NCL Feedback Please

[tiger belle]

I am considering booking a cruise on NCL Dawn out of New Orleans in November. I have yet to cruise NCL and don't know a lot about that line or the ship Dawn. In the past I've cruised RCCL and Carnival. I tend to like the medium sized ships like Carnival Triumph or Conquest. What I'd like to know is what I can expect to be different on a Norwegian cruise as compared to Carnival and RCCL. I would be especially appreciative of any comments from fellow cruisers who've cruised all 3 lines in the past...thanks for any feedback y'all can give!

[taylort771]

I am considering booking a cruise on NCL Dawn out of New Orleans in November. I have yet to cruise NCL and don't know a lot about that line or the ship Dawn. In the past I've cruised RCCL and Carnival. I tend to like the medium sized ships like Carnival Triumph or Conquest. What I'd like to know is what I can expect to be different on a Norwegian cruise as compared to Carnival and RCCL. I would be especially appreciative of any comments from fellow cruisers who've cruised all 3 lines in the past...thanks for any feedback y'all can give!

 

I would say stick with RCCL and Carnival. We just cruised with NCL for the first time on the Escape in Jan and it was just ok. Food, service and entertainment all ok. There was not much variation in the included food and they push push push the specialty restaurants much harder than the other lines. They will nickel and dime you for everything. After we booked they made many changes and a lot of stuff that was included at time of booking (and final payment) was no longer included as part of the fare and that bothered me. I would not sail with NCL again. We didn't have a bad time, it just wasn't up to par with what we have come to expect from lines like RCCL and Carnival who we have cruised with many times.

[SuiteTraveler]

Dawn is one of NCL's oldest ships. I would recommend you consider a Gem class ship instead. The NCL Jade is sailing out of Houston, for example. The Gem ships are:

Gem

Jewel

Jade

Pearl

Pride of America (Hawaii)

 

In terms of what is different:

The most obvious difference is dining. You are not assigned a time nor a table and generally people who cruise on NCL go to a different restaurant onboard every night. Some of the restaurants are free and some of them charge an extra fee. Typically, the extra charge restaurants are Italian, French, Steak, Sushi, Brazilian Churrascaria and Teppanyaki. There is usually a Chinese place that is free. There are also main dining rooms that are free and a casual eatery that is free, as well as the buffet and The Great Outdoors. You can do an entire cruise and not pay anything extra for food if you want or you can go to a mix of specialty and free dining or you can do all specialty dining - it's really up to you.

 

The next most obvious difference is for Suite Guests - you get butler and concierge service and there is a restaurant that does your breakfast and lunch for suite guests only. (On the newer ships, it does breakfast, lunch and dinner and there is also a bar for suite guests only as well as The Haven.) There are many, many perks you don't get on Carnival or RCCL in suites.

 

On most NCL ships, the Spa Thermal Suite is a very special area with a steam room, saunas, thalisotherapy pool, hot tub and heated tile loungers. It is well worth getting a spa pass.

 

The Gem class ships (most of them) have a bowling alley - the first ever on a cruise ship.

 

Other than these things, you will find shipboard life on NCL very similar to Carnival or RCCL.

[tiger belle]

thanks for the feedback so far...it is very helpful

 

I had heard the Dawn was getting an update this summer--that is one reason I was considering it, so I'll have to follow up and see if that is true

 

also, if you book by the end of this month--which I was hoping to do--one of the offers is specialty dining free for 4 nights...the opportunity to choose fine dining and not have to pay the associated up charge is one factor influencing my decision

[Barb Nahoumi]

I have sailed on all three lines, NCl, CCl, and RCCl. I always

Thought that NCl did more for the passengers by greeting them with cold water and face cloths, when returning from excursions on hot days. They also serve lunch in the MDR on embarkation day.

 

On Rccl, we had to drag our carry on to the crowded buffet, look for a table, then stand in the food line. Little things mean a lot.

 

The Dawn will be under going a comprehensive dry dock, and should emerge as a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.

[TheDougOut]

I'm sailing on the Dawn November 27th.

 

I personally don't buy into all the hype about "nickel and diming". If you book with the pick-two-promo, then all of your alcohol and specialty dining (4 nights) will be covered. When I've booked with these two promos, my onboard spending has been next to nothing.

