Anything positive to say about NCL?

[billfish]

My DW are embarking on our first NCL cruise at the end of September and are very much looking forward to it.

 

I have to say though that there are so many negative comments on CC about the cruise line and it is starting to do my head in.

 

The negativity will have no bearing on our excitement and we intend to enjoy ourselves irrespective of drinks packages, Pepsi only, water price etc etc etc.

 

What I want to know is do people have anything good to say about NCL? It would make a refreshing change to see some positivity here for a change. Perhaps you can tell me your top things about NCL; I am sure it can't be that difficult.

 

All you cruisers with the weight of the world on your shoulders are not allowed to play 😁

We were on the NCL Escape on May 18th with our 21 year old Grandson to celebrate his return from his deployment. I cannot say enough about the the friendly staff and the level of enjoyment we had on this cruise. The food in the MDR and specialty restaurants were simply outstanding. I read all the negative reviews and was questioning my decision to book NCL instead of Carnival or RCL. No looking back it was the right choice

[Crusin6]

I LOVE his idea of building physical partitions in the casino to prevent smoke from invading the atrium and other non-smoking parts of the casino/ship. What is taking so long, I have no idea. If the walls came with a $5 service fee to all guests, they would've been constructed within a week of being announced :p .

 

 

Actually this is one of the things I was thinking of as well

 

I mentioned this suggestion to the officer in the area and of course I got no opinion either way

 

 

Unfortunately this is just a fix to correct a design flaw

 

 

It should have been that way from the beginning

 

 

I'm not sure what they were thinking when they decided on an open air smoking casino in the first place and situating it near eating venues

 

 

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[Action Dave]

:):) Our first cruise was in 2001. We have sailed Norwegian last 3 yrs and love it. Would'nt sail with any other cruise line. Currently booked on Getaway sept. 18th Cant wait.

[Longstockingpippi1]

Maybe I shouldn't have just caught the cruising bug at the late age of 55, sounds like I missed the good old days! I didn't care for Carnival a few months ago and was hoping my Second (yes second) cruise was gonna be better. NCL Pearl in March to the Carribean....so here is my question....WHAT cruise line hasn't made any negative changes and has remained a "good" value? Cause that is the company I wanna hook up with!!!!

[Crusin6]

Maybe I shouldn't have just caught the cruising bug at the late age of 55, sounds like I missed the good old days! I didn't care for Carnival a few months ago and was hoping my Second (yes second) cruise was gonna be better. NCL Pearl in March to the Carribean....so here is my question....WHAT cruise line hasn't made any negative changes and has remained a "good" value? Cause that is the company I wanna hook up with!!!!

 

 

I like princess and carnival and am planning on trying celebrity in the future

 

 

As far as ncl is concerned....it's not a terrible experience....it's actually a nice enough experience....I don't call it spectacular though and honestly I look at cruising as a floating hotel as I like to see lots of places on each vacation

 

 

However my main issues with ncl is their sneaky/customer unfriendly/obvious money grabs that they have dumped on us without warning or consideration of us....the customer

 

Cancellation policy has become quite customer unfriendly

 

Dsc increases just months apart

 

18% on the free promos

 

Room service charges

 

Al a carte dining....I remember cagneys went to $30 but the great food didn't change....now the menu has changed and its al a carte

 

Also the up charge for the specialities.....included the tip!!!! Now we pay the up charge and an extra 18% in addition to the dsc

 

 

It's all just a squeeze more from the pax game....now I'm ok with prices going up....I'm just not ok with how ncl goes about the push it in your face nonsense

 

Raise overall cruise prices by 2 or 3 % a year....and offer additional stuff for a charge if need be....but to raise cruise prices and offer very little more is the issue...

 

Case in point...

 

Room service charge

 

Removal of the free uptown grill

 

Turning the free margaritville into a pay venue

 

Banning water being brought on and charging ridiculous prices to buy water

 

Giving free promos but charging 18%

 

 

Cutting back on wine per glass offerings

 

Etc etc

 

 

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[NLH Arizona]

 

Cancellation policy has become quite customer unfriendly - I don't cancel, so a non-issue.

 

Dsc increases just months apart - Celebrity has raised theirs as well.

