NCL vs Carnival

[Jenbo57]

We've done 5 on Carnival, with a 6th later this year, and 2 on NCL, including the POA. I won't even try to make comparisons, because most things are subjective (food, entertainment, etc.) and what I think is great someone else might not enjoy as much. We're pretty low maintenance people; we do a lot of traveling and feel that it's all about the destination.

 

I will say this about this cruise...it's all about Hawai'i! The itinerary is so port intensive, with two overnights and no sea days, that, if you're like me, you'll spend so little time on the ship that it becomes just a place to sleep and shower. We would get up early every morning to hit the road (we rented a car at every port), which meant we went to bed early every night. I couldn't tell you the first thing about the entertainment on board the ship because I didn't see any of it. Same thing with the dining venues. We ate dinner in one of the main dining rooms only once; the other times we either ate ashore (we love Hawaiian food!) or grabbed something from the buffet. (As far as the differences between a mostly American vs international crew, the buffet was the only place we noticed it. Lots of standing around chatting with one another instead of clearing tables, which we've never observed on any other ship.) The cabins are smaller than on Carnival, but well laid out, so we never felt crowded. We had an aft balcony, which was particularly great for volcano viewing and the Na'Pali sailby.

 

Honestly, I could have done this sailing on a barge and still loved it, because, as I said, Hawai'i is the star. We go every year; doing this cruise was a way to scope out places to spend a week or two on one of our annual visits. You'll have a great time, and I really doubt you'll spend much time noticing how different (or alike) this one is from any you've done on Carnival.

 

Have fun!

[debster818]

For breakfast: tea, coffee, juice cocktail stuff (orange, cranberry, apple), hot chocolate, milk.

 

Other times: tea, coffee, hot chocolate, iced tea.

 

 

Bummer...not lemonade. Might have to stop at Walmart and bring our own along with a pitcher.

[Warm Breezes]

My husband and I also enjoyed dining with the same people every night. We like to be a a large table and enjoy hanging with these people (usually). One time we got assigned to a table for 4, well it so happened that we really did not enjoy our table mates. So we did not continue to dine with them. We got out dining time changed and found another couple we really enjoyed and ate with them.

 

Since we are comparing......I would like to know what kind of drinks are at the drink stations? Loved the choices on Carnival. Thanks everyone.

 

That is one of the things DH didn't like about NCL. They didn't have the lemonade like CCL had and if you didn't like ice tea, you were basically left with water for a cold drink after the breakfast hours were over. DS and I like ice tea so we were fine with it. DD and DH hate ice tea. Luckily I knew this ahead of time and packed some sprite for them to drink on board. There were more juice offerings at breakfast, along with coffee, hot tea, milk and hot chocolate available all day.

[halos]

Thanks for the words... we are Platinum on CCL and have been noticing the down hill areas as well. We are trying NCL next Feb. Glad to see good comments. I will miss the Melting Cake though.

 

LOL. NCL may not have fabulous desserts but you'll be so enamoured with fabulous service and entertainment that you won't need the wcmc. :D

 

this is in response to nbsjcruiser talking how much better the specialty restaurants are on ncl. to compare the gems steakhouse cagneys to the miracles steakhouse nick and norras. carnivals blows ncl away. carnival has a better ambience and without a doubt better quality food...

 

 

 

I happen to agree with that. NCL's steak house does not compare to CCL's Nick & Nora's.

 

Le Bistro is a better comparison, yet CCLs steak house is still a bit better,

 

However...NCL offers many extra dining venues where CCL offers only the one.

 

NCL's surcharge dining venues also cost less than CCL's steak houses. (NCL's run from $10 to $25 pp)

 

If cruising to you is ALL about food, CCL will win. (although lately, only by a very slight marginbecause CCL is seriously slipping) If cruising to you is about the variety of food, entertainment, activities and the best crew on the sea...well, NCL wins.

 

ymmv

[Sauer-kraut]

Bummer...not lemonade. Might have to stop at Walmart and bring our own along with a pitcher.

