NCL versus RCI?????

[Bobgaffney]

OK lets hear it. Norwegian Cruise Lines VS Royal Caribbean. My wife and I, 2 kids both 8 for a cruise in March 2006. Which is better and why? Keep it fair, no cheap shots. I have found these boards to be an invaluable source of information!:)

[Don Haynes]

They are both good cruise lines. Royal Caribbean has larger ships with more activities onboard, but I prefer Norwegian because I love freestyle dining, choosing when and with whom I wish to dine. Royal Caribbean still has traditional dining, and the formal nights, whereas Norwegian has optional formal nights.

 

Frankly, a cruise with any ship is a blessing.

[electricron]

To make a honest comparison, we need to know where to and from where.

Both RCI and NCL have modern and smaller ships, older and newer ships.

 

From your port of departure, either cruise line might have a better itinerary or better ship.

 

As for the cruise lines are concerned, RCI usually has very large ships vs NCL's panamax and smaller sized ships. The NCL shps usually have more restaurants while RCI ships have more bars/lounges.

 

Cabin sizes on both lines are about the same with the same age of ship. Newer ships usually have larger rooms and more of everything. Some will say older ships have more charm.

 

The biggest difference between the two cruise lines is dining options. RCI still uses the Traditional Dining, where they set dining sitting times, including which seat and table you are sitting at. NCL uses Freestyle Dining, where you choose where, when and with whom you are dining.

 

I know that's a very basic answer. If you want more, ask more specific.

[Bobgaffney]

Looking to go to the Caribbean from the East Coast. Would prefer to go from NYC, but if RCI is considerably better than NCL then I would pay to fly from Florida. Trying to make an informed decision. I am looking at overall crusing experience. Considering Voyager class VS NCL Dawn from NYC.

[mike442]

the new freedom of the seas {rccl} looks great for the kids, it has an interactive waterpark,at the rear of the ship you can actually water surf, it has ice skating, a huge video game room, rock climbing wall. its really a beautiful ship. i, myself actually like freestyle dining but, i will definetly give that ship a whirl.

[ACruisingWeWillgo]

My family and I have been on 12 cruises with RCL and 2 with NCL. Have enjoyed both lines, Positives and negatives for both. My kids love the voyager class ship it has so much for them to do and they like ther kids program better, 16 and 12 years old. They are allowed to check themselves in and out, and we set times to meet them. NCL has a good program but its only for certain hours and you must check them in and out, if your kids are real young both lines kids programs are great. I love the freestyle dinning you eat when the family wants to.

We went on the Dawn summer of 2004 and had a great time for the price. We are going back in March for a 10 day cruise. we live in Ohio, easy to drive to N.Y. we end up spending the same amount of vacation time but more days on the ship. sorry so long of comment.

[MeBSu]

We have cruised with several lines including RCCL, which we have loved. This time we are trying NCL- the Dawn in Feb. The decision was made by weighing the cost of flying to Fl from NY, (never mind the hassle of the airports) the cost of four airline tickets, transportation to and from the airport, to and from the port and the overnight accomodations in Fl (always fly down the day before, especially in the unpredictable winter months) and meals for the extra day in Fl...the cruise on the Dawn was cheaper when all things were factored in. We have read good reviews about the Dawn and are open to trying the "freestyle" dining. I hope this helps with your decision making. Either way it will be great, after all , its a cruise!!!

[Don Haynes]

For their size, both Norwegian ships, the Dawn and the Spirit out of New York City are wonderful beautiful ships that in my opinion are as good as any... And Norwegian is as good as any other cruise line...

 

I love to cruise, I dread flying.....

[calmac]

The decider for us on which cuise line to sail with on our first cruise was the dining. In the past we had dismissed cruising as a potential vacation due to the set meal times - not what we want while on vacation. Freestyle allows you to eat when you want, in the dining room of your choice and to choose who you eat with (no "enforced" tablemates).

 

Having decided on a Baltics cruise for summer 2006 we looked into all available cruises and came to the conclusion that we only wanted to sail with NCL (again) as we still don't want set dining times.

[logcabin]

We have sailed both RCCL and NCL. Enjoyed both very much. However, we lean towards NCL. Sailed with them twice now and booked for our third. We just love all the ating choices and freestyle. Plus, far more perks with their suites.

[chrisncraz]

I have sailed both NCL and RCCL. More recently I have been sailing RCCL because I have needed to take shorter cruises out of FLL. There are both pros and cons of each. I think both lines will give you a wonderful time. I have enjoyed each immensely.

