Carnival or Norwegian for Eastern Caribbean for 20yr anniversary getaway?

[Lausmadel]

We've only done one cruise so far with carnival with our kids. This time we are going solo and would love some feedback if Norwegian is worth the higher price. We plan to do a Eastern Caribbean cruise in January. Thanks!

[champagne123]

As far as NCL or Carnival, it would depend on the ship....

Have you looked at Celebrity or Royal? Much better cruise lines. (especially if you are celebrating 20yrs. together):)

[Lausmadel]

We are looking at Carnival Glory vs Norwegian Escape

[champagne123]

We are looking at Carnival Glory vs Norwegian Escape

 

Love love love the Glory!:):):) If I ever have the chance, I will sail her again. Have not been on The Escape, but we were on NCL'S Breakaway. Pool area is sooooo small....but we did have a nice time. I prefer Carnival over NCL by a little bit.:):):)

[sparks1093]

A lot depends on if the "free" stuff NCL gives you is worth it to you. We recently priced the Breakaway out of NYC versus the Pride out of Baltimore for 2/2018. Breakaway was $1100 more. The "freebies" don't give us any value so we went with the Pride. If you would receive value from the beverage package and the dining package then it would make sense to go with NCL if the price differential isn't too bad. Escape is a newer and bigger ship than the Glory, if that matters to you.

 

We found the food to be pretty comparable on both lines. The entertainment on NCL is a bit more robust. You pay a fee for room service on NCL (except limited continental items in the morning) and the gratuities are a little higher on NCL.

[champagne123]

A lot depends on if the "free" stuff NCL gives you is worth it to you. We recently priced the Breakaway out of NYC versus the Pride out of Baltimore for 2/2018. Breakaway was $1100 more. The "freebies" don't give us any value so we went with the Pride. If you would receive value from the beverage package and the dining package then it would make sense to go with NCL if the price differential isn't too bad. Escape is a newer and bigger ship than the Glory, if that matters to you.

 

We found the food to be pretty comparable on both lines. The entertainment on NCL is a bit more robust. You pay a fee for room service on NCL (except limited continental items in the morning) and the gratuities are a little higher on NCL.

 

Agree! We loved the Pride also! PS: you forgot to mention GUYS BURGERS!!!! Lol. :) The BEST on the Glory and Pride :D

[sparks1093]

Agree! We loved the Pride also! PS: you forgot to mention GUYS BURGERS!!!! Lol. :) The BEST on the Glory and Pride :D

 

You can't forgot what one has never had;). I'll have my first Guys burger this time next year on Glory:).

Edited November 26, 2016 by sparks1093

[Lausmadel]

Thank you all! Due to suggestion I just looked into Celebrity Reflection. They offer a FL resident deal and I see an oceanview room on Plaza deck. It is a bit more though. Is it worth it? Is Plaza deck noisy?

[Essiesmom]

Have you considered MSC Divina from Miami? Since you have only done one cruise, a long time ago...They have good prices and have a BOGO sale on until Nov. 30. Two for the price of one...We are looking at May. EM

[champagne123]

Thank you all! Due to suggestion I just looked into Celebrity Reflection. They offer a FL resident deal and I see an oceanview room on Plaza deck. It is a bit more though. Is it worth it? Is Plaza deck noisy?

 

Yipeeee! You will LOVE Celebrity!!!! Is there also a free Classic Drink package offered? I just booked recently and got this. The Reflection is their newest and nicest ship. Go to "Celebrity" threads and read all of the comments and "live" reviews with pics. To ME, it is worth the extra money.:) What date are you looking at? I know the free perks are NOT for an inside cabin, but is for all the others.

[SuiteTraveler]

The NCL Escape is one of NCL's newest mega ships which came into service in 2015. The Carnival Glory was built in 2003 and refurbished in 2012.

 

Escape operates differently from Carnival ships in that it is much more like a land based vacation except on a ship. By that, I mean there are many different specialty restaurants (some of which you pay extra for) and typically cruisers go to dinner at a different restaurant every night. There are 2 included main dining rooms (Taste and Savor) as well as a supper club (The Manhattan Room) which is included but requires a reservation. The buffet is also included as well as O'Sheehans (pub food). Extra cost restaurants include a Cagney's steakhouse, Moderno Churrascario, Teppanyaki (like Benihana), La Cucina (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Bayamo (Latin), Pincho Tapas Bar, Food Republic and Margaritaville.