 

You can get the individual packets and forget the pitcher. Just fill a water bottle with water and mix.

 

ALSO, at breakfast time you can fill up a personal bottle with OJ or other juice offering and stick it in your fridge for enjoying later.

[Vegas Lobster]

My Husband and I have sailed both lines. NCL was our first Celebrity the second and Carnival the third. I didn't consider the people I was traveling with (nor myself) trashy by any means although I am not sure how one interprets trashy. I think that is just kind of a mean thing to say about people but thats just my 2 cents. Loved the free style dining on NCL. Loved the larger cabins on Carnival. I have vowed to see a show and have only been to one in the comedy club on Carnival.....He was a funny guy so I would call that a success:) NCL's staff I thought was more attentive than any of the lines without being overbearing. There is a cool dial bedside the door that you can change from do not disturb to service please and one other setting. The food was good in the MDR, Cagneys, Bistro and also in the MDR on Carnival (I preferred NCLs food)....I had the best spa experience on Celebrity though I believe any vacation is what you make of it. I think you will have fun on NCL! Have a nice evening and happy sailing:)

[nbsjcruiser]

Thanks for your input. Makes me better.

 

What you didnt mention was how the food was in comparison if you didnt eat in the specialty restaurants.

 

Bill

 

Dining room on NCL is much better in selection of quality food. For instance you can get a good steak in the Dining room on NCL whereas on Carnival all you can get is the Flat Iron (i.e. shoe leather) steak.

[katyjeka]

We've been on Carnival Legend, Carnival Triump and several NCL ships, including the POA. We were very happy with our Carnival cruises however we LOVE NCL. The guests on both lines were great, however I do think we've encountered less children on NCL. That being said, POA is a totally different cruise experience. I missed the casino, although we're not big gamblers. It was a wonderfully easy way to experience Hawaii, which was our goal. I don't feel its fair to compare lines, as they all have their positives and negatives. When it comes down to it, a vacation is what you make of it. I personally think you'll love NCL as long as you go with an open mind and forget about comparisons.

[laxlove6]

In my experience, CCL female passengers sported far more lower back tattoos than NCL: Same with more backwards baseball caps and "wifebeaters" with the "gentlemen". CCL won hands down for barb wire tats (both men and women) and Walmart haute couture. CCL got extra points for matching baby-mama / daughter tats.

 

This is what I'm talking about.

[laxlove6]

Well you obviously weren't with your family. Anytime someone in our group got up to get something they were inundated with requests to bring something back for others. Which we did because we that's just the way our family operates. You may want to think twice before you judge people so harshly, because unless you know the facts....your assumption will probably be wrong.

 

I am always with my family, young and old. Its pretty obvious when people are getting food for their kids. Their plates aren't full with 3 lbs of meat that is double stacked.

[WTXbigkid]

Does it really matter. I've sailed on both. More times on NCL, but that's only because of good values and ports. My Carnival cruise was just as fun. I also thought that the food was actually better on Carnival that on some of the other cruises I've taken. Each cruise I've taken has had good and bad, but ultimately I've enjoyed them all. And that's my goal. To have the best time. Like that country song says: "I'm not first class, but I'm not white trash."

[kcdancerkc]

I'm referring to income. I've been on Carnival and felt there were more people eating in the buffet for dinner if you know what I mean.

 

 

Soooo funny -- lower income people will pick a free buffet over free fine dining every time?

 

I have a master's degree, but am currently unemployed - is that a Carnival demographic? I should not have sailed HAL then- Damn-- Actually I didn't fit the AGE demographic on HAL -- Made me feel young!

 

Maybe I'll have a job by January when I try NCL -- or maybe I won't be comfortable with those of "higher demographic"--as in "higher nose in the air??" LOLOLOL fools on these boards never cease to amaze me :eek:

[SuiteCruiser]

Soooo funny -- lower income people will pick a free buffet over free fine dining every time?

 

I have a master's degree, but am currently unemployed - is that a Carnival demographic? I should not have sailed HAL then- Damn-- Actually I didn't fit the AGE demographic on HAL -- Made me feel young!

