astera Posted July 14 #1 Share Posted July 14 (edited) I have been on the Norwegian Escape recently and absolutely loved it. As a Royal Caribbean regular this has opened my eyes to other options and frankly I would like to sail with NCL again on my next cruise as the food was way, way better than on RC, and the included Free at Sea package was a game-changer. If you like bigger ships in general with lots of things to do, multiple entertainment choices, plenty of bars, etc., which NCL ships would you recommend and how would you rank them alongside the Escape? Edited July 14 by astera 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis1138 Posted July 14 #2 Share Posted July 14 I can only rank the ships I've been on. Favorite: Escape. 2nd: Jade. 3rd: Prima 4th: Sun 5th: Pride of America I've sailed with NCL since 2003, when the Sun was new. The Jade was in 2018. Escape was 2023 and the PoA and Prima in 2024. I have severe allergies (food, dust, fragrances, feathers/wool), and NCL generally does better for me in making sure my cabin is set up properly and the restaurants prepare food I can eat. On Royal Caribbean, they just told me what I could and could not order. On NCL, they have me pre-order a day in advance and make me what I would like to have, custom made without my allergens. (Does not apply to anything "from outside", of course.) My rankings are based on a combination of factors: How well they handled my special needs. The food's taste and quality. The crew. The ship's facilities that I made use of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonvoyagie Posted July 14 #3 Share Posted July 14 As an older couple we prefer the Jewel class ships as well as the Dawn. Our first cruise was on the Sky in 2002. Since then we have been on the POA, Gem, Jewel, Pearl, Dawn and have an upcomming cruise on the Star. We have always enjoyed the Freestyle cruising with NCL. Granted we have not tried the larger ships, but we cruise for the destination and not necessarily the ship. We have been to AK 4 times, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, Canada and New England and the upcomming trip to South America and Antartica. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two Wheels Only Posted July 14 #4 Share Posted July 14 If you liked Escape, take a look at Bliss. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astera Posted July 14 Author #5 Share Posted July 14 20 minutes ago, Ellis1138 said: I can only rank the ships I've been on. Favorite: Escape. 2nd: Jade. 3rd: Prima 4th: Sun 5th: Pride of America ... I have severe allergies (food, dust, fragrances, feathers/wool), and NCL generally does better for me in making sure my cabin is set up properly and the restaurants prepare food I can eat. Thank you. This does not bode well because I was hoping to see a few names above the Escape that I have been on earlier this month. 🙂 My wife is allergic to many of those things though only to the airborne variety, not to do with consumed food itself. 11 minutes ago, bonvoyagie said: As an older couple we prefer the Jewel class ships as well as the Dawn. Our first cruise was on the Sky in 2002. Since then we have been on the POA, Gem, Jewel, Pearl, Dawn and have an upcomming cruise on the Star. ... Granted we have not tried the larger ships, but we cruise for the destination and not necessarily the ship. We're mainly looking at the bigger ships though destinations are also important for us (we rarely take a cruise that comes back to the same port). We currently reside within a 5-minute walk from our apartment to the cruise pier in Las Palmas where I have seen the Norwegian Viva in recent months, and recently in Livorno (on the Escape) we were docked close to the Viva which once again got me thinking about this modern-looking ship... Has anyone been on both the Escape and the Viva? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianLo Posted July 15 #6 Share Posted July 15 It’s really going to still be an itinerary driven and class of ship preference at the end of the day. That said if someone likes small ships, NCL Spirit may be the best in that sizing category. Amongst sisters I’d say Dawn > Star and Viva > Prima (I know they are so similar but the itineraries are better suited. Bliss and Encore are two very well regarded ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare debenson0723 Posted July 15 #7 Share Posted July 15 1 hour ago, astera said: Thank you. This does not bode well because I was hoping to see a few names above the Escape that I have been on earlier this month. 