Norwegian vs Celebrity

[Ghengis Klown]

I've only gone on a couple of Celebrity cruises. And have booked a Norwegian cruise in August. Just seeing if anyone can give me some differences.

[tomsafrica]

On my limited experience of one cruise on each line I would say NCL has the edge in terms of entertainment quality and variety as well as great staff. Staterooms much of a muchness IMHOP, food quality Celebrity is just in front. I don't recall doing much suffering on either cruise so I'm sure you'll be just fine! :rolleyes:

[4774Papa]

I've only gone on a couple of Celebrity cruises. And have booked a Norwegian cruise in August. Just seeing if anyone can give me some differences.

We have done two cruises on NCL (Gem and Jade), both out of the Med, and two on X (Infinity and Constellation), both out of Ft. Lauderdale.

 

NCL's strengths are slightly better entertainment and flexibility in dining (freestyle). Celebrity's strengths are better food, especially in the MDR and lack of irritating announcements.

 

There are a lot of similarities between the two and we like both lines for different reasons and will continue to use both, depending on the itinerary.

Celebrity has far more itineraries, such as cruises to South America (we did a repo cruise through Panama Canal down the West coast of SA to Chile on Infinity), Australia/NZ (have one booked next Feb), Asia and more in Europe, like UK cruises.

 

Our NCL cruises were in the Med and we had quite a lot of Italians, Germans and Spanish, while the X cruises had lots of Brits, but few of the other Europeans. The average age on X was older than NCL, especially the Caribbean cruise we did on the Constellation.

 

Back to the big item, food. On X you have the choice of two set seatings for Supper (usually 6pm and 8:30pm), as well as "select dining" that allows you to eat whenever you wish. We did the 6pm set dining on Infinity and loved eating with the same people and waiters every night. We got to know them well and the waiters gave us super service. We did select dining on the Connie and found that we generally ate with many of the same people again, just not the same people every night. Either way, we enjoyed the food and service on X. NCL's dining has no set tables or times, you eat when and where you want. NCL has more variety with its specialty restaurants than X. For example, NCL generally has a French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, (sometimes Mexican, some Argentine steak), Steak house while X has a French, Italian and Crepe restaurant. NCL's MDR food is less consistent than X, but the specialty restaurants are excellent on NCL and super on X.

 

NCL had a little better fitness center than X. X usually does two shows per night, while NCL usually does one.

 

X gives you a free drink when you arrive on ship, while NCL charges for the drink.

 

NCL and X both have fairly good excursions, however sometimes you can find cheaper private tours on cc.

 

We never get a suite, but some have said that NCL does suites very well. I guess that works if you want to pay the piper.

[gskimmel]

We've also have mainly gone on Celebrity but next year we are going to try the Epic. We love Aqua/Blu, but the Soltice class ships all mainly look very similar and the 2013 itineraries are very similar to the 2012 itineraries. For a change, we are going to try one of the suites on the Epic because I hear the suites on NCL are incredible.

[camz]

NCL's Freeystyle Concept brings a lighter atmosphere on the ship. IMO stress free, no worries. :)

[Ghengis Klown]

Awesome reviews people. I posted this same thing on the Celebrity forums, and NCL is getting blasted. I'm starting to think it's just a different kind of people. From what I've read about NCL, I think I'll really enjoy this cruise. Great information though, I get more and more excited everyday.

[dwjoe]

Just one cruise on each line, but I'd say NCL had more flexibility in dining and dress, while Celebrity had more elegant service and a slightly older crowd. Both were very enjoyable.

[gskimmel]

This is an observation that I've made so far about NCL vs Celebrity and I'd appreciate feedback from the NCL folks:

 

I book directly with the cruise lines and I've noticed with NCL I have a personal consultant that I contact for all my questions. Celebrity has a general number for me and I speak with whoever takes my call. This is kind of nice because I form a relationship this way and I feel that all my questions/needs are personally addressed.

 

I've also noticed with NCL that I get a lot more email welcoming me to NCL and telling me about my different options. I don't recall getting such email from Celebrity.

 

On Celebrity, we are pampered. As soon as we get on the ship we are given a complimentary glass of champagne. The on ship service on Celebrity is amazing. How does NCL compare?

 

Thanks

[dwjoe]

On Celebrity, we are pampered. As soon as we get on the ship we are given a complimentary glass of champagne. The on ship service on Celebrity is amazing. How does NCL compare?

