NCL v RCCL

[newmexicoNita]

23 hours ago, cruisegirl1976 said:

Everyone has there own thing that they like.. there own preferences, I have sailed on both RCCL and NCL.. and both have their ups and downs.. When we sailed on NCL we felt like we were the youngest on the ship (40's) and they catered to an older crowd.. no biggy.. we had fun.. I tend to like RCCL a little more.. there drinks are better in my opinion.. and the food seemed the same on both lines.  I love cruising .. and wherever the deal is I go..lol  Enjoy your cruise.. 

Wow, I would love to know when you sailed on NCL and what ship? Rarely have I heard anyone say it was a line for older people. They have a fantastic kids program, there are usually kids of all ages and a lot of them on both lines. In fact a  few years ago NCL was chosen as the best multi generation cruise line. Otherwise I would agree, both lines are similar and it is more a matter of opinion which is the better. 

[msmayor]

Happy to have found this thread and read so many good things about NCL.

 

We've never sailed NCL and never thought we would - I'm more of a 'traditionalist' and didn't think I'd go for the whole freestyle concept.  When looking at options for a family cruise my husband and I are planning (and paying for) over the holidays in 2020 though, I couldn't ignore the value NCL offered.  Three ocean-view mini-suites on Escape, with the drink package, meal credit, internet minutes and shorex credit are costing me almost $3k less than stateroom-only on RCL's Harmony.  So, we're giving NCL a shot.

 

We've never sailed any of RCL's mega ships (biggest has been Freedom of the Seas) and prefer ships that run about 2200 capacity, so the Escape will be one of the biggest we've sailed.  Looking forward to experiencing it now and who knows - we may decide we have another cruise line to choose from.

[graphicguy]

On 9/21/2019 at 8:37 AM, msmayor said:

Happy to have found this thread and read so many good things about NCL.

 

We've never sailed NCL and never thought we would - I'm more of a 'traditionalist' and didn't think I'd go for the whole freestyle concept.  When looking at options for a family cruise my husband and I are planning (and paying for) over the holidays in 2020 though, I couldn't ignore the value NCL offered.  Three ocean-view mini-suites on Escape, with the drink package, meal credit, internet minutes and shorex credit are costing me almost $3k less than stateroom-only on RCL's Harmony.  So, we're giving NCL a shot.

 

We've never sailed any of RCL's mega ships (biggest has been Freedom of the Seas) and prefer ships that run about 2200 capacity, so the Escape will be one of the biggest we've sailed.  Looking forward to experiencing it now and who knows - we may decide we have another cruise line to choose from.

Have sailed Escape twice.  It’s beautiful and a great ship.  You’re right about the value equation.

 

You’ll love it!

[cruisegirl1976]

On 9/21/2019 at 8:12 AM, newmexicoNita said:

Wow, I would love to know when you sailed on NCL and what ship? Rarely have I heard anyone say it was a line for older people. They have a fantastic kids program, there are usually kids of all ages and a lot of them on both lines. In fact a  few years ago NCL was chosen as the best multi generation cruise line. Otherwise I would agree, both lines are similar and it is more a matter of opinion which is the better. 

We sailed on the Jewel and seemed every bar we visited there was no night life at all, and nothing was open late. I never mentioned anything about kids programs? , we have no kids.. so didn’t pay attention to what they offer. Like I said.. we are in our forties and it seemed we were the young ones on the ship, just my opinion.

[newmexicoNita]

1 hour ago, cruisegirl1976 said:

We sailed on the Jewel and seemed every bar we visited there was no night life at all, and nothing was open late. I never mentioned anything about kids programs? , we have no kids.. so didn’t pay attention to what they offer. Like I said.. we are in our forties and it seemed we were the young ones on the ship, just my opinion.

Oh I am not doubting you for one minute. I brought up the subject of children just to point out, normally the ships have a great mixture of ages, so am shocked a bit to hear you mention everyone seemed old. I also have never been on any ship, certainly not an NCL ship without, at least a piano player in one of the bars plus activities in the atrium.  Of of course Alaskan cruises, like Hawaiian cruises are more port intensive and geared to shore excursions with less ship activities even at night. I am sure you are not exaggerating your experience. 

[4774Papa]

We have found that the longer the cruises, the older the passengers.  However, comparing NCL with Celebrity and Royal, NCL usually has the youngest.

[graphicguy]

Having sailed MSC, Royal, Carnival, Celebrity and HAL....HAL passengers were generally oldest, Carnival youngest, MSC and Royal had an older crowd than NCL, But NCL had a wider age group range.

[truckswain]

We are Diamond on RCCL but have taken 2 recent cruises on the NCL Escape.  The Escape is a beautiful ship with great service.  We very muched enjoyed our Escape cruises. 

However the entertainment on the Escape is very inferior to the entertainment on the Anthem, Oasis and Allure.  People  compare Spice H20 to the solariums on the Oasis class and Anthem. There is no comparison as the solariums on the Oasis class and especially the Anthem are amazing and adults only.  The pool deck on the Escape is crazy small for a ship that size.  The Anthem has 3 pools 2 of which are covered and one can be opened in nice weather.

 

The Atrium is very nice on the Escape and there is always something happening.  The Casino on deck 7 is always full of smoke and because a section of this deck is open to deck 6 and 8 the smoke permeates this area on these decks as well.

 

Disembarkation on both Escape cruises were simply a train wreck.  Never experienced this level of  disorganization on any of our RCCL cruises including the Oasis class disembarking 6,000 plus passengers.

