Giving Cruising and NCL Another Chance

[michelle-nh]

The only cruise my DH and I have ever been on was in 2001. The Norwegian Sea out of New York. We stopped at the private island (really enjoyed this day) and then Nassau (okay, but don't have any desire to go back).  We were in our early 30s at the time and had our 11-year-old with us. The cruise was okay although we hated our inside room. The other cruisers all seemed to be 20 years older than us and all activities and entertainment seemed geared to them, we weren't really pool people at the time, and mostly we were bored (though our daughter LOVED it).

 

Fast forward 18 years. Now middle-aged, empty-nesters, well traveled, and more laid-back and fun-loving than we were in our 30s. We love different types of vacations. Everything from all-inclusive Caribbean beach resorts to adventure travel--seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, doing exciting things (e.g., two weeks driving through the Scottish Highlands, a week exploring Costa Rica, a week manning our own canal boat through the canals in England).

 

We aren't dance club people, but enjoy hanging out in fun bars/pubs and meeting new people,  high-energy shows, comedy clubs.

 

We've had a health scare recently and related ongoing, progressive medical issues. As a result, our new motto is "seize the day." Things are good today, but not really sure what the future might bring. We are still as fun-loving and physically capable as always, but really intensive, demanding trips like the canal boat or Highlands tour are no longer possible for us.  For future travel, we will be looking for organized tours where tour guides can do the heavy lifting and planning and we'll just enjoy. 

 

So, we started to look at cruising again. It seems the perfect blend of the all-inclusive luxury and the ability to see lots of places in the world on less-demanding organized tours.

 

We know we hate interior staterooms, and so will only look at balcony rooms--but are definitely on a budget. I've done some research, and despite our 2001 experience, the casual NCL culture seems the best for us. 

 

We have already booked a Western Mediterranean cruise on the Epic for June 2019. Super excited about this as this is a part of the world we've never been in. It is very port-intensive, and the Epic seems to offer so many entertainment options.

 

But also thinking about a Caribbean cruise out of Tampa this March (less than 2 months from now) on the Pearl. But the Pearl seems much smaller compared to Epic, which is good in some ways, but I'm wondering if we'll get bored, like in 2001? I really want our first cruise experience in 18 years to be a good one since this may be our best option for future travel. 

 

I feel certain that we'll love the Mediterranean cruise we've planned. Maybe we should just hold off and do that, and assuming we like it book more after? Or based on what I've written in this post, do you think we'd like Pearl?

 

Any other advice for us?

 

[Two Wheels Only]

For Epic, make sure that the "bathroom" situation in the stateroom won't be a problem.

 

Epic is the only NCL ship with that setup.

[michelle-nh]

14 minutes ago, Two Wheels Only said:

For Epic, make sure that the "bathroom" situation in the stateroom won't be a problem.

 

Epic is the only NCL ship with that setup.

 

Thanks, I know. Saw that. We've been married 30+ years. No issues with the bathroom setup.

[graphicguy]

Hi Michelle....The Pearl is definitely smaller than the Epic.  The Epic kicked off in earnest the whole “Freestyle Cruising” for NCL.  I sailed her a few years ago when she first hit the seas.  Had some of the most fun I had ever had on any cruise.

 

I have done solo cabins on the “away” ships with NCL.  I tend to agree with you.  It was fine and I enjoyed the cruise.  But, one of my favorite things is to have coffee in the a.m. sitting on the balcony and a night cap before I go to sleep on my balcony.  Didn’t get much of that with a solo cabin.  And, the inside cabins would be the same way.

 

Looking to cruise again real soon myself (February) and will probably make reservations this weekend.  I’m looking at the Escape, which is about the same size and the Epic.  Looking to me like NCL is offering the down low, no frills rates.  Or, the rates where they throw in the “perks” (drinks, specialty dinners, WiFi, shore excursion credit and some OBC). Look at both sail away and “perk” rates and see what works best for your budget.

 

Some people are bothered by the bathrooms on the Epic.  I personally loved the layout.  They have a sink that sits outside the shower.  They have a separate area for the shower and a separate area for the toilet.  I think some people are concerned that the doors to each are opaque, where you can see a silhouette of the person.  

 

This didn’t bother me, as I went with my then girlfriend, where we even sat on our balcony with few clothes on.  Plus, someone could be shaving or brushing their teeth in the sink, while the other person is showering, for example, and not disturb the other.