 

One thing I'd like to make a point on is the difference in activites. I find NCL is much better in activites and even production shows for that matter. NCL has so many fun things to do during the day. You can do everything from arts and crafts to interesting lectures to Win, Lose, or Draw. In doing this you really get to know the cruise staff well. RCCL doesn't have many great activites during the day. I think RCCL's stance is that they give you a big ship with a rock climbing wall and pool tables, etc. It seems like "here's the ship, enjoy on your own".

 

Also, I think the food is better on NCL. RCL's food is good but just not fancy and not as flavorful. But still both lines' food are excellent.

 

Just something I noticed! Either way, you'll have a great time! Enjoy!

[newmexicoNita]

As was said, it depends on which ship you are talking about on RCI. Cabin wise they will most likely be very similar in size; foodwise: we lean toward NCL for both quality and variety, not to mention freestyle dining. The kids, I am sure will love Blue Lagoon. RCI has the rock climbing and those types of busy activities for children, but both have great kids kamp programs.

 

I don't think you will be disappointed whichever you choose but you are on the NCL board, of course most of us lean toward NCL> When it comes to entertainment 75% of the passengers will give the edge to NCL.

 

Service wise, we have had better experiences on NCL but my daughter did RCI transatlantic last spring and said the service in the dining room was the best she had very experienced. This, of course, was a 2 week cruise which is different from a 7 day cruise during spring break.

 

NMNita

[cynbar]

I think that the Freestyle Dining on NCL is a big plus for families traveling with children. You can adjust your dining times based on how busy you have been during the day and what shows/activities you all want to enjoy in the evening. You can also, on any nights you choose, feed the children in the buffet then send them to the evening children's program while enjoying dinner for two, or with new friends you have made, in an assortment of restaurants. Of course, you can feed them separately on RCCL also, but it always seems more awkward to me to have the empty spaces at the table -- and the waiter expects to be tipped whether all of you are there or not. I also like the bigger variety of restaurants on NCL, with a choice of several vs. the cavernous, multi-level main DR on RCCL.

[shoreguy]

I think that the Freestyle Dining on NCL is a big plus for families traveling with children. You can adjust your dining times based on how busy you have been during the day and what shows/activities you all want to enjoy in the evening. You can also, on any nights you choose, feed the children in the buffet then send them to the evening children's program while enjoying dinner for two, or with new friends you have made, in an assortment of restaurants. Of course, you can feed them separately on RCCL also, but it always seems more awkward to me to have the empty spaces at the table -- and the waiter expects to be tipped whether all of you are there or not. I also like the bigger variety of restaurants on NCL, with a choice of several vs. the cavernous, multi-level main DR on RCCL.

 

 

You also take the kids to the main dining room early as well. Perhaps enjoy a appetizer with them. Drop them at the kids club and return to any restaurant for your full dinner alone or with new friends

[canadiansnowbird]

Hi:

By the sounds of this thread there seems to be more families and children on NCL.

Those that have been on both; Is this the case?

I would like to give NCL a try mainly becasue of the freestyle dining.

I had a bad experience on HAL Zuiderdam Oct/04; we had a balcony room and thought we could have some quiet moments outside, enjoying the ocean and a drink. We had two rooms on one side with the parents beside us and their children on the other side, two rooms on the other side with the same. All we heard while outside was slam bang of doors from one room to the other, and running back and forth. After two or three days, we spoke to the room steward. It improved slightly. I asked our TA if she could find out in the future if families are occupying ajoining rooms. She said "no" the cruise lines will not tell you at all.

We love to see children enjoy themselves and truthfully until that cruise we never had a problem, especially in the diningroom as we have late seating.

 

Snowbird

[shoreguy]

canadiansnowbird

 

Here is a tip - take longer cruises when kids are in school. If you cruise during school holidays you run the chance on any ship of being surrounded by families - the only time they can cruise.:)

[canadiansnowbird]

Yes, That's what we thought when we booked October! 10/16 - 10/23

 

Snowbird

[Lady & Sir]

I have been on both, but was on NCL back in 1986. Had a great time when I was. Not as many things to do on the ship, but back then the cruise ships didn't have all the bells an whistles they do now anyway. They had dining rooms, they had theaters, and pools, and a casino. Those I remember.

NCL had a formal dining schedule then, was not freestyle like today.

 

I sailed with my family in January on RCI and will again next month on RCI. You get either the early or late seating, but you do not have to dine then unless you want the dining room experience. We were on Jewel of the seas. (will be again in Nov) They also have a buffet that is quite nice in the Windjammer Café, and you can eat what you like when you like. There are also other restaurants. You are in no way tied to the dining room. Personally, we like the dining room for dinner, and we tended to use the Windjammer for breakfast and lunch during days at sea. On our last day we ate breakfast in the formal dining room, which was a nice treat as well.

