NCL fan, just took a ship tour of RC

[munchkin002]

I am a huge fan of NCL freestyle cruising. I have only done 2 so far:(, Dawn out of NY and the Pearl last nov. out of Miami. Have the Star booked out of New Orleans for this fall. :D

I recently went to a Tricky Tray Auction and won a ship tour and lunch on Royal Carib. Explorer of the Seas. Arrived at the pier at 10:30 as I was told to by the travel agent who sponsored this gift. Going through security was a breeze. No lines at all. Right in and into the holding area where they provided chairs and tables along with cookies and coffee or lemonade. There were 2 weddings being performed on the ship today. We had to wait till they boarded, then we were on. I think it was about 11:30.

There were 9 of us in our group, led by Mike the sales agent for RC. He swiftly took us up to the top of the ship. Showed us all the different style staterooms. They were clean and well decorated. light and airy. I would say the staterooms compare to the rooms I have seen on ncl. We have stayed in a mini suite and a 2 bedroom family suite. I did like their rooms. they were nice, The balcony's I really didn't care for. They all seemed to be "enclosed". I do not know how else to explain. They didn't have the normal railings, and seemed to be metal all the way around. Just didn't feel outside enough for me? The larger suites were a nice size and set up well. The hallways were narrow. They did have the grand atrium with the glass elevators that were nice.we toured the spa, theater, kids area, ice skating rink, sports area, lounges, pool area and of course dining area. The main dining room was i think 3 levels. I was told the top level was for the dine anytime time guests (rc's freestyle dining!). The food was fine. I had a mixed green salad, linguini with mushroom parm sauce, was tasty but VERY dry.:eek: Our dessert was a cherry chocolate cake that sounded very good. Unfortunately it wasnt't! Out of the 9 of us, i think only one or 2 ate it. It was soggy and had a funky taste to it!:confused: We weren't offered anything to drink with our meals except water. After our dessert was out for about 10 min. they offered coffee, which no one accepted. We were one of 3 groups in the dining room on a tour. During this tour, I was also told that you are not allowed to bring your own wine on board like you can on ncl for a corkage fee. They do have the soda program as does ncl. they have the kids programs. They have the main dining room for everyone, a huge buffett, 1 pay retaurant, italian $20. Johnny Rockets 4.95 cover charge and pool side bbq 2 nights during the cruise. As I was walking around, I also notice that everything was "inside". The only time you were outside and could look over board, was when you were on the top pool deck. the deck lower, was enclosed by windows. You could not completely walk around the ship outside. I asked if there was any outside dining and was told no except for the bbq poolside those 2 nights. I loved sitting at The Great Outdoors on the pearl, whether I was eating or just watching the ocean. No place like that here. The ship did show some sign of wear but overall was clean and looked nice. We saw very few crew members. The ones we did see were pleasant.

When all was said and done, the travel agent asked how I liked the ship and asked if I would cruise it. I said I would cruise it for the right price, hey, who cares, being on a cruise is better than being at work! But I did tell her that I did still prefer NCL becasue they do have freestyle dining and activities all day everyday. They have many more choices for dining. I like the layout of the ships better and didn't always feel inside. Told her about how ncl has fantastic suite perks, which RC does not comapre at all. I just like the atmosphere better at ncl. I know that ncl has it's good and bad:( and others would take RC over NCL but, I am an NCL fan and I'm sticking with it! Can't wait to cruise again in November!:)

[Guest LoveMyBoxer]

I am a huge fan of NCL freestyle cruising. I have only done 2 so far:(, Dawn out of NY and the Pearl last nov. out of Miami. Have the Star booked out of New Orleans for this fall. :D

I recently went to a Tricky Tray Auction and won a ship tour and lunch on Royal Carib. Explorer of the Seas. Arrived at the pier at 10:30 as I was told to by the travel agent who sponsored this gift. Going through security was a breeze. No lines at all. Right in and into the holding area where they provided chairs and tables along with cookies and coffee or lemonade. There were 2 weddings being performed on the ship today. We had to wait till they boarded, then we were on. I think it was about 11:30.

