Trying Out NCL - First Time - About to Book - Questions

[Deptacon]

Hello NCL Board (I feel like I am walking around someone elses block after spending so much time in RCL)

 

Anyways, About to book our first NCL cruise to try it out. We have been meaning to for awhile, either out of FL or New Orleans (which we are near). I know they have had the Freestyle choice thing for awhile now (honestly, one of the big things that drew us to try, that and a change of pace from Royal Caribb ships). Any other promo's I am not seeing on the page? Anything expected soon? recently I missed?

 

Looking at Getaway out of Miami in Feb 2017 (FEB 19-26)....or possibly Epic out of Orlando that same time (but leaning towards getaway.

 

Few questions:

 

1st. Getaway or Epic???? We dive, we drink, no kids, in our 30's, we enjoy the bars, know the pool on Getaway is a little small.

 

1029 pp for a balcony a decent price for that boat/that time of year right now? Figured it might be 100 or 200 cheaper a person being that far out and that time of year.....thoughts? standard or good price for that time (no, we dont sail summers so I know those are more)?

 

Harvest Caye....read around, its new, being built up. Anyone been yet or has it not even started yet? expecations for for Feb 2017????

 

Anything weird about NCL UDP (Drink package) we should know? seems the same as royals, 12 buck drinks and under included, for the most part.

 

Wife is interested in vibe club pass. Besides being a private area to reduce crowds, and having private reserervable cabana's, anything else it offers? I know I need to get on the boat early to grab a limited spot in the vibe area....

 

Cigar smoking - I smoke cigars, what are the area's I can smoke them? I know on royal on deck 5 outside on the port side (this is where everone musters) they let you smoke have loungers out. Great place to sit, read, smoke a stogie, and watch the ocean....similar locations....or do they treat cigar smokers like the have leaparchy on NCL?????

 

Beer selection..... does NCL have a decent beer selection besides the typical piss beers (miller, bud, coors, heini, corona). NCL dipping thier toe in the craft beer business like Celebrity is????

 

Dinner - I know its freestlye looking forward to it. Do we need to book it all in advance? Is it hard to get seats? or can you just walk up? (we eat casual, probably wont eay at blu or any high dollar one, maybe the medium range pay places though).

 

Thanks, looking for some info from some NCL pro's....I know I can school a lot of people on Royal in's and out's...I feel like I am starting over looking at NCL :)

[Baz23]

I cannot answer all of your questions and I am sure someone who has traveled more intensely than myself will be able to help. Regarding the smoking though, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars in the cigar lounges or in the explicitly designated bars and outside areas.

 

A great cruise line! Enjoy your trip

Edited September 8, 2015 by Baz23
More info

[mpdahmer]

My wife and I have been on RCI; Princess and Carnival and have decided to take the plunge and try NCL. We are looking at the Breakaway in April out of NYC. My question is more about who to book with. I have casino rates from Total Rewards (Caesars Casino) and from my TA (who we have booked several cruises with. The total costs is only $13 more booking with my TA. Is there any other benefits if we book directly with the cruise line through the casino rate?

[Deptacon]

I cannot answer all of your questions and I am sure someone who has traveled more intensely than myself will be able to help. Regarding the smoking though, you can smoke cigarettes, pipes and cigars in the cigar lounges or in the explicitly designated bars and outside areas.

 

A great cruise line! Enjoy your trip

 

Found this in another post, apparently, the cigar lounge is adjancent to the waterfront (next to whisky bar?) AND has an outside area you can sit an smoke at...

 

On the BA the cigar lounge is great. Large room with comfortable couches, and an automatic door leading outdoors onto the waterfront area, right next to the whiskey bar. No problem bringing your cigar out there.

 

I also read its allowed at the Vibe Club Bar? Can anyone confirm????

Edited September 8, 2015 by Deptacon

[Ctrinh225]

My wife and I have been on RCI; Princess and Carnival and have decided to take the plunge and try NCL. We are looking at the Breakaway in April out of NYC. My question is more about who to book with. I have casino rates from Total Rewards (Caesars Casino) and from my TA (who we have booked several cruises with. The total costs is only $13 more booking with my TA. Is there any other benefits if we book directly with the cruise line through the casino rate?

 

 

You do get a separate checkin for CAS players. You also get a free drink card ( for everyone in your room) that you can use in the casino. They also sent me chocolate strawberries and a bottle of wine. And you still get whatever perks they give at the time of booking. For example, I got Ultimate Dining Package for everyone in my room and 3/4 persons for free as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Ctrinh225]

I've been on both RCCL and NCL. Was on Getaway this last February thru Caesars. I find NCL give better comps when you come back. I now have 4 future comp cruises with them.

