Sell me on NCL...

[kelkel2]

We are considering "jumping ship". Although we like Carnival, our last cruise has left a lot to be desired as far as entertainment goes. There's been a lot of "for a fee" stuff but on many nights we have been struggling to find things we want to do. We may go to a show, but Carnival used to offer nightly audience participation shows, like the yes no game or game shows that the audience participated in, and they really haven't had that at all on this last cruise. Leaving some nights, all that was offered at 7pm was a watch sale...

So now we are reconsidering our 2017 cruise with Carnival. We've been wanting to try NCL and now may be a good time.

What kinds of entertainment does NCL offer? If I don't lay out at the pool all day is there other things that I can find to do?

[Cruzaholic41]

Quite frankly, I think the entertainment between CCL and NCL are pretty even. One word of advice - if you did not like all the "for fee" options on CCL, I do not recommend NCL. Nobody does "for fee" like NCL.

 

For entertainment, in my experience, Disney and Royal Caribbean are the leaders.

 

Otherwise, if you do go with NCL, stick with the newest ships. If you're looking for any sort of upgrade from CCL, I recommend Escape or Getaway.

[overeazy1]

Yes NCL does like to do the "for a fee" where some cruise lines might not but also look at the cost upfront. For a similar cruise $500 more up front might end up being more then the total fee's. And some NCL ships have better entertainment then others.

[Sizzlechest]

Quite frankly, I think the entertainment between CCL and NCL are pretty even. One word of advice - if you did not like all the "for fee" options on CCL, I do not recommend NCL. Nobody does "for fee" like NCL.

 

For entertainment, in my experience, Disney and Royal Caribbean are the leaders.

 

Otherwise, if you do go with NCL, stick with the newest ships. If you're looking for any sort of upgrade from CCL, I recommend Escape or Getaway.

 

Ditto.

[derek005]

NCL is a great line! I love cruising and they have great food and the free drink package at times. I have cruised other lines and look for the best price, but my go to line is NCL.

 

"Nothing like a cruise"

[helen haywood]

I'm Diamond level on Royal and Elite Plus on Celebrity and I took my first NCL cruise ever last year on Getaway and was blown away!! Burn the Floor was the best show I've ever seen! I cancelled a Reflection cruise and booked Escape instead!

[Oldgoat61]

As you can see from my signature, we have cruised both lines, mostly NCL, of which we are platinum. We have only cruised on NCLs' "smaller" ships (2400 peeps). We both like the smaller ships, but intent to sail on one of the "away" ships sometime in the future.

 

NCLs' mega ships I would think will offer more options as far as shows (some at a fee), but every ship we sailed on had a show every night, from song and dance to magic, and a hypnotist. Every show was very good, with the exception of one. I couldn't say that about CCL.

 

In many respects both lines are very similar, but NCL has a different vibe, much more relaxed. Freestyle is really what sets them apart. CCL trys to copy it, but NCL has perfected it.

 

I know there is a lot of talk about NCL being the "nickle and dime" kings, but it really comes down to what you expect in a cruise. I have no issues with having the option to pay for something extra if I choose to do so. I will say that I am not a fan of the increased "gratuities", and the DSC, but every line is doing it from what I have read.

 

Give NCL a try, I think you will enjoy your cruise! :)

 

Edited January 20, 2016 by Oldgoat61

[LrgPizza]

If looking for lots of activities, check out the big ships- Epic, Breakaway, Getaway, or Escape. You will never have a shortage of activities. We rarely ever pay extra for things while on board, except sometimes upgraded dining. Lots of good deals right now, including free adult beverage package (you just pay gratuities).

[CamaCama]

We sailed on Escape in November, so much to do. Check out my review, link in my signature below!

[khaide612]

During the day there are free activities, same as other cruise lines - trivia, dancing lessons, towel folding, crafts. There are also activities that cost money like alcohol tastings. Same as other cruise lines there will be a schedule of the following days activities in your stateroom each evening.

 

NCL, Carnival, RCCL all charge for the same things - drinks, bingo, some activities, specialty restaurants. I think since NCL has way more options for add ons they are getting more of a nickel & dime reputation. You can go on a cruise and not spend anything extra or you can choose to sign up for all the for fee activities and upcharge restaurants. I'm going on the Breakaway soon. I think the only "shows" on that ship that have an extra charge are Winelovers the Musical (includes alcohol) and the Cirque show (includes dinner).

