Jumping ships

[mskopins]

My wife a I are seasoned travellers on different lines but have not sailed NCL in 18 years. We are in 45 to 55 years of age traveling with two teens 15 and 18. Aling with us will be my father and his friend ages 83 and 84. Since we span the spectrum of ages for cruising what should we expect from the NCL Spirit. Will there be enought to keep the teens busy? Is there dancing, other than disco for my dad and companion? And most importantly will we have the types of atmosphere we have come to expect from a vacation cruise?

 

We are not snobs but when we go cruising we expect to be pampered, entertained and fed a little higher than usual. We have cruised RCCL and Celebrity lately and even Princess last year, which we did not enjoy.

 

Also, does anyone know what the Penthouse Suite ammenities are on the Spirit?

 

Thanks for your help and sail to calm waters.

[pbteach]

My experience with NCL (although not on the Spirit) is to expect less than nothing and then when you get less than nothing you will not be surprised. Service, food and amenities on my family's cruise last summer was like spending a week in Hell. NCL's response, even though they were fully aware of the problems all the passengers were experiencing was that there were plenty more suckers where we came from. It got so bad that there was a petition being sent around to start a class action suit. So all I can say is "Buyer Beware.":mad:

[shoreguy]

My experience with NCL (although not on the Spirit) is to expect less than nothing and then when you get less than nothing you will not be surprised. Service, food and amenities on my family's cruise last summer was like spending a week in Hell. NCL's response, even though they were fully aware of the problems all the passengers were experiencing was that there were plenty more suckers where we came from. It got so bad that there was a petition being sent around to start a class action suit. So all I can say is "Buyer Beware.":mad:

 

To be perfectly honest to mskopins you should have posted you were not on an NCL ship. Your adventure as poster was on NCL America. A seperate division staffed with an american crew and you got caught up in the start up problems with an all new american crew.

 

This is like saying I had a problem on Costa so I know Cunard is terrible..

 

mskopins

 

Do you homework. There are key differences betwenn NCL RCCL but many tings that are just about the same. The question I have is what is you did not like about Princess.

 

The major difference with NCL is Freestyle. The Spirit offers about 10 dinning options. Eat when you want where you want. If you hated personel choice then NCL may not be for you.

 

I was sure I would hate freestyle but have grown to love it. You gain more then you give up. If traditional dining with the same waitstaff, the baked Alaska parade, singing waiters on Itianian night is important. Move on.

 

If not having to rush back to make your seating, being able to stop and enjoy a big band set at the lounge and not miss dinner, being able to eat at a table for two one night and as a group the next. or even deciding on formal night you don't want to dress up but still want to eat in a main dinning room sounds interesting keep doing your homework.

[ute_fan]

On the other hand, we're fairly new to cruising and have only sailed on NCL -- but again, not on the Spirit. I think pbteach sailed on the NCLA Pride of Aloha ship, which admittedly had several problems after it's launch. In many aspects, comparing NCL to NCLA is like comparing apples and oranges -- they are run quite differently. NCLA has an all american crew, whereas the normal NCL ships, like the Spirit, will have the normal international crew that you're used to.

 

Since I don't have other cruise lines that I can compare to, I can tell you that we have had a perfectly wonderful time on our NCL cruises (2 on the Sea, 1 on the Sun) and that they have me thoroughly addicted to cruising. We feel that we've had excellent service on our cruises, and can't wait to return to another NCL ship.

 

Having said that, however, there are many "traditional style" cruisers who don't like the changes that NCL's freestyle cruising has implemented. For example, the freestyle dining gives you the option of dining in any restaurant that you want, at any time you want. You will not have assigned seating with the assigned tablemates that you're used to on traditional lines. Your wait staff will not be the same every night, so obviously they're not going to know your preferences if it's the first night you've had them. If you find a waiter you particularly like, you can request the same wait staff each evening, and if their area isn't full, they will be glad to seat you there. For us, that has worked well, as they have come to know our individual preferences and provided us with what feels like more traditional cruise service.

 

NCL's freestyle dress code of "resort casual" is more relaxed than many of the other lines, and the formal nights will be optional. If those items that freestyle has changed are important to you, NCL may not be the right line for you. For my family, they're an added benefit.

