Convince me to giving NCL a try

[tbo]

2 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

The Epic bathrooms are not nearly as bad as some people make them out to be especially if you know what to expect going in...  If you blindly walked into a room without knowing, I'd be shocked...  But knowing, it isn't bad.

 

And Epic has the best Thermal Suite in the fleet to me. I wish more ships had the private balcony space in the thermal suite the way Epic does.

Exactly this! We already know about them so we are prepared. Plus after 28 years together it isn't like we are bashful around one another, lol.

 

I'm glad to hear about the Thermal Suite, we have purchased the Suite passes for the week. I've never set foot in a spa, on land or sea, but decided to give it a shot and see what it's all about.

[Newleno]

3 minutes ago, rtkenmore said:

 

Well, I would think young people aren't likely to do the Canada trip in the first place...

Well I just know what I saw, and the second trip, aruba, grand cayman, saint martin, new orleans, etc...  young people dont like those places either?  No one was doing rock wall, ropes course, the slides.  The workers were bored out of their minds.

[kathy884]

On our last NCL cruise (The Escape, so a newer larger ship in their fleet), we met three different parties who had recently sailed on the RCCL Oasis.  All three although they liked the NCL cruise said that they liked RCCL large ships more than NCL because of the excellent ship design where it didn't feel as crowded (so much bigger ship than the Escape, but the Escape felt more crowded).  My brother and parents have commented how uncrowded RCCL ships feel too.  Now I haven't tried RCCL.  Just saying that you too, may prefer the RCCL ship designs more than NCL.  RCCL seems to command a little bit of a premium on their newer big ships compared to Carnival and NCL, and part of that is probably supply and demand.   My brother is willing to pay about a $150 pp premium for RCCL over Carnival, but more than that doesn't think it's worth the extra expense for a similar itinerary/cabin/newer ship.  Actually my parents favorite line is MSC due to the classical music offerings, but they just like cruising in general and have done lots of different cruise lines (Holland, Princess, Carnival, RCCL, etc).  My brother likes Carnival and RCCL all better than MSC and has not done NCL.  

 

I've done four Carnival cruises, and two NCL and will be doing my third NCL in January (the Getaway this time).  Oh and my parents, my brother and his girlfriend, my godparents, and my godparent's son and granddaughter are all joining me, my husband, and son too. Despite having different favorite ships, it took them no time at all to decide to join us, so that might be saying something positive for NCL.  Despite thinking it would be fun to try RCCL or Disney, I like a large balcony and both those lines when I priced them out were too rich for my blood (not in my vacation budget or worth the rare splurge trip above budget).  DH has a casino offer for $1000 off on a seven day NCL cruise, so that was a no brainer, and this cruise fell into the ole vacation budget very easily.  So far I like NCL a little better than Carnival (shows in particular are much better) and really for me it was just that we had done quite a few Carnival cruises in a row, so switching up was kind of fun.  

 

I'm budget sensitive when it comes to cruising, though -- think of the general concept and all mainstream lines as being more similar than different. 

 

If you are nervous about NCL and in love with RCCL, maybe do RCCL again and wait till you want to do something a little different to do a new line

Edited November 14, 2018 by kathy884

[NLH Arizona]

1 minute ago, Newleno said:

Well I just know what I saw, and the second trip, aruba, grand cayman, saint martin, new orleans, etc...  young people dont like those places either?  No one was doing rock wall, ropes course, the slides.  The workers were bored out of their minds.

Totally different than the NCL cruises I've been on, as there were many younger folks.

[rtkenmore]

Just now, tbo said:

Exactly this! We already know about them so we are prepared. Plus after 28 years together it isn't like we are bashful around one another, lol.

 

I'm glad to hear about the Thermal Suite, we have purchased the Suite passes for the week. I've never set foot in a spa, on land or sea, but decided to give it a shot and see what it's all about.

 

The balcony in the spa has 4 chaise lounges and two day beds.  It's very easy to just fall asleep out there as you watch the ocean go by.  We get the thermal suite passes on every cruise now.  Just enjoy being able to enjoy time away from the crowds and not having to fight for a hot tub as well as the other stuff that comes along with the thermal suites (heated loungers, saunas, etc.)

[Shellbelle28]

I think NCL's crew are amazing, genuinely willing to help and care about doing a great job. But that's just my opinion and experience. 

Honestly, if you need to be "convinced," maybe it's not the choice for you, because if you go on NCL and it doesn't meet your expectations, you might feel as though you were given biased information. 

However, if you just decide "I'll give it a try and go with no preconceptions," maybe you'll have a great experience. 

