What Is Good About NCL?

[The Merrill]

With all of the recent NCL bashing mainly about a policy change I refuse to mention I thought I would ask what is good about NCL? There must have been great attributes that attracted you to this particular cruise line to being with. For us it was the laid back freestyle type cruising to name one thing.

[NLH Arizona]

1. Price - thanks CAS
   
2. Great crew
   
3. Freestyle; I can eat where I want, when I want and with whom I like
   
4. I can reserve my dining times ahead of time
   
5. Suite perks
   
6. SDP - love the specialty restaurants
   
7. If I don't have a SDP, the a la carte pricing at specialty restaurants - less than the fixed cost at some for what I order
   
8. Not having to lug formal wear
   
9. Most of all, that I have a choice as to where I spend my money
   

[Two Wheels Only]

The options....

 

The Haven is there if someone wants to enjoy the positives of a mega ship without the negatives of overcrowding.

 

Adult only section for all adults as well as a limited adult only section (Spice H2O and Vibe....H2O is free on NCL, no need to bring a case :p).

 

Specialty restaurants in addition to fine complimentary restaurants.

 

Fun for all age groups.

 

All cruise lines are different (a good thing) but no cruise line is perfect for everyone. I'm not loyal to any of them and I will continue to try new lines/ships. I just had my best cruise ever on Escape (booked again) but I will also sail MSC for the first time next year on Seaside. I also want to sail Harmony OTS...not because NCL is "bad" but because I can enjoy any and all cruises.

 

It's fun to nitpick when NCL makes a change that we disagree with but TBH, NCL hasn't made a change that would stop me from sailing them again.

[www3traveler]

I can tell you this much, I am about to head out on my 30th Norwegian cruise. I have 3 more back2back2back for 2016 and 3 in 2017 already booked.

 

I do not book Haven or Suites- I do book Studios when available and Insides when not.

 

For me the biggest draw is the staff. I have become friends with a number of them and we all love to sail together. Yes we have become "family".

 

As a solo widow passenger, I never have to worry about my safety on or off ship. If it is not safe to go ashore alone, a staff will say, "Hey Mom, you might not want to go ashore today". I only book Shore Excursions from Norwegian and on board ship- if I miss out, I miss out. But I have learned to ask which excursions are good for a "Senior Aged Lady" and which are not. Only once was I uncomfortable about a particular excursion while on it.

 

I love Norwegian and her staff. I do not know how they can leave their families for long periods of time for their jobs.

[jaja]

We love the crew on NCL....:D And the idea of "freestyle cruising"..

[ECCruise]

All valid responses.

 

It is important to note, though, that there are very few of these advantages that are not available on other cruise lines, like a great crew, flexible dining, specialty restaurants, no formal nights and dining reserved in advance to name just some.

 

That is why it is extremely important for us to be flexible. Never would be wedded to a single cruise line (which carries the added advantage of being top tier level in many loyalty programs).

[Two Wheels Only]

That is why it is extremely important for us to be flexible. Never would be wedded to a single cruise line (which carries the added advantage of being top tier level in many loyalty programs).

 

Even the loyalty programs shouldn't keep someone stuck with a single line. MSC matches status so even a first time passenger with MSC can have "black" Voyager status.

 

EDIT: I'll be on Seaside in 2018, not next year. I'm looking so far ahead that I forget it's still 2016.

Edited July 9, 2016 by Two Wheels Only

[NMLady]

All valid responses.

 

It is important to note, though, that there are very few of these advantages that are not available on other cruise lines, like a great crew, flexible dining, ...).

 

Even though other cruise lines do offer flexible dining they reserve one restaurant or one floor of the dining room for fixed dining. That cuts down on the space available for anytime dining. On NCL all of the MDR is available for anytime dining, therefore cutting down on waiting time.

[mikefly562]

The crew on all the NCL cruises that I have been on are so friendly and happy, and I've been on many cruise lines, and I feel that NCL has by far the most friendly and accommodating crew members. Everyone that I run into always seems happy and loves their job. As for the food, I think it's excellent, even in the complimentary dining rooms, the food is still excellent. It's also nice not having to dress up in a suit to eat dinner...heck I don't even need to wear a suit at work, so it's nice that I don't need to wear a suit on vacation.

[fshagan]

We were very happy NCL customers, and for us the benefits included Freestyle with no dress codes arbitrarily set for a specific night, live music venues, better entertainment than experienced on prior lines (Disney and Princess), and overall cost.

 

We have decided that NCL is not reliable, as the flurry of changes with new management is not yet over. Will it ever be?

 

Here is my experience on the three lines we have sailed, with the line "winning" listed first:

 

Cost:

NCL

Princess

Disney

 

Dining:

NCL

Disney

Princess

 

Service:

NCL

Disney

Princess

 

"Hassle" Factor:

NCL

Disney

Princess

This category includes things like set dining times, packing extra clothes, and other things I find to be a hassle on vacation. Entirely personal, of course.

