Why NCL?

[ravenraisin]

I would like inside information on why you choose to cruise with NCL. We are considering booking on the breakaway and have cruised RCL and CCL before and I enjoyed RCL cruising better but CCL food better. I would like to know as far as entertainment, things to do etc. We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's. thanks in advance

[WaldosPepper]

Why we love NCL...

 

Freestyle - do what we want, when we want, where we want, with whom we choose.

 

Dining Options, both including and fee-based - so no matter what kind of mood we're in, there are still multiple options to suit.

 

Entertainment - Live music all over the ship, with styles to suit everyone, excellent quality production shows, comedians, acrobats, dancers, etc.

 

Ships - plenty of options from older to new, with plenty of choices for accommodations to suit any budget.

 

Latitudes - the program just keeps getting better and better. ;)

 

Casinos at Sea - yeah, I really like getting comped staterooms, and being rewarded for my play while onboard.

[www3traveler]

I can not help with a comparisons with other cruise lines as I have only cruised with Norwegian. I am leaving in a couple of weeks for my 18th cruise with the company. I love that as a widow in her 60's, I do not have to worry about where to eat or with whom or when. I love the freedom to participate in the various activities planned for each cruise or not. What I value more than anything, is not having to worry about my personal safety. I can walk around the ship very early in the morning or late in the evening and be fine. I have met many many wonderful staff members who have become very good friends.

I do not know if this is what you were looking for or not.

I love Norwegian very much. I have 3 more cruises planned including the Maiden voyage of The Getaway in January.

[xenite2525]

This will be my fourth cruise with NCL. I remain with NCL because I have never had a issue with their customer service. Right from the beginning with their cruise consultants to their representatives at the dock to the ship staff, I have only had the best experience. This complimented with the entertainment, food and freestyle attitude have kept me coming back for years.

[Aquahound]

I would like inside information on why you choose to cruise with NCL. We are considering booking on the breakaway and have cruised RCL and CCL before and I enjoyed RCL cruising better but CCL food better. I would like to know as far as entertainment, things to do etc. We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's. thanks in advance

 

To be honest, I would say its just for something different. That's really all. Freestyle is way over hyped, but I think cruising another line to break up sameness is a good thing.

[GORDONCHICK]

As you can see in my signature, we've cruised all the major mass-marketed lines in the US except Disney (and that's just not gonna happen). We like the service on NCL as well as all the options.

[shelly11]

Freestyle is why I chose NCL in the first place.....wonderful cruise experiences is why I keep going back.

[suz1607]

The specialty restaurants have some of the best food served on any ship. Staying in an NCL suite is one of the top experiences at sea. After over 100 cruises on everything from Carnival to Crystal, NCL is my top choice. I can do as I please, when I please and enjoy wonderful service when I want or need it!

[SeaShark]

I would like inside information on why you choose to cruise with NCL. We are considering booking on the breakaway and have cruised RCL and CCL before and I enjoyed RCL cruising better but CCL food better. I would like to know as far as entertainment, things to do etc. We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's. thanks in advance

 

Quite simply, I choose to cruise with NCL because I feel that what they offer meets my needs/wants/desires more completely than the product offered by other lines.

 

I would never advocate that someone choose something simply because I did. The fact that I liked something has no influence on whether or not someone else will feel the same way. As an example, I prefer stand-up comedy to improve comedy. As a result, I'm not a big fan of Second City. I wouldn't book as a result of their entertainment offerings, nor would I include them in my plans. I do realize that there are MANY people who LOVE improve comedy and would feel quite differently than I do. So I'd hate to tell them the entertainment was lacking when, in fact, it might be just the type of entertainment that they love.

 

 

What we can help each other out with is the specifics of what is available on a cruise. Asking "I love playing poker...do they offer that game in the casino?" is far better than "Do they have games I'd like in the casino?".

 

You told us "We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's." You could enjoy outdoor activities, you could enjoy sitting quietly by a window reading a good book, or you could love sitting on a stool and running up your bar tab. Without knowing what you're looking for, its kinda hard to tell you if you're gonna find it.

[SteveH2508]

Freestyle - eat when you want; where you want and with whom you want. If I wanted to be told when to eat; where to eat and with whom, I would still be in the army (age notwithstanding).

 

Service has always been top-notch - not in your face but quietly efficient. Any problems (and they have only been very minor) have been dealt with efficiently and speedily.

 

If you want a formal, regimented on-board experience (penguin suits; eat now whether you are hungry or not etc..) then NCL may not be for you.

 

Several other CC boards (Cunard; P&O; Princess) are full of complaints about cutbacks - not on NCL.

[luddite]

Freestyle.

Best and happiest crew afloat.

A good track record for routine maintenance and hiring captains who know how to drive a boat.

[jdvmd]

Service! Entertainment options! Freestyle dining! Great activities!