There were 9 of us in our group, led by Mike the sales agent for RC. He swiftly took us up to the top of the ship. Showed us all the different style staterooms. They were clean and well decorated. light and airy. I would say the staterooms compare to the rooms I have seen on ncl. We have stayed in a mini suite and a 2 bedroom family suite. I did like their rooms. they were nice, The balcony's I really didn't care for. They all seemed to be "enclosed". I do not know how else to explain. They didn't have the normal railings, and seemed to be metal all the way around. Just didn't feel outside enough for me? The larger suites were a nice size and set up well. The hallways were narrow. They did have the grand atrium with the glass elevators that were nice.we toured the spa, theater, kids area, ice skating rink, sports area, lounges, pool area and of course dining area. The main dining room was i think 3 levels. I was told the top level was for the dine anytime time guests (rc's freestyle dining!). The food was fine. I had a mixed green salad, linguini with mushroom parm sauce, was tasty but VERY dry.:eek: Our dessert was a cherry chocolate cake that sounded very good. Unfortunately it wasnt't! Out of the 9 of us, i think only one or 2 ate it. It was soggy and had a funky taste to it!:confused: We weren't offered anything to drink with our meals except water. After our dessert was out for about 10 min. they offered coffee, which no one accepted. We were one of 3 groups in the dining room on a tour. During this tour, I was also told that you are not allowed to bring your own wine on board like you can on ncl for a corkage fee. They do have the soda program as does ncl. they have the kids programs. They have the main dining room for everyone, a huge buffett, 1 pay retaurant, italian $20. Johnny Rockets 4.95 cover charge and pool side bbq 2 nights during the cruise. As I was walking around, I also notice that everything was "inside". The only time you were outside and could look over board, was when you were on the top pool deck. the deck lower, was enclosed by windows. You could not completely walk around the ship outside. I asked if there was any outside dining and was told no except for the bbq poolside those 2 nights. I loved sitting at The Great Outdoors on the pearl, whether I was eating or just watching the ocean. No place like that here. The ship did show some sign of wear but overall was clean and looked nice. We saw very few crew members. The ones we did see were pleasant.

When all was said and done, the travel agent asked how I liked the ship and asked if I would cruise it. I said I would cruise it for the right price, hey, who cares, being on a cruise is better than being at work! But I did tell her that I did still prefer NCL becasue they do have freestyle dining and activities all day everyday. They have many more choices for dining. I like the layout of the ships better and didn't always feel inside. Told her about how ncl has fantastic suite perks, which RC does not comapre at all. I just like the atmosphere better at ncl. I know that ncl has it's good and bad:( and others would take RC over NCL but, I am an NCL fan and I'm sticking with it! Can't wait to cruise again in November!:)

 

We took the EOS this past February had not been on RCCL since 1994. The cruise on EOS was one of the WORST ones we have ever been on! The ship is extremely over-crowded without enough elevators to accommodate everyone. Very little outdoor space. Food was just OK. The worst part was the obnoxious people on this sailing. Like you said, unless the price is right, it will probably be another 15+ years before we sail on RCCL again. Glad you found out before you spent 7+ days on there!

[Sauer-kraut]

Thank you for posting your thoughts, as I might have the opportunity to sail on the Liberty of the Seas in the Mediterranean. I realize that doing a cruise is a lot different than just getting a tour and having lunch. But I was wondering how the 'promenade' could be in the middle of a ship. I am glad you mentioned that there isn't much of the outside and only on the upper decks can you view the ocean.

[buckirj1]

Thanks for the review. I think the RCL ships are pretty, but I can't get past those dinky little showers. Same with Princess ships. Give me NCL and CCL showers any day, where at least you have room to turn around!

[versuco]

Thank you for posting your thoughts, as I might have the opportunity to sail on the Liberty of the Seas in the Mediterranean. I realize that doing a cruise is a lot different than just getting a tour and having lunch. But I was wondering how the 'promenade' could be in the middle of a ship. I am glad you mentioned that there isn't much of the outside and only on the upper decks can you view the ocean.

 

We've been on Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Their royal promenades are like shopping malls in the middle of the ship. Imagine a New Orleans street in the middle of a cruise ship! There are many shops and restaurants in the Royal Promenade. They also have two parades in the Royal Promenade during each cruise, which are a bit crowded, but lots of fun. We never really missed seeing the ocean.

 

Liberty of the Seas is a gorgeous ship, we very much enjoyed our cruise and would sail on her again if the itinerary interested us. That being said, we have sailed 5 times with NCL with another cruise booked for December on the Epic. We have sailed with 5 different cruiselines and love NCL the most:).

[munchkin002]

We walked through the promenade which was nice. It was like walking through a nice city downtown area. When you look up you see the window of the inside cabin rooms that overlook the promenade. We saw these rooms from the inside. I thought at first, ok, different, but nice. But then thought about how you really have to keep your curtains closed most of the time while in your room so people across from you cant see in your windows at you, :eek:or the people down below can see your shadows.

 

I am sure that being on the ship for 7 days is a whole lot better than my 3 hour tour. But I am glad I got the opportunity to see it and decided it just wasnt for me.