 

In terms of cabins, Escape has much more luxurious cabins than Carnival and if you are in a suite, there is no comparison as Escape offers suites with luxury bathrooms, butlers, concierge service and a private restaurant for suite guests only which is included with the price of the cruise. In addition, Haven suites have a private pool and sundeck area as well as a bar. If you are looking for something special, definitely consider booking one of The Haven Spa Suites with an in-room spa tub for 2, large walk-in shower and all the amenities of The Haven plus spa access. But I should warn you, once you try this, nothing less will do.

 

Escape also has one of the best spa's at sea with a thalisotherapy pool with a water circuit, heated tile loungers, dry sauna, sanarium, rainfall showers, whirlpool, hot tub, steam room, salt room and snow room. If you get a spa cabin, entrance for 2 to this area is included, otherwise you can buy a pass online prior to your cruise on the NCL website.

 

The Escape also has a full scale waterpark with 4 major slides, bowling, mini golf, rock climbing wall, casino.

 

As far as entertainment goes, there is After Midnight (Broadway Show), Cirque Dreams (Cirque du Soleil), Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos), and much more. There is always a comedy club on NCL.

 

If you compare all of this to what is offered on Carnival, overall, it is definitely a step up. If you are in a suite, then there just is NO comparison to Carnival at all - it's drastically better.

[Roz]

For an anniversary cruise, I would consider a suite on NCL. Carnival doesn't offer any extras for suite passengers like other lines do.

 

Roz

[SuiteTraveler]

Thank you all! Due to suggestion I just looked into Celebrity Reflection. They offer a FL resident deal and I see an oceanview room on Plaza deck. It is a bit more though. Is it worth it? Is Plaza deck noisy?

 

It would be fine, but frankly, there is not a lot to do on Celebrity - the entertainment is absolutely awful - geared towards old people who want to see attractive young people in pretty costumes. In fact, the main thing we did for entertainment on Celebrity was go to the martini bar to watch them make martinis. The food is better in most cases. We found the cabins very blah in terms of decor with hard sofas and chairs. Having been on 3 Celebrity cruises (Alaska, Caribbean, Med) , I liked Celebrity best when we were in the Med - we were off the ship all day everyday from 8am to 5pm or 6pm and then just had a nice dinner and were ready for bed due to being exhausted from touring all day every day. However, on that cruise, at ages 50 and 52, we were among the youngest onboard and got special attention from the crew because of this. LOL! One of the funniest experiences onboard was when my husband and I were onboard at lunch one day and decided to walk by the pool (why oh why did we do that?) Who knew the elderly liked to sunbathe so much? What has been seen cannot be unseen. It was not good.

 

I do think the suggestion about MSC Divina is a good one - especially if you can go in the Yacht Club - it's great! They currently have lower prices than more other cruise lines in the Caribbean and you can often get a suite for the same price as a balcony on other lines. If you are in The Yacht Club, beverages are all inclusive and they have a special restaurant for suite guests only, plus the private pool and hot tubs - it's more similar to NCL in that way.

Edited November 26, 2016 by SuiteTraveler

[Living4acruise2day]

It would be fine, but frankly, there is not a lot to do on Celebrity - the entertainment is absolutely awful - geared towards old people who want to see attractive young people in pretty costumes. In fact, the main thing we did for entertainment on Celebrity was go to the martini bar to watch them make martinis. The food is better in most cases. We found the cabins very blah in terms of decor with hard sofas and chairs. Having been on 3 Celebrity cruises (Alaska, Caribbean, Med) , I liked Celebrity best when we were in the Med - we were off the ship all day everyday from 8am to 5pm or 6pm and then just had a nice dinner and were ready for bed due to being exhausted from touring all day every day. However, on that cruise, at ages 50 and 52, we were among the youngest onboard and got special attention from the crew because of this. LOL! One of the funniest experiences onboard was when my husband and I were onboard at lunch one day and decided to walk by the pool (why oh why did we do that?) Who knew the elderly liked to sunbathe so much? What has been seen cannot be unseen. It was not good.