 

Maybe I'll have a job by January when I try NCL -- or maybe I won't be comfortable with those of "higher demographic"--as in "higher nose in the air??" LOLOLOL fools on these boards never cease to amaze me :eek:

 

Following the philosophy of the TV show "Hot in Cleveland" it should mean that perhaps we should have a "Hot on HAL" tag after our names. Hmmm

[laxlove6]

Soooo funny -- lower income people will pick a free buffet over free fine dining every time?

 

I have a master's degree, but am currently unemployed - is that a Carnival demographic? I should not have sailed HAL then- Damn-- Actually I didn't fit the AGE demographic on HAL -- Made me feel young!

 

Maybe I'll have a job by January when I try NCL -- or maybe I won't be comfortable with those of "higher demographic"--as in "higher nose in the air??" LOLOLOL fools on these boards never cease to amaze me :eek:

 

Not every time. Most of the time. Quantity over quality.

 

Who are people kidding? Cruise lines market themselves to different demographics. I believe Carnival is at the very bottom.

[jonbgd]

Who are people kidding? Cruise lines market themselves to different demographics. I believe Carnival is at the very bottom.

 

Thats like saying LAX is the very bottom and SFO is the top.

[Mrs. Squirrel]

If cruising to you is ALL about food, CCL will win. (although lately, only by a very slight marginbecause CCL is seriously slipping) If cruising to you is about the variety of food, entertainment, activities and the best crew on the sea...well, NCL wins.

 

Just completed my first NCL cruise after many loyal years with CCL. I could not agree with this more. I will add these additional comparisons.

 

MDR Service-Carnival, have not had a drink order taken for dinner on my last 3 cruises without us asking; NCL, drink orders, refills, and coffee with desert.

 

Free Coffee-Carnival, truck stop; NCL, excellent to good depending on where you get it.

 

Live Music-Carnival, 2 guys and a synthesizer; NCL-full Calypso band with steel drums!

 

Entertainment-Carnival, slipping with each cruise; NCL-innovative and does not depend on the passengers 'talents' or lack thereof.

 

Staff-Carnival, seem stressed-out which is painful to watch on vacation; NCL-more relaxed and happy with better customer service focus.

 

Deserts-Carnival, across the board the best of all the lines I've sailed; NCL, just OK.

 

Cabins-Carnival, larger but orange, good use of space; NCL, smaller, but more relaxing color scheme and good use of space.

 

Our particular cruise had a lot of europeans, which added a nice variety to the cruise. We didn't dress up, but enjoyed watching them dress to the nines!

[emcelh]

Thats like saying LAX is the very bottom and SFO is the top.

 

You're probably correct. I lived in CA (Bay Area) for 22 years and there's a definite difference between SFO and LAX.

[kcdancerkc]

So if I have to balance and stack a bunch of plates at the buffet - (since I will be on ANOTHER carnival cruise before NCL ) and this is what I'll be used to

 

--- Are you telling me .......

 

NCL does not provide trays either?????

 

No Really, do they??? Talking bout the Sky here! :eek:

 

I don't remember if HAL Eurodam had trays or not --- though would think so with many elders on board - easier for balance!

[Vegas Lobster]

So if I have to balance and stack a bunch of plates at the buffet - (since I will be on ANOTHER carnival cruise before NCL ) and this is what I'll be used to

 

--- Are you telling me .......

 

NCL does not provide trays either?????

 

No Really, do they??? Talking bout the Sky here! :eek:

 

I don't remember if HAL Eurodam had trays or not --- though would think so with many elders on board - easier for balance!

 

There were trays at the buffet when we were on the Star....not sure about the Sky but I would think so :)

[peg013]

So if I have to balance and stack a bunch of plates at the buffet - (since I will be on ANOTHER carnival cruise before NCL ) and this is what I'll be used to

 

--- Are you telling me .......

 

NCL does not provide trays either?????