For the person who posted that they never missed not seeing the ocean, well, I am on a ship and want to see the ocean. the deep blue waters, dolphins, beautiful sunsets at sea. Otherwise I could just fly down to Jamaica for the week! The ship had some nice things too.

To each his own, I would like to stick with NCL:)

[Sauer-kraut]

We've been on Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Their royal promenades are like shopping malls in the middle of the ship. Imagine a New Orleans street in the middle of a cruise ship! There are many shops and restaurants in the Royal Promenade. They also have two parades in the Royal Promenade during each cruise, which are a bit crowded, but lots of fun. We never really missed seeing the ocean.

 

Liberty of the Seas is a gorgeous ship, we very much enjoyed our cruise and would sail on her again if the itinerary interested us. That being said, we have sailed 5 times with NCL with another cruise booked for December on the Epic. We have sailed with 5 different cruiselines and love NCL the most:).

 

Thank you! :)

[camz]

That was a great opportunity to tour the ship and seeing all that the ship has to offer beforehand. Thanks for sharing your experience. I would love to have the opportunity for that experience. :)

[thehogsters]

" 1 pay retaurant, italian $20"

No they have the steak house Chops also. From reading these boards over the years both Chops and Portofino's seemed to be better than any thing offered on NCL. Never been on NCL myself so I'm just going on research here.

 

"The only time you were outside and could look over board, was when you were on the top pool deck. the deck lower, was enclosed by windows."

Not true. Deck 4 or 5 has a nice wide track with benches and seats that go all the way around the ship.

 

"prefer NCL becasue they do have freestyle dining and activities all day everyday"

Umm ok, NCL has "freestyle" and Royal has "My Time Dinning" what is the difference here that you like so much more?

 

I like Royal but I'm not a fan boy over here to flame. Just like to set the facts straight.

[LOVEMYMO]

" 1 pay retaurant, italian $20"

No they have the steak house Chops also. From reading these boards over the years both Chops and Portofino's seemed to be better than any thing offered on NCL. Never been on NCL myself so I'm just going on research here.

 

Just an FYI - The EOS does not have the steak house Chops. There are only 2 pay restaurants as the OP noted; Portofino's and Johnny Rockets.

[thehogsters]

" 1 pay retaurant, italian $20"

No they have the steak house Chops also. From reading these boards over the years both Chops and Portofino's seemed to be better than any thing offered on NCL. Never been on NCL myself so I'm just going on research here.

 

Just an FYI - The EOS does not have the steak house Chops. There are only 2 pay restaurants as the OP noted; Portofino's and Johnny Rockets.

 

Guess your right. I thought Chops was on all Voyager class ships.

I will say that I do like that NCL has so many dinning options. I especial like the Bar and grill where you can get wings and such all the time. Late night options are very limited on Royal.

[Jan_In_Maine]

I'm always amazed at how we all have our own ideas of what makes the best ship. I am trying NCL for the first time in September and hope that I will like it ... Leaving from Boston for us would mean no flying, love the idea of not having to spend extra money to travel.

 

Some of the differences I have noticed from reading only - is NCL seems to have some wonderful pay for dinner options, I do believe that we will be enjoying all the choices. I'm not a fan of the "anytime dining" as I have no desire to have to wait to be taken to a table and I would miss not having the same dinner companions ... but we all have different ideas on that one ... whatever works for each.

 

I've checked out the Dawn dailies and I find just the opposite of the original poster ... I'm finding that there doesn't seem to be a lot of things to do on the NCL other than dancing and/or music. I will have to go back and check the dailies and start a list of things to do on the ship!!:)

 

We have been on 3 of the sister ships to the Explorer and love the Voyager class of ships (not the biggest of their fleet, but still any ship is a good ship!).

 

Would love to hear from others on what one should look for and do while enjoying the Dawn. Jan

[Hikini]

I would have enjoyed the tour too. Glad you got to go!

[spacepotatoes]

"prefer NCL becasue they do have freestyle dining and activities all day everyday"

Umm ok, NCL has "freestyle" and Royal has "My Time Dinning" what is the difference here that you like so much more?

 

I like Royal but I'm not a fan boy over here to flame. Just like to set the facts straight.

 

Freestyle on NCL and the "any time dining" offered by other cruise lines really are NOT the same thing. NCL's ships and service are designed for this type of dining and it makes a huge difference.

 

NCL has many more 2-top and 4-top tables that are well spread out. On other lines, they have tables for mostly larger groups and while you can request a 2-top, you will likely be inches away from the next one so no real privacy. Might as well be sharing a table anyway.