🙂 My wife is allergic to many of those things though only to the airborne variety, not to do with consumed food itself. We're mainly looking at the bigger ships though destinations are also important for us (we rarely take a cruise that comes back to the same port). We currently reside within a 5-minute walk from our apartment to the cruise pier in Las Palmas where I have seen the Norwegian Viva in recent months, and recently in Livorno (on the Escape) we were docked close to the Viva which once again got me thinking about this modern-looking ship... Has anyone been on both the Escape and the Viva? I have been on both and would pick the Viva. Loved the food choices, observation lounge and waterfront area. But not for a cruise that is in colder weather. I pick a ship sometimes for itinerary and sometimes to try out the newer models. Favorite ship is still the Bliss (though I wish it had an Onda on it). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mehroswitha Posted July 15 #8 Share Posted July 15 I know others will disagree with me, but you did ask for opinions! I like the Epic--and it would seem to offer many of the features important to you. Although not among NCL's newest, it is a bigger ship with a multitude of bars, entertainment choices, and other things to do. The bars don't matter at all to us, and the entertainment only a little: What we love is the spa with its huge thalassotherapy pool, heated loungers, and lovely aft-facing outdoor area. (The reason I anticipate disagreement is the Epic's admittedly odd bathroom set-up and curved cabin walls. I understand the objections, but we never have any issue.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKR2011 Posted July 15 #9 Share Posted July 15 The Escape was a favorite of mine as well, but my second place actually goes to The Sun. She may be small, but the crew was my favorite. Brian Walters has been running that ship for many years, and I remember everyone being so friendly. There are so many positive reviews on here about The Sun too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
complawyer Posted July 15 #10 Share Posted July 15 subjective question, rating ncl ships depends on what specifics you are looking for. we've been on almost the entire fleet since 2010 (except the newer ones, joy, escape, encore, viva, breakaway ) i cruise for the joy of cruising, the itinerary and the price are the most important criteria for me. dont care about the shows, never really had any complaints about any of the food or service, other than the following instances. The aft balcony suites on the epic are a disaster. bed takes up the entire cabin, and the shower/tub/toilet setup is ridiculous. we were on the star this past april, and imho, the food was the worst we've ever had on any ncl ship since 2010, regardless of the restaurant (and i aint a picky eater)! other than that, we've been happy on almost the rest of them. if i had to pick favorites, we loved the getaway because of the waterfront, and the bliss (especially observation deck) was just beautiful Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlexandNessa Posted July 15 #11 Share Posted July 15 Sorry, but Escape is my fave! Loved Bliss as well and sailing Joy next month and can't wait. Have Aqua and Encore booked and excited about those as well. Like Breakaway and Getaway just fine too. Been on Dawn and Gem multiple times as well but they are far from our faves. Would do them on port intensive itineraries but first choice will always be Escape. Sorry the other B+ ships did away with HatM, though the Observation Lounge is a nice consolation prize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EngrJones Posted July 15 #12 Share Posted July 15 (edited) 1) Breakaway plus (except Escape) 2) Jewel class 3) everything else Edited July 15 by EngrJones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Seas2mountains Posted July 15 #13 Share Posted July 15 My list based on ships we have been on: 1. Prima 2. Spirit 3. and 4. (tie) Bliss and Encore 5. Escape - the District Brewhouse for the piano player is why it is higher than Breakaway and Getaway. 6 and 7 (tie) Gem and Pearl (based on better pool in thermal spa than Jewel and Jade). 8 and 9. (tie) Jewel and Jade 10. Dawn ( this should probably be ranked lower but we had a great suite with views) 11. Sun 12. Sky 13. and 14. (tie) Breakaway and Getaway. (Based on limited lounge musical entertainment we like being restricted to Shakers/The Mojito bar and the atrium with limited to no use of Bliss lounge. That means it can be challenging to find a seat. We don’t care for dueling pianos and don’t stand in line to get a seat in Syd Norman’s. It seems so crowded on these two ships.) What criteria is most important for us: 1. Peaceful and quiet spa or hot tub area with no kids. 2. Lounges with musical entertainment (pianist, guitarist, duo, or band) options preferably not a crowded atrium. 