 

I do think the suggestion about MSC Divina is a good one - especially if you can go in the Yacht Club - it's great! They currently have lower prices than more other cruise lines in the Caribbean and you can often get a suite for the same price as a balcony on other lines. If you are in The Yacht Club, beverages are all inclusive and they have a special restaurant for suite guests only, plus the private pool and hot tubs - it's more similar to NCL in that way.

I could not disagree more.

[Lausmadel]

Yipeeee! You will LOVE Celebrity!!!! Is there also a free Classic Drink package offered? I just booked recently and got this. The Reflection is their newest and nicest ship. Go to "Celebrity" threads and read all of the comments and "live" reviews with pics. To ME, it is worth the extra money.:) What date are you looking at? I know the free perks are NOT for an inside cabin, but is for all the others.

we

 

We are looking at January 21. But we could leave as early as Jan 7. Looking st best deal...

[Roz]

Suite Traveler,

 

One day you will be old like the rest of us. Do you want to give up all the things you enjoy doing - swimming, sunbathing, going to shows, etc.?

 

Roz

[pjules]

NCL Escape will be much better than the Glory by far!

 

 

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[Tapi]

Love Carnival, but it's not the cruise line that I would pick for a special occasion like a 20th wedding anniversary.

 

 

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[PROCRUISE]

I could not disagree more.

 

Also disagree with previous Celebrity "review."

 

Don't know if it will help but I understand Celebrity will be having a general sale on December 1, 2016.

[Aquahound]

Thank you all! Due to suggestion I just looked into Celebrity Reflection. They offer a FL resident deal and I see an oceanview room on Plaza deck. It is a bit more though. Is it worth it? Is Plaza deck noisy?

 

You made and excellent choice...and much better choice than the 2 ships you were originally considering. Celebrity Solstice Class ships are the most beautiful ships at sea. Enjoy your cruise. :)

 

I could not disagree more.

 

Same here. I totally disagree with that Celebrity opinion. Besides, Reflection is one of the ships that recently upgraded its on-board entertainment and with their modern luxury theme and evening chic nights, is geared toward a younger crowd than in the past.

[SuiteTraveler]

Suite Traveler,

 

One day you will be old like the rest of us. Do you want to give up all the things you enjoy doing - swimming, sunbathing, going to shows, etc.?

 

Roz

 

Roz,

Why try to start internet drama? To be completely honest, I don't like to see ANYONE laying out in the sun as it is quite dangerous and unhealthy. It's very troubling to me that older people would not know better in this day and age. I'm not suggesting that older people give up all the things they enjoy doing at all. :rolleyes:

[Lausmadel]

Also disagree with previous Celebrity "review."

 

 

 

Don't know if it will help but I understand Celebrity will be having a general sale on December 1, 2016.

 

 

Thank you... how do you know? I would have thought this weekend would be the best deals...

 

 

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[champagne123]

Thank you... how do you know? I would have thought this weekend would be the best deals...

 

 

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I would go with the sale they are promoting this weekend. Free perks and decent prices. IF...IF...IF.....the sale for December 1st happens and it is better than the one now, you just call, cancel and re-book with "that" sale. Easy Peasy.!!!! Celebrity will take care of everything. :):):)

[SuiteTraveler]