 

We enjoyed the entertainment, loved the food, and felt that our cabins were kept extremely clean, and they've always been quick to respond if we've made any request.

 

As far as your other questions, my "kids" were young adults and too old for the teen club, so I can't help you there. We're not dancers, but I do know they had some dance classes on the ship, including waltz, swing, and country line dancing, if any of those were appealing to your father.

 

The entertainment that is held nightly will normally include productions by the NCL production company that feature Broadway or theater type musical productions, comedians, magicians. etc. We enjoy attending the shows after dinner and have normally felt they are quite well done.

 

Will you enjoy NCL? Only you can decide if it sounds right for you.

[mskopins]

Let me just a few:

 

The dining staff was not exactly pleasurable. No unwanted confersation. No "how did you enjoyt the island" or "Don't miss tomorrow night's special dessert".

 

The entres in the dining room were kind of bland. Out of 7 I ate three night off the alternative menu.

 

I don't mind anytime dining, but when a party of 10 arrives in the traditional dining room 45 minutes late it slows everyone down, and Princess does nothing about it.

 

Even the food in the Horizon court was second rate and cold.

 

Maybe I am being petty but, I really miss the cool towels upon returning from excursions.

 

Just a lot of small things would cause me to rate this cruise overall a 5 or 6 out of 10.

 

Thanks for your input.

[KeystoneCruiser]

Remember that NCL is a freestyle operation as opposed to the traditional lines. Freestyle means the following:

1.) No set dining times. You decide when you want to go and who you want to sit with. The dining rooms are open from 5:30 - 10 p.m. each night. In the main restaurants, which offer traditional cruise dinners, you just walk up to the maitre'd when you arrive and tell him how many are with you and you are taken to a table like in a restaurant. If you want to meet others, tell the maitre'd that and he/she will find others who want the same and seat you together.

 

2.) You can also choose from a variety of specialty restaurants which require reservations and in most cases, a cover charge of $15-25 per person. These include italian, a steakhouse, tex-mex, japanese, etc.. You can make reservations for a specific time and day for the whole week your first day on board at a special desk. The main restaurants do not take reservations except for large groups of 8 or more. There is also a free buffet that is open for all meals and late night snacks. (of course there is also room service)

 

3.) You can dress as you like within limits. The dress code on the ship for dinner is "resort casual" which only means no shorts, t-shirts, cut-offs or jeans in the dining rooms after 5:00 p.m. Polo shirts and kahki pants or sundresses are fine. You do not have to dress up!! (my favorite part). There is an optional formal night during the cruise, but you will find it 50-50 between those who do dress up and those who don't.

 

4.) Tipping is automatic for room stewards and waiters. You are charged $10 per person per day on your bill and this handles the gratuity for these people. A 15% service charge is added to all bar & spa bills. No need to individually tip these people, but you can tip additionally if they provide exceptional service and you are so inclined.

 

5.) You can wait in your room for disembarkation until you are called. No need to crowd into public lounges like other cruise lines.

 

These are the "perks" of Freestyle Cruising which is why I like NCL so much. (only Princess offers something similar)

 

 

As far as activities are concerned, we just got off the Star with a wide range of people (age 4-75) and everyone had a good time with the possible exception of the 12 and 15 year olds. There were craft opportunites, art auctions, the casino, shows, bingo, lectures, bridge games, putting and ping pong tournaments, etc. It is also nice to just sit out and watch the world go by! I'm not sure about the teen activities but on my just completed cruise, there were large numbers of kids in the 10-16 age range who were running around the ship constantly. They were playing tag and basically not supervised. I don't know if that was due to a lack of supervision by the Kids/Teen Club Supervisors or the kids parents (my guess is the later) I know the teenager with our group refused to go back after the first day.

 

As far as music is concerned, there are a large assortment of bars and lounges with different types of music available. I'm sure you will all find something you like.

 

As far as food is concerned, it is not as fancy as other lines, there is no Baked Alaska parade for example and with different waiters each night, it is hard for the waiters to know what you want ahead of time. I was also somewhat disappointed by the dining room service on my last cruise. But it was definately better than I have at home or restaurants.