 

I love the Epic.  Hope you sail her. 

[graphicguy]

Forgot to mention, I think the Getaway is sailing to the Caribbean right now.  Also, the one I’m looking at, Escape, is sailing out of NYC to the Bahamas.  Might be a something to look at.

[fabnfortysomething]

Some of Epic balconies on decks 8 and 9 have no roof

can be a privacy issue as can be overlooked from above

means no shelter from sun which can be pro or con depending on your sunbathing habits

[mking8288]

OP,  we're on the Sea out of NY, about a year ahead of you & were part of the younger crowd onboard - ship was around 40,000 tons and had fewer amenities - and as a whole, didn't have all the extra bells & whistles, unlike the past decades.  The Pearl is what I consider a mid-sized ship, many of us like it, easier to get around & depending on destinations/ports & expectations, just about right - they are around 90,000 tons or about twice the size of the Sea, the Epic & newer Breakaway/Plus class ships are what our little grand-niece/nephew called monsters ... mega-ships, over 150,000 tonnage - one less bank of elevators (mid-ship) just AFT & FWD, not everyone's cup of tea either.  

 

Newer ships are smaller, the smallest in the mass-line cruise industry these days in cabin space, and as noted, Epic has its odd design, cabin layout & the bathroom/toilet with sink elsewhere ... I would suggest checking out some YT videos & "virtual" look at critical but fair reviews to be sure you know the pro's & con's.  

 

The Pearl & its sister ships/siblings in the fleet, including the Dawn, Gem, Star, Jewel, etc. have nearly identical design, Inside cabins are "bigger" than those on the newer ships. Oceanviews are a step up & if you are considering a last minute booking - good deals can be found, sometimes.  Balconies (and higher up categories) on other (non-Epci) newer ships are nicer but has smaller balconies - if $$$ isn't a major obstacles, but all those "add-ons" for the "freebies" can quickly add-up with the UBP (I assume that since staying healthy is important, not a factor to go after the booze).

 

There are many good port stops in the Caribbean and even without tapping into airline miles, flight options should be easy & reasonable - just a friendly reminder to get a good trip insurance instead of "self-insured" - and maybe, the Pearl or something similar would be a good re-introduction to cruising again, where you don't need to book everything "Freestyle" whereas, on bigger ships - many don't find walking up to a show or dinner, a pleasant experience. 

 

Nowadays, cruising is popular with a diverse range of choices, and more often than before, an inter-generational one ... several of our nieces, nephews in the 20's and 30's started cruising, sometimes with us as a group & other times, on their own with their age group, as we aged.  

 

NCL is building slightly smaller ships with its next generation of big ships, hence, it will be a different experience for some of us in the near future.  

[newmexicoNita]

41 minutes ago, michelle-nh said:

The only cruise my DH and I have ever been on was in 2001. The Norwegian Sea out of New York. We stopped at the private island (really enjoyed this day) and then Nassau (okay, but don't have any desire to go back).  We were in our early 30s at the time and had our 11-year-old with us. The cruise was okay although we hated our inside room. The other cruisers all seemed to be 20 years older than us and all activities and entertainment seemed geared to them, we weren't really pool people at the time, and mostly we were bored (though our daughter LOVED it).

 

Fast forward 18 years. Now middle-aged, empty-nesters, well traveled, and more laid-back and fun-loving than we were in our 30s. We love different types of vacations. Everything from all-inclusive Caribbean beach resorts to adventure travel--seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, doing exciting things (e.g., two weeks driving through the Scottish Highlands, a week exploring Costa Rica, a week manning our own canal boat through the canals in England).

 

We aren't dance club people, but enjoy hanging out in fun bars/pubs and meeting new people,  high-energy shows, comedy clubs.

 

We've had a health scare recently and related ongoing, progressive medical issues. As a result, our new motto is "seize the day." Things are good today, but not really sure what the future might bring. We are still as fun-loving and physically capable as always, but really intensive, demanding trips like the canal boat or Highlands tour are no longer possible for us.  For future travel, we will be looking for organized tours where tour guides can do the heavy lifting and planning and we'll just enjoy. 

 

So, we started to look at cruising again. It seems the perfect blend of the all-inclusive luxury and the ability to see lots of places in the world on less-demanding organized tours.

 

We know we hate interior staterooms, and so will only look at balcony rooms--but are definitely on a budget. I've done some research, and despite our 2001 experience, the casual NCL culture seems the best for us. 