 

I loved the Getaway. Even though it's free style.....I would suggest booking shows and dinners in advance online. It's easy and you wouldn't have to rush or be stress out when getting on ship.

Getaway is a newer ship....with a different rooms layout than Epic. We loved the slides, spa thermal suite, Illusionarium dinner show, and abundant food options from free to fee dining.

Why not give it a try.....even though I love RCCL.....I find NCL just a little better. Happy Cruising!!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Theroxykitten]

 

1st. Getaway or Epic???? We dive, we drink, no kids, in our 30's, we enjoy the bars, know the pool on Getaway is a little small.

 

 

Personally i love the Epic. The adults only plunge pool at the aft is wonderful.

 

Anything weird about NCL UDP (Drink package) we should know? seems the same as royals, 12 buck drinks and under included, for the most part.

 

 

 

Anything under $11 and a discount of wines. Buckets and water are not included.

 

 

Wife is interested in vibe club pass. Besides being a private area to reduce crowds, and having private reserervable cabana's, anything else it offers? I know I need to get on the boat early to grab a limited spot in the vibe area....

 

 

I don't think you need it on the Epic. But I would recommend for the getaway if you're going to want to be in the sun.

 

 

Dinner - I know its freestlye looking forward to it. Do we need to book it all in advance? Is it hard to get seats? or can you just walk up? (we eat casual, probably wont eay at blu or any high dollar one, maybe the medium range pay places though).

 

 

only thing I defo book is the teppenyaki. As seats are limited. But overall I've never felt the need to book everything ahead of time and we haven't had an issue getting a table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Deptacon]

 

Anything under $11 and a discount of wines. Buckets and water are not included.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks.

[mjkacmom]

That is Presidents Week. Schools in the NE typically have off from school the whole week. You might find better pricing (and probably a lot less kids onboard) another week.

[Deptacon]

That is Presidents Week. Schools in the NE typically have off from school the whole week. You might find better pricing (and probably a lot less kids onboard) another week.

 

Agh, good to know. Well, that week is the week before our family reuinion week in Orlando....so, we are stuck to that week IOT sail before the week in Orlando.

[dman72]

 

Anything weird about NCL UDP (Drink package) we should know? seems the same as royals, 12 buck drinks and under included, for the most part.

 

Beer selection..... does NCL have a decent beer selection besides the typical piss beers (miller, bud, coors, heini, corona). NCL dipping thier toe in the craft beer business like Celebrity is????

 

Dinner - I know its freestlye looking forward to it. Do we need to book it all in advance? Is it hard to get seats? or can you just walk up? (we eat casual, probably wont eay at blu or any high dollar one, maybe the medium range pay places though).

 

Thanks, looking for some info from some NCL pro's....I know I can school a lot of people on Royal in's and out's...I feel like I am starting over looking at NCL :)

 

I wouldn't say they are a "craft beer" line yet, but they do have Sam Adams (still very good although the snobs will tell you it isn't because it isn't "cool") and Newcastle, so you don't have to drink crap..that's what I drank when it wasn't LI Iced teas on the UBP....very dangerous. :eek: There is really nothing weird about it. You pay the tip and anything over $11 (I think I had one glass of wine over $11).

 

We made reservations at the Main dining rooms for 5:30 every day..we have kids and I don't want to wait for tables.

 

They seat people as quickly as they can, but when 50 people show up at the same time..you are going to wait. We had issues with this on the Dawn a few years back and I think "freestyle" is a bit overrated in this area. Rotating dining rooms in Disney with the same waiters=MUCH better service and less waiting.

 

However, the upcharge restaurants...especially considering the UDP being offered free...you are going to want to get reservations as soon as possible, walk ups are often turned away.

 

On the other hand I hate having to pack a suit on a cruise to a tropical destination, so I like NCL in that regard.

Edited September 8, 2015 by dman72

[Deptacon]

I wouldn't say they are a "craft beer" line yet, but they do have Sam Adams (still very good although the snobs will tell you it isn't because it isn't "cool") and Newcastle, so you don't have to drink crap..that's what I drank when it wasn't LI Iced teas on the UBP....very dangerous. :eek: There is really nothing weird about it. You pay the tip and anything over $11 .

 

 

So gratuity is not included on the package? On royal it is... I noticed they charge a service charge for it... Even as the freestlye option

[pisenor]

So gratuity is not included on the package? On royal it is... I noticed they charge a service charge for it... Even as the freestlye option

 

You are correct, the 18% gratuity is not included. However you will need to pre pay it with your final payment. That way there are no additional tips required unless you want to leave a little something for your server.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

So gratuity is not included on the package? On royal it is... I noticed they charge a service charge for it... Even as the freestlye option

 

It's paid ahead--that SC that's added when booking is the 18% gratuity on UBP (ultimate beverage package; UDP is dining). Once you're on the ship, you don't pay additional unless you'd like to tip for good service or it's something over $11.