 

18% on the free promos - I always tip on the free promos, so it saves me having to carry cash.

 

Room service charges - Have never ordered room service in over 40 cruises, plus it cuts down on the plates left in the hallways.

 

Al a carte dining....I remember cagneys went to $30 but the great food didn't change....now the menu has changed and its al a carte - I'm saving money with a la carte pricing; my Cagney's meal now costs me only $26, which includes the gratuity.

 

Also the up charge for the specialities.....included the tip!!!! Now we pay the up charge and an extra 18% in addition to the dsc - I've always tipped at the specialty restaurants whether it was free or not - so this helps me as I don't have to carry any cash.

 

Removal of the free uptown grill - I hate Cuban food, so not an issue.

Turning the free margaritville into a pay venue - Better than Cuban food in my book.

 

Banning water being brought on and charging ridiculous prices to buy water - I've never carried water or soda on a cruise, so don't care.

 

Cutting back on wine per glass offerings - I wouldn't drink the wine that they had before, so no big deal.

 

Just to show how one person's issues/negatives, isn't always an issue or negative to others. Edited August 6, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[Crusin6]

Just to show how one person's issues/negatives, isn't always an issue or negative to others.

 

 

Lol they aren't issues to me at all...my main complaint is the way ncl does this stuff....

 

I don't drink or do specialties or room service etc so none of it means anything to m

 

 

Just because I recognize the issues doesn't mean I agree or disagree with them or that that they pertain directly to me...

 

Quite frankly I just dont care for ncl policies and the way the treat their pax overall...it's like we are the enemy...not their bread and butter ...which of course we are

 

 

I'm waiting for osheehans to be up charge and a fee for the mdr

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited August 6, 2016 by Crusin6

[Warm Breezes]

No, KeithJenner was able to answer it to my satisfaction. You could to if you wanted to, especially since we tend to look at things the same way a lot of the time. Has the service since 2014 gotten better or stayed the same? Has the food gotten better or stayed the same? The entertainment? Yes, I understand, it's your definition of "better", but I can still use that as a guide, especially if the answers are coming from many people. I am also loyal to my wallet. You have sailed both CCL and NCL, in your view is the NCL of today $1600 better than CCL for a comparable sailing at the same time of year out of the same region in a comparable cabin (comparing Gem to Pride)?

 

If I were looking at the options you have presented for your cruise choices, then I would choose CCL. I have no problem choosing CCL when they are the best choice for that vacation. I am sailing on CCL this October and just sailed them this past May. But that doesn't mean CCL would be the best choice for my next vacation I plan, which would more than likely have different wants and budget that I am trying to meet. Except for the cruise we had to canceled and rebooked (CCL Glory) when my DGM past away the day before our sailing, I never booked the same cruise as close as you are looking at to do the type of comparison you are trying to do. Instead most of my comparisons are based on other ships that meet my wants and budget for the vacation we are planning.

 

I really can't answer your question if the food, service, or entertainment has gotten better since 2014 since I haven't sailed NCL since 10/2013. Our next cruise on NCL is on the Escape 9/2017. This cruise is the most we have paid for balcony for the 2 of us on a 7 day cruise by $200 over our NCL Jewel cruise in 2013 and $300 over our CCL Dream cruise 5/2016. I have booked an angled balcony for the price of a regular balcony. A big plus for me since the reviews I have read said a lounger can be placed out there. That means I can avoid the crowds on the Lido and other decks. In addition we also have the UBP and the SDP with 4 meals (gratuities are included in the increases noted previously) that we did not have on the other 2 cruises. The latest reviews from this ship have been great. I did not compare this cruise to ships from other cruise lines because the purpose was to use up our NCL FCC that we purchased on our NCL Jewel cruise. Out of all the NCL cruises this was the one that best fit our timing, itinerary wanted, and style of ship we wanted to try. Based on our situation, I don't think our NCL cruise is out of whack with what I had anticipated paying and it fit into our budget for this cruise. You situation is different which should lead you to a different answer as to what is best for you.

[mojomorris]

We are NCL Platinum (so what - nobody cares)

BUT we really ENJOY sea days, prefer a vegetarian eating regimen

and like to dine in the MDR when we want and not on a fixed schedule.