 

Quality / Friendliness of Crew:

Tie between all three lines

 

Entertainment:

NCL

Disney

Princess

 

NCL has slipped in the cost category, but is still cheaper than the other two lines I mention. But I'm finding fares lower than NCL on Celebrity, HAL, RCI and Princess to Alaska this season.

 

I want to try Celebrity next, as they have removed formal nights and have what amounts to "dress up or not" nights they call "evening chic". If I didn't find NCL unreliable I would just book on them again for our next cruise.

 

Their new corporate culture is why we used up our future cruise credits and have not bought them again ... and we always used to. I thought perhaps the changes would abate once the new management was settled in, but it is not going to happen. They appear almost schizophrenic to me.

 

I'm sure we will sail NCL again, if the value proposition wins. But we are looking around and for a company that had a loyal fan base, that is a troubling event. NCL will have to win us on price ... all costs included including an extra $150 or so for items we want that have been taken away.

[bonvoyagie]

We started with NCL in 2002 and have stuck with them.

Like the freestyle concept - that was the #1 attraction - we are not fancy people nor do we pretend to be - the idea of not having to dress up appealed to us.

 

Imitation is a form of flattery so other lines copying NCL shows they were on the right track. I believe that Princess was one of the first to offer open dining in one of their MDRs. Other lines also adopted the DSC concept for tipping the staff.

 

As for the family concept - we have had excellent service on our NCL cruises our room stewards have always aimed to please, greet us in the hall, even go so far as to tell us which direction our kids went. We have also enjoyed the Suite life on NCL on our first cruise (TA upgrade) and on our last and next cruises.

 

Our TA also felt that NCL was a good fit for us - and he sails mainly on another line.

[ECCruise]

Even though other cruise lines do offer flexible dining they reserve one restaurant or one floor of the dining room for fixed dining. That cuts down on the space available for anytime dining. On NCL all of the MDR is available for anytime dining, therefore cutting down on waiting time.

 

The concept is correct, however in over 20 cruises on Celebrity and a dozen on RCCL with open dining, have never waited any longer on either of those lines than with NCL, which is virtually nil.

[xcell]

Where's RCCL on that list?

 

I'm just happy to take a vacation. If price is right... keep expectations reasonable. .. you will have fun...

[SMSACE6]

I can tell you this much, I am about to head out on my 30th Norwegian cruise. I have 3 more back2back2back for 2016 and 3 in 2017 already booked.

 

I do not book Haven or Suites- I do book Studios when available and Insides when not.

 

For me the biggest draw is the staff. I have become friends with a number of them and we all love to sail together. Yes we have become "family".

 

As a solo widow passenger, I never have to worry about my safety on or off ship. If it is not safe to go ashore alone, a staff will say, "Hey Mom, you might not want to go ashore today". I only book Shore Excursions from Norwegian and on board ship- if I miss out, I miss out. But I have learned to ask which excursions are good for a "Senior Aged Lady" and which are not. Only once was I uncomfortable about a particular excursion while on it.

 

I love Norwegian and her staff. I do not know how they can leave their families for long periods of time for their jobs.

 

Thanks for this information. I am also a solo, senior lady cruiser, and have been sailing Carnival for years. I have enjoyed them all, but for next year I am going on the Escape. I have also booked one of those studio cabins. It is nice to hear that the crew on Norwegian is also caring and kind. I am looking forward to a new cruise experience next year, and your words are reassuring:)

[Debde]

Where's RCCL on that list?

 

I'm just happy to take a vacation. If price is right... keep expectations reasonable. .. you will have fun...

 

I've moved from Royal to NCL. There are still plenty of things great with this line. Yes-I admit, the Haven got me but also, the way they have this freestyle mastered and that I don't have to pack dress clothes has me sold!! :D

[cmdchiefthom]

I really hate the management style at Corporate, seems like all they want to do is make changes to a great product. However, once I board the ship, all that goes away with the first smile of a crew member, entering my stateroom, shedding my travel clothing, and taking the first look on my balcony at the chaos I'm leaving behind. Next stop, 14 days aboard the Gem.:)

[buchman67]

I guess I don't get the "hate" over corporate. That is likely because I am new to NCL.

 

Several years ago I loved RCCL. Probably still would, however, when I came back to cruising as a vacation, I was going to travel as a solo. I spent a lot of time researching and I have to say for me NCL was the best option. The studios are excellent, the studio hosts I have met have all been amazing. The cost, the freestyle dining, the crew, the overall experience has been amazing.

 

I have priced other lines and I haven't been able to find anything better.

 

I have been on 2 cruises in the last 10 months and have two booked for 2017, including a TA as a solo.

 

I have met many people that I remain in touch with and look forward to meeting many more.

 

I understand things may have changed, but that's the way it goes. I will continue to sail with NCL, due again to the solo options and the thought they have put into the program for us.

 

Happy sailing!

 

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[erocrobro]

We have cruised Disney, Carnival, and Norwegian. We have never had a bad cruise, but all lines have things we love and things we would like to change. For us, for now, we have decided NCL is our best fit.