[poohdreaming]

No one need to convince you to why give or go on NCL for a try. You should plan your cruise on the destinations/ports and based on what cruise ship you wanted to be on and the total cost of the vacation. Some prefer the smaller cruise ships, like Gem and some wanted newer things or experience a big cruise ships like (Breakaway, Escape, Bliss, Joy). Newer cruise ships will come out in the future, Encore.  Bliss have the racing track and laser tags that other cruise ships does not have.

 

For me, when I want to go on a cruise - I would go with NCL because of their solo pricings.

[Fincherson]

6 hours ago, Newleno said:

Well I just know what I saw, and the second trip, aruba, grand cayman, saint martin, new orleans, etc...  young people dont like those places either?  No one was doing rock wall, ropes course, the slides.  The workers were bored out of their minds.

 

Not to be rude but I don't believe you. I was on Getaway in August and there were tons of twenty somethings and plenty of families. 

[Fincherson]

Well, OP, I've never been on RCC but hear it is fabulous. As for me, I had the best cruise of my life after switching from Carnival to NCL (Getaway) this past August. The food was great (especially Le Bistro) the thermal spa is an absolute must have (we spent an hour there, at least, daily) clean rooms, impeccable service and a beautiful ship all added up to a great time. 

 

I'm 34 and my husband is 37 and we met so many awesome people from different countries, which was definitely a highlight. 

 

Anyway, I'm a firm believer that a cruise is what you make it so if you go into it with a positive attitude (no matter which line) you'll have a great time. If you want to find fault in every little thing, as some people do, you'll have the potential to be miserable. 

 

Best of luck!! 

[newmexicoNita]

17 hours ago, gritsnc said:

My family has been on 3 Carnival cruises and 1 RC. RC is by far our choice. We were on one of the older RC ships too (the Navigator) but we thought the food, service and amenities were better. Just our personal opinions.

We are looking into booking a girls trip for about 5 of us in the family (Me, mom, my sister and two aunts). The ages range from 41 (me) to 70 (my mom). We would really like to give NCL a try but are kind of nervous since we enjoyed RC so much.

So tell me why you think we would enjoy a cruise with NCL. 🙂 I'd also like to hear the differences of a NCL cruise vs Carnival or RC. Thanks!

 

comparing cruise lines is very subjective, but for us, RCI and NCL are more similar than NCL and Carnival Food wise, again, very subjective but NCL has so many dining choices, some with extra charges but many are included. The entertainment on NCL usually is rated near the top. Again this depends on the ship of course, but it is generally the case. The service on NCL is top notch as is RCIs we think.  The cabin sizes are about the same on RCI and NCL, again depending on the ship. .Carnival, normally does offer larger cabins. Last but not least is the multi generation comparison: RCI and  NCL are noted for attracting multi generation families.  One thing I will add: NCL doesn't have as many poolside activities as some lines. 

[newmexicoNita]

17 hours ago, Newleno said:

Carnival is a lot of fun, NCL is getting more and more like holland america.  The only reason I have been going on ncl lately is because they have been cheap.  Carnival for fun,  Celebrity and Royal are better than Carnival but more expensive.  NCL last option

In what way is NCL like HAL? WE have sailed both more than once for sure and nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion. I happen to love both lines, but for different reasons. If nothing else the age group on NCL is mush more varied than on HAL and HAL is very formal still, with less entertainment. So I would have to ask, what makes you say they are alike? That is one thing I would not expect to hear someone say.  Oh, now I see you are comparing it based on a Canada cruise in fall, that makes a huge difference. If partying is your thing and it sounds like it is, maybe you need to consider the itinerary as well as the cruiseline and I happen to know a lot of younger cruisers who love ports like Aruba. if nothing else, that part of the Caribbean has excellent snorkeling and casinos in port. Our own granddaughter and hubby like those ports for the same reasons and love cruising with their 3 little girls to the southern Caribbean. 

 

BTW: what HAL ship have you cruised? 

[beerman2]

OP

i say give NCL a try, we did  and enjoyed the change. For us when you add in the cost of purchasing drink packages and specialty Dining on Carnival and RCI as opposed to getting them as  perks (NCL) , I would say the cost are more similar for Carnival and NCL with RCI the most expensive of the 3.

 

As has been mentioned You and You alone MAKE the cruise what it is. After 11 cruises ( 7 Carnival , 2 NCL with 3rd coming up and 1 RCI) we have enjoyed them all. 

 

What do they say "Variety is the Spice of Life"? Give NCL a try.

 

 

[beerman2]

gritsnc 

 

One major advantage of NCL is the free-style dining. just show up at any of the 3 MDR when you want and be seated . Maybe 5 minutes or longer, however there is a bar ( never a bad thing)between 2 of them to relax while waiting.

