Found a Great Deal....

[Nextholiday?]

Looking forward to more :D

[KKMurphy2]

We have been loyal to Royal (with a few Celebrity thrown in) since the late 1990's. My son lives in NYC and we have been looking for a cruise leaving from there, to include him, also. Royal prices are out of control. I really did not think to look at NCL, but this thread has opened my eyes. What a money saver! And the thought of new entertainment is exciting. We sit down in the theater and laugh when the entertainers come out and we look at each other with a "I've seen this before look." I am getting a bit tired of the same "guest" entertainers and the same production shows. Who needs the Diamond lounge with the drinks package included?

[bigque]

How ironic! As I was sitting here reading this, a commercial for NCL came on the radio and was advertising about a drink package for booking a cruise! :cool:

[Folk Singer]

I'm one cruise away from D+ with Royal Caribbean. I've been searching for a last minute cruise with either Rc or Celebrity, unfortunately nothing caught my eye - until I decide to check out Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

My wife and I booked a cruise on the Breakaway for half the price of Any RC cruise out of the northeast - and got their ultimate beverage package included for free . I'm excited to try a new cruise line - not sure if it will be. any better or worse, but still excited. The value was definitely there.

 

I'll let you now how it was when I return.

 

-Doc

Enjoy and do let us know.

[njm5378]

I have to agree, this buy one get half off is based upon inflated prices and not a sale at all. So I'm looking for the next cruise, and it won't be RCL at these "sale" prices. Heck, princess is cheaper.

Our BOGO cruise got the net result of $1349 pp for a balcony on Freedom. Full price last time was $1299 pp. What a deal this BOGO is!! (insert sarcastic laugh here). I prefer RCCL but understand completely why people are switching.

 

We had booked Oasis for New Years but cancelled and booked Freedom in Feb. Saved us $8000 over 4 cabins. I don't want to go on Oasis that badly. Plus traded interior balconies on Oasis for ocean side on Freedom.

[Doc Rick]

I have a few minutes to discuss a few more things about the Breakaway and it's relation to RCL.

 

The pool on the Breakaway was disappointing in my opinion. It was small in relation to the size of the ship and had a very "boxed in" feeling. There were not many lounge chairs on the pool deck, but many on the deck above. It was very drab and had almost an "industrial" feeling - kind of like a pool you would find at a YMCA in the 70's... but smaller. In comparison, every RC ship's pool area seems to be open and vast, with artwork spread about - full of color and flavor.

I believe pool enthusiasts might be disappointed here.

 

There is an adults only area on deck 16 aft with several hot tubs, a waterfall, and a nice bar. This area turns into an entertainment area at night with various themed parties such as DJ dance parties, fireworks, etc. There was a mediocre amount of lounge chairs in this area, but we had no problem getting chairs here for the 3 sunny, warm days we had. Adults only was a nice plus - there was more kids on this cruise than I expected for this time of year out of New York, but someone told me 3rd and 4th passengers cruised free on this sailing - so that may explain it.

 

There was also a giant water slide and rope area, but we did not try this.

 

The cruise director, Julie, was the best cruise director we've ever had on any ship - spanning approximately 27 cruises. She was everything you would expect from a cruise director and more.

 

The entertainment consisted of a lot of similar things on RC, but I believe Norwegian did everything just a little better. The Newlywed Show, Bingo, Production shows - Rock of Ages was excellent. We did participate in a Deal or No Deal game set up like Bingo in the theater. Although it was a little fun, it was not worth the $20 per game card - we had about 250 players, and the prizes paid out totaled under $500... a real money maker for NCL in my opinion.

 

They had a crew talent show, where crew members sang, danced, etc. These were crew from areas like food service and stateroom attendants - not actual performers. This was very good, and I was surprised at how talented some of the crew were.

 

The casino is the largest casino at sea. It had all of the basic table games and 1 Texas Holdem table. There was plenty of slot machines in various denominations. It has an open design, with light colored walls and carpeting. The lighting was also a bit brighter than most other casinos. In comparison to most RCL casinos, which are a bit dimmer, with brass, darker woods and carpeting. Smoking was permitted on one side of the casino, but filled the entire casino. There was a great deal of traffic flow through the casino - including children and families, as this was the only way to to get from point A to point B on this deck.

 

The bars were great. Some of the ones we went to were Fat Cats Jazz club, Dueling Piano Bar, Bliss Nightclub, Uptown Bar, Prime Meridian Bar. Our favorite was the Martini Bar - which had live entertainment (piano/guitar) daily. The servers were all great - we had the Ultimate Beverage Package and we were often greeted by name and received prompt service at almost every bar. The only bar that was a little slow was the Irish Pub, and that was due to high demand for drinks in this area. Average beer cost was around $5.00, most wines were $8 to $10, and drinks ranged from $7.00 to a little over $10 - depending on drink.