 

The Dawn will be entering a month-long dry dock in June with many planned improvements. New flooring and furniture around the pool, new finishes on pool & jacuzzis. New carpeting & bedding in staterooms. Updated atrium with new finishes. Complete refinishing of the two main dining rooms. Upgraded casino. New teak flooring on all open decks.

[zdupell]

I have sailed on all three lines, NCl, CCl, and RCCl. I always

Thought that NCl did more for the passengers by greeting them with cold water and face cloths, when returning from excursions on hot days. They also serve lunch in the MDR on embarkation day.

 

On Rccl, we had to drag our carry on to the crowded buffet, look for a table, then stand in the food line. Little things mean a lot.

 

The Dawn will be under going a comprehensive dry dock, and should emerge as a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.

 

When is the dawn getting an update? I heard they did last May is that the one you are referring to? If you had a link to what they were updating that would be awesome!

[delaware32]

The Dawn is scheduled to under go a month long refurbishment from May,2016 - June, 2016 .

[Va. Plumber]

I highly recommend the Dawn. We have sailed on her three times. Yes it is a little older but in very good condition. It doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of the big ship, but it also doesn't have the crowds of people either.

 

I love New Orleans as a port city. If you can swing it, try going a couple of days early. There is so much good food and entertainment.

 

I get my hackles up any time I see the words "nickel and diming." I have only sailed on RCCl besides NCL Let me compare:

 

NCL charges for pictures. So does everyone else.

NCL expects you to pay gratuities. So does everyone else

NCL charges for alcohol and soft drinks. So does everyone else.

Specialty restaurants are extra just like everyone else

NCL charges for ice cream sundaes, sodas and milkshakes. So does RCCL.

 

The point is you have options. You don't have to spend a penny over your fare plus gratuities. So how is that nickel or diming?

[bjlaac]

I highly recommend the Dawn. We have sailed on her three times. Yes it is a little older but in very good condition. It doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of the big ship, but it also doesn't have the crowds of people either.

 

I love New Orleans as a port city. If you can swing it, try going a couple of days early. There is so much good food and entertainment.

 

I get my hackles up any time I see the words "nickel and diming." I have only sailed on RCCl besides NCL Let me compare:

 

NCL charges for pictures. So does everyone else.

NCL expects you to pay gratuities. So does everyone else

NCL charges for alcohol and soft drinks. So does everyone else.

Specialty restaurants are extra just like everyone else

NCL charges for ice cream sundaes, sodas and milkshakes. So does RCCL.

 

The point is you have options. You don't have to spend a penny over your fare plus gratuities. So how is that nickel or diming?

 

 

I'm not looking to pick a fight but when I hear this type of response it get mine up too.

 

What you fail to mention is NCL charges for things other lines don't. Take for example RCCL. Just about every ship has a solarium reserved for adults. You want something like that on NCL pay extra for the haven or spa. Want lobster, even if you have the "free" dining plans on NCL there's an upcharge for that.

 

There just seems to be more charges for things on NCL for things that are not on other lines. So yes they all charge for drinks and photos and shore excursions but all trips are not created equal.

 

My only point is give the OP a complete picture. If they don't care about lobster or the spa or anything NCL charges for then you are right the experience will be the same

Edited February 25, 2016 by bjlaac

[TheDougOut]

What you fail to mention is NCL charges for things other lines don't. Want lobster, even if you have the "free" dining plans on NCL there's an upcharge for that.

 

The Specialty Dining Package entitles you to an entree selection at the specialty restaurants, and there's no upcharge for the split lobster or the surf and turf.

[Doughboy139]

I've sailed on the Dawn about 7 times and I love the ship.....yes it is an older ship but it really doesn't show its age. It is going into dry dock soon and some of the changes will be moving Modernos up to where the Star Bar is......What is now known as Blue Lagoon and Modernos on deck 8 will now be O'Sheehans and this will be open 24/7 and will serve Breakfast Lunch and Dinner....As for Lobster charges, When I'm on the dinner plan, I will order a filet mignon in Cargneys and will ask for a lobster tail which I get for no charge.....

