First timer here on NCL. Tell me why you like Norwegian.

[BugsyCruiser]

Hello friends! October 18th I will be sailing aboard Norwegian Getaway in an aft balcony. This will be my first ever on NCL. As you can probably see from signature, I really like Royal Caribbean but I also want to try out other cruise lines to experience what they have to offer.

 

Okay the two persistent negatives I have heard about NCL is the food is not good, and the cigarette smoke can get to be too much because they don't have a good air filtration system around the casino? Again this is what I have heard so I want to hear the real deal from the NCL cruisers here.

 

So my biggest questions for you all is what keeps you coming back to NCL? What do you enjoy the most about them? How is the food? The service? I'm also looking at the possibility of doing Breakaway at a later date as part of a potential "blockbuster" LIVE review(stay tuned for details), Getaway will probably be a big determining factor since she is the same class of ship.

 

Other questions... how is the entertainment? The bars? The spa? I know everyone will have different opinions but I welcome any and all information and advice.

 

Thanks again in advance and I look forward to hearing from everyone. :)

[Demonyte]

There are many similar threads recently, you should browse couple of pages back and you should get plenty of info.

 

In general, only major complaint about the dining on Breakaway is the slowness of service in MDRs, people have been usually fine with the food. Also the smoke from the casino on Breakaway class ships seems to be a problem for some.

[BugsyCruiser]

There are many similar threads recently, you should browse couple of pages back and you should get plenty of info.

 

In general, only major complaint about the dining on Breakaway is the slowness of service in MDRs, people have been usually fine with the food. Also the smoke from the casino on Breakaway class ships seems to be a problem for some.

 

I'm usually so busy with work I don't go back to read all those threads. Appreciate your response and I'll look forward to hopefully more input from some others :)

 

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[mizLORInj]

I have found it best to try various cruiselines for myself. I haven't had a bad cruise yet. I like variety and am happy NCL is in the mix. Entertainment is great, I think their food is wonderful and there are plenty of bars with their own vareity. (And they cruise from NYC so I can be at the port in an hour.)

The smoke in the casino area is annoying to me, but it wouldn't stop me from cruising. Other lines have smoky casino areas too.

Hope you have lots of fun and enjoy your choices!

[RYMOMA]

The Suite Life!!!!

 

and the close to home ports :)

[BugsyCruiser]

The Suite Life!!!!

 

and the close to home ports :)

 

Oh I'd love a suite but as a solo cruiser probably to pricey for me

 

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[numberguy]

I think the thing that is the best for me, anyway, is the Freestyle format, including the dining. My DDP and I are both introverts, and really don't want to be forced to eat at a table with a few or a bunch of other people.

 

Some people complain about the service in the dining rooms. I really have never had a complaint about that. Well, OK, I guess my iced tea glass could be refilled more often, but nothing more than that. We like the food. We're not food snobs, but we are food explorers. I don't complain about maybe the rosemary is a little overpowering in the sauce, or the vichyssoise is 3 degrees too warm. I almost always get one of the Indian entrees during a cruise.

 

I guess we're just very laid back, and realize that the kitchens are trying to serve 1,500-3,000 people (or more on the *away ships) so we'll just enjoy each other's company until the next course arrives.

 

I also like not having to dress up in more than khakis and a polo each night. My one cruise on Royal Caribbean turned me off with having to have a collared shirt, if not more, for each night's dinner.

 

I hope this helps.

 

--Michael

[BugsyCruiser]

That does help Michael. Thank you :)

 

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[shelly11]

I chose NCL because of freestyle. I didn't want to pick a time to eat when I booked my cruise, I want to eat when I feel like it. Also freestyle means you can dress up or stay casual. I liked that too. 4 NCL cruises so far and I've loved them all.

[kerrytens]

Hey Chris! Glad that you are going to give NCL a try. I can't compare the lines since I've never cruised on RCL before but I can say that NCL has a very relaxed feel. You can do what you want, when you want.