 

on Epic and Escape there is a Howl at the Moon ( dueling pianos) that is always fun.

 

The waterfront on the newer ships is also great.

[Barb Nahoumi]

All of the cruiselines have very positive aspects about them.  I  haven't been on Carnival in many years, but I remember an enjoyable cruise with good food.

 

Royal ships have skating rinks, where they have ice shows.   I loved watching them, and the ship that we were on, The Explorer of the Seas, had a dedicated film room.  I am a movie fan, so this was a positive for me.  Food and service was very good.

 

NCL is our favorite, where I have platinum status.  Great entertainment.  I have never sailed on a mega ship, so our experience is limited to the Dawn & Jewel class ships.  We don't want to make reservations just to eat in the MDRs, or attend a show in the theater.  Our schedules are just limited to being on time for excursions.

 

[Newleno]

2 hours ago, newmexicoNita said:

In what way is NCL like HAL? WE have sailed both more than once for sure and nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion. I happen to love both lines, but for different reasons. If nothing else the age group on NCL is mush more varied than on HAL and HAL is very formal still, with less entertainment. So I would have to ask, what makes you say they are alike? That is one thing I would not expect to hear someone say.  Oh, now I see you are comparing it based on a Canada cruise in fall, that makes a huge difference. If partying is your thing and it sounds like it is, maybe you need to consider the itinerary as well as the cruiseline and I happen to know a lot of younger cruisers who love ports like Aruba. if nothing else, that part of the Caribbean has excellent snorkeling and casinos in port. Our own granddaughter and hubby like those ports for the same reasons and love cruising with their 3 little girls to the southern Caribbean. 

 

BTW: what HAL ship have you cruised? 

My experience is different the last 2 (sept/canada, oct27 nyc to nola with stop in aruba) cruises on ncl a very old crowd. In aruba we take the public bus to eagle beach, 5 bucks round trip, not much of a partier here, did not even drink the free bottle of sparkling wine on the nola cruise, and did not buy any alcohol.  We are old and was hoping to see younger people, great disappointment.  Perhaps you know someone at ncl and they can give you the average age of people on those 2 cruises.  HAL ships?  sailed on - ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Zaandam, Volendam, Noordam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Ryndam, Statendam

[jskinsd]

If you like good value and excellent customer service then give NCL a try.

[NCTribeFan]

Didn't we cruise together at some point?

 

I've been on >30 Carnival cruises and, honestly, I'm just burned out on them.  Same old, same old.  Of course, that didn't stop me from booking the TA on Radiance in 2020!

 

Anyway, took my first NCL cruise last spring, the Star eastbound TA.  We stayed in Barcelona for 3 days and then did the westbound TA on the new Carnival Horizon.

 

I preferred Star, even though she was heading straight into dry dock for upgrades.

 

I actually prefer smaller ships.  I don't need the biggest, newest ship to enjoy my cruise.  My favorite Carnival ship class is the Spirit class.  HAL's ships are much more like them, and I really like their ships.

 

It was nice to have the drinks package on NCL.  I thought the food was quite good, even in the MDR.  I did miss having a deli for lunch, since I rarely do "regular" buffets, but I certainly didn't go hungry.

 

We all enjoyed NCL enough that we bought future cruise certificates.  I used mine to book the Jade TA for next spring.

 

Taking a 14-night sailing on a new-to-me cruiseline was a little bit of a concern, but I enjoyed myself.  Entertainment was good.  Plenty to do, but not so much of the frantic FUN FUN FUN as Carnival tries to force on you.

 

Only RCI sailing was my 2nd cruise on little Empress.  Enjoyed it but stuck with Carnival because prices were better and cabins were bigger.  Still want to try Celebrity and Princess some day.

 

You don't need to be convinced.  FInd the itinerary you want and the price you want to pay and give it a try!

[newmexicoNita]

1 hour ago, Newleno said:

My experience is different the last 2 (sept/canada, oct27 nyc to nola with stop in aruba) cruises on ncl a very old crowd. In aruba we take the public bus to eagle beach, 5 bucks round trip, not much of a partier here, did not even drink the free bottle of sparkling wine on the nola cruise, and did not buy any alcohol.  We are old and was hoping to see younger people, great disappointment.  Perhaps you know someone at ncl and they can give you the average age of people on those 2 cruises.  HAL ships?  sailed on - ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Zaandam, Volendam, Noordam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Ryndam, Statendam

asked my TA about this  few minutes ago: she said, according to the information they got o a working cruise not long ago the average age on NCL is 48 plus a few months. That rather blows your observation. As has been mentioned the Canada cruises in the fall of course would favor an older age group. You mentioned all those HAL cruises you have taken and you still say NCL is getting like NCL,  Also have noticed some of your other posts. I just don't think you are very fond of NCL. Of course this is your choice, but your reasoning is a bit off base in my opinion. Now, I think we will just have to agree to disagree on this. 