I found the service on both lines to be prompt and attentive. Maybe a touch friendlier on NCL. Celebrity was a touch more refined... I remember they offered wet face towels as you were reboarding the ship at a port and thought that was nice.

[gskimmel]

Yes, Celebrity offered a wet towel and either water or fruit punch when reboarding the ship.

[ColinIllinois]

They did that also when I was on the Epic.

[4774Papa]

Just one cruise on each line, but I'd say NCL had more flexibility in dining and dress, while Celebrity had more elegant service and a slightly older crowd. Both were very enjoyable.

Yes, both are good. X is more refined and formal. You have to dress up for three nights (Men in tuxes or suits) of a 14 day cruise.

NCL's MDR is not as good as X's.

[Warmer Climes]

I found the service on both lines to be prompt and attentive. Maybe a touch friendlier on NCL. Celebrity was a touch more refined... I remember they offered wet face towels as you were reboarding the ship at a port and thought that was nice.

The Sun in Fubruary offered wet face towels and water when we reboarded.

[Turtles06]

Awesome reviews people. I posted this same thing on the Celebrity forums, and NCL is getting blasted. I'm starting to think it's just a different kind of people. From what I've read about NCL, I think I'll really enjoy this cruise. Great information though, I get more and more excited everyday.

 

My partner and I have taken 5 NCL cruises, and enjoyed them, and will embark in less than two weeks on our first cruise with Celebrity (a transatlantic). I have been reading the X board for many months now in preparation for this trip, and have been blown away by some of the snooty Celeb cheerleaders who turn their noses down at NCL. (Some of their posts make me want to say, "get over yourself.") The folks on our Roll Call seem much nicer.

 

One other big difference between the two cruise lines is: dress code/formal nights on Celebrity. I can't believe we are really packing this stuff for our trip, but we wanted to try Celebrity for a variety of reasons. :)

[DMH15]

Awesome reviews people. I posted this same thing on the Celebrity forums, and NCL is getting blasted. I'm starting to think it's just a different kind of people. From what I've read about NCL, I think I'll really enjoy this cruise. Great information though, I get more and more excited everyday.

 

Guess I need to blast X then??? No, no need to. I enjoyed my X Summit cruise, in fact, although I prefer NCL, X is a close second.

 

NCL is more laid back. I love not having to pack formal wear. Gives me more room in the suitcase for mini blender. (I don't smuggle, I order a bar set up.) I like the flexibility on NCL. Now that I have embraced the NCL suite life I love breakfast and lunch in Cagney's and opt for specialty dining served ensuite, a suite perk (fees still apply). That being said, I def give X the food nod. My meal in Normandie ranks as # 1 or 2 at sea. X also had a spa kiosk for breakfast and lunch and free afternoon sushi. X def had better bingo. And now that X offers a smoke-free casino, that really appeals to me.

 

As far as people. I have met lovely people on all my cruises. This baloney about types for different lines is a fallacy, unless you go lux. You meet upscale people on all the lines and well, I've seen loud drunks on all lines. Money doesn't always buy class. And tgere are a lot of working class like me who value suite travel and splurge on vacation. Likewise I have friends who are much better off than me who don't book over mini suites since they don't spend much time in the cabin.

 

I give NCL the edge in entertainment and crew. NCL is # 1 in both of those for mainstream cruise lines. And I personally believe a happy crew is a big part of a positive cruise experience.

[camz]

Yes the Celebrity arrogance. My mother has been on one cruise, one cruise and it was a Celebrity. To her, there is no other cruise line as they are perfect. She says they Celebrity is pure class. Mind you she is an elderly, very snotty individual, if I must say myself. Hey, she is my mother I can be objective. :) Everytime we go on an NCL cruise, she has some snotty condescending comment and she has never stepped foot on an NCL cruise ship. She is not exactly an expert when it comes to cruising. That being, said see for yourself and IMO you will love the wonderful world of NCL Freestyle Cruising.

[gskimmel]

Yes, both are good. X is more refined and formal. You have to dress up for three nights (Men in tuxes or suits) of a 14 day cruise.

NCL's MDR is not as good as X's.

 

Formal night on X is a bit relaxed now. Just need a jacket, no tie.

[Ghengis Klown]

I am going to make a good review when I disembark. Compare the two as well. Check out this other post I made, and see some of the comments. It felt they make it seem like X was Filet Mignon and NCL is that "pink slime".