 

Food is just one of those very subjective things so I will leave it with the fact that I've never gone hungry on any of my cruises;) and I'm a somewhat picky person. LOL!

 

Entertainment onboard is phenomenal and Getaway does not look like she'll disappoint in that department either.

 

I believe that you will have a great time. I hope that you'll be doing one of your great live from reviews!

[BugsyCruiser]

Hey Chris! Glad that you are going to give NCL a try. I can't compare the lines since I've never cruised on RCL before but I can say that NCL has a very relaxed feel. You can do what you want, when you want.

 

Food is just one of those very subjective things so I will leave it with the fact that I've never gone hungry on any of my cruises;) and I'm a somewhat picky person. LOL!

 

Entertainment onboard is phenomenal and Getaway does not look like she'll disappoint in that department either.

 

I believe that you will have a great time. I hope that you'll be doing one of your great live from reviews!

 

I will definitely be reporting live from Getaway :) Thank you for the info

 

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Edited January 19, 2014 by Bugsy4271

[DGP1111]

. . . This will be my first ever on NCL.

 

Okay the two persistent negatives I have heard about NCL is the food is not good, and the cigarette smoke can get to be too much because they don't have a good air filtration system around the casino?

 

So my biggest questions for you all is what keeps you coming back to NCL? What do you enjoy the most about them? How is the food? The service?

 

Your concern initially mentioned (about the food) was identical to mine. I'd turned a 'blind eye' to pretty much anything being mention/offered by NCL because I definitely wanted a quality dining experience onboard.

 

I've had to go on the record as saying I truly kicked myself repeatedly for not getting onboard (figuratively and literally) with NCL sooner. With minimal exceptions, but one of them somewhat of a doozie, I've loved the total experience from embarkation to debarkation. NCL is my current 'go to' cruise vacation line.

 

Food has not been an issue whatsoever.

Entertainment has been something to help me continue coming back.

Onboard guest/passenger service is what makes me tell others why I continue to go back again and again, and why they should try it too. :D

 

Enjoy your sailings . . . Bon Voyage!! :)

.

[SteveH2508]

I have done several NCL cruise and 1 RC cruise (admittedly only a 4-day 'taster' cruise).

 

I found the atmosphere on NCL ships to be much better (more friendly and personal).

I had a hard time getting drinks on RCCL (20 minute wait at a bar to be served - waiters were non-existent).

RCCL MTD was a joke one night - a 30-45 minute wait and we still did not get in. RCCL Buffet shuts at 9pm (or 9.30 I forget which). We rarely have had more than a 5 minute wait on NCL and they always have an alternative MDR if one is busy. NCL has more eating options (both free and up-charge) and they are available for a lot longer.

I do not like being told what to wear, where to eat, when to eat and who with (so formal nights and Fixed Dining are not for me - I had enough of that in the Army!)

Food quality is personal - we are both quite discerning and have only had one bad experience in 7 cruises with NCL (oversalting). we have had some memorable meals The RCCL food was OK but not memorable. In 4 days RCCL managed to forget our breakfast once and not get us into the MDR one night. Their room service managed to screw up one of our two orders for morning coffee. NCL has always got it right (once they even called us because we had not put out our usual order one night for the morning!).

Hated the internal promenade on IotS (I don't do shopping malls) and it seemed to funnel everyone into one place. NCL ships felt less crowded.

We also prefer NCL's more relaxed smoking rules.

 

Admittedly a 4-day October cruise compared with longer summer and winter cruises is not a completely like-for-like comparison, but it told me and DW enough that we prefer NCL to RCCL, though we would still consider RCCL's smaller ships if the itinerary and price was right..

Edited January 19, 2014 by SteveH2508
added room service

[Cruisercl]

Hi Chris,

 

Welcome to NCL! Most of us on the NCL posts like helping out others as much as we can.

