Princess VS NCL

[ErinsMommy]

Last year we were on the Norwegian Dawn Eastern Carribean. We LOVED the ship, the freestyle choice of deciding when and where to eat. We loved the kids program (we have a 3 year old).

 

Everyone keeps telling me Princess line is much nicer. We were deciding on maybe the brand new crown princess 9 day western carribean this october.

 

Has anyone been on both princess and ncl? How would you compare the two , especially rating the food and kids programs.

 

Thanks!!

 

Chrissy

[karen2cruz]

We have been on both, and love them for different reasons. My husband loves the no formal nights and the anytime dining and disembarkation of NCL.

But we both like the food much better on Princess. The standard of service overall on Princess is better as well. We also like the staterooms more on Princess, our favorite being the mini suites.

 

As far as the kids programs, what we have found is that they vary from ship to ship and counselor to counselor. My son loved NCL, but alot of that were the counselors kept them busy and the kids didnt just "hang out". Disney was down at the bottom, too many kids. Princess would probably rate right up there at the top. We have read , on these boards, that Princess limits the number of kids in each age group, in order to give them the best experience in the kid's programs.

 

Hope this helps!

[Waves alot]

We have been on NCL 3X & Princess 3X -- we are off on another Princess cruise in 2 weeks. Both lines are great - the rooms on Princess were a little nicer with more storage & space. We enjoyed the food on both - NCL has the best cookies & Princess has good soups but we really don't go for the food - the kids programs on both lines seem good - we saw lots of kids having a wonderful time on Princess in the fall going to Hawaii. There seems to be more to do on Princess & the cooking demo & classes are better since they have screens to watch & you can see more --- but as everyone says the cruise is what you make it - I'm sure you'll have a terrific time:)

[Aquarian]

My first cruise was on NCL, namely, the SS Norway. I wanted to try a newer ship (1998) and my TA recommended Princess. We sailed on the Sun Princess to the Western Caribbean. We have been sailing Princess ever since. I would say that the food is much better on Princess. Since they have personal choice/anytime dining, I would say there is no reason for me to go back to NCL. I love all things Princess.

[Druke I]

Twice on NCL, some 18 times on Princess, so you can see where my loyalities lie.

 

1st time, NCL on former Windward, post stretch Norwegian Wind, and thought ship very handy and nice sized. 2nd time, on Norwegian Dream, the former Dreamward and sister ship to Windward, and thought they had ruined a perfectly good ship by adding many cabins and little public space. It became crowded, and did not have good traffic flow.

 

The second time they had just introduced Freestyle Dining, and we did not think it was well planned or implemented.

 

NC does have some very attractive prices, and we just might try them again someday, depending on itinerary, etc.

[CruiseFever]

I really hate to say it but we just got back off our second exposure to NCL and it was another "Boy do I miss Princess" experience.

 

Nothing against NCL, Princess is just in a different league...IMHO

[ISLANDFAN]

:D I would tend to agree with most of the comments on this thread concerning Princess over NCL. The Suze and I have cruised both on The Dawn, and the Spirit on NCL, and The Golden and recently on the Caribbean Princess. While we found the Dawn to be a beautiful ship, and met some really great fellow cruisers while onboard, we felt that way to much public space was dedicated to the varied restuarants. Although one of the finest meals we have ever enjoyed while onboard a cruise ship was at the Le Bistro French Restuarant! We were seated next to a incredible Van Gogh, and the food was to die for. As it was an anniversary of sorts for The Suze and Me, our new found friends "Mr Tractor & BAMAX2" of NCL board fame, snuck in during dinner and seranaded us with you can call me sweetheart to a round of thunderous appaluse!

 

 

We find the "Grand Class Ships of the Princess fleet to be our cup of tea. The layout of these ships are such that one never seems to find themselves in a line, or at a crowded venue. So many selections to enjoy a cocktail, or entertainment, that you never seem to have difficulty finding a seat. We also enjoy anytime dining as we like a less hurried approach to going to dinner. From the top entertainment, to the level of service, the overall food quality, the fresh water pools, and the varied activities, I vote Princess all the way.

 

 

The Suze and Me are looking forward to our Feb. 07 sailing of the Crown Princess, and meeting new friends while onboard on this board.

 

ISLANDFAN

[Zebboriah]

I really hate to say it but we just got back off our second exposure to NCL and it was another "Boy do I miss Princess" experience.

 

Nothing against NCL, Princess is just in a different league...IMHO

 

I have to agree. I guess we're still novice cruisers but since our only exposure is to these 2 lines I would pick Princess hands down every time. When we came back to Princess it was just a big sigh of "ahhhhh...we're back home!"

[Gypsea]

but having sailed NCL five times (which isn't a lot compared to many cruisers)

[Gypsea]

NCL has Matisse, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas in Le Bistro which is undeniably an experience others cannot offer. The food is divine.

They offer tons of activites which is why my kids loved the Dawn (and Majesty). There is always some crazy activity somewhere which I love. I think Princess is less busy.

 

I have to disagree about the food. I do not find Princess to be far superior. Just my opinion, of course, many disagree.

 

You are young and may not think Princess is for you but then again who knows. If you love one line and go on another you will be comparing and may find the new one lacking. I love NCL because it feels good to me but I've never been on a cruise and had a really horrible time. It may take some time to find your perfect fit but you've got that.

 

Try the Crown if you can. I am on the inaugural 6/14 and will write my review in about 60 days. Who doesn't love a big, beautiful, new ship?

 

Rita

[LHT28]

We recently sailed the Dawn Princess & the Norwegian Dream...I would choose princess over NCL

but NCL has one good thing going for it ..the Ice cream is free from 11 am to 5 pm daily not just 1 hr as on Princess ...that they don't even tell you about.

[jennew]

We have taken the famiy on the NCL Spirit and on the Star Princess. Princess wins in the family poll.

[Stacey_19158]

:D I would tend to agree with most of the comments on this thread concerning Princess over NCL. The Suze and I have cruised both on The Dawn, and the Spirit on NCL, and The Golden and recently on the Caribbean Princess. While we found the Dawn to be a beautiful ship, and met some really great fellow cruisers while onboard, we felt that way to much public space was dedicated to the varied restuarants. Although one of the finest meals we have ever enjoyed while onboard a cruise ship was at the Le Bistro French Restuarant! We were seated next to a incredible Van Gogh, and the food was to die for. As it was an anniversary of sorts for The Suze and Me, our new found friends "Mr Tractor & BAMAX2" of NCL board fame, snuck in during dinner and seranaded us with you can call me sweetheart to a round of thunderous appaluse!

 

 

