Carnival vs NCL

[jtdlmc]

Well I choose NCL Jewel mainly because of the reduced deposit they were offering, the chance to try a different cruise line, the info you guys responded with on this thread and also it was a couple hundred $ cheaper for the four of us. As mentioned previously, we had no issues at all with our Carnival cruise - staff that we came in contact with were great, food was good - no problems at all, so I'm sure we'll be on another Carnival cruise at some point.

[mia10010]

You will have a great time on the Jewel. My son was 10 yrs. old when we were on the Jewel last year, and he loved all of the Nickelodeon stuff on board. Make sure you get a copy of the Nickelodeon activities for him.

[tiyana4]

Well I choose NCL Jewel mainly because of the reduced deposit they were offering, the chance to try a different cruise line, the info you guys responded with on this thread and also it was a couple hundred $ cheaper for the four of us. As mentioned previously, we had no issues at all with our Carnival cruise - staff that we came in contact with were great, food was good - no problems at all, so I'm sure we'll be on another Carnival cruise at some point.

 

Good choice. I think it's great to branch out and try new things. It takes me back to Tom & Cheryl's experience on NCL. I don't think they expected to be blown away but based on their history with CCL and the fact that they rebooked NCL again shortly after sailing the Epic - they were pleased. That's not going to be the case for everyone, but it's still good to have a comparison.

 

With some of the money you saved, your family could try a few of the specialty restaurants.

 

Have a fantastic time on the Jewel!

[IAMACRUZAHOLIC]

Nothing against NCL for adults but we took our 12 year old on a Western Caribbean in Dec 2009. It was HORRIBLE!! His activities were with the 6-12 age group. Needless to say, he did not participate. He was in the room most of the time. Pretty bad when I had to take him to the casino for excitement! The ports were WONDERFUL, thank goodness. I remember sitting out on the balcony one night thinking I was sooooo bored and swore I would not do NCL again. (atleast with the kids). Love Disney but can't do those all the time. I have no complaints with Carnival for kids. My son LOVES Disney first and Carnival second. (In NCL defense, hopefully they have changed the options and events for kids since our last cruise).

[jtdlmc]

Nothing against NCL for adults but we took our 12 year old on a Western Caribbean in Dec 2009. It was HORRIBLE!! His activities were with the 6-12 age group. Needless to say, he did not participate. He was in the room most of the time. Pretty bad when I had to take him to the casino for excitement! The ports were WONDERFUL, thank goodness. I remember sitting out on the balcony one night thinking I was sooooo bored and swore I would not do NCL again. (atleast with the kids). Love Disney but can't do those all the time. I have no complaints with Carnival for kids. My son LOVES Disney first and Carnival second. (In NCL defense, hopefully they have changed the options and events for kids since our last cruise).

 

I'm not really expecting my son to use the kids club - he went only twice for maybe an hour at a time on our Carnival Legend cruise, so maybe he will find the NCL program more enticing or maybe he will stick with us near the pool/slide as he did on Carnival. From the Jewel kids club dailies that people have posted, there are lots of family activities in the NCL kids club so he may enjoy those more than going off by himself.

[JerrynClaire]

God luck.. you may be one of the few who actually like NCL. I don't even list my cruise on NCL because it was so bad to us. of course, we love Carnival, and have never had any issues with them beyond things beyond their control. On the other hand, we had a LOT of issues when we sailed NCL. Anyone who says NCL's staff is friendlier and better than CCL, is simply not being honest.

I do hope you enjoy your cruise. Please post back after you have sailed and let everyone know how it was.

[tiyana4]

Nothing against NCL for adults but we took our 12 year old on a Western Caribbean in Dec 2009. It was HORRIBLE!! His activities were with the 6-12 age group. Needless to say, he did not participate. He was in the room most of the time. Pretty bad when I had to take him to the casino for excitement! The ports were WONDERFUL, thank goodness. I remember sitting out on the balcony one night thinking I was sooooo bored and swore I would not do NCL again. (atleast with the kids). Love Disney but can't do those all the time. I have no complaints with Carnival for kids. My son LOVES Disney first and Carnival second. (In NCL defense, hopefully they have changed the options and events for kids since our last cruise).

 

Oh my!!!!

 

We have sailed in December twice with DD and had the exact opposite experience. My DD who was 13 at the time had the best time on the Sky. She still keeps in touch with the counselors from that sailing. Even last year on the Jade there was plenty to do. I know cruise programs can vary widely from ship to ship but it sounds like your son didn't like being placed in the same age group as younger children.

[Jenbo57]

They are more similar than different. Each has it's own flaws and strengths. I personally would not pay any attention to what anyone says regarding food, entertainment, or service because that is completely subjective and based on someone elses experience (which most likely won't be the same as yours as each cruise is different with different dynamics happening). Just take your own advice and don't over schedule yourself. Relax and enjoy your cruise:).

 

 

My sentiments exactly!!!

 

I've had great cruises on both lines. I love NLC's Freestyle concept, so for me personally, if we're looking a similar itinerary on several different lines, I'd give NCL the edge.

[jtdlmc]

God luck.. you may be one of the few who actually like NCL. I don't even list my cruise on NCL because it was so bad to us. of course, we love Carnival, and have never had any issues with them beyond things beyond their control. On the other hand, we had a LOT of issues when we sailed NCL. Anyone who says NCL's staff is friendlier and better than CCL, is simply not being honest.

I do hope you enjoy your cruise. Please post back after you have sailed and let everyone know how it was.

 

Actually if you read through the posts on this thread, the majority of people have said they liked NCL. The major thing I see is that the MDR food is better on Carnival - but like others have said, that is totally subjective. As for the crew - we don't like to be doted on, would rather be left alone which is how it was on Carnival and how we hope it to be on NCL.