 

Personally, I enjoy NCL and it is my favorite line because of the relaxed nature of dining, tipping and disembarkation. There always seems to be plenty to do. (and yes I have cruised on both NCL ships and the Pride of Aloha)

[Susie51]

Keystonecruiser, the points you made were accurate and well-stated. I also like NCL for those same reasons.

 

I wish NCL had a ship with a retracting roof over one of its pools. I enjoy the "solarium" pools and whirpools. I like it that the whirlpools remain open until about 11PM on NCL.

 

I was surprised to hear the negative comments about Princess. I had great meals and wonderful service on the Grand Princess. One night when we couldn't get a table for two and didn't want to dine with others that night, we went to the Horizon Court and the prime rib was excellent.

 

I'm glad there are so many choices. I've been on six different cruise lines and I like each of them for different reasons. I don't think I could pick a favorite. Maybe I'm not too picky and I just love cruising. RCCL, Celebrity, HAL, Princess, Disney, and NCL have all provided me with pampering I enjoy and good food which I look forward to each time.

[johnql]

We are not snobs but when we go cruising we expect to be pampered, entertained and fed a little higher than usual. We have cruised RCCL and Celebrity lately and even Princess last year, which we did not enjoy.

If being pampered is a major factor for you, you may be disappointed. Don't get me wrong. I have enjoyed all my NCL cruises. The crew and staff are all polite and friendly, but "being pampered" is not one of the first traits that would come to mind for me when describing NCL. Of course, if you're booked in a suite or above, you may receive a lot more pampering than the majority of passengers. I'm referring to the general level of service that everybody is exposed to. For instance, in the buffet area, nobody will offer to carry your tray from the service area to your table. That, to me, is pampering, but it's not something that I really care about.

 

Obviously, this is just my opinion and perception. Others may and will disagree.

[CruisinMatt]

mskopins - Have you checked into the all or semi all-inclusive lines like Seabourn or Radisson? The higher cost typically ensures a much higher level of service and amenities than the main-stream lines.

 

I have sailed NCL in suites and felt that the service was great, but I agree with johnql - I wouldn't call it "pampering".

[SailAways]

We are not snobs but when we go cruising we expect to be pampered, entertained and fed a little higher than usual. We have cruised RCCL and Celebrity lately and even Princess last year, which we did not enjoy.

 

Also, does anyone know what the Penthouse Suite ammenities are on the Spirit?

.[/quote)

 

 

 

If you have perused these boards, you must be aware that the seasoned posters here do not indicate that you will be" pampered, entertained and fed a little higher than usual" on the Spirit.

 

There are many posts which do describe the Suites on the Spirit -and undoubtedly the amenities are more expansive for those.

 

Perhaps the Penthouse would satisfy your needs.

 

What all NCL patrons would probably hate to see is a dissatisfied customer who comes back after the fact bemoaning the treatment they did or did not receive.

 

I have not sailed the Spirit yet - but from what you are desicribing, IMHO the Spirit is only for you if you are in the Penthouse or above - the Owner's Suite, perhaps.

 

Good Luck

[newmexicoNita]

My experience with NCL (although not on the Spirit) is to expect less than nothing and then when you get less than nothing you will not be surprised. Service, food and amenities on my family's cruise last summer was like spending a week in Hell. NCL's response, even though they were fully aware of the problems all the passengers were experiencing was that there were plenty more suckers where we came from. It got so bad that there was a petition being sent around to start a class action suit. So all I can say is "Buyer Beware.":mad:

love it when posting just pop in periodically to bash with no spacifics and do not even mention the ship they were on. NMnita

[newmexicoNita]