 

The perks on NCL are nice but the prices are inflated resulting in very high gratuity charges.  The beverage package does not include bottled water, specialty coffees or smoothies.  You also pay sales tax on drinks when in certain ports.  You don't sign a receipt for these charges they just appear on your onboard account.  Never had this happen on RCCL.

 

NCL totally beats RCCL in freestyle dining.  We had reservations for the MDR but really did not need them.  Seated at a table of 2 without hassle.  Staff everywhere so service was fast and effecient. Food was very good so very similar to RCCL if not a little better.

 

You will very much enjoy your NCL cruise but I thing there are enough differences that you will miss RCCL.

[Mom2kmo]

3 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Having sailed MSC, Royal, Carnival, Celebrity and HAL....HAL passengers were generally oldest, Carnival youngest, MSC and Royal had an older crowd than NCL, But NCL had a wider age group range.

And that is why we don’t cruise with HAL.  

[TSS Alex]

And for a couple of different things.

 

Just off the Jade  a week and a half ago. Balcony cabin had the world's smallest toilet area. Needed to find restrooms outside of the cabin for going #2. My 6' self just couldn't bend that way in the cabin (My 5' wife says no problem).

 

We arrived back in Civi a day earlier (due to propulsion problems). Ship excursion at Livorno was cancelled (obviously) and the refund was given to me in cash (along with the $50/excursion perk). Final night on board I was handed $700 US and then on the last day, another $52. I have never received a cash refund on a credit card charge. Ever.

[ShannonSC2]

On 9/19/2019 at 10:21 AM, jancl57 said:

I've been on 2 NCL cruises, both on the Dawn and just booked the Getaway for May 2020.  I've only been on 1 , RCCL , the Jewel.  I thought Royal Caribbean was more formal then Norwegian, which we were ok with.  We actually like the formal nights.  We cruised in 2016 and at that time RCCL allowed only 1 person in cabin to purchase the beverage package.  Not so anymore. We found the service on both to be wonderful.  We thought the food in the main dining room better on RCCL and the specialty restaurants were amazing.  We have only gone to Moderno on NCL.  Had reservations at Cagney's, but somehow NCL "lost" our reservation and we wouldn't be seated until 9:15.  2 hours after our original reservation, despite the fact I had my reservation slip with original time. So we nixed it.  No real big deal, things happen.  Didn't ruin our cruise.

 

 We did comparison shopping for our upcoming cruise in May of 2020, and got the best bang for our buck with NCCL.   

 

Bottom line, in my opinion, is both cruise lines have pluses and minuses.  Go with the notion that you are going to have  a great time!

 

I agree that RCCL seems more formal.  NCL is more laidback.  

[newmexicoNita]

are you complaining about the refund or just mentioning it? Doesn't seem like a big deal unless you are like me: cash in pocket: go spend. NO cash, think twice before using that credit card!!!!

Interesting comment about the toilets: our son in law, who is over 6 feet has never complained. Of course he wouldn't mention this to us but daughter would. WE have not sailed the Gem but several other Jewel class ships. 

[ShannonSC2]

We have done 3 RCCL cruises and 7 NCL cruises.  Each cruise line has their own personality as many have already pointed out.  I think it all comes down to what you like and enjoy.  

 

We like the Freestyle dining because some nights I don't want to eat at 8:30.  Our last RCCL cruise in June our dining time was late dining which was at 8:30.  Of course having Freestyle dining you usually don't get the same server.  Our RCCL server was wonderful and knew what we wanted to drink each night without asking.  

 

Formal nights are more casual on NCL but you will see people wearing full length gowns and tuxes.   

 

Entertainment:  Both cruise lines have amazing shows. RCCL has some great broadway productions such as Grease, Cats, etc.  They do a fabulous job.  I also loved Legal Blonde and Burn the Floor on NCL.  The Piano guy on RCCL is fun when you see him in the elevator.  RCCL has the great diving shows and ice skating.  I find that the comedy on NCL is much more funnier but it could be my own personality.  

 

The Sailaway party on NCL is the best.  People are on the outside enjoying drinks and the DJ.  Also 80's night with NCL is the best.  We actually closed down the 80's party on our last NCL cruise which is unusual for us.  🙂  Also the White Out/Neon party is great.  

 

I do find the Casino to be much more smoky on NCL than on RCCL.  And yes the Casino is much more open on NCL.  

 

The pool deck seems larger on RCCL with lot more chairs and space.  I always find the pool deck is too small on the Getaway.  But SPICE H20 is a great place to hang out without kids running around.  

 

Getaway is one of my favorite ships.  You have to do the rope course at least once.  Make sure you pack closed toe shoes.  

 

Make sure you go in with an open mind and have a great time.  It is fun to compare the differences in each cruise line.  What appeals to you may not appeal to someone else.  

[JustAPilot]

Man, HAL really needs to get a new marketing team and get rid of this notion that HAL is designed for baby boomers and walkers. There new ships and ports look really nice but like everyone else I stay away because of the idea that I don't want to hangout with my grandparents all day. 

[PelicanBill]

I have 4 sailings on NCL Breakway and one recent on Anthem of the Seas.

 

Some key differences I noticed:

 

Anthem had a far better buffet

Pool towels on NCL are way fluffier

Pool deck/top deck layout way better on Anthem

Smoke from casino inside is bad on Breakway, not noticed on Anthem