Lausmadel, you might want to check the recent Celebrity Reflection reviews here on Cruise Critic. This way you can get the opinions of many cruisers. Some people here are cruise line "cheerleaders" and have only cruised one line and think that line is the best. All the lines have pros and cons. For us, we like the food on Celebrity, but the production shows are terrible and there's not much to do onboard, however, for a Med cruise, that can be an advantage and also the Celebrity ships tend to become a ghost town by 11pm. If you want a very laid back cruise with better than average food in the MDR, then Celebrity would be appropriate for you. BTW, I especially like the tea room (Cafe al Baccio) on these ships. If you are looking for something with lots of activities and shows, then a mega ship such as NCL Escape or Getaway would be better or RCCL Oasis or Allure if you like big exciting high quality production shows such as high diving, acrobatics, ice skating, etc. The mega ships have the waterparks, rock climbing walls, bowling and other amenities not found on Celebrity. If these things are not important to you, you might also look at the MSC Divina where you could go in the Yacht Club (which is all-inclusive) for around $1,550 per person - which gives you a suite on a locked concierge floor in the Yacht Club, butler service, concierge service, a private restaurant for suite guests, access to the spa, access to the yacht club, free alcohol within the Yacht Club and some of the best shows at sea - with Broadway caliber performers - having been on most cruise lines, I can say with certainty that these shows are amazing compared to other cruise lines. The Yacht Club restaurant is great and they bring in food from the specialty restaurants each night that is included for suite guests. Then there is the casino which is smoke free - a welcome relief if you like to play slots. I think this would be a special experience for your anniversary compared to just a verandah on a Celebrity ship. The food on Divina in the Yacht Club is mostly Neopolitan - really amazing and fresh - considerably better than the food on Celebrity - even in their specialty restaurants. It's something to consider for the price point. Also, if you are in the Yacht Club you get a special boarding experience where you are taken to a private lounge for champagne and treats prior to boarding and then you are escorted to your suite. It's just a very special experience. BTW, everything I'm suggesting here is something I have actually experienced firsthand and fairly recently as we cruise multiple times per year.

[champagne123]

Lausmadel, you might want to check the recent Celebrity Reflection reviews here on Cruise Critic. This way you can get the opinions of many cruisers. Some people here are cruise line "cheerleaders" and have only cruised one line and think that line is the best. All the lines have pros and cons. For us, we like the food on Celebrity, but the production shows are terrible and there's not much to do onboard, however, for a Med cruise, that can be an advantage and also the Celebrity ships tend to become a ghost town by 11pm. If you want a very laid back cruise with better than average food in the MDR, then Celebrity would be appropriate for you. BTW, I especially like the tea room (Cafe al Baccio) on these ships. If you are looking for something with lots of activities and shows, then a mega ship such as NCL Escape or Getaway would be better or RCCL Oasis or Allure if you like big exciting high quality production shows such as high diving, acrobatics, ice skating, etc. The mega ships have the waterparks, rock climbing walls, bowling and other amenities not found on Celebrity. If these things are not important to you, you might also look at the MSC Divina where you could go in the Yacht Club (which is all-inclusive) for around $1,550 per person - which gives you a suite on a locked concierge floor in the Yacht Club, butler service, concierge service, a private restaurant for suite guests, access to the spa, access to the yacht club, free alcohol within the Yacht Club and some of the best shows at sea - with Broadway caliber performers - having been on most cruise lines, I can say with certainty that these shows are amazing compared to other cruise lines. The Yacht Club restaurant is great and they bring in food from the specialty restaurants each night that is included for suite guests. Then there is the casino which is smoke free - a welcome relief if you like to play slots. I think this would be a special experience for your anniversary compared to just a verandah on a Celebrity ship. The food on Divina in the Yacht Club is mostly Neopolitan - really amazing and fresh - considerably better than the food on Celebrity - even in their specialty restaurants. It's something to consider for the price point. Also, if you are in the Yacht Club you get a special boarding experience where you are taken to a private lounge for champagne and treats prior to boarding and then you are escorted to your suite. It's just a very special experience. BTW, everything I'm suggesting here is something I have actually experienced firsthand and fairly recently as we cruise multiple times per year.

 

Take a look at my signature. I am NOT a cheerleader for any "one" cruise line. I have only been on one Celebrity and it was the most memorable...due to GREAT service, food, entertainment, atmosphere...EVERYTHING. This is MY opinion. YOU, on the other hand have been on a few Celebrity cruises. Why? Usually, when one does not like something....they don't repeat it. Strange that you have! I have an MSC booked on the Seaside. I am not loyal to any ONE cruise line, as you can see. We all have our opinions. I don't know what age you are and perhaps that may have something to do with it, but as many people have stated here, their 20th anniversary.....Celebrity....hands down. Allure? Been there. Oasis? Been there. Wow factor...yes....romance? NO! Families....kids galore.