Cruising and cruise lines differ in many ways, but in some are very similar. As for food all the mass marketed lines now are very similar. You may like one thing on NCL like the soups and prefer the desserts on Celebrity. This is just an example. The two advantages in my mind about NCL is: 1-freestyle cruising is the best thing to ever be invented as far as we are concerned and 2-NCL probably has the biggest mixture of age groups, the line does not cater to any particular group as some ships do. That being said, it is true you will not be pampered like some lines, but you will have a totally friendly crew and a very relaxed atmosphere. The teen program will be about the same on any line, mostly a chance to meet other kids and hang out. I think the kids enjoy this more than planned activities but those too exist. If you do intend on staying in a suite I believe you should be very happy and pampered a little more than usual. As for dancing, yes, there will be dancing for the olsters. Probably the hardest age is 18, we cruised with our granddaughter a couple of years ago when she was just under 18; then teen group seemed young to her and she wasn't old enough for the adult activities. Still she had a blast. NMNita

[hotspur]

Maybe I am being petty but, I really miss the cool towels upon returning from excursions.

If cool towels upon return from an excursion, a glass of bad champagne upon boarding, the afternoon sorbet parade by the pool, and other similar trivia are important to you, better stick to Celebrity.

[mskopins]

I'm sorry that posting a simple question can get a member flamed.:eek: I never said I was special or wanted to be treated like a king or even a prince. All I said was I wanted to be treated a little better than normal when I am on a cruise than when I am booked in a hotel. I mentioned things that are provided on other lines and asked if they are provided on NCL, not that I require them when I am cruising.

 

Geez, I didn't want to get anyone angry and I am not complaining about Princess. I just asked a simple question.

 

A Carnival cruise is different from a RCCL cruise and diferent from a Celebrity cruise and different from a Windjammer cruise. I was just trying to find out the difference.

[DrVal]

Mskopins,

 

Follow your instincts and cancel your NCL cruise. In my opinion, it's not worth it, no matter what you've paid. You are right to question and you are being "flamed" because some loyal NCL posters are extremely defensive and aggressive... AND... their statements are not accurate. Some of the information, on this thread, proved to be WRONG and caused my partner and I much distress.

 

In my experience with NCL, there is no corporate or shipboard accountability. We had a horrible experience on the Dream to Alaska this summer. We received an emailed apology from NCL's CEO immediately and an offer of 50% off a future cruise a few days later, but when we asked for ANYTHING in writing from them... an explanation for our mistreatment or the 50% off offer, there was no response... nothing... total silence.

 

We have logged formal complaints with various agencies and are still waiting for a written response.

 

If I were you, I would trust my gut and plan a new cruise with a quality company.

[Host CMLA]

I'm sorry that posting a simple question can get a member flamed. I never said I was special or wanted to be treated like a king or even a prince. All I said was I wanted to be treated a little better than normal when I am on a cruise than when I am booked in a hotel. I mentioned things that are provided on other lines and asked if they are provided on NCL, not that I require them when I am cruising.

 

Geez, I didn't want to get anyone angry and I am not complaining about Princess. I just asked a simple question.

 

A Carnival cruise is different from a RCCL cruise and diferent from a Celebrity cruise and different from a Windjammer cruise. I was just trying to find out the difference.

You asked a simple question and many of the members have been very honest with you and said that NCL might not be the cruise for you. No one has attacked you or said you're wrong for wanting special treatment on your cruise. You asked. Members answered. DrVal...no one has flamed this member or been aggressive or defensive. Just because you had a bad experience doesn't mean you should go to every thread you can and poison the water and encourage nastiness on the board.

[johnql]

You are right to question and you are being "flamed" because some loyal NCL posters are extremely defensive and aggressive... AND... their statements are not accurate. Some of the information, on this thread, proved to be WRONG and caused my partner and I much distress.

Can you be a little bit more specific? Please quote the inaccurate statements and tell us what information "on this thread" caused you distress.

[Host CMLA]

Some of the information, on this thread, proved to be WRONG and caused my partner and I much distress.

The members of this board don't guarantee that everything they experience will happen to you. There's no guarantee at all. With your theory, I should believe everything you said about your experience and I should expect a cruise from hell. If I don't get a cruise from hell, will I be distressed because you said it's supposed to be that way? Before we went to Las Vegas this last time I read many reviews for the seafood buffet at the Rio. Everyone said it was the best buffet in Vegas. We hated it! It's the absolute worst buffet I've ever been to. I can't believe people actually enjoy the food there. Imagine that...the information I got from a web site from random people was wrong for us. Was I distressed? Hmmm...I was unhappy about wasting $75 for both of us to eat there. Did I live? Sure. Did I learn? You bet. Take anything and everything you read on a message board with a grain of salt. And remember that most things written on this board are from first hand experience. Just because you didn't get a mirror experience doesn't mean the information is incorrect.