 

I just started cruising with NCL myself; I have only been on 3 NCL cruises but also on other cruise lines (RCL, Carnival, Princess, HAL).

 

I also will travel solo, at times but not always. I like NCL because they seem to have great respect for the solo cruiser. If you are looking for other solo cruisers there is good set up on the Breakaway & Epic and I am assuming the Getaway.

I like the entertainment, the dining options (I do not think the food is bad in the MDR), and the laid back atmosphere which tends to be more friendly; passengers and crew included.

 

NCL cruises also tend to have really good roll calls here on CC.

 

Of course this is IMO and cruising, as you know, is subjective on what a person is looking for and likes.

 

I hope this helps; enjoy the Getaway. I loved the Breakaway! :D

[RLM77]

We have only sailed once on NCL, but loved it enough that we we have three more cruises booked.

 

We don't frequent the casino so had no problems with the oft complained about smoke. We require a handicapped accessible cabin, so I cannot in all fairness comment on the spaciousness of the cabins.

 

We found the MDR food much, MUCH better than that on RCL. The service we received was fine, if a a bit harried. The many pay restaurants were all excellent, no complaints and worth the money. We don't do buffets. There is a free 'served' restaurant on NCL ships open for breakfast and lunch which is a delight. I believe on Getaway it is called O'Shehan's.

 

The lounge entertainment is first class. Varied styles appealing to all demographics, ranging from jazz and blues to dance music. Perfect for us. The groups are real too, not cobbled together by the cruise line (Celebrity does this) where they had never played together before! The Show Band played several times which was great too.

 

We did not go to the stage shows on Dawn. I use a mobility scooter, and it was too difficult for me as it is on most older ships. We will be sailing on Epic in March and I expect access to be much improved. I have heard wonderful things about the shows however.

 

Marlee

[vols_159]

Free style dinning... No set table , table mates or dinning times..

[lolane1]

Sorry wrong ship, alzheimers moment. Had to edit. Sorry

Edited January 19, 2014 by lolane1

[artist47]

Hello friends! October 18th I will be sailing aboard Norwegian Getaway in an aft balcony. This will be my first ever on NCL. As you can probably see from signature, I really like Royal Caribbean but I also want to try out other cruise lines to experience what they have to offer.

 

Okay the two persistent negatives I have heard about NCL is the food is not good, and the cigarette smoke can get to be too much because they don't have a good air filtration system around the casino? Again this is what I have heard so I want to hear the real deal from the NCL cruisers here.

 

So my biggest questions for you all is what keeps you coming back to NCL? What do you enjoy the most about them? How is the food? The service? I'm also looking at the possibility of doing Breakaway at a later date as part of a potential "blockbuster" LIVE review(stay tuned for details), Getaway will probably be a big determining factor since she is the same class of ship.

 

Other questions... how is the entertainment? The bars? The spa? I know everyone will have different opinions but I welcome any and all information and advice.

 

Thanks again in advance and I look forward to hearing from everyone. :)

 

First I should say that I haven't cruised NCL in awhile. Second, I have never sailed on the Breakaway or the Getaway so my comments are intended to be quite general...

 

The main reason I like NCL is, and this is going to sound more abrupt than I intend, but they seem to have a unique ability to leave me alone and stay out of my business. (Same with Celebrity).

 

Please do not misunderstand me --- I have always enjoyed my cruises with Royal Caribbean, and even Carnival, but I am, in the main, an introvert, and NCL has a unique ability to hire crew that understand this and cater to it. It's just different --- when I have cruised Royal Caribbean, there is this constant "pressure" (in my opinion only) to "GET OUT THERE" and the crew seems intent on forcing an extroverted experience onto me... It's not that I don't enjoy doing things or even particpating in onboard activities, or what-not...but NCL has always just allowed me to do what I want, and just leave me alone..when I want to participate, I'm made to feel very welcome, but if I don't, somehow, I don't end up with that guilty taste in my mouth. The difference to me is so marked, that I have to wonder if NCL actually trains ALL their crew in this ...maybe they do??? I don't know, but to me it's a very marked difference and I love it.