 

Everybody has their pluses/minuses when it comes to ships, what I would say is book it and enjoy yourself, go with an open mind....Also New Orleans is a fantastic city to visit, great food

 

I am sailing on the Dawn out of Boston to New Orleans on Oct. 28th this year and I can't wait.

[Sauer-kraut]

I'm not looking to pick a fight but when I hear this type of response it get mine up too.

 

What you fail to mention is NCL charges for things other lines don't. Take for example RCCL. Just about every ship has a solarium reserved for adults. You want something like that on NCL pay extra for the haven or spa. Want lobster, even if you have the "free" dining plans on NCL there's an upcharge for that.

 

There just seems to be more charges for things on NCL for things that are not on other lines. So yes they all charge for drinks and photos and shore excursions but all trips are not created equal.

 

My only point is give the OP a complete picture. If they don't care about lobster or the spa or anything NCL charges for then you are right the experience will be the same

 

EPIC has Spice H2o which is adults only until 7 pm. NO CHARGE

Getaway has Spice H2o which is adults only NO CHARGE

Breakaway has Spice H2o " " " NO CHARGE

[VideoTech]

I am considering booking a cruise on NCL Dawn out of New Orleans in November. I have yet to cruise NCL and don't know a lot about that line or the ship Dawn. In the past I've cruised RCCL and Carnival. I tend to like the medium sized ships like Carnival Triumph or Conquest. What I'd like to know is what I can expect to be different on a Norwegian cruise as compared to Carnival and RCCL. I would be especially appreciative of any comments from fellow cruisers who've cruised all 3 lines in the past...thanks for any feedback y'all can give!

 

We have sailed on all three lines, and like you we prefer medium sized ships.

 

When you get down to basics, IMO there isn't a huge difference between the three lines. All the lines now have specialty restaurants, all the lines are now looking to squeeze out more revenue from add-ons and extras.

 

Food is very subjective, of course, but again I feel there isn't a huge difference between the three lines. Basic cabins are much the same, and all three lines have a fleet that includes older and newer ships. Entertainment is much the same, with some ships in each fleet having special headliner shows (like Blue Man Group on the Epic). On board activities and excursions are..face it..all the same.

 

Where NCL shines is with their suite experience. We've tried suites on all three lines and on Celebrity, and NCL continues to outdo the others in this area.

 

Let's face it: a cruise is what you choose to make of it. You can have a great cruise on any of the major lines. I just don't think you'll find that many differences between the basic offering on any of these lines.

Edited February 26, 2016 by VideoTech

[endymion6942]

I am considering booking a cruise on NCL Dawn out of New Orleans in November. I have yet to cruise NCL and don't know a lot about that line or the ship Dawn. In the past I've cruised RCCL and Carnival. I tend to like the medium sized ships like Carnival Triumph or Conquest. What I'd like to know is what I can expect to be different on a Norwegian cruise as compared to Carnival and RCCL. I would be especially appreciative of any comments from fellow cruisers who've cruised all 3 lines in the past...thanks for any feedback y'all can give!

 

Where Y'at Tiger Belle

First thing to remember is that RCCL has pulled out of New Orleans.

So that leaves Carnival and NCL.

I personally like the "Freestyle" sailing model that NCL offers. RCCL is much more traditional. Carnival, I have sailed twice comped for work reasons, and was treated like dirt.

I PERSONALLY have always found the staff to be much more friendly than on NCL ships than other lines.

I am not a good one for buffet or MDR opinions because we usually eat in one of the specialty restaurants.

I assume your looking at the Western Caribbean route. NCL just opened their new private resort near Belize. I am told it is very nice and can't wait to go there next year.

Money is money. It has been my experience that I get more bang for the buck over lines. Again, This is my opinion.

Being a foodie living in Metairie, I love the french restaurant LeBistro on NCL. They use Crystal instead of Tabasco in the kitchen.

 

Everyone will have their own opinion. My opinion is go on the Dawn.