[platterb]

MS,

 

It doesn't appear that most of the people who responded to your question have actually sailed on NCL Sprit. Well, we cruised on their 9-day South Caribbean sailing last December.

 

Our very first cruise was back in 80's aboard NCCL Starward and we have sailed NCL more than the other cruise line. Recently we sailed NCL Sun (1/02), Celebrity Millenium (12/03) Holland America Zuiderdam (04/04) and NCL Spirit (12/04). What I have found was that I liked certain aspects of each these ships. We enjoyed them all but if I was to rank them as to our overall experience, I'd have the Spirit (#1), Zuiderdam and Sun (#2) and Millenium last (Note that Millie was a beautiful ship and service was great but we didn't enjoy the iterniary and had real problems with fellow passengers=must have avg 75 who constantly were complaining the whole week.)

 

But we do keep coming back to NCL and are scheduled for the 11/1 sailing of the Star. Probably the same reason most NCL cruisers do; it's like your favorite pair of slippers. If you are looking for a formal setting, then NCL would not be for you. NCL is more laid back, unpretentious cruise staff, fun-fun and carters to a wide age range. We started cruising with them in our 20's and certainly still feel comfortable in our forties. In 1997, we sailed on NCL Wind out of Puerto Rico with our son (19yrs) and my parents (67 & 70). Everyone had a great time and there were a variety of activities that suited all of us.

 

NCL has always been the innovator over the years. To name a few: the first to offer their own out-island, diving-snokeling program, introduce Broadway production entertainment, expand beyond traditional departure cities, and now the Freestyle concept which I would think would better meet your age-groups. You can choose to eat together every night, or break up into groups and try the other dining options. Of course, my husband and son love the aspect of not having to wear coat/tie.

 

Now, some comments about the Spirit. For one thing, the Ship was not built for the US marketplace, having sailed out of Hong Kong. It was transferred from the parent company to take the place of NCL Sky that became part of US Hawaii fleet. The ship is smaller which sometimes is nice and had an Oriental feel to it. We were pleasantly surprised with both food quality and service. The only downside, there was limited shopping.

 

Entertainment options besides production shows onboard:

Celebrity Disco: music and karaoke

Galaxy of the Stars: Both you and your kids would love this lounge especially if they still have the band, "60280." It was by far the best band for any cruise we have been on. I was in there every night for their sessions.

Now for your parents:

Champagne Charlies: Two bands play favorite standards.

The Spirit Showband plays before dinner or shows.

 

Looks like I've rambled on. HAPPY SAILING

[mskopins]

If cool towels upon return from an excursion, a glass of bad champagne upon boarding, the afternoon sorbet parade by the pool, and other similar trivia are important to you, better stick to Celebrity.

 

This is the comment I was speaking about. I read this and thought, "My God did I sound that snobbish and superior".:eek: I'm a middle class guy working a blue collar job who saves up like everyone else does for a cruise vacation. Maybe I expect a little more when I go on a cruise. If I wanted mediocre food and service I would go to a Holiday Inn at the beach. I just want what is advertised. A little R&R where people wait on you and treat you with respect. No I don't need the champagne or towels, but it was a nice surprise.

 

I just thought that the above comments where uncalled for. Again, all I asked for was the differneces in the lines.

 

I apologize to the rest of the members who have been helpful and tried to enumerate the differences.

[KeystoneCruiser]

Maybe I am being petty but, I really miss the cool towels upon returning from excursions.

 

It seems to me that Hotspur, one of the more helpful and knowledgeable people on this board, was simply answering you by telling you that NCL does not offer cool towels upon return.

 

Not let me answer to some of your other concerns:

 

The dining staff was not exactly pleasurable. No unwanted confersation. No "how did you enjoyt the island" or "Don't miss tomorrow night's special dessert".