 

We have already booked a Western Mediterranean cruise on the Epic for June 2019. Super excited about this as this is a part of the world we've never been in. It is very port-intensive, and the Epic seems to offer so many entertainment options.

 

But also thinking about a Caribbean cruise out of Tampa this March (less than 2 months from now) on the Pearl. But the Pearl seems much smaller compared to Epic, which is good in some ways, but I'm wondering if we'll get bored, like in 2001? I really want our first cruise experience in 18 years to be a good one since this may be our best option for future travel. 

 

I feel certain that we'll love the Mediterranean cruise we've planned. Maybe we should just hold off and do that, and assuming we like it book more after? Or based on what I've written in this post, do you think we'd like Pearl?

 

Any other advice for us?

 

Glad you are giving this another shot. Cruising isn't for everyone, but about 70% of the people who cruise will return over and over: 20% will love cruising but will still do a variety of vacations and the other 10% will find cruising not for them. 

Now for my view and that is all it is: I would probably not cruise anywhere in March if the cruise leaves from America. You are going to hit spring breakers and that can spell crowds, lots of kids or maybe even a ship over flowing with college kids. The larger ships will attract more young people and families than the mid sized ships. 

You are realizing your first cruise may not have been a good opportunity to witness cruising at its best, especially on the Sea. We did like the ship, but certainly the newer ships have more to offer. 

The Epic as mentioned has a little different bath set up. For couples it shouldn't be a problem, we loved it, but others absolutely hate it. 

 

Enjoy whatever choice you make.  

[michelle-nh]

27 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

Now for my view and that is all it is: I would probably not cruise anywhere in March if the cruise leaves from America. You are going to hit spring breakers and that can spell crowds, lots of kids or maybe even a ship over flowing with college kids. The larger ships will attract more young people and families than the mid sized ships.

 

Wow! Thanks for that reminder. I was thinking of March to avoid April vacation (families with young children...children aren't a problem of course, just didn't want to be overrun). Spring break didn't even cross my mind. Do others think this is seriously a time to avoid?

 

51 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I love the Epic.  Hope you sail her. 

 

Thank you. To clarify we ARE booked on her and are DEFINITELY going.  134 days to go! Airfare and small-group tours all booked already.

 

56 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Forgot to mention, I think the Getaway is sailing to the Caribbean right now.  Also, the one I’m looking at, Escape, is sailing out of NYC to the Bahamas.  Might be a something to look at.

 

I was hoping to do another trip this late winter/spring to the Caribbean which is why I was asking about the Pearl (the itinerary sounded interesting too). But now with the spring break concern, maybe that isn't a good idea.

 

NYC is our most convenient port--driving distance, so economical too. But as I said in my post, we've been to Nassau (on our first and only cruise) and can't really think of any reason we'd want to go back there. Maybe I just need to do some port research and find something we'd enjoy that day.

 

45 minutes ago, fabnfortysomething said:

Some of Epic balconies on decks 8 and 9 have no roof

can be a privacy issue as can be overlooked from above

means no shelter from sun which can be pro or con depending on your sunbathing habits

 

We're confirmed on the Epic in room 12149. We definitely value privacy.

 

44 minutes ago, newmexicoNita said:

The Epic as mentioned has a little different bath set up. For couples it shouldn't be a problem, we loved it, but others absolutely hate it. 

 

Thanks all for the warning about the bathroom setup. I really don't think it we'll mind it. After 30+ years of marriage we've seen each other at our best and our worst 🙂

 

[gerithueme]

Hi, Michelle.  We just got off an 11 day, Western Caribbean cruise on the EPIC with some friends who asked us to come along this time.  Our room numbers almost line up.  We were in 12093, an inside stateroom that had more room than I thought it would.  Lots of places to store things.  The bathroom layout was very convenient.  I'm going to assume that you might have some of the entertainment we did so I will tell you that the Cirque show was well worth the extra money.  Even if you have standard seating you will see everything.  We also spent every other night in a venue called Howl At The Moon.  This is a dueling pianos show where everyone requests the songs they play and have a rousing good time singing along.  The trio of musicians was booked for six nights of our 11 day cruise and we didn't miss a show....had a blast!  

 

It was kind of annoying to only have elevators in the front of the ship and in the back but I guess that's how this ship was built.  I was also disappointed in not having a fabulous atrium (last cruise was Princess) with elevators mid ship, but that's just my previous cruising getting in the way.  This atrium is very ordinary with lounge seats and a big screen, only open two floors.