 

Beth

[newmexicoNita]

Hi:

By the sounds of this thread there seems to be more families and children on NCL.

Those that have been on both; Is this the case?

I would like to give NCL a try mainly becasue of the freestyle dining.

I had a bad experience on HAL Zuiderdam Oct/04; we had a balcony room and thought we could have some quiet moments outside, enjoying the ocean and a drink. We had two rooms on one side with the parents beside us and their children on the other side, two rooms on the other side with the same. All we heard while outside was slam bang of doors from one room to the other, and running back and forth. After two or three days, we spoke to the room steward. It improved slightly. I asked our TA if she could find out in the future if families are occupying ajoining rooms. She said "no" the cruise lines will not tell you at all.

We love to see children enjoy themselves and truthfully until that cruise we never had a problem, especially in the diningroom as we have late seating.

 

Snowbird

Absolutely not the case. Thre 2 lines are so similar in many ways, number 1 way, they attract a variety of cruisers and do not fit into any mold. To avoid the kid busy ships it is best to cruise during fall, parts of winter and from Easter to late May plus as Shoreguy said, take the longer cruisers. They attract a different cliantell. Cruising has become a family activity, different from 20 or 30 years ago, thus you will get kids on all lines and all times of the year; remember many young people are home schooled or go to year round school so certainly they may pop up anywhere. Most are well behaved, some are a pain to all of us. It's just a chance you take. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

Hi:

By the sounds of this thread there seems to be more families and children on NCL.

Those that have been on both; Is this the case?

I would like to give NCL a try mainly becasue of the freestyle dining.

I had a bad experience on HAL Zuiderdam Oct/04; we had a balcony room and thought we could have some quiet moments outside, enjoying the ocean and a drink. We had two rooms on one side with the parents beside us and their children on the other side, two rooms on the other side with the same. All we heard while outside was slam bang of doors from one room to the other, and running back and forth. After two or three days, we spoke to the room steward. It improved slightly. I asked our TA if she could find out in the future if families are occupying ajoining rooms. She said "no" the cruise lines will not tell you at all.

We love to see children enjoy themselves and truthfully until that cruise we never had a problem, especially in the diningroom as we have late seating.

 

Snowbird

Absolutely not the case. The 2 lines are so similar in many ways, number 1 way, they attract a variety of cruisers and do not fit into any mold. To avoid the kid busy ships it is best to cruise during fall, parts of winter and from Easter to late May plus as Shoreguy said, take the longer cruisers. They attract a different cliantell. Cruising has become a family activity, different from 20 or 30 years ago, thus you will get kids on all lines and all times of the year; remember many young people are home schooled or go to year round school so certainly they may pop up anywhere. Most are well behaved, some are a pain to all of us. It's just a chance you take. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

Hi:

By the sounds of this thread there seems to be more families and children on NCL.

Those that have been on both; Is this the case?

I would like to give NCL a try mainly becasue of the freestyle dining.

I had a bad experience on HAL Zuiderdam Oct/04; we had a balcony room and thought we could have some quiet moments outside, enjoying the ocean and a drink. We had two rooms on one side with the parents beside us and their children on the other side, two rooms on the other side with the same. All we heard while outside was slam bang of doors from one room to the other, and running back and forth. After two or three days, we spoke to the room steward. It improved slightly. I asked our TA if she could find out in the future if families are occupying ajoining rooms. She said "no" the cruise lines will not tell you at all.

We love to see children enjoy themselves and truthfully until that cruise we never had a problem, especially in the diningroom as we have late seating.

 

Snowbird

Absolutely not the case. The 2 lines are so similar in many ways, number 1 way, they attract a variety of cruisers and do not fit into any mold. To avoid the kid busy ships it is best to cruise during fall, parts of winter and from Easter to late May plus as Shoreguy said, take the longer cruisers. They attract a different cliantell. Cruising has become a family activity, different from 20 or 30 years ago, thus you will get kids on all lines and all times of the year; remember many young people are home schooled or go to year round school so certainly they may pop up anywhere. Most are well behaved, some are a pain to all of us. It's just a chance you take. NMNita

[Bobgaffney]

OK, after going back and forth in my mind I am pretty close to booking the Dawn, mostly based on the fact that it leaves from NYC and there does not seem to be that big a difference between the 2 lines.

 

Thanks for all your feedback. Makes a difficult decision much easier.

[awatt]

Enjoy your cruise! The Dawn is a wonderful ship! In fact it's our favorite, with Radiance a close second.