 

This varies by waiter. Some that we experienced on our NCL cruises have been friendly, outgoing and very talkative. Others seem cold and distance (could be because of the number of tables they are serving and/or lack of experience.) There was one waiter on our last cruise, Efran in Versailles, who was fantastic with the kids in our group, made paper and cloth napkin animals for them, encouraged them to eat, kept entertaining them, terrific!! Then there was another who practically pretended the kids weren't there. We also had an assistant maitre'd who spent several minutes with us talking about our day. I think it is all hit and miss due to the fact that you don't have the same waiter every night.

 

I don't mind anytime dining, but when a party of 10 arrives in the traditional dining room 45 minutes late it slows everyone down, and Princess does nothing about it.

 

Not the case on NCL! When we made a large group reservation in the main dining rooms, we were told we had a 15 minute window and at the end of that time the reservation would be cancelled and our table given away. In the specialty restaurants, your reservation ticket informs you that if you are more than 15 minutes late for your reservation, your reservation is cancelled and your on board account will be charged a service charge.

 

Even the food in the Horizon court was second rate and cold.

 

I'm guessing the Horizon court is the buffet on your ship. If it is, then join the club. Although NCL's buffet food was usually hot, it was second rate and I think that is the case on any buffet. You have to mass produce such large amounts of food and keep it hot and etable on a steam table, quality is bound to suffer. That is one thing I expect from all buffets, quality to suffer. I will say that NCL is the first buffet line where I every saw omlets pre cooked and served on the buffet line. My wife said they were very good.

 

Like Cecilla and others have said, many of us on here believe in giving our honest opinions on this board whether they are complimentary to NCL or not. Believe me, you were not flamed compared to what some have got on this board!! Like I say to many on here though, take what you read on this board, both positive and negative and see how it fits into what you want and then make your own decision. Each persons opinion can be different and that is why it is best to read all our reviews and comments.

 

My one final suggestion is to go over to the review board and read the comments/reviews of those who have cruised on the Spirit. Make sure to read both those who rate it high and those who rate it low! Have a great cruise.

[newmexicoNita]

This is the comment I was speaking about. I read this and thought, "My God did I sound that snobbish and superior".:eek: I'm a middle class guy working a blue collar job who saves up like everyone else does for a cruise vacation. Maybe I expect a little more when I go on a cruise. If I wanted mediocre food and service I would go to a Holiday Inn at the beach. I just want what is advertised. A little R&R where people wait on you and treat you with respect. No I don't need the champagne or towels, but it was a nice surprise.

 

I just thought that the above comments where uncalled for. Again, all I asked for was the differneces in the lines.

 

I apologize to the rest of the members who have been helpful and tried to enumerate the differences.

I think I too made a comment about being pampered but was not addressing it to you. There are those who do want to be catered to on a vacation and this is fine. Celebrity does more catering, NCL is more down to earth. BTW, whatever you decide please don't let posters like DrVal influence your decision too much, she is obviously not happy with NCL and is all over the place right now. She seemed to have had a very bad experience and thought NCL would give her something they haven't. Try to look at the overall picture. Like Cecelia said, what one finds to be the best there is, may be the worst for someone else. I have not cruised the Spirit but one of my bosses has and he absolutely adored the ship. NMNita

[smeyer418]

I have sailed four times on NCL and I have never eaten a meal at the buffet(a snack maybe). I hate buffets in general. For people who want personal service I am always sort of taken back by any comment about the buffet-personal service? Most of the newer NCL ships including the Spirit has a grill-sort of like a diner- which you can get simple food made to order anytime. I didn't take the comment about the cool towels as a flame only a good example of the difference between NCL and other cruise lines. There are people who have had a bad experience although DrVal for whatever reason refuses to tell us the whole story of what happened but only a small part of it. NCL America did have a bad start on the PO Aloha but the reviews lately have improved. The Pride of America is new and the threads have been positive while some of the reviews haven't been. If the Spirit moves you to go where you want and at a price you are happy with go for it. :)

 

Also I have had some memorable meals on NCL one meal was as good as any three star french restuarant than I have eaten in and that was in a regular dining room- not an extra pay one. Yet someone reported that they hated the same meal! That's life. I have never had a really bad meal on the NCL ships. I had a terrible one on a RCCI one and personally I don't like to be treated lile royality(its why we split from England-thank you very much)

[sunshine 229]

If cool towels upon return from an excursion, a glass of bad champagne upon boarding, the afternoon sorbet parade by the pool, and other similar trivia are important to you, better stick to Celebrity.