 

The EPIC also has "Haven" rooms, which are high end at the front of the ship.  Very often we found we waiting what seemed like forever for an elevator because the "Haven people" have express service on the elevators.

 

Don't forget to go out on the pool deck and take one of the glass elevators up to the 18th floor for a wonderful view of every port you're in.  That elevator was a 'hidden' gem for getting a bird's eye view of things.

 

Above all, enjoy your trip.

 

Forgot to mention, you can make dinner reservations in Taste, the main dining room, and then you don't have to stand in line.

Edited January 26, 2019 by gerithueme

[graphicguy]

@michelle-nh

 

I get what you’re saying about Nassau.  Been there before, myself, more than once.

 

And, going out of NYC this time of year isn’t ideal.  But, the fares on the Escape for end of Feb sailing are pretty good right now.....just right for a quick getaway before the Spring Greak crowd sets in.

 

I sailed the GEM last year.  It’s the same size as the Pearl.   Loved the cruise.  But, a different experience than the “-Away” and “-Away+” ships.  Lots more to do on the bigger ships.  But, the staff on the GEM (as well as the Pearl), with smaller crowds, seemed to engage more and spent more time getting to know the passengers.

 

As you say, good in some ways, not so much in others.  Just a thought....if you know you prefer the larger ships why not look only at those?

[Nola26]

I just sailed on the Pearl for Christmas and really enjoyed the ship. Big enough and plenty to do. Really liked Bar Alley on Deck 6 and the nightly entertainment there. The casino let me win enough to play all week and stay in my lane. I liked the observation feature of Spinnaker Lounge. Theater had a different show each night, all enjoyable. Danced to oldschool jams on the pool deck and just had fun.

 

I ate exclusively in Complimentary restaurants including the Asian, Pub and both main dining rooms. Grabbed lunch and post excursion snacks at the buffet. Ate well all week. I had the thermal suite pass, nice and glad I had it since there is no other all adults area on this ship. With a balcony cabin you'll have your own all adult option. 

 

Bottom line I would support your choice of the Pearl selection. We stopped in Grand Cayman(bike ride with stops, easy flat ride), Costa Maya(Salsa, Salsa and beach), Harvest Caye, Roatan(West Bay, suspension bridges and beach). All excursions were reasonable and my nearly 70yo mother could have done them all.

 

We are booked on the Epic Mediterranean for September, so cannot give an opinion yet, but can share our excitement. 

Edited January 26, 2019 by Nola26
Grammar

[richstowe]

Glad you're giving cruising another shot. Given that you had a medical issue , di you get trio trip insurance?

[pso418]

My family DW, and kids and myself went on the Epic out of Barcelona this past June.  It was amazing.  The kids are still talking about it.  We also really enjoyed the Epic.  We had a balcony and it was amazing sitting out there and being in the Mediterranean.  Sitting on the Balcony was one of my highlights.  I would suggest spending additional time wherever you board and enjoy that City.  We stayed an extra three days in Barcelona and just loved that City.  Wished we would have gone out of Rome as it is so far from the City that you really only get a small taste of the city.  We hired private drivers in Italy and had an amazing time seeing the highlights.  Enjoy!!

[newmexicoNita]

As for timing and spring break; we did the Breakaway in April 2 years ago and the ship was over run with kids, many were total brats, others having a great time, but when you get over 2000 kids on a ship it can be a bit much. Actually March and April can be bad as spring break these days start with college kids the first couple of weeks of March and continue,, until the week of Easter. Some schools get out in March, others later. Good luck I do think you would get more kids on the Epic than the Pearl. 

[michelle-nh]

Thanks so much, everyone! You've convinced me that March and April are months better spent at home 🙂 As it turns out, my sister-in-law and her husband came by yesterday and suggested a family cruise (for the adults only)  just before the holidays this year. We're coordinating with everyone now, but it looks like we'll be cruising with the family this November! What great timing on their part! They didn't even know we'd been looking at cruises. 

 

And in the meantime, going back to planning and looking forward to our Mediterranean Cruise. We're so excited for that!

 

So as it turns out, we're cruising on the NCL Epic in June. In September I am going to a conference being held on an RCI cruise. And the cruise the family has chosen is Celebrity.  So, by the end of the year, I'll have a pretty good overview of all!