 

There was an "Ice Bar" kept at 17 degrees. There was a per person charge and they gave you a fake fur coat to wear inside. We did not try this.

 

I'm out of time again, but will be back to discuss the cabin, housekeeping, Their private Island on Great Stirrup Cay, and anything else people may have a question about.

 

- Doc

[dancingranni]

DUELING PIANO BAR......:(

 

That is one thing from the past that we tremendously miss on RCI !

[Folk Singer]

Our BOGO cruise got the net result of $1349 pp for a balcony on Freedom. Full price last time was $1299 pp. What a deal this BOGO is!! (insert sarcastic laugh here). I prefer RCCL but understand completely why people are switching.

 

We had booked Oasis for New Years but cancelled and booked Freedom in Feb. Saved us $8000 over 4 cabins. I don't want to go on Oasis that badly. Plus traded interior balconies on Oasis for ocean side on Freedom.

 

 

The BOGO is starting to get a little annoying.:mad:

[sandebeach]

We did a 7-day on NCL Getaway out of Miami, the Saturday after New Year's. I booked it because of the free drink package -great deal-and we bought the dining package. Enjoyed the Waterfront area, it was so nice to sit at a bar and look out over the rail to see the ocean. Also enjoyed all the specialty restaurants. Our aft balcony had the longest balcony we have ever been on, without having a suite cabin. But the pool on the Getaway is really small, and was always crowded. I like NCL, but we are going tomorrow on the Liberty out of our homeport (Ft. Lauderdale). I am hoping the Liberty will be a great ship.

[Susie51]

Thank you for your review. Le Bistro is my favorite specialty restaurant on NCL. I agree with you; it serves the best escargot.

[dz9yvr]

Thank you. RCL won't abandon their current pricing structure until they start losing passengers. Maybe someday I'll return.

[dinkydee718]

Having done NCL Breakaway twice to Bermuda, I am obviously a fan. It has lots of activities, two types of water slides, rock-climbing wall, rope course, mini golf, kids' water area, to name a few. It's great for kids (Nickelodeon theme), and like Quantum, it is local for me.

 

I just booked a suite for my family of 6 for spring break on the NCL Star out of Tampa, and I am literally paying half for what my upcoming RCCL cruise is costing. Not only that, but with the promotion NCL is running right now, my whole family (of 6 people) is getting Beverage Package, Free, Unlimited Specialty Dining Package, $200 OBC, and gratuities paid for me and my husband. I think for non-suites you get to choose only one of those promotions (the OBC is only $75 for a balcony). That said, I know the Star cannot compare to Allure or Quantum. Older, smaller and less bells and whistles. At less than $1,000/per person for a suite though, how could we go wrong?

 

Can't wait for my upcoming RCCL cruise. I imagine it is comparable to NCL Breakaway, Getaway and Escape. I guess I'll find out soon enough if RCCL is worth the up-cost!

[karena1]

We pretty much only book Royal, but like others, are starting to look at other lines b/c the prices are nuts and they don't give you the extras that other lines do. I just priced a 3 night on NCL and with the package-so much less money!!!! The cruise itself was cheaper than Royal for the same date, then throw in the free bev pkg, and Royal cannot even come close

 

Come on Royal-listen to us Royal loyal cruisers and get with the program!!!! this BOGOHO is not doing anything to make us keep booking with you! We love to cruise Royal and want to cruise you all the time but you are killing us with these high rates!:mad:

[searoses]

The poster who didn't want to go to tortola may want to check changes in the itinerary...tortola does not have their new dock ready and stt is being substituted for the next while....I booked adventure for next feb and got a great deal .... $1500 for a balcony cabin for 2....less by a few $ then my last southern cruise 5 yrs ago with x...no complaints about bogo for me but I can see

[searoses]

I just got lucky....booked ncl for med in 2016 and got the drinks package and the fee dining thrown in....a good deal for sure....

[A2Mich]

I would consider NCL if they had cabins for 5, outside of a suite. However, if I could find an NCL suite for near RCI outside/balcony prices, I would give them a chance.

[William W]

I would consider NCL if they had cabins for 5, outside of a suite. However, if I could find an NCL suite for near RCI outside/balcony prices, I would give them a chance.

 

I'm not sure about their older ships, but for their Breakaway class ships, their family oceanview cabins can accomodate 5. And right now, one can book one of these cabin for as low as $2230 port and taxes included.

 

With their 3rd to 8th passenger sail free promo which is combinable with their Ultimate Dinning Package promo for everyone in the cabin, I think its great value. After all, the "included food" is probably the NCL weakest point, but that weakness is offseted with their ultimate dinning package where you can dine in their surcharge restaurants.

[cruiselife4me]

I've cruised both RCI and NCL. Many on RCI and one on NCL. We were able to grab an upsell on that NCL cruise from an aft mini suite to a forward facing Penthouse Suite for $300 total. It was an amazing cruise!