 

Mskopins,

 

I understand how you could have misunderstood the intent of the above post. I too would have seen it as implying I was demanding and snobby. Maybe it was the designation of the champagne as 'bad' and the things you mentioned as important to you as 'trivia' that gave it that unfriendly air to my mind. Then as everyone points out, tone is hard to determine in a written post.

 

I've sailed on NCL and on Celebrity and I found both provided good experiences. I slightly prefer the traditional to the freestyle dining but not to such an extent that I would go out of my way to avoid NCL if they had an itinerary and a price I liked.

 

Contrary to the Celebrity experience mentioned by some one else above, (where they found the passengers were older and full of complaints) I found our fellow passengers to be pleasant, lively and entertaining on Celebrity. Of course I am not so young myself. It is true that we didn't see so much wild partying by the twenty something crowd on that ship but we did have a number of younger people and I think we had three young couples who actually got married while on the cruise and a number of couples who were cruising for their honeymoon.

 

We were also surprised to find that in our opinion the staff we met on Celebrity were slightly more outgoing and friendly than most of the staff on Norwegian ( Dawn). I had expected the opposite since I had read several comments on the board that the Celebrity staff was more reserved than on many other mass market cruise lines.

 

In the end every cruise, even on the same ship is different, it depends on so many factors: the crew in place when you go, the passenger mix, the itinerary, and any out of the ordinary problems with weather etc. that may affect the itinerary or the mood of the passengers.

 

Sometimes you can try to stack the cards in your favor, like by avoiding school holiday times if you don't want to travel with lots of kids or avoiding hurricane season if you want to reduce the risk of altered itineraries but sometimes even those ploys fail and you end up with a different cruise than you thought you were getting

 

I think the responses you see here are a reflection of those different experiences people have had. I second the advice of Keystone to read the reviews. you will get more specific information about the different dining venues, available entertainment etc. there. What the individual reviews felt about their cruise is less important than the actual facts that they give you about ship facilities.

 

Good luck with your decision and happy cruising.

[SailAways]

This is the comment I was speaking about. I read this and thought, "My God did I sound that snobbish and superior".:eek: I'm a middle class guy working a blue collar job who saves up like everyone else does for a cruise vacation. Maybe I expect a little more when I go on a cruise. If I wanted mediocre food and service I would go to a Holiday Inn at the beach. I just want what is advertised. A little R&R where people wait on you and treat you with respect. No I don't need the champagne or towels, but it was a nice surprise.

 

I just thought that the above comments where uncalled for. Again, all I asked for was the differneces in the lines.

 

I apologize to the rest of the members who have been helpful and tried to enumerate the differences.

 

You owe absolutely no one an apology, IMHO. You have been very honest in your remarks, and have stated exactly what you would like for a cruise.

The members of the board who have tried honestly to respond to your request, have been forthcoming with their advice also.

Hopefully, your first experience posting on this board will not sour your opinion of what goes on here. This usually is a very friendly group of folks who are more than eager to help out.

I too, have felt from time to time that my remarks were completely taken out of context, and upon a few instances, have almost been ready to just bag it, and become a lurker.

But, ultimately, that is not what any of us here want to be.

This is a board full of information, opinions, and advice.

Please know that we are in the the same boat, so to speak.

Either we have sailed and have opinions, or we are hoping to do so, and are looking for answers.

Even those of us who have not sailed yet, have opinions after readiing the boards for several months.

Being a seasoned cruiser, you have probably already made your decision as to what you will decide upon for your booking.

Would you be so kind as to let us know of your decision -

Please know that most of us, regardless of what comes through, only wish for you the very happiest cruise ever. :)