NCL offers us what we want in choice of itineraries at a price point we can

afford and service that often borders on exceptional.

What's not to like?

As far as the UDP or whatever it is called, we can always

count on the returning passengers' party AND the frequent cruisers'

party to satisfy our alcohol cravings. And if necessary, I'll spend a

few bucks and we'll have the "drink of the day" without breaking the bank.

PS On the last NCL cruise, we opted for the shore excursion and WI-FI

credit/packages rather than the UDP and dining packages.

Edited August 6, 2016 by mojomorris

[NLH Arizona]

Judging from all the positive comments on this post and on other recent posts, the on board service experience has improved. That might not seem as monumental as building a new restaurant, but in the long run its way more important and a lot more difficult to consistently achieve. And it's certainly not a money gouge. (Now I'll just hide and watch as you and others tell me this observation is invalid. Three...Two...One...Go!)

You were nice enough to respond to the post, but got no response. So, I thought I would just say thank you for your response.

[kathybelcher2433]

You were nice enough to respond to the post, but got no response. So, I thought I would just say thank you for your response.

 

 

Right back at ya!

[Tudorcruisers]

We usually cruise with RCCL or last 10 years with celebrity and last June went on Norwegian epic and we had a really great cruise. I guess it also depends on passengers but it was a great cruise and although it is advertised as freestyle and casual everyone really made an effort in the evenjngs to dress very smartly. Food was very good indeed, entertainment great and we enjoyed it so much we are booked again for this October. We were very impressed and hope oct will be just as good.

[Clancampbell]

My thread has prompted many more responses from you guys than I anticipated and the majority have answered the question I asked while others have used it as another opportunity to have yet another dig at ncl but I guess that is their perogative. It has been like a breath of fresh air reading so many good comments about ncl and it won't be long now until I get the chance to experience the ncl experience for myself and wouldn't it be ironic if I came on here after my trip and had nothing but bad things to say about it 😉.

While reading these posts and those on other threads, it is clear that there are many differing views amongst us all and things can get a bit heated at times - wouldn't it be fun if we were all in the same cruise and arranged a meet and greet with us all? Could be quite eventful ☺

[abe3]

My thread has prompted many more responses from you guys than I anticipated and the majority have answered the question I asked while others have used it as another opportunity to have yet another dig at ncl but I guess that is their perogative. It has been like a breath of fresh air reading so many good comments about ncl and it won't be long now until I get the chance to experience the ncl experience for myself and wouldn't it be ironic if I came on here after my trip and had nothing but bad things to say about it [emoji6].

While reading these posts and those on other threads, it is clear that there are many differing views amongst us all and things can get a bit heated at times - wouldn't it be fun if we were all in the same cruise and arranged a meet and greet with us all? Could be quite eventful ☺

 

 

Never had a bad cruise on NCL. service has been always great from the Haven to a regular balcony room on each and every cruise. If you let the little things bother that happens on every vacation then you will have a bad cruise.

 

Don't let the negative people try to persuade you in their negative light. Most of them just look for anything to complain about and jot enjoy the time on the boat.

Edited August 7, 2016 by abe3

[AdoraBelle]

Never had a bad cruise on NCL. service has been always great from the Haven to a regular balcony room on each and every cruise. If you let the little things bother that happens on every vacation then you will have a bad cruise.

 

Don't let the negative people try to persuade you in their negative light. Most of them just look for anything to complain about and jot enjoy the time on the boat.

 

 

... Or we're just observant consumers who are waiting to see what the next "clawback" is.

[abe3]

... Or we're just observant consumers who are waiting to see what the next "clawback" is.

 

 

Always will be changes, always will be price increases. Don't know why you use clawback. If you don't like the changes look for another place to vacation. Because obviously NCL is not the only cruise line that makes changes.

[sparks1093]

If I were looking at the options you have presented for your cruise choices, then I would choose CCL. I have no problem choosing CCL when they are the best choice for that vacation. I am sailing on CCL this October and just sailed them this past May. But that doesn't mean CCL would be the best choice for my next vacation I plan, which would more than likely have different wants and budget that I am trying to meet. Except for the cruise we had to canceled and rebooked (CCL Glory) when my DGM past away the day before our sailing, I never booked the same cruise as close as you are looking at to do the type of comparison you are trying to do. Instead most of my comparisons are based on other ships that meet my wants and budget for the vacation we are planning.