[cruzsnooze]

I've sailed both NCL and RCL , more on RCL. What I like more about NCL is the casual dress code without formals. With the limits of one suitcase when flying to port it makes a difference to me. They have the freestyle dining down to a science so you never have to wait for a table because they have reader boards directing you to the restaurant with open table.

I prefer the service on RCL and like their loyalty rewards better. I do laugh at RCL's sales where they jack up the prices to make you think it's a deal with a bogohalf off.

[A2Mich]

I'm not sure about their older ships, but for their Breakaway class ships, their family oceanview cabins can accomodate 5. And right now, one can book one of these cabin for as low as $2230 port and taxes included.

 

With their 3rd to 8th passenger sail free promo which is combinable with their Ultimate Dinning Package promo for everyone in the cabin, I think its great value. After all, the "included food" is probably the NCL weakest point, but that weakness is offseted with their ultimate dinning package where you can dine in their surcharge restaurants.

 

 

I wasn't aware of that. My TA had told me several times that NCL had no standard cabins for more than 4, so would have to book a suite. May have to consider that for next cruise then.

[thezeit]

We took the Breakaway Feb 2014 thinking the price was good, no air needed, new ship. Boy were we disappointed. Dinners in the MDR were pretty bad. Much worse than the DD on Quantum. The only good food was in the specialty restaurants which were excellent. There is no solarium upstairs. If you have cool weather there is no place to go. There are no nice quiet areas to relax. The library is next to the bowling alley. The entertainment was very good though. We just came off the Quantum of the Seas. They have 2 solariums so you can always relax by the pool no matter the weather. The DD improved towards the end of the cruise but I prefer MDR seating.

[js]

I'm one cruise away from D+ with Royal Caribbean. I've been searching for a last minute cruise with either Rc or Celebrity, unfortunately nothing caught my eye - until I decide to check out Norwegian Cruise Line.

 

 

 

My wife and I booked a cruise on the Breakaway for half the price of Any RC cruise out of the northeast - and got their ultimate beverage package included for free . I'm excited to try a new cruise line - not sure if it will be. any better or worse, but still excited. The value was definitely there.

 

 

 

I'll let you now how it was when I return.

 

 

 

-Doc

 

 

Im a cruise away from Diamond but like you tried NCL. We loved the Sky for a short cruise and sailed the Breakaway twice, last time in a Haven Suite. Have another NCL Haven cruise also booked for August 2016. I cant see how RCCL can come close to suite experience. On NCL its like being on your own smaller cruise within a cruise. Since we are in the Haven we also have Unlimited beverage package, unlimited dining for all ten of us in specialty and OBC.

 

I booked Indy for NYE only because we are sailing with extended family and also wanted a larger ship and needed less than a week. If NCL had newer ships for shorter cruises, they def would have been a contender.

 

I love RCCL but the prices just keep getting higher and higher compared to other lines I sail.

[A2Mich]

Im a cruise away from Diamond but like you tried NCL. We loved the Sky for a short cruise and sailed the Breakaway twice, last time in a Haven Suite. Have another NCL Haven cruise also booked for August 2016. I cant see how RCCL can come close to suite experience. On NCL its like being on your own smaller cruise within a cruise. Since we are in the Haven we also have Unlimited beverage package, unlimited dining for all ten of us in specialty and OBC.

 

I booked Indy for NYE only because we are sailing with extended family and also wanted a larger ship and needed less than a week. If NCL had newer ships for shorter cruises, they def would have been a contender.

 

I love RCCL but the prices just keep getting higher and higher compared to other lines I sail.

 

OK, so here's a dumb question, since I've never sailed on NCL, at least not yet. What exactly is the Haven? Is it a special, exclusive area for guests staying in that area, and are there suites onboard that are NOT Haven suites?

[js]

OK, so here's a dumb question, since I've never sailed on NCL, at least not yet. What exactly is the Haven? Is it a special, exclusive area for guests staying in that area, and are there suites onboard that are NOT Haven suites?

 

 

Hi. You have never sailed NCL so how would you know, not stupid at all.

 

They are suites and on the newer ships have their own dedicated restaurant, pool, jacuzzis, outside and inside deck area, bar. Champagne sailaway out on deck, treats every day special seating at shows, etc. On the newer ships, you dont even need to leave the area all week if you didnt want to leave.

 

If you do a google search, you will see some pictures. I believe there are other suites on the ship but the Haven cabins all begin with H and a number (for instance I have an H4).

 

Hope this helps.

[pattymo]

We as a family prefer RCCl , but will be cruising for the first time with NCL in 3 months. For the price of an inside on the splendor in June ( Europe) ,We are sailing a similar itinerary in a mini suite for the same $ and have OBC and free alcohol pkge ...,Who knows we might end up liking and preferring RCCL ...I think RCCl has gotten a high and mighty opinion of themselves