Potential newbie to RCL, what should we know??mostly cruised in NCL and DISNEY

[jordans mom]

So, some friends are asking us to sign up for a cruise on the Independence this December.

 

We are long time NCL cruisers - but NCL does not have an itinerary they would like to go on for their anniversary - so we are looking at RCL.

 

Heres the thing - I know no one who has sailed on RCL so while I have read reviews on CC, like all other things they tend to be the usual pros/cons.

 

I would appreciate any information from cruisers who have had NCL cruise experience to compare their RCL experience.

 

As an example - we are hooked on the perks you get on NCL suites and those just don't seem the same on RCL when you read the suite information. Also - we love the NCL flexible dining and while RCL is beginning to implement that option - looks like the Independence won't have that this year.

 

SO! any thoughts and experiences comparing NCL vs RCL would help us make a decision!

[Clarea]

Regarding flexible dining, Royal has My Time Dining right now where you can show up to the Main Dining Room whenever you want.

[dancinman66]

Suite perks are different on rccl depending on ship

The larger ones have additional perks and features

 

My time dining or specialty dining for what your after

I found rccl better than ncl in general

 

Enjoy your cruise

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[mattpro]

The Independence just happens to be my favorite ship to sail.

 

Staying in a Grand Suite will give you the perks (among others) to use the Concierge Lounge (free alcoholic drinks, hot/cold appetizers, separate area for shows (still need tickets for Ice Show), separate loungers for pool area and special area in MDR for breakfast and lunch.)

 

I have sailed on NCL numerous times (all free with gambling junkets) with all the bells and whistles and I would still rather pay for my cruises on RCL on the Freedom & Oasis Class ships.

 

Personally, just a better overall experience in my opinion.

[pinkrosesdeb]

Our last cruise on the Independence, they opened Chops for breakfast for the suites and it was great. Cooked to order breakfast in a beautiful setting with wonderful service. I hear the suites are bigger on NCL but have never tried them. It will be interesting to hear your opinion when you come back so please add your thoughts after your cruise. Hope you enjoy every minute. Deb

[jordans mom]

thanks for those who posted....

 

What I can put together is that for more $$ on RCL you get fewer suite perks....I got used to (spoiled) with the Lavazza machines they put in the suite rooms....and the priority boarding, seats, head of line for port disembarkations.....I prefer to pay extra as I get stressed with lines and the shuffling and piling on......that lets me have one less set of stresses to deal with.....

 

I also like the option of dining anywhere I want, when I want - it seems that the RCL system while changing - is still not there....

 

In the suite dining area - you can have guests but you have to pay for them on RCL they have a strict NO GUESTS policy in the BLU area?

 

Maybe its just the RCL - I was looking at the Celebrity line (RCL brand) and they have suite perks that more closely match NCL.......weird

[Clarea]

...In the suite dining area - you can have guests but you have to pay for them on RCL they have a strict NO GUESTS policy in the BLU area?...

There is currently no suite dining area on Royal. Blu is one of the dining venues on Celebrity.

 

When Royal goes to Dynamic Dining, there will be a dining venue called Coastal Kitchen for suite guests, but I don't know what the policy might be for suite gusts to invlite non-suite guests to Coastal Kitchen.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

thanks for those who posted....

 

What I can put together is that for more $$ on RCL you get fewer suite perks....I got used to (spoiled) with the Lavazza machines they put in the suite rooms....and the priority boarding, seats, head of line for port disembarkations.....I prefer to pay extra as I get stressed with lines and the shuffling and piling on......that lets me have one less set of stresses to deal with.....

 

I also like the option of dining anywhere I want, when I want - it seems that the RCL system while changing - is still not there....

 

In the suite dining area - you can have guests but you have to pay for them on RCL they have a strict NO GUESTS policy in the BLU area?

 

Maybe its just the RCL - I was looking at the Celebrity line (RCL brand) and they have suite perks that more closely match NCL.......weird

 

Even though Celebrity and Royal are the same brand, they are very different. BLU is strictly on Celebrity. Most of the advice that above posters have given you is about Royal Caribbean, not Celebrity.

Edited September 22, 2014 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[mattpro]

the priority boarding, seats, head of line for port disembarkations.....I prefer to pay extra as I get stressed with lines and the shuffling and piling on......that lets me have one less set of stresses to deal with.....

 

==========================================

 

All of the above comes with a Grand Suite, even get personally escorted off ship by the concierge when the cruise is over.

 

First off on all tenders, plus a private beach in Labadee.

 

You'd have to sail RCL to understand the differences between the two lines.

 

Whatever, cruising makes for a nice lifestyle - enjoy - it's your two dollars, so spend it any way you like.