 

A lot of folks are getting a dining package as a perk, so it may be a good idea to book ahead or make your reservations on the ship if there's someplace you really want to eat. Le Bistro and Cagney's typically get the best review (personally, I enjoyed them both--the only upcharge restaurant I wouldn't return to is La Cucina though some seem to like it).

 

Enjoy!

Edited September 8, 2015 by Quilting_Cruiser

[bcolli]

We got the Vibe on the Breakaway and my wife and I felt it was completely worth it. We are booking the Escape over Thanksgiving and planning to get the Vibe because of our previous experience. It was nice be to have a nice non-crowded place to go! There was almost no-one there the entire week. There were folks smoking when we were on Breakaway at the bar, but that was before the smoking policy changed and I don't know what the rules are at the Vibe.

 

We just booked the Escape and got the beverage package as a perk, but paid the gratuity on it.

 

We felt that the specialty restaurants were well worth the up charge. Last cruise over Halloween we booked all of our dining ahead of time, but ended up changing almost every reservation once we were on the ship. For the most part it was easy and we got what we wanted each night. For our upcoming cruise over Thanksgiving we booked 5 specialties with the plan on changing if the mood strikes. But we figured it was better to have them booked just in case. We don't know how crowded it will be over the holiday.

[Sunshine2U]

Did you look at Escape? She will have a brew pub: http://escape.ncl.com/bars-lounges/the-district-brew-house

[OceanDreaming2]

We haven't been on the Epic or the Getaway, but I'd choose the Getaway just because it's newer and they've been able to get the "bugs" out after the Epic fails in so many ways. Just Google Epic images and you'll see the strange bathroom set up.

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy NCL. I know we do!

[ngrund]

My wife and I have been on RCI; Princess and Carnival and have decided to take the plunge and try NCL. We are looking at the Breakaway in April out of NYC. My question is more about who to book with. I have casino rates from Total Rewards (Caesars Casino) and from my TA (who we have booked several cruises with. The total costs is only $13 more booking with my TA. Is there any other benefits if we book directly with the cruise line through the casino rate?

 

if its the 4/24 trip, we'll be on it as well.

[Deptacon]

We got the Vibe on the Breakaway and my wife and I felt it was completely worth it. We are booking the Escape over Thanksgiving and planning to get the Vibe because of our previous experience. It was nice be to have a nice non-crowded place to go! There was almost no-one there the entire week. There were folks smoking when we were on Breakaway at the bar, but that was before the smoking policy changed and I don't know what the rules are at the Vibe.

 

We just booked the Escape and got the beverage package as a perk, but paid the gratuity on it.

 

We felt that the specialty restaurants were well worth the up charge. Last cruise over Halloween we booked all of our dining ahead of time, but ended up changing almost every reservation once we were on the ship. For the most part it was easy and we got what we wanted each night. For our upcoming cruise over Thanksgiving we booked 5 specialties with the plan on changing if the mood strikes. But we figured it was better to have them booked just in case. We don't know how crowded it will be over the holiday.

 

Thanks for the info.

 

Did you look at Escape? She will have a brew pub: http://escape.ncl.com/bars-lounges/the-district-brew-house

 

WOOOOO a brewpub on board? now we are talking. I haven't even sailed NCL yet and I am liken em over RCL already...... Issues with escape sailing A: It sails Saturday and I drive down from Alabama, that's a long Friday night after work. B: Its not out yet, so no cruise critic photo reviews (yeah I know, sounds stupid).

I will take a look again.

 

Are there any Escape deckplans out that are not just the rooms but also the common areas???????

Edited September 9, 2015 by Deptacon

[minnesotamamafish]

Thanks for the info.

 

 

 

WOOOOO a brewpub on board? now we are talking. I haven't even sailed NCL yet and I am liken em over RCL already...... Issues with escape sailing A: It sails Saturday and I drive down from Alabama, that's a long Friday night after work. B: Its not out yet, so no cruise critic photo reviews (yeah I know, sounds stupid).

I will take a look again.

 

Are there any Escape deckplans out that are not just the rooms but also the common areas???????

 

Go to http://www.escape.ncl.com. for all kinds of info and deck plans with common areas included.