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1612562

 

I'm far from well off, and I don't get a chance to take many vacations in my life. I just wanted to see what everyone thought. But the response has been pretty different. We'll see. Great feed back everyone, once again, love this forum

[gskimmel]

My partner and I have taken 5 NCL cruises, and enjoyed them, and will embark in less than two weeks on our first cruise with Celebrity (a transatlantic). I have been reading the X board for many months now in preparation for this trip, and have been blown away by some of the snooty Celeb cheerleaders who turn their noses down at NCL. (Some of their posts make me want to say, "get over yourself.") The folks on our Roll Call seem much nicer.

 

One other big difference between the two cruise lines is: dress code/formal nights on Celebrity. I can't believe we are really packing this stuff for our trip, but we wanted to try Celebrity for a variety of reasons. :)

 

As a Celebrity guy, I was a bit apprehensive about going on the NCL. But my partner and I both wanted to try the Epic. When we were on the Eclipse earlier this year, we shared a port with the Epic and my partner turned to me asked me why we weren't on that ship. lol

[cruisegal98]

I have been on most cruise lines and last year was my first on Celebrity line. I have to say it was very much like Princess and Royal, food was very good, activities were fair. The staff was great but I would not say any better then NCL. I have a great time on any cruise I go on as long as I do not have to cook or clean. I like trying all the lines but the difference is not that drastic that I would never sail on one of them again. I do love freestyle dining but some people love a routine, its just a matter of personal taste.

If you are person who enjoys getting away and having a great time you can have a great time on any line. Enjoy your cruise, it is just great to be able to get away and relax and to me on any line.

[DCT61]

Its true (for us anyway)...The suite experience on NCL is vastly superior to Celebrity.

(and the message board more freindly and less confrontational)

[DMH15]

Well, after reading both threads, I hope you recognize which one has the kinder and more helpful vibe.

 

Most of us here on NCL respect the differences and maybe just prefer the NCL freestyle way. But some of the posters on X are a little mean spirited. There are ways to give negative feedback and still be nice. Makes me wonder.

 

Look at it this way. Are NCL and X the same price? Probably not. I'll bet you are paying less on NCL. So maybe it is more fair to get a real comparison to compare a balcony on X with a suite on NCL. It seems everyone (just about) admits NCL is great with suites... however, the way some people speak of that makes me suspect they did not experiance that firsthand. Sounds like they think the NCL suite life is just a better room. Actually, for mainstream cruise lines, nobody provides the suite amenities like NCL does. Independent sources like Frommers (cruise books) agree.

 

One poster commented on the Sun. Personally, I loved it and booked my fave aft penthouse again for next year. But just check out the Haven on NCL. Does X have something comparable?

 

NCL's suite life is great, that keeps me coming back... but I enjoyed X a lot too and would like to sail X again and experience their smoke-free casinos.

 

No cruise line is perfect, every cruise for every pax... but hey, they all sail the same big ocean. And I wouldn't turn one down on any line. With the exception of a disaster, a cruise is mostly what YOU make it. ATTITUDE goes a long way.

 

Please come back and let us know what you thought afterwards.

[pris993]

We are elite on Celebrity and Princess. Just did two cruises in the Carribbean one on X and one on Princess. Actually liked Princess better.

 

We have booked the Jade next spring in the Mediterranean. We have not been on NCL since we did the Sky in 2001. So it has been a long time.

 

I am glad to hear many hear feel NCL is similar to X.

 

Reading the pluses and minuses. I agree entertainment on X is hit and miss.

 

I actually think there is a lot of hype regarding X and food. On our last cruise we booked Aqua Class and eat in BLU. It was good but not outstanding, better than X MDR.

 

I think the big difference between NCL, X and Princess for us is price. NCL is a lot cheaper for a mini suite. We decided to give it a go next spring. The mini suite was 1/2 what we would pay on X or Princess for the same trip.

 

Even so, by the time you add all the costs - air, hotels before and after and expenses on and off the ship - still a $10,000 trip. On Princess or X we would be up to $12,000 - $13,000.

[shelly11]

Thanks for this post! I've only cruised NCL and am very happy but I do want to try Celebrity in South America.

[Turtles06]

Well, after reading both threads, I hope you recognize which one has the kinder and more helpful vibe.

 

Most of us here on NCL respect the differences and maybe just prefer the NCL freestyle way. But some of the posters on X are a little mean spirited. There are ways to give negative feedback and still be nice. Makes me wonder.

 

 

I read the thread on the X board as well, and it's what I said in my first comment above -- some of those folks on that board really need to get over themselves.