 

On other lines, you have to request this type of dining as capacity is limited. You are not guaranteed to get it. And you may have to be prepared to wait or share a table, depending on when you go to eat, again because capacity is limited. Sometimes there is a wait on NCL, too, at peak times but we've never enountered it. Two MDRs, all Freestyle.

 

Last thing, on other lines, the service tends to be scheduled around the main seating times. That can affect the any time diners. We noticed this on Carnival. Again, since this is all NCL does all the time, not an issue.

 

So far, our only real experience with this has been Carnival and we really missed the way NCL does things. We've got open seating on our upcoming HAL cruise and it'll be interesting to see how it compares. I've heard similar things about how close some of the tables are, etc. so we'll see. But it won't be Freestyle.

[shelly11]

Thanks for posting this. I like being able to walk around the ship and dine outside as well!

[che5904]

Some of the differences I have noticed from reading only - is NCL seems to have some wonderful pay for dinner options, I do believe that we will be enjoying all the choices. I'm not a fan of the "anytime dining" as I have no desire to have to wait to be taken to a table and I would miss not having the same dinner companions ... but we all have different ideas on that one ... whatever works for each.

 

I'm assuming you mean you are not a fan of "anytime dining" while cruising. Since unless you never go to a land based restaurant (exactly the same as NCL freestyle) you basically do freestyle every time you eat on land. The only time we had to wait to be seated in the MDR was when I pulled a dumb moment and didn't read the time the restaurant opened and showed up before they opened. But the line very quickly moved once they opened. And although there may not be anyone that wishes to share a table when you go, you can request to share and then just ask those people if they wish to join you for dinner the next evening. Make your own fixed dining per se. Although I'd prefer to meet others on the ship that share some of the same interests as I do and make arrangement to meet for dinner.

 

I'm always amazed at how we all have our own ideas of what makes the best ship.

I've checked out the Dawn dailies and I find just the opposite of the original poster ... I'm finding that there doesn't seem to be a lot of things to do on the NCL other than dancing and/or music. I will have to go back and check the dailies and start a list of things to do on the ship!!:)

 

 

As you have stated that everyone has their own ideas on what they enjoy to do. So to some there may be a lot (meaning a lot of choices that they like), others state they don't have very much to do (meaning a lot of choices they don't like). What are some of the activities that you enjoyed on other cruises that you have found the dailies on the Dawn didn't have.

 

They have classes (yoga & juggling type things), board games, sports & exercise activies, trivia, casino tournaments, drink seminars, demonstrations (towel folding type things), sometime movies, art auction, murder mystery, pool and pool side activities, music all over the ship, nintendo play, bingo, walking & jogging tracks, internet cafe, library, hot tubs, shops, fitness center, shows, games (family feud type), dancing, easy music listening (& music trivia).

 

We loved our cruise on the Dawn and her sister ship the star. I hope you have a wonderful cruise on her.

[deladypilot]

" Umm ok, NCL has "freestyle" and Royal has "My Time Dinning" what is the difference here that you like so much more?

 

This is not a flame, but a question as I have not been on RC before. Isn't My Time Dinning limited to only some of the passengers? I may be wrong, but from reading the boards that is what I picked out.

 

I love NCL, but have found a couple RCCL cruises that im now interested in. I do not want to be told when to eat and who to eat with. Yes I understand I can go to any of the other resturants, but I do enjoy the MDR sometime. So again, its a question

 

Thanks.

 

To the OP - Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your experience.

[jojochef]

I have been on both Explorer of the Seas and NCl Jewel many times. They both have thier strengths in different areas. On the Jewel we travel in the Penthouse suites and the service is excellent from the Butlers and Concierge, we just love NCL's suite perks. The Jewel is the smaller ship that reminds me more of a traditional cruise ship, no huge soaring Atrium, smaller pool deck but still a very beautiful and lovely ship.

 

The Explorer of the Seas is a noticeably larger ship than the Jewel, has the wow factor of the soaring Atriums and the Promenade. The pool deck is larger and you have the "adults only" Solerium. There are always things to do on both ships,This part is Subjective-we found that the food in the main dining room on both lines were comparable we give a slight nod to RCCL, although we only at in the main dining room once for lunch on Norwegian.

Le Bistro was very good, we ate in Cagneys virtually everyday for breakfast and lunch and enjoyed it, dinner was good as well. Hibachi was a good time and the chef put on a good show, we had fun and the food was very good.

 

On the Explorer of the Seas Portofino's restaurant was good no complaints and a nice change from the dining room, Johnny Rockets is what you expect just like on land. Unfortunatly until Explorer goes in for her major dry dock and gets more restaurants you cannot compare both ships in terms of dining choices.

 

We love both ships and would gladly sail either of them, as a matter of fact we are booked on Explorer for next April.