[snooze like a norwegian]

I like the freestyle vibe. With that, no set times for dinner, and I don't have to sit with a bunch of the same people every night. Don't get me wrong I'm a friendly person and I can talk to anyone, but I go to be with my spouse and spend quality time together.

[kelkel2]

During the day there are free activities, same as other cruise lines - trivia, dancing lessons, towel folding, crafts. There are also activities that cost money like alcohol tastings. Same as other cruise lines there will be a schedule of the following days activities in your stateroom each evening.

 

NCL, Carnival, RCCL all charge for the same things - drinks, bingo, some activities, specialty restaurants. I think since NCL has way more options for add ons they are getting more of a nickel & dime reputation. You can go on a cruise and not spend anything extra or you can choose to sign up for all the for fee activities and upcharge restaurants. I'm going on the Breakaway soon. I think the only "shows" on that ship that have an extra charge are Winelovers the Musical (includes alcohol) and the Cirque show (includes dinner).

It's funny you mention this. This is the Carnival we remember from our cruise in 2013, this year not so. I remember used to having to circle the events I wanted to attend...now I struggle to find one I want to go to. We never attended the shows before because there had always been other things we wanted to do, but this year we actually went to the production shows because we didn't know what else to go to...

[khaide612]

It's funny you mention this. This is the Carnival we remember from our cruise in 2013, this year not so. I remember used to having to circle the events I wanted to attend...now I struggle to find one I want to go to. We never attended the shows before because there had always been other things we wanted to do, but this year we actually went to the production shows because we didn't know what else to go to...

 

I had that issue on the 1 Carnival cruise I went on and also on my very first NCL cruise on the Dawn. For my NCL Dawn cruise years ago, it rained almost daily so all outdoor activities were just cancelled instead of rescheduling and doing something else instead. I've been told that the activities schedule is all up to the cruise director and their staff.

[ChicagoBarb]

Jump on over to NCL.

 

I was pretty much a Carnival cruiser until I found a NCL cruise from Miami to Copenhagen. Since I wanted to see Denmark I booked and have sailed 3 cruises with them since and have 3 more booked.

 

Good to great entertainment and plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day. There is always something going on.

 

Give NCL a try. It won't hurt.

[Oldgoat61]

Kelkel......I just thought of something you can do to get an idea of what is happening on board. Go to Mitsugirlys review of the Breakaway.....it's on the first page, and jump to page 11 of her review. She has a photo of the "dailies", which tells you everything that is happening on board for that day. :D

[Taylor95]

We sailed the Epic & Breakaway and then tried our first Carnival cruise on Glory - most nights we were bored! We really missed the evening entertainment that we had on the NCL ships. There were a lot of similarities between the lines, but the biggest difference I felt was the shows & Carnival didn't compare (in my opinion). I was able to visit the port (HMC) that NCL can't take me to and now I'm back to NCL with the Getaway booked :).

[Cruzaholic41]

It's funny you mention this. This is the Carnival we remember from our cruise in 2013, this year not so. I remember used to having to circle the events I wanted to attend...now I struggle to find one I want to go to. We never attended the shows before because there had always been other things we wanted to do, but this year we actually went to the production shows because we didn't know what else to go to...

 

In that case, I highly recommend you look at an RCI Oasis Class ship. Look at Harmony of the Seas.

[Barb Nahoumi]

We have only sailed on NCL's smaller ships and enjoy them very much. Our next cruise will be on the Gem, which has the Great Outdoors outside dining area at the fantail.

 

Other reasons for enjoying NCL are the casual dress codes, having the MDR open for embarkation lunch, and being greeted with cold drinks and chilled face-cloths when returning from excursions on hot days. Little things mean a lot.

[weltek]

What kinds of entertainment does NCL offer? If I don't lay out at the pool all day is there other things that I can find to do?

 

Heh, just returned from the NCL Escape and I said it was my least relaxing cruise ever because there was SO much to do!