[Newleno]

18 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

asked my TA about this  few minutes ago: she said, according to the information they got o a working cruise not long ago the average age on NCL is 48 plus a few months. That rather blows your observation. As has been mentioned the Canada cruises in the fall of course would favor an older age group. You mentioned all those HAL cruises you have taken and you still say NCL is getting like NCL,  Also have noticed some of your other posts. I just don't think you are very fond of NCL. Of course this is your choice, but your reasoning is a bit off base in my opinion. Now, I think we will just have to agree to disagree on this. 

Well I will take your word for it that you say the last two cruises i took on NCL the average age was 48, you did the research.  facts are facts.  Seems like every year one cruise line just has better deals than another, ncl has been cheap so that is why we hit it, all cruise line are basically the same of 75% of reductory, so unless there is a specific itinerary of interest go with the cheap.  Right now looking at nov 27 HAL out of Hong Kong because of the Itinerary and price.

Edited November 14, 2018 by Newleno

[NCTribeFan]

I've been on 3 HAL cruises.  The first was 14-nights RT San Diego to Hawaii.  I was "only" 59 at the time and it really made me feel young.  The demographic was quite old.

 

2nd & 3rd on HAL were Caribbean sailings and the crowd was considerably more mixed.  Not lots of young couple or families, but that's what I'm looking for when I sail and kids are in school.

 

Since I'm now considered to be in the "older" age group, maybe I just don't notice it so much.  But there was just as much evening entertainment (the BB King's Blues Club is great and stays open until midnight).  I keep trying to convince my Carnival cruise buddies that HAL isn't just for the Old Fogey cruiser.

 

Of course, my only NCL sailing was a TA, so that was probably a slightly older demographic that the Caribbean sailings would be, too.

 

There are plenty of older pax on Carnival, too.  I think most mainstream cruiselines have a wide pax mix these days.  And, yes, the mainstream lines seem to be more alike than not.

 

I really like HAL.  Good service and good food.  Love the ships I was on.  Will probably sail them again next fall.

[gambit57]

I'm hardly a Norwegian cheerleader, but every line has its pros and cons.  I say you gotta go for it.

 

I'm much more of a "traditional" cruiser, but I had a wonderful time on my Norwegian cruise.  It wasn't perfect, but what cruise is?  Ultimately, what matters most is whether I had a good time and I did.  It's definitely worth trying.  You really won't know until you try it yourself.  There are so many variables, and so many things you don't even realize you like or prefer until you actually experience it.  You really can't get too much of a recommendation beyond some basics.

[smplybcause]

6 hours ago, Newleno said:

My experience is different the last 2 (sept/canada, oct27 nyc to nola with stop in aruba) cruises on ncl a very old crowd. In aruba we take the public bus to eagle beach, 5 bucks round trip, not much of a partier here, did not even drink the free bottle of sparkling wine on the nola cruise, and did not buy any alcohol.  We are old and was hoping to see younger people, great disappointment.  Perhaps you know someone at ncl and they can give you the average age of people on those 2 cruises.  HAL ships?  sailed on - ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Zaandam, Volendam, Noordam, Eurodam, Westerdam, Ryndam, Statendam

 

So your two NCL cruises were a cruise to Canada right after school started up. And cruise that's around 2 weeks that would required two one-way tickets. Those are definitely going to be two cruises where you don't have a lot of younger people. The younger people either have to go back to school themselves or have children starting back to school for your Canada one, not to mention Canada in Sept isn't a large draw for younger people I would think. And your other cruise was longer than some young people have vacation, or they can't take the kids out of school for that long, or their job won't let them take that much time in a row. 

[Newleno]

5 minutes ago, smplybcause said:

 

So your two NCL cruises were a cruise to Canada right after school started up. And cruise that's around 2 weeks that would required two one-way tickets. Those are definitely going to be two cruises where you don't have a lot of younger people. The younger people either have to go back to school themselves or have children starting back to school for your Canada one, not to mention Canada in Sept isn't a large draw for younger people I would think. And your other cruise was longer than some young people have vacation, or they can't take the kids out of school for that long, or their job won't let them take that much time in a row. 

Your response seems like a reasonable explanation of why the crowd was old perhaps it was just an anomaly based upon the facts that you presented.  Certainly I am not a liar as someone suggested, or as another stated that according to her source both cruises had the exact average age of 48. (cause the average age of the people i saw was over 60)

I thank you and will have to keep this in mind when looking for a younger crowd cruise. 

[barb65]

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