[Norwegian Cruise Line]

Dear munchkin002,

 

Thank you for sharing your feedback on Cruise Critic regarding your recent experience.

 

We appreciate all of your comments and look forward to having you on board in November.

 

Thank you for Cruising Like A Norwegian!

 

Best Regards,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

[3dogsrule]

This is not a flame, but a question as I have not been on RC before. Isn't My Time Dinning limited to only some of the passengers? I may be wrong, but from reading the boards that is what I picked out.

 

Yes, the My Time Dining is limited to a certain number of passengers. On my recent (and first) RCCL cruise, MTD was full as well as the waiting list for MTD. We got assigned the early dining time which was too early for us, and we didn't try to get moved to the late seating, which was later than we wanted to eat. We avoided the MDR completely (except for one lunch, to try out their famous salad bar). Good food everywhere we tried, but we definitely missed our freestyle dining.

[Mysticks1]

Just a quick note about the balconies, the Explorer is an older RCL ship and does have the Cave-Like balconies that are built within the structure of the ship. The newer ships do not have this design and have the balconies built outside the structure of the ship. We have sailed on Mariner of the Seas and Freedom of the seas and the balconies are very nice and open feeling.

 

We did use My Time Dining on our last cruise on the Freedom and it worked very well. You do have to choose that option when booking and it is recommended (not required) to make reservations for the times you dine. I planned ours around our excursion times and had times from 6:00 to 8:00. They scheduled it so we had the same servers each time and actually sat at the same table each time. I don't know if we were lucky or if that happens most of the time.

 

This is the Explorer. You can see that the balconies are built within the ship and seem very dark.

 

 

The photo in this link http://www.redbubble.com/people/cands/works/3039567-mariner-of-the-seas-royal-caribbean-line is Mariner of the Seas. This shows the balconies built onto the structure of the ship and that they are a much better design.

[munchkin002]

" 1 pay retaurant, italian $20"

No they have the steak house Chops also. From reading these boards over the years both Chops and Portofino's seemed to be better than any thing offered on NCL. Never been on NCL myself so I'm just going on research here.

 

"The only time you were outside and could look over board, was when you were on the top pool deck. the deck lower, was enclosed by windows."

Not true. Deck 4 or 5 has a nice wide track with benches and seats that go all the way around the ship.

 

"prefer NCL becasue they do have freestyle dining and activities all day everyday"

Umm ok, NCL has "freestyle" and Royal has "My Time Dinning" what is the difference here that you like so much more?

 

I like Royal but I'm not a fan boy over here to flame. Just like to set the facts straight.

 

Hi,

I posted MY opinion of the tour I took. I never put RC down, just told the differences that i like and didn't like. I was guided by a RC salesman and I asked many questions and was provided the answers by him. If they are incorrect, that's RC's rep. It seemed that the My time dining guests were limited to only 1 floor of the main dining room. Not a big area for over 3000 guests. My guess would be that you would be waiting quite sometime for your table, unless i choose to eat at 5 or 8 9 months prior to sailing. NCL has MANY more dining choices. Not just the pay restaurants. 2 mdr's buffet, outdoor buffets, poolside bbq's, blue lagoon, pizza delivery, then add in the many pay rests.

 

I did not see a deck that completely circled the ship outside. If there was one, we didn't view it.

 

You sound annoyed with my post. Sorry if you dont like MY opinion of the tour I took. You said you never even sailed NCL? So what's the deal? Again, to each his own. I choose NCL!:):p

[Mysticks1]

Hi,

I did not see a deck that completely circled the ship outside. If there was one, we didn't view it.

 

It is usually on the deck with the lifeboats, you walk underneath them. Some ships you can walk all the way around outside, some you have to cut through the ship on the ends to get to the other side.

[halos]

I sailed Royal only one time (Explorer of The Seas out of Bayonne to Bermuda)

I thought the ship was the prettiest I had ever been on.

HOWEVER, I felt it extremely crowded, especially in the atrium area during 'events'. Other than how pretty the ship was, everything else about that cruise had me rate it as my least favorite of all my cruises.

It was just one cruise and I would give RCI another go...just not now. NCL has me so enthralled that I'll just stick with them for now :D

I just want to say (again) that Kevin Sheehan has made this cruise line just flipping awesome.

[munchkin002]

Dear munchkin002,

 

Thank you for sharing your feedback on Cruise Critic regarding your recent experience.

 

We appreciate all of your comments and look forward to having you on board in November.

 

Thank you for Cruising Like A Norwegian!

 

Best Regards,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

 

Thank so much! Can't wait for November!

Looking forward to the Star and our Family Suite!:)