[Warm Breezes]

Entertainment and Freestyle.

[Oldgoat61]

Service! Entertainment options! Freestyle dining! Great activities!

Ditto!

[Seago2]

It's the most chill.

[tne1106]

I would like inside information on why you choose to cruise with NCL. We are considering booking on the breakaway and have cruised RCL and CCL before and I enjoyed RCL cruising better but CCL food better. I would like to know as far as entertainment, things to do etc. We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's. thanks in advance

 

Mid=30's, no kids here, so your mileage may vary:cool:

We only have cruised on NCL, but did a lot of research before booking and talked to friends who have cruised it all.

 

Freestyle- This This This! Our Jobs are slightly opposing schedules, and this was OUR reconnect time. We loved the ease of dining just us, the flex to the mealtimes, and the ability to have group meals with new friends made on ship. We find it much more comfortable to group with people we run into on excursions and on ship activities because we have that common point.

 

Haven- When we booked, NCL was the only line that we could afford that touch of Lux known as haven. Our time off does not often coincide, so when we get to go away, we spoil ourselves a bit. The Haven service on Jewel was so above and beyond what we were expecting, despite the research.

 

Variety- The guest ages and ranges and the entertainment. The ship didn't go lights out at 9-10 by any means, but the parties were found well away from the rooms, so you could have a quiet evening if you wished, or party into the wee hours if that was your thing. Along the same idea, Basic, included services were all very good, and upgrading for meals or such never really disappointed.

 

I'd read some reviews(post formal posted reviews and discussion thread ones) and look for ones from people who seem to be similar type cruisers to you. Those reviews will probably be the most helpful for your decisions.

 

Happy Sailing, no matter which ship you choose!:D

[bugspost]

I must say hubby loves the freestyle dining............notice other lines are now offering anytime dining............he does not having set time to dine........

Also, have found NCL crew/employees are very nice & the casino is better than Princess or Royal Caribbean. The CAS incentive is cool!!

[bugspost]

I must say hubby loves the freestyle dining............notice other lines are now offering anytime dining............he does not having set time to dine........

Also, have found NCL crew/employees are very nice & the casino is better than Princess or Royal Caribbean. The CAS incentive is cool!!

Also, like the walk off w/own luggage program............but on our Princess cruise we were also able to do this...........couldn't a couple of years ago so maybe other lines are following suit.

[RunnerGirl26.2]

Input appreciated: Mid 50's and have only cruised Princess. Considering NCL Jewel Western Carib out of New Orleans as it will tie into a (possible) trip to run marathon in New Orleans 2/2/14. Anyway, other option is a four day on CCL which is not that appealing an itinerary and concerned it could be a noisy, party boat. Princess sails out of Houston but dates will not work.

 

Willing to try NCL as the timing will work and like the itinerary. Thoughts from those who have cruised Princess and NCL? Just in the thinking about it stage.

 

---We like traditional dining. Also like to dress up for formal nights.

---DH likes to go to the casino.

---Will probably book inside or OV cabin mid ship.

---Not into trying to do everything on the ship--quiet spot to read and people watch makes me happy.

---Is there an adults only area?

---Can you bring wine on board?

---Self service laundry?

 

Thanks for comments/input.

[psmarkle]

Quite simply, I choose to cruise with NCL because I feel that what they offer meets my needs/wants/desires more completely than the product offered by other lines.

 

I would never advocate that someone choose something simply because I did. The fact that I liked something has no influence on whether or not someone else will feel the same way. As an example, I prefer stand-up comedy to improve comedy. As a result, I'm not a big fan of Second City. I wouldn't book as a result of their entertainment offerings, nor would I include them in my plans. I do realize that there are MANY people who LOVE improve comedy and would feel quite differently than I do. So I'd hate to tell them the entertainment was lacking when, in fact, it might be just the type of entertainment that they love.

 

 

What we can help each other out with is the specifics of what is available on a cruise. Asking "I love playing poker...do they offer that game in the casino?" is far better than "Do they have games I'd like in the casino?".

 

You told us "We are a couple with no kids in our late 40's." You could enjoy outdoor activities, you could enjoy sitting quietly by a window reading a good book, or you could love sitting on a stool and running up your bar tab. Without knowing what you're looking for, its kinda hard to tell you if you're gonna find it.

 

Well put, each person will have their reasons to like or dislike NCL over others. If you want on board activities, I'd go w/ RCCL (which we have previously). however, It's NCL's Freestyle and their generous Casinos At Sea program that keep me loyal to NCL...oh yeah, and they have the best suite perks, IMO which also keep us on NCL.

 

Now, is their food the best, nah. But, it's still darn good, and I'm the cook in the family! I just enjoy not cooking for the week, but some people cruise for the food and get disappointed...that's what I mean. You can find reasons to luv NCL or hate 'em all over this board, but it really comes down to personal choice.