 

As for the food, I have not noticed anything unusual or different about it. I grew up in 5 star restaurants, and while NONE of the mainstream cruise lines truly offer that (except in their specialty restaurants) I have never found anything to complain about...I dont' understand those complaints, no matter which cruise line we are talking about. The food to me, has always been well prepared, and artistically presented...and if it is not strictly 5 star by that strict definition, it is still wonderful and where else can you get that included in your price of admission???? On NCL I have found that the menus tend to be designed to have something for all palates, including vegetarians (I am NOT a veggie, but to each their own and they deserve selections too.)

I will also say one slight negative: I am booked on the NCL Star which I have not been on before and from the photos, it looks to me like the main dining room called "Aqua" looks a lot like a hospital cafeteria...the decor in there is not appealing to me but then I am not a "minimalist" and I'm sure many would find it very attractive...on this upcoming cruise on the Star, I plan to make my reservations in the Versailles dining room, simply for the ambience. :)

 

 

 

Entertainment on NCL is on par with Royal Caribbean --- this may be because many of the entertainers aboard these ships come from the same talent agency, etc...Bars are the same, and pricing is about the same I would think...I cannot say anything about the spa as I have never used one.

 

Anyway, I hope I have contributed something useful.

[artist47]

I don't complain about maybe the rosemary is a little overpowering in the sauce, or the vichyssoise is 3 degrees too warm. I almost always get one of the Indian entrees during a cruise.

 

 

--Michael

 

This is hilarious!!!! ROFL!!!! I'm with you.....such people belong on land.

[Oldgoat61]

We have only cruised on NCL, and Carnival. Of the 5 cruises we have done, only 1 was with Carnival. That being said, if you didn't have a problem with Carnival, you will be more than happy with NCL.

 

NCL, as has been mentioned a number of times, but I will mention it also ;), does freestyle. Freestyle is a concept that runs throughout every ship, and I mostly connect it with dining, but it is also a relax feeling that you will experience no matter what ship you are on. I will mention that I haven't been on one of their mega ships, but that's for another cruise.

 

If you like to eat at a set time, with set table mates, you probably won't like NCL....but I would still give them a try.:)

 

The entertainment is top notch, and the service (almost always) is excellent.

 

Enjoy your cruise!:D

[LrgPizza]

I like not having a set dinner time like we did on other cruise lines. I've found myself on other lines having to cut short days at port to return to the ship to get ready for dinner. On NCL, I can show up whenever I want.

[DCP]

I have nothing to compare NCL to, the reason being, we have been so very pleased with the 3 cruises we have taken with them, there is no reason for us to try another line! We've been on 3 different ships, and without fail, they all have been wonderful. NCL does it right, the crew on each of the different ships have ALL been great, the food has always been delicious (we have never eaten at one of the *upcharge* venues either, we stick with what is included in our fare), we enjoy being able to eat whenever we want with several options. I don't like to dress up, so we fit perfectly with NCL.

We've been in a balcony twice, and a suite once, and the crew all treated us as if we were booked in an OS, no matter the cabin we were in.

I hope you have a great cruise, and look forward to hearing your opinion of what NCL offers. For us, we're hooked on freestyle, and love NCL.

[kirsty_r]

never cruised anyone else, but I love the freestyle nature - eat when you want, where you want and do whatever you want, when you want, and pretty much dress up or down to your own preferences. I also liked the younger ages on the EPIC.

[BugsyCruiser]

Thank you everyone for the responses so far. Sounds like I will enjoy finally getting a chance to experience NCL :)

 

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[Dawnya00]

Freestyle, all the way.

We also have nothing to compare it to, but there is no way, my spouse would be game for any sort of schedule for dining while on vacation. I can barely plan excursions as he is more into just 'rolling with it'.