[kitkat343]

The thing that jumped out at me when you described your other vacations was that you might want to start choosing cruises based primarily upon itinerary.  I’ve done that, which is why I love the cruises I’ve taken.  But I’d be pretty bored and miserable just going to Nassau and a private island (that would be someone else’s dream vacation).  Perhaps you might want to check out cruisetimetable.com which will let you sort cruises by port cities.  Or you might want to think about visiting the baltics, Norway, Panama Canal, Alaska  or Cuba.  Ny is your home port and in 2020 carnival will sail from ny to Cuba (fduring the summer could be hot so you might want to fly to Florida and sail from there in the winter).  You might want to look at the cruise reviews in my signature line - we’ve actually liked all of them and they have interesting itineraries.  

Edited January 28, 2019 by kitkat343

[michelle-nh]

3 minutes ago, kitkat343 said:

The thing that jumped out at me when you described your other vacations was that you might want to start choosing cruises based primarily upon itinerary.  I’ve done that, which is why I love the cruises I’ve taken.  But I’d be pretty bored and miserable just going to Nassau and a private island (that would be someone else’s dream vacation).  Perhaps you might want to check out cruisetimetable.com which will let you sort cruises by port cities.  Or you might want to think about visiting the baltics, Norway, Panama Canal, Alaska  or Cuba.  Ny is your home port and in 2020 carnival will sail from ny to Cuba (fduring the summer could be hot so you might want to fly to Florida and sail from there in the winter).  You might want to look at the cruise reviews in my signature line - we’ve actually liked all of them and they have interesting itineraries.  

 

GREAT advice. Thank you! Yes, it is all about the itinerary to us! I'll definitely check all that out. Thank you!

[kitkat343]

If its all about the itinerary, then I do believe you will like the Med cruise you have booked.

 

After that, you might want to consider Princess' 10 day roundtrip Panama Canal from Ft. Lauderdale - it stops in Cartagena (which is a beautiful city that is fascinating to explore), 

go through the Canal and let you get out to visit the locks in Panama, visit Costa Rica (not the nicest part of Costa rica, but still you can see a rainforest), and either Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Grand Cayman Island.  

You can see the options here:  

 

https://www.princess.com/find/searchResults.do?subTrade=TL,TF&duration=2 

 

The other cruise you might really like is the Baltics, where you can usually get an overnight in St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn (an unexpected highlight), Germany and Copenhagen.  

 

The only downside is that cruise companies often put their oldest ships on the most interesting itineraries - in all the cruises I've taken I still haven't been on a new ship with lots of amenities.  But as the bring out new cruise ships that will hopefully happen at some point in the future.

Edited January 29, 2019 by kitkat343

[Kruizin'Kath]

OP, did you consider the Gem which sails out of Boston? We are doing the 14 day Caribbean sailing on March 29th. I don't anticipate many spring breakers or school vacationers due to the length of the cruise and it's so convenient sailing round trip Boston! 

[michelle-nh]

1 hour ago, kitkat343 said:

If its all about the itinerary, then I do believe you will like the Med cruise you have booked.

 

After that, you might want to consider Princess' 10 day roundtrip Panama Canal from Ft. Lauderdale - it stops in Cartagena (which is a beautiful city that is fascinating to explore), 

go through the Canal and let you get out to visit the locks in Panama, visit Costa Rica (not the nicest part of Costa rica, but still you can see a rainforest), and either Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Grand Cayman Island.  

You can see the options here:  

 

https://www.princess.com/find/searchResults.do?subTrade=TL,TF&duration=2 

 

The other cruise you might really like is the Baltics, where you can usually get an overnight in St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Helsinki, Tallinn (an unexpected highlight), Germany and Copenhagen.  

 

The only downside is that cruise companies often put their oldest ships on the most interesting itineraries - in all the cruises I've taken I still haven't been on a new ship with lots of amenities.  But as the bring out new cruise ships that will hopefully happen at some point in the future.

 

So many places to visit in the world, so little time! I think this could become an addiction!

[michelle-nh]

44 minutes ago, Kruizin'Kath said:

OP, did you consider the Gem which sails out of Boston? We are doing the 14 day Caribbean sailing on March 29th. I don't anticipate many spring breakers or school vacationers due to the length of the cruise and it's so convenient sailing round trip Boston! 

 

I saw that! Can't get away for more than a week (give or take a couple days) right now, but I have my eye on a couple of longer ones out of Boston in October 2020. Have fun!!