 

Geaux Tigers

Edited February 26, 2016 by endymion6942

[kathybelcher2433]

Just off the NCL Epic for a Western Europe cruise. Loved it and we are discerning travelers. We had taken a 15 year break from cruising for a number of reasons. So happy to be back! As far as business model NCL starts low and you work back up if you like. It's up to you. But I venture to say all the lines end up about in the same place. We tried every specialty restaurant, even inclusive restaurant, every bar and every entertainment option offered in 11 days. (Zero NCL shore excursions as we had that covered on our own) On balance we were really pleased with the experience.

[arestep]

I have sailed on the Dawn out of New Orleans and had great experiences. I tend to like the smaller ships over the big ones. I also like Freestyle dining over a set eating schedule. As t for the nickel and diming, that happens on all of these ships. Their business is to upsell so just be smart about things. I don't eat in the specialty resturants as a rule, but then I am not a foodie that has to have lobster, etc every meal. The standard fare is more than enough and very good for me. But you can get it if that is important.

[luddite]

Go on the Dawn.

Endymion is spot on with his notes. And he's also a nice guy.....

 

NCL isn't a step down from the Carnival experience.

[TheDougOut]

I assume your looking at the Western Caribbean route. NCL just opened their new private resort near Belize. I am told it is very nice and can't wait to go there next year.

 

Hey! You just helped me make the connection between the new Harvest Caye in Belize and our November Dawn trip. According to the article below, the opening is delayed until mid November. I just checked our itinerary for Nov 27, and it lists Harvest Caye as the Belize stop!

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6743

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited February 26, 2016 by TheDougOut

[luddite]

Yah. Belize was still Coxen Hole a week ago.

[endymion6942]

Yah. Belize was still Coxen Hole a week ago.

 

Coxen Hole is a waste unless your looking for LEGAL pharmaceuticals at dirt cheap prices.

Scott

[luddite]

Coxen Hole is a waste unless your looking for LEGAL pharmaceuticals at dirt cheap prices.

Scott

 

Well.....sweet loud shirts and Belikin beer.......

oh wait!

shewt, I meant Belize City. Coxen Hole is Roatan.

I guess I had too many Belikins........

Edited February 27, 2016 by luddite

[tiger belle]

thanks, everyone...the feedback has been very helpful..I am now leaning towards booking a cruise on the Dawn...it sounds like something I would like to try out...like others have said, a cruise is what you make it, and I've never had a "bad" cruise (knock on wood ha ha)

 

the benefit of sailing out of NOLA is that I am in Baton Rouge...short trip by car...N'awlins is a great place to visit, and the food is terrific, so I would also encourage anyone sailing out of NOLA to plan a couple of extra days in the city

 

and...Geaux Tigers indeed! it's baseball season now, and I think there is a game in Alex Box today : )

[Starflyr3]

I'm not looking to pick a fight but when I hear this type of response it get mine up too.

 

What you fail to mention is NCL charges for things other lines don't. Take for example RCCL. Just about every ship has a solarium reserved for adults. You want something like that on NCL pay extra for the haven or spa. Want lobster, even if you have the "free" dining plans on NCL there's an upcharge for that.

 

I just wanted to 1) repeat what another poster said, that on the bigger ships, there *is* adult-only free space (Spice H20).

 

And

 

2) the Haven is NOT adults only. If people book in the Haven with that expectation, they will most likely be sorely disappointed, especially if sailing during school vacations (summer, spring break, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Years). Many of the suites (even on Jewel Class ships, where "Haven" and "Suite" are not necessarily the same thing - though on the big ships ALL suites are Haven suites) are 2 bedroom FAMILY suites that have a "kids" bedroom.

 

The Spa is amazing and fairly easy to get a pass to if you book online before you leave. To me, it's worth every penny.

 

To the OP: The Dawn looks like fun. We'll be on it next Spring Break (since NCL is leaving Bayport, NOLA is the next closest). And hopefully Harvest Caye will be open then, too!

Edited February 27, 2016 by Starflyr3

[S.S.Oceanlover]

EPIC has Spice H2o which is adults only until 7 pm. NO CHARGE

Getaway has Spice H2o which is adults only NO CHARGE

Breakaway has Spice H2o " " " NO CHARGE

 

Adults only area on NCL Breakaway

 

 

Adults only area on Navigator of the Seas

 

 

Bill