partying group, and we are not much for parties or crowds--but wanted to expereince the Epic. Anyway, for those reasons, we booked a Garden Villa--I am hoping that might provide us with an "escape" from the Epic crowds/parties--assuming that is an issue.

[che5904]

As you don't have the experience necessary to make such a comparison (having only sailed with NCL), I think your argument is rather mute.

 

I think your comment is rather rude, considering no where in my post did I say I was comparing, only quoted your statement as reference to what I was giving my comment on which was "We found NCL...".

 

Yes our definition of partying appears to be the same as yours. And I will still state that we had no problems what-so-ever on the Dawn or the Star finding things to do or quiet places to be that were not near noise or crowds. I didn't go out of my way to avoid this, if this was the case which we didn't see it, I guess we were just lucky and were in a different part of the ship. And the only thing we avoided was the White Hot Party for just those reasons. The only place we were on the whole ship that I can say I ever experienced what you describe as uncomfortably close, was on the Star in the new spinnaker lounge.

[dasmonkey]

As you don't have the experience necessary to make such a comparison (having only sailed with NCL), I think your argument is rather mute. Nobody is going to force you to party anywhere, and virtually all ships have nightclubs. Even the QM2 (run by same company that manages Princess), with her average passenger age in the 70's, is fitted with a well equipped nightclub.

 

I think your definition of "partying" may differ greatly from my own. For me, "partying" is any social gathering that includes music, drinking, and dancing (I always thought this was the general conception). However, NCL's crowd seems to be a much livelier bunch than what you'll find on RCI and Princess. More suggestive dancing, more noise, etc. You don't have to take part in that if you don't want to, obviously, but it's still there.

 

NCL's ships tend to have a slightly lower space ratio in comparison to RCI and Princess. There are times when it feels difficult to escape from the noise and crowds, although it's never impossible. I'm not claustrophobic, but there have been times on NCL's ships when people are uncomfortably close to each other in hallways and lounges. I've rarely experienced this on any other line. That's where my observation of "party-oriented" comes from.

 

I have done 6 cruises EACH on NCL and RCI and have NEVER expereinced any of what you described.

[beachchick]

Forgive me, I did not read that the OP was going to Bermuda in October :(

 

I still think that if you enjoy RCI or Princess, having come from that particular background before trying NCL myself, you're going to view NCL's ships as more party-oriented. In actuality, it is more "gaming" oriented ;)

 

NCL is essentially Vegas upon the waves. That fact has a lot to do with NCL's ownership. Apollo owns 50% of NCL and a majority of Harrah's Entertainment (Bally's, Caesar's, Rio, Paris, Planet Hollywood, etc.). Their two companies have grown a number of partner programs over the years. Frequent players at Harrah's are often given free cruises with NCL to help build up NCL's player base.

 

NCL has, by far, the best player program at sea. They are the only line, that I'm aware of, to give comps to high-rollers. Free dinners, alcohol, even entire cruises are available to those who play enough in their casinos. Casino revenue is huge for this company, and they know how to get gamblers to book with them.

 

Every single "innovation" that NCL touts basically derives from the policies of Star Cruises (the other 50% owner of NCL). Star needed to work around the gambling habits of its asian clientele. Passengers didn't want to leave their machines and tables at preset times, thus the glorious concept of "Freestyle" was born. The idea of multiple dining venues covering a wide variety of tastes? Once again, you needn't look further than the inside of any casino mega resort to see where that came from. Even NCL's choice of Blue Man Group and Legends in Concert for Epic reeks of Vegas.

NCL's ships are the perfect place for gaming and entertainment upon the waves. Not necessarily the best place for a family of laid back people. I think RCI and Princess are much more suited to that.

 

I have to disagree with you about RCI. Consider RCI's Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis classes. Loaded with entertainment (inside and out), numerous places to party, multiple dining venues, hyped for active family and adult fun, bigger casinos, and so on. This is especially so for the Oasis class. I do agree with you about Princess though. Definitely a great fit for those who want a more traditional and "refined" feel.

 

We like RCI quite a bit, but have not and do not plan to cruise on the Freedom or Oasis classes. They do not suit our style. The elegant Radiance class is our favorite with (a bit of a surprise to us) the Voyager class being not far behind. Those are classes that are suited to more laidback people, IMO.

 

In our experience, the passengers on NCL are no more (and no less) lively or partiers than on RCI. I suppose knowing that you define "partying" as any gathering where there is drinking, music, and dancing helps, but those things are certainly part of RCI and Princess cruising. I think most often, at least on these forums, when members write about partying they are referring to louder, a bit rowdier events. I'm hard pressed to consider drinking a martini (or whatnot) while listening and dancing to ballroom or swing music as "partying" in the same way as a loud and crowded disco. Come to think of it, the loudes, most crowded, most lively disco we've been to at sea was on Mariner of the Seas. We've not seen more suggestive dancing or entertainment on NCL than on RCI. Ever been to a late evening Quest on RCI? Those can get quite, um, adult in nature.