 

No Really, do they??? Talking bout the Sky here! :eek:

 

I don't remember if HAL Eurodam had trays or not --- though would think so with many elders on board - easier for balance!

 

No trays on NCL. They have been gone a long time!

[Jokelady]

I'm referring to income. I've been on Carnival and felt there were more people eating in the buffet for dinner if you know what I mean.

 

;) uh huh

[Jokelady]

oh!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!! I am sooooo glad I wasn't drinking coffee at the moment or it would be all over the keyboard! You are hilarious:D

 

Not to mention far more professional sport jerseys worn by the men for fine dining in the dining room on CCL then on NCL. Come to think of it... I think I spotted a few ladies adorned just the same on CCL too.

 

I'm guessing that's the haute couture you are speaking of?

 

BTW... does the barber shop on CCL have a special on business in the front party in the back during cruises?

[TOP DECK]

I believe NCL sits right next to RCCL with Carnival a ways back.

[tinaky1114]

First of all before I say any comparisons, I enjoy myself because I am on vacation. I have been on 3 Carnival cruises and most recently on the NCL Epic in December. I am glad I went on this cruise because I ended meeting people who will be life-long friends. That being said, I doubt I will ever travel NCL again.

 

FOOD:

(MDR) I have always been fine with the food in CCL's MDR although I noticed a considerable decline on my Jan. 2011 cruise - still never left hungry. Service was always great although cheesy with the "entertainment". On NCL, I ate 3x in the MDR and did not enjoy any of my meals. Service was terrible on NCL. I am going to include O'Sheenan's in this area as it is a free option. I loved having a late night option other than pizza. The food was decent and probably where I ate most.

(Specialty Restaurants) Never felt the need to try the steakhouse on CCL. IMHO, These are a must on NCL and most enjoyable. Cagney's was the best meal I have had on a cruise followed by LeBistro. Hard to get a reservation.

(Buffet) Always had good options on CCL. Not great but it is a buffet. I had heard such great things about the quality of NCL's buffet and was extremely disappointed.

 

Service:

(Room Steward) I have always had great service on Carnival. The room stewards always did a fantastic job, knew my name, greeted me upon arrival, and have always been tipped extra on day 1. I did not even meet my NCL steward until the last day (Yes, I had an extra tip waiting for him on the first day - he lost out). I had dirty dishes left in my room over a day that I had to remove.

(Bar Staff) CCL - very attentive even when drinking soda and/or bottled water. NCL - Seemed as if there were no wait staff. Finally, went to the bar on the first evening and ordered a top shelf specialty drink. The bartender poured well vodka instead of what I ordered. Even though I was pleasant, she was rude when I pointed it out. I rarely drink and am picky about what I do; plus if I am paying premium prices, I want what I pay for.

(Cruise Director/Staff) I would say the staff members are equally great on both. Cruise Director - NCL's Andy was the best I have experienced. Plus, his staff think he is great as well.

 

ENTERTAINMENT - Hands down this one goes to NCL. I have never been able to sit through a production show on CCL and truly enjoyed the ones on the EPIC. Mind you...I have always been entertained on CCL; you have to give credit where credit is due and NCL has fantastic entertainment.

 

EMBARKATION/DEPARKATION: Feel it was pretty equal on both.

 

DECOR/STATEROOMS: CCL - very glitzy. NCL - subdued. I actually enjoyed the decor of NCL. The size of the staterooms are nicer on CCL although I was fine with my studio stateroom. I have to say the studio staterooms are quite noisy - did not get much sleep because of my neighbor. WHO SAID CCL PASSENGERS ARE TRASHY?! They didn't meet my neighbor or her different evenings companions.

 

I cannot compare shore excursions because I did not take on on NCL.

 

Again, this is only my experience although I had 12 others in my group who would share similiar thoughts. Of course, a vacation is a vacation! Would I have preferred a different experience on NCL...yes but that does not mean anyone else is going to feel the same way I did. Have fun no matter what you choose!

[Antloe]

How about the buffet lines on NCL? Is it pretty much a cattle call like CCL? or more civil?