 

I really can't answer your question if the food, service, or entertainment has gotten better since 2014 since I haven't sailed NCL since 10/2013. Our next cruise on NCL is on the Escape 9/2017. This cruise is the most we have paid for balcony for the 2 of us on a 7 day cruise by $200 over our NCL Jewel cruise in 2013 and $300 over our CCL Dream cruise 5/2016. I have booked an angled balcony for the price of a regular balcony. A big plus for me since the reviews I have read said a lounger can be placed out there. That means I can avoid the crowds on the Lido and other decks. In addition we also have the UBP and the SDP with 4 meals (gratuities are included in the increases noted previously) that we did not have on the other 2 cruises. The latest reviews from this ship have been great. I did not compare this cruise to ships from other cruise lines because the purpose was to use up our NCL FCC that we purchased on our NCL Jewel cruise. Out of all the NCL cruises this was the one that best fit our timing, itinerary wanted, and style of ship we wanted to try. Based on our situation, I don't think our NCL cruise is out of whack with what I had anticipated paying and it fit into our budget for this cruise. You situation is different which should lead you to a different answer as to what is best for you.

 

Thank you for your insights.

[pokerpro5]

You guys have surely seen me bash NCL repeatedly, so I'm the last one who could be considered a cheerleader.

 

All of the recent gripes about NCL and their aggressive money-squeezing ways are valid and correct. I offer no excuses for those, and neither should anyone else.

 

What is good about NCL?

 

You can sometimes still get good value out of cruising with them (provided you're smart about it).

 

The clientele tends to be mostly middle-aged and older, so you aren't stuck with rowdy college-aged kids ruining your cruise.

 

For the most part, the crew tends to be competent/nice, and the officers are visible and responsive.

 

I used to be a loyal Princess cruiser. I went to Princess over an over, and didn't even bother to shop around to other lines. It wasn't perfect, but I was happy there.

 

In 2011, I had a series of bad experiences on a 2-week LA-Hawaii cruise which drove me away from Princess. I found the staff to be obnoxious and arrogant, and the officers evasive and difficult to reach. It was very eye opening. I won't go into all the boring details of the Princess incidents, but suffice to say that my problems onboard NCL have ultimately been handled with class and respect. Sure, I have run into some idiot low-level crew members who handled things poorly, but all mid-level and above crew have been top notch, and even the low-level crew tends to mostly be nice and competent.

 

I have enjoyed all of my NCL cruises, and look forward to my next one.

 

Sadly, my enjoyment of the next cruise will somewhat by tempered by that horrendous water/soda policy. I drink a lot of bottled water AND soda, so this is a killer for me. Even if I were to buy a soda package, it wouldn't be the same, as I can't have that soda waiting for me in my room refrigerator. But I won't rehash that whole thing again. Still holding out hope that this might change in the next 3 months before my cruise.

Edited August 7, 2016 by pokerpro5

[sparks1093]

Judging from all the positive comments on this post and on other recent posts, the on board service experience has improved. That might not seem as monumental as building a new restaurant, but in the long run its way more important and a lot more difficult to consistently achieve. And it's certainly not a money gouge. (Now I'll just hide and watch as you and others tell me this observation is invalid. Three...Two...One...Go!)

 

You mean kind of like when someone posts about a negative experience on NCL in a review many posters will respond saying that it never happened on any of their cruises so it couldn't have happened to the the poster? Kind of like that?;)

 

From what I've read the food, service and entertainment are at least as good as they were when I last sailed on NCL. Yes, that is a good thing and it is difficult to achieve. But unfortunately it's not enough to make me pony up $1800 more than what I paid the last time.

[Shawnino]

You guys have surely seen me bash NCL repeatedly, so I'm the last one who could be considered a cheerleader.

 

All of the recent gripes about NCL and their aggressive money-squeezing ways are valid and correct. I offer no excuses for those, and neither should anyone else.

 

What is good about NCL?