 

NCL's ships aren't clones, just as RCI and Princess have different types for differing preferences. Yes, NCL has casinos and yes, they are big with CAS. But the casino is a finite space; it's not as if entire ships are devoted to gaming. How is that different from RCI's casinos? The fact that NCL works closely with CAS doesn't effect the rest of the onboard experience, IMO. NCL certainly has quite a bit of entertainment, but again RCI and Princess also have some glitzy entertainment. I don't see the NCL ships as being Vegas on the seas any more than RCI's larger ships. In fact, the Jewel class is more similar than different from RCI's mid-size ships. We prefer the soaring Centrums and light/glass on RCI, but haven't found NCL to be all neon, sequins, and Vegas-style shows (again, excluding Epic).

 

It's interesting that you mention how Freestyle was created. I suppose it all does shreek Vegas, but what's amusing (at least to me) is that other cruise lines are following suit on their newer, larger ships. Adding more dining venues, offering anytime dining, and upping the "wow" factor for entertainment. All the bells and whistles and "Are we really even cruising on this ship?" are not confined to NCL.

 

We're not particularly NCL enthusiasts, although we do enjoy cruising with them. We have no interest in cruising on the Epic, just as we have no interest in cruising on Oasis. I do agree about NCL's ships not feeling quite as spacious and the cabins (except suites) are definitely smaller, but not so much that it makes us uncomfortable. I will confess that we rarely spend any time in the casino on any cruise and are not gamblers, so that really isn't a part of our cruise life regardless of cruise line/ship. I guess that's why I don't see NCL as being gaming focused: If you don't use the casino, it doesn't really affect you. And yes, we have cruised with all three lines.

 

beachchick

[flashdog_1]

I have to disagree with you about RCI. Consider RCI's Voyager, Freedom, and Oasis classes. Loaded with entertainment (inside and out), numerous places to party, multiple dining venues, hyped for active family and adult fun, bigger casinos, and so on. This is especially so for the Oasis class. I do agree with you about Princess though. Definitely a great fit for those who want a more traditional and "refined" feel.

 

We like RCI quite a bit, but have not and do not plan to cruise on the Freedom or Oasis classes. They do not suit our style. The elegant Radiance class is our favorite with (a bit of a surprise to us) the Voyager class being not far behind. Those are classes that are suited to more laidback people, IMO.

 

In our experience, the passengers on NCL are no more (and no less) lively or partiers than on RCI. I suppose knowing that you define "partying" as any gathering where there is drinking, music, and dancing helps, but those things are certainly part of RCI and Princess cruising. I think most often, at least on these forums, when members write about partying they are referring to louder, a bit rowdier events. I'm hard pressed to consider drinking a martini (or whatnot) while listening and dancing to ballroom or swing music as "partying" in the same way as a loud and crowded disco. Come to think of it, the loudes, most crowded, most lively disco we've been to at sea was on Mariner of the Seas. We've not seen more suggestive dancing or entertainment on NCL than on RCI. Ever been to a late evening Quest on RCI? Those can get quite, um, adult in nature.

 

NCL's ships aren't clones, just as RCI and Princess have different types for differing preferences. Yes, NCL has casinos and yes, they are big with CAS. But the casino is a finite space; it's not as if entire ships are devoted to gaming. How is that different from RCI's casinos? The fact that NCL works closely with CAS doesn't effect the rest of the onboard experience, IMO. NCL certainly has quite a bit of entertainment, but again RCI and Princess also have some glitzy entertainment. I don't see the NCL ships as being Vegas on the seas any more than RCI's larger ships. In fact, the Jewel class is more similar than different from RCI's mid-size ships. We prefer the soaring Centrums and light/glass on RCI, but haven't found NCL to be all neon, sequins, and Vegas-style shows (again, excluding Epic).

 

It's interesting that you mention how Freestyle was created. I suppose it all does shreek Vegas, but what's amusing (at least to me) is that other cruise lines are following suit on their newer, larger ships. Adding more dining venues, offering anytime dining, and upping the "wow" factor for entertainment. All the bells and whistles and "Are we really even cruising on this ship?" are not confined to NCL.

 

We're not particularly NCL enthusiasts, although we do enjoy cruising with them. We have no interest in cruising on the Epic, just as we have no interest in cruising on Oasis. I do agree about NCL's ships not feeling quite as spacious and the cabins (except suites) are definitely smaller, but not so much that it makes us uncomfortable. I will confess that we rarely spend any time in the casino on any cruise and are not gamblers, so that really isn't a part of our cruise life regardless of cruise line/ship. I guess that's why I don't see NCL as being gaming focused: If you don't use the casino, it doesn't really affect you. And yes, we have cruised with all three lines.

 

beachchick

 

Hi Beachchick! How are you and John? Where have you cruised since I last saw you in the Miami airport after our E Carib on Dawn, what? 2 years ago? How time flies.

 

As I was reading your post without noting who had written it, I thought to myself, "I could have written those same words!" We are of a certain generation I guess. Seriously, I have no desire for a big ship whether it's RCI or NCL. Gimme an intimate ship of 1800-2300 any time. ha