 

Here's all we did at night:

• Howl at the Moon (four nights)
  
• Comedy show (two nights)
  
• For the Record; The Brat Pack musical at The Supper Club (fee applies, it's a dinner theatre)
  
• Million Dollar Quartet in the main theatre
  
• Watch karaoke and lip sync battles
  
• The nightly outdoor "party" (e.g., Glow party)
  
• Trivia
  
• Musician in the brewpub
  

 

What we didn't do (I'm sure there's more, but this is what I remember):

[*]All the usual "deal no deal" or "perfect couple" type stuff

[*]After Midnight show in main theatre

[*]Brenda Braxton cabaret show (in The Supper Club, fee applies)

[*]Casnio at night (hit it a few days)

[*]Movies on the bigscreen

[*]Musicians in other venues

 

During the day there's the waterslides, awesome ropes course, trivia, watching pool games, casino, interesting snacks at Food Republic (fee applies), etc.

 

We were on the Getaway last year and felt slightly more balanced, though we were never bored. The same I'm sure would be said about the Breakaway and Epic (newer ships). Escape just had even more. The older ships have fewer things to do (e.g., Gem, Spirit, Jewel, Sun), and would be similar to your Carnival issues, I'm thinking.

Edited January 21, 2016 by weltek

[TNCruzer56]

Plat CCL cruzer here and we finally gave up on them. The George Lopez Comedy Club was the only thing that didn`t hurt to watch. Unfortunately, you had to go 45 mines early and stand in line just to get a decent seat. Tried RCCL-Fantastic entertainment, uneatable food-Costa-OK food-Venice and Adriatic (port intensive and LOTS of walking)went to bed after our great table-mates usually closed the dining room-Never saw one show.

Now trying NCL Star. We`ll see!

[weltek]

I also have to say, the quality of the performances for Million Dollar Quartet and For the Record were fantastic. Not cheesy, really professional. I find that generally true of NCL shows, save for a few, over the years.

[Leafpeeper]

We sail RCL, NCL, and Carnival. Enjoy them all for different reasons. We love the last minute specials on Carnival when we are on a land vacation and hear a bad weather forecast and want a 4-5 night cruise cheap. One year we booked a last minute cruz Mon-Fri in LA cuz the DESERT was gonna rain for 3 days. Only paid $199. No complaints.

 

We are taking NCL 10 night cruise from NY to the caribbean in February. Upgraded from inside cabin to balcony when rates dropped this week and got the FREE alcohol beverage package for 2. That is almost worth what the cruise cost us. Some people do spend more on their bar bill than the cruise. Even when we want a frozen drink with no alcohol, it is a good deal. I was surprised on recent Thanksgiving cruise that the free alcohol included martinis. We tried a different one each day. Love the LEMON DROP. Yummy!

 

What we love on NCL ships is the variety of restaurants. Even the specialty restaurants are $15 or $20 compared to $40 on other lines. Last cruise had the Chinese restaurant free. Our favorite is LeBistro (French) for $20pp and came with a bottle of wine with dinner ( we took wine back to our room). Best Tiramasu anywhere. It was free for us because we are platinum status and got 2 free specialty restaurant certificates on the cruise.

 

Variety is the spice of life. There are things we like on each cruiseline. Hubby loves TV networks on Carnival and the casino. I think NCL does a great job with bands throughout the ship. Nice variety of music.

 

TRY IT--YOU MIGHT LIKE IT.

[CruisinHarvey]

I have to disagree with OP on NCL and CCL entertainment being pretty much the same. I think entertainment and dining options is where NCL stands out, especially on their bigger ships. All of their newer ships( EPIC... forward) have a least one Broadway show on board, and they all have Howl at the Moon. Carnivals shows don't come close.

 

On our last, and I mean last, Carnival cruise we thought one of the solo musicians was doing his version of SNL lounge singers. It turned out he was serious. The only reason we were listening to him in the first place, was due the lack of anywhere else to go.

Edited January 21, 2016 by CruisinHarvey

[kelkel2]

Plat CCL cruzer here and we finally gave up on them. The George Lopez Comedy Club was the only thing that didn`t hurt to watch. Unfortunately, you had to go 45 mines early and stand in line just to get a decent seat. Tried RCCL-Fantastic entertainment, uneatable food-Costa-OK food-Venice and Adriatic (port intensive and LOTS of walking)went to bed after our great table-mates usually closed the dining room-Never saw one show.

Now trying NCL Star. We`ll see!

 

Agreed! We used to love the comedy... Until we came to the show 30 minutes early to find probably at least 100 people in line. They'll let you in the lounge, but you won't get a seat...

 

Thanks for the tip to look for those reviews! I'll look!

The one thing I've really missed on this cruise is the audience participation shows!

I'm looking for a 2017 cruise, I'll be seriously considering NCL!