Possible First Time NCL

[elainmir]

6 cruises with Carnival and thinking of taking one on NCL for Thanksgiving...anything I should know?

 

Casino?

Food?

What's Not Free on NCL?

Cabins

[marelind]

6 cruises with Carnival and thinking of taking one on NCL for Thanksgiving...anything I should know?

 

Casino?

Food?

What's Not Free on NCL?

Cabins

 

Food? Very subjective. DH and I are happy most of the evenings in the MDR's. The specialty fee restaurants IMHO are worth the extra money.

 

What's Not Free on NCL? Specialty restaurants, excursions, sodas, alcohol, specialty coffee drinks, Carlo's bakery items, photos, video games, internet minutes

 

Cabins - I can't compare because I haven't been on Carnival. The only thing to remember is that the minisuites on NCL are not true suites and do not get the suite priviledges.

[meatball_nyc]

Can't help with casino, sorry.

Food for us better on NCL. MDR were excellent for dinner every night.

Not free on NCL: Answered above by previous poster.

Cabin: Smaller than Carnival. As are the balconies unless you choose aft or angled.

We are going to stay with NCL.

Have a great cruise no matter what you choose!

[maywell]

Casino - yes they have a casino(s),I remember seeing $1 & penny machines, blackjack, texas hold tables. Plus it the only indoor place, other than the Cigar bar to smoke.

Food - I found it good, not as good as Carnival MDR but good enough for me. Also, dunno if this a good deal to you or not, but they don't have lobster or escargot night in the complimentary places (They have it the specialty restaurant, tho)

What's not free - Marelind pretty much answered, with the exception of room service fee (who knows when that will be implemented this year or next)

Cabin - my minisuite room on NCL was 3 feet bigger than my interior room on Carnival. So yes, the room space kinda runs small. Plus the balconies on Carnival are way bigger too, they can hold 4 people. Minisuite balcony can only fit 2 people unless, like Meatball_NYC said its angled/ aft one.....

 

 

Whatever you choose, have fun on your travels!

Edited April 24, 2015 by maywell

[princess di44]

Platinum carnival cruiser, just took our first norwegian on the epic.

Cabin- smaller, less tv channels

Food- buffet much better ncl, although no ice cream after about 11pm. Dining room was ok, less choices I thought, and quiter, more serious atmosphere. Prefer carnival mdr.

Casino- large on the epic

Entertainment- better on Ncl, live band at poolside, deck parties several nights, entertainment staff is more interactive with guests. More choices of activities to do (could just be because it was larger ship also)

Feeling- in general, didn't feel like people were as friendly. Maybe because there seemed to be many foreigners on board. Not saying they are not friendly people, could be the language barrier. We always struck up a lot of conversation with people on carnival. Also, we expected with the freestyle experience that people would be dressed more casual in the evening and dinner. We did not feel that was the case. Felt more underdressed than most on the cruise.

Service was very good. Missed the more fun atmosphere in mdr. Thought carnival ships were cleaner than I noticed on ncl. Loved the welcome back red carpet at ports on Ncl. Good embarkation/debarkation.

Will I go on Ncl again? Yes I would. Will also go carnival again.

[Partyatsea]

6 cruises with Carnival and thinking of taking one on NCL for Thanksgiving...anything I should know?

 

Casino?

Food?

What's Not Free on NCL?

Cabins

 

Casino, all the ships have one, except POA.

Food, they have it.

What not free? things you pay extra for.

Cabins, we sleep in them :D