 

DCL was our favorite, but they have priced us out and I think my kids are at an age where they wouldn't have as much fun on their ships anymore. We enjoyed our cruise on CCL and I would love to try the Vista, but will wait until her prices come down a bit. RCCL always comes in as too high for us when I check prices because we are relegated to summer travel.

 

We loved our time on the Getaway. I chose this cruise because of the perks that were offered: UBP and KSF. This cruise cost less than even our cruise on CCL. My kids were never bored on the ship, there was so much to do. The staff was very friendly and helpful, really nearly equal to the service on DCL. What really made me love NCL was the freestyle aspect. Yes, I made reservations for some things, but I loved being able to go to dinner when we wanted, where we wanted, and to be able to sit with just our family. It was such a relief to not have to pack dress clothes for dinner and to wrangle my kids into "fancy clothes" every night. We were relaxed, we were comfortable, and we never felt out of place.

 

This was our first NCL cruise, so we didn't notice the changes that everyone is bothered by. Maybe they would be problematic for us if we had anything to compare them to, but we don't. We will definitely be on NCL again.

[NLH Arizona]

This was our first NCL cruise, so we didn't notice the changes that everyone is bothered by. Maybe they would be problematic for us if we had anything to compare them to, but we don't. We will definitely be on NCL again.

I've been on NCL cruises before and after the changes and none of them had an adverse affect on my cruising experience.

[JAMESCC]

We are doing our first NCL cruise this fall, and one thing we are looking forward to is the freestyle dining. I HATE getting dressed up, I despise it actually. I don't mind putting on nice khakis and a shirt but when you get looks because you are dressed that way on precious formal night I get annoyed. I am looking forward to not giving a... nice way to say it, a hoot.

[Oppalopa]

With all of the recent NCL bashing mainly about a policy change I refuse to mention I thought I would ask what is good about NCL? There must have been great attributes that attracted you to this particular cruise line to being with. For us it was the laid back freestyle type cruising to name one thing.

Lots more to do than on Royal less snobby people. Great food and entertainment. Way less cost.:)

[riddle]

I often sail solo in an inside or oceanview comped by CAS. Although I pay taxes and port fees of about $300 per cruise, does any other line offer:

 

Comped cruises to a solo person and only have to pay fees for one person even though in a comped cabin?

Studios?

 

These are a couple of the things that keep me coming back.

 

It is said here that MSC offers same status from another line. So with 25+ cruises, I would come to them at the top status? Is that correct? Do they offer good casino perks such as free staterooms? Do they have "anytime" type dining?

 

I'm not opposed to change but am wary of not having what I have now. Much of the stuff that is gone does not bother me, however, some of it does.

 

For example, on a recent cruise my friend got a terrible migraine. It was evening and she wanted some tea and toast as she had not eaten all day. I went up to the buffet and asked if I could get some toast and for some reason they could not but the staff offered to "grill" some bread for her. I essentially had a plate of "toast" and got her tea and she proceeded to improve. It saved her the cost of room service but before the room service charges she could have just ordered tea and toast.

[Langham1865]

Many cruise line can do many of the things that NCL does that I like. However I get them all at NCL...Great crew, specialty dining, freestyle dining (I've rarely had difficulty getting in at restaurants eve last minute). I love the entertainment that NCL has, which is a cut above most other lines. The other thing that NCL does that is way above other lines, is solo cruising. The amount of solo cabins on the mega ships and solo lounge are things you can't get anywhere else. Also Solos are made to feel welcome all around the ship, which makes the experience something you can't get anywhere else.

[dreamr]

Many cruise line can do many of the things that NCL does that I like. However I get them all at NCL...Great crew, specialty dining, freestyle dining (I've rarely had difficulty getting in at restaurants eve last minute). I love the entertainment that NCL has, which is a cut above most other lines. The other thing that NCL does that is way above other lines, is solo cruising. The amount of solo cabins on the mega ships and solo lounge are things you can't get anywhere else. Also Solos are made to feel welcome all around the ship, which makes the experience something you can't get anywhere else.

 

I completely agree. That was the thing that initially brought me to NCL...as well as the thing that keeps me with NCL.

 

I've heard that other lines have started adding a few solo cabins on their ships, but from what I've read, the emphasis is on the word few. I haven't been able to find one of those rooms available for booking because they're usually already snapped up long before I even decide to look for them (and let's not even mention the difference in cost...).

 

Even if I did happen to find one available, to my knowledge, the other lines don't have the amazing solo community that NCL does. I have met some great friends on my past solo cruises, both fellow cruises and the solo coordinators!

 

I absolutely love having the solo coordinator there to help with anything we might need, not to mention scheduling events and dinners for the solos. On my Escape cruise in November, we were even given the opportunity to go into the theatre early and sit in the reserved "Haven" section during the shows (we always turned it down and went closer to the stage instead lol). We were also given free wine during dinners, and on one of my Epic cruises, the magician came to the studio lounge and gave us a special show one night.

 

Those are things that, as far as I'm aware, you can't get on other lines. To me, a solo traveling youngish female, those little perks are priceless. So until the other lines put forth that same effort to make me feel like they want me, I'm happy with NCL. :)

Edited July 11, 2016 by dreamr