 

You can sometimes still get good value out of cruising with them (provided you're smart about it).

 

[....]

 

 

I don't know about anybody else, but I remember (and used to advantage) that essay you wrote over a year ago on how to do just that. I'm not sure how well the techniques still hold, but I continue to try. And thanks. Again.

 

It is getting harder, though, to find value when more and more stuff is being taken away. Like as you mention, not being able to bring on a case of soda for "security" reasons. I guess ISIS is preparing to wreak havok with a six-pack of Dr. Pepper.

[Lulubelle45]

I don't know about anybody else, but I remember (and used to advantage) that essay you wrote over a year ago on how to do just that. I'm not sure how well the techniques still hold, but I continue to try. And thanks. Again.

 

It is getting harder, though, to find value when more and more stuff is being taken away. Like as you mention, not being able to bring on a case of soda for "security" reasons. I guess ISIS is preparing to wreak havok with a six-pack of Dr. Pepper.

 

Yes but you can make a good dent bopping someone on the head with the allowable (with fee) bottle of wine!

[AZ Irish]

As a craft beer "aficionado", I can say that having a Brewpub on their new ship "Escape" is definitely an improvement for me. I booked my cruise (in 27 days) on Escape due to:

1) Very reasonable price on Solo cabin

2) CRAFT BEER!!! Yay! :D

 

Even though I haven't stepped foot on the ship yet, I call this an improvement. As most cruisers are aware, finding good craft beers on a cruise ship is usually impossible. So I commend NCL for adding the brewpub (which I hear is very popular...what a surprise).

 

Just wanted to chime in with a positive. ;)

[Kaptivate]

I will add another positive that I was just thinking about when looking at other cruise lines. NCL has wonderful family suites for those who need a connected but separate bedroom and bathroom for children or additional adults. Which was surprisingly hard to find with other cruise lines.

I applaud NCL for having these as affordable options!

 

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[CruznRagtop]

Here's my list:

 

~Pepsi!! I may be the only one, but love that they serve Pepsi as I don't care for Coke.

 

~specialty restaurants, many to choose

 

~entertainment is great

 

~casual atmosphere - I like to feel like I'm on vacation!

 

~solo friendly cruise line - I travel solo much of the time - solos are welcomed and valued on NCL.

 

I have been on 3 NCL cruises; however, destination is still #1 for me when deciding on a cruise - I picked Princess for my next cruise as they have an unique itinerary to the ABC Islands.

 

Am cruising with Norwegian at the end of October for six weeks as a solo, haven't cruised with them since 1999, and appreciate the information in your post!

[CruznRagtop]

I've only been on two cruises, my third is in two weeks... All NCL... I did have some issues with them in the beginning with absolutely rude and disrespectful customer service, and an issue with my current PCC not returning calls or emails, other than that I have no complaints. A lot of people complain about what they used to offer and how they offer less but charge more... For me, I really don't care. Sure I'm annoyed that they're deceptive in how they offer "free" promotions which actually cost a significant amount of money in surcharges and taxes... But in the end, it costs what it costs and its up to each individual to decide if it's worth paying for what they get.

 

With that aside, I absolutely love the cruise line and their ships. I went on two cruises and had an absolutely amazing time. They assisted me in making my proposal to my fiancé something truly special and something to remember forever... And despite some of the negative feelings I've had, and my PCC refusing to call me back now that she has my money.... I'm still returning for a 3rd cruise this month and I'll be back to NCL again.

 

Unfortunately bad customer service people can exist at any company, and any cruise line. I'm not going to base my decision on cruising with NCL based on a few not so great things. The good definitely outweighs the bad. The entertainment has been great, the food is great as long as you're careful with what you pick, and I think the fare is pretty decently priced as well. A lot of people don't like change... I think those are the ones who have the biggest problem with NCL, not to say they do not have valid arguments with their dislike... I'm just not as concerned about lobster on the menu or bringing water onboard as others are.

 

 

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Am going to be cruising solo on the Norwegian Star for six weeks this fall, haven't cruised with Norwegian since 1999, and am planning to have dinner most evenings in the MDR. Would appreciate pointers on "what to pick" from the menu--or what to avoid.