3. Outside spaces to read or relax. 4. Observation lounges with musical entertainment and space to dance. Bliss lounges tend to have good dance floors, too. 5. Deck for walking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travelling2Some Posted July 15 #14 Share Posted July 15 2 hours ago, debenson0723 said: I have been on both and would pick the Viva. Loved the food choices, observation lounge and waterfront area. But not for a cruise that is in colder weather. I pick a ship sometimes for itinerary and sometimes to try out the newer models. Favorite ship is still the Bliss (though I wish it had an Onda on it). I would totally agree with this post. I think the OP would like the Bliss or the Viva. Personally, I also have a soft spot for the little Spirit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hallux Posted July 15 #15 Share Posted July 15 I really liked the Escape, I would say the Escape and Bliss are a tie for favorite, depends on the itinerary. The Joy is right there as well, all 3 are the same class (Breakaway+) so they're mostly similar but I really think NCL knocked it out of the park with that class of ship. But, as you can see in my signature, those are the only 3 I've been on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacation44 Posted July 15 #16 Share Posted July 15 My order for the ships I have been on: Encore Joy Escape Jewel Getaway Epic My husband's order: Escape Encore Joy Jewel Getaway Epic Both of us loved the Jewel and would rank it higher if it had a Vibe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redlock Posted July 15 #17 Share Posted July 15 Escape Encore Gem Dawn Jade Star Epic Breakaway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare graphicguy Posted July 15 #18 Share Posted July 15 Whew boy....thought about this quite a bit.... 1. Escape. (has a little of everything that makes NCL a great choice for a cruise) 2. Bliss (great for Alaska) 3. Prima (love the concept and the decor) 4. "-AWAY" twins. (they always seem to be sailing itineraries I like) 5. Joy. (LOVED the fellow passengers on my only sailing on the Joy) 6. Epic. (series of firsts...my first experience in the Haven...first experience with "Free Style" cruising, first experience with NCL's famed entertainment) 7. Gem. (Jewel class ship which offer easy access to everything) 8. Encore. (I enjoyed the cruise, but nothing really stood out as great or not so great about it...it was just a "good cruise") Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmoopie17 Posted July 15 #19 Share Posted July 15 1). Bliss 1a). Escape 1b). Jade Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pens fan Posted July 15 #20 Share Posted July 15 Of the ones we've sailed: 1. Joy 2. Gem or Jade 3. Sun As far down as you can go - POA 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Stealthdog Posted July 15 #21 Share Posted July 15 (edited) 1) Pearl 2) Sun 3) Escape 4) Star 5) Epic We are going on the Jade in 2 weeks, so will be able to include her soon. This is a subjective list because itineraries, crew, fellow passengers all matter and change. For what its worth, I loved the Symphony of the Seas....I liked that ship much better than the Escape, but liked the Escape better than the Odyssey. Edited July 15 by Stealthdog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeorgiaGirl14 Posted July 15 #22 Share Posted July 15 Getaway and Breakaway and Breakaway Plus for us. Love the Thermal Spa and the Haven on these ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Peachypooh Posted July 15 #23 Share Posted July 15 1. Pearl 2. Gem 3.Jade Larger ships 1. Encore 2. Getaway (but my least favorite of all) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scubadoc Posted July 16 #24 Share Posted July 16 Stealthdog and peachypoo - what do you like best about the pearl. Why do you rank it first? We travel on the pearl in September and have not been on Norwegian and 10 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellis1138 Posted July 16 #25 Share Posted July 16 19 hours ago, Pens fan said: As far down as you can go - POA I remember in the middle of my Pride of America cruise realizing with amusement "This is the worst cruise I've been on!" (Not counting things like the Portland-Yarmouth or Staten Island ferry). And even as "the worst", it was still an enjoyable time. The PoA is best treated like a really nice ferry that you take island to island, instead of flying. If you approach it with that in mind, you won't be disappointed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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