 

Also, if you want to read A LOT about it, there is an Everything Escape thread on CC here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2016503

 

There will be all kinds of photos, reviews, live blogs, etc. coming out after it starts sailing the end of October. Good luck with your choice!

[Jenjer]

We sail between Rccl and NCL going back and forth. We have sailed both Epic and Getaway. Enjoyed them both but Getaway is out favorite ship ever over Allure oasis and Quantum. But we are a family with kids so different demographic.

 

You sound like a fun active couple I think you will enjoy the ropes course on Getaway more than the "larger" pool on Epic.

 

NCL drinks are a little less than RCCL most are covered with the $11 and under limits.

 

The specialties are all amazing on NCL but you do need to pre book, kind of kills the "freestyle" IMO. Sure you can wing it if your not picky and don't mind waiting. They don't release all the tables to pre book so if you can not get your time pre cruise you can do so when you get on board.

 

Vibe passes sound like a great fit for you but you will have to be in one of the first boarding groups to get them. They sell out almost immediately.

 

On Getaway I would book a large balcony room because the regular balcony's are teeny tiny.

 

You will find more similarities between NCL and RCCL than most loyal to Royal people expect. Having different rooms and more specialty options are the main difference. But even royal is moving away from the early or late dinner then a show every night. NCL has shows every night but they are not all in the theater. The comedy club and Howl at the moon are so much fun and a great way to spend your evening.

[cardbucfan]

We just got off Getaway (well, a month ago) and it was our first NCL cruise. We liked it quite a bit.

 

I can answer the cigar question as it relates to Getaway. The ONLY place you can smoke cigars is in the cigar lounge or the little area right outside the cigar lounge on the Waterfront. The problem is there are 8 hard backed chairs there and the cigarette smokers took all the chairs so there was rarely a spot to sit outside and smoke a cigar and read a book. There are tons of other places for cigarette smoking so this irked DH to no end. We didn't get Vibe passes so can't speak to that.

 

We had UDP and did make reservations for all our dinners. When we tried to change one night while on board we couldn't so ended up in the MDR instead.

 

If you guys like to dive I'd check out a Western Caribbean itinerary. The ones out of Tampa often go to the best dive spots. We only had 3 sea days on our cruise and dove in 2 of them. Not sure what the itinerary is for the dates you are looking at though so this could be a moot point.

[labatsman]

Absolutely loved the Getaway..so much to do on ship..Don't forget to walk the plank( some 16 ish stories above the sea).You have to navigate the rope walk first and finish with a small zip line.. Food was good,Specialty restaurants were very good.

Drink packages were similar to others.

The pool slides were fun too including the nicknamed toilet plunge slide which was quick and fun.You stand in the slide and the operator pushes the button, bottom falls out and you are flushed down into the pool.

[Deptacon]

 

I can answer the cigar question as it relates to Getaway. The ONLY place you can smoke cigars is in the cigar lounge or the little area right outside the cigar lounge on the Waterfront. The problem is there are 8 hard backed chairs there and the cigarette smokers took all the chairs so there was rarely a spot to sit outside and smoke a cigar and read a book. There are tons of other places for cigarette smoking so this irked DH to no end.

 

I would of strong arm'd them "Hey, this area is reserved for cigar smokers.....mean....Get up" or "Oh, so cigarette smoking at the cigar bar? drink beer in the bathroom too???"..... then the stare down....

Edited September 10, 2015 by Deptacon

[Deptacon]

We sail between Rccl and NCL going back and forth. We have sailed both Epic and Getaway. Enjoyed them both but Getaway is out favorite ship ever over Allure oasis and Quantum. But we are a family with kids so different demographic.

 

You sound like a fun active couple I think you will enjoy the ropes course on Getaway more than the "larger" pool on Epic.

 

NCL drinks are a little less than RCCL most are covered with the $11 and under limits.

 

The specialties are all amazing on NCL but you do need to pre book, kind of kills the "freestyle" IMO. Sure you can wing it if your not picky and don't mind waiting. They don't release all the tables to pre book so if you can not get your time pre cruise you can do so when you get on board.

 

Vibe passes sound like a great fit for you but you will have to be in one of the first boarding groups to get them. They sell out almost immediately.

 

On Getaway I would book a large balcony room because the regular balcony's are teeny tiny.

 

You will find more similarities between NCL and RCCL than most loyal to Royal people expect. Having different rooms and more specialty options are the main difference. But even royal is moving away from the early or late dinner then a show every night. NCL has shows every night but they are not all in the theater. The comedy club and Howl at the moon are so much fun and a great way to spend your evening.

 

Thanks, the biggest draw for us is the bar and dinning options...the variety. Additionally, the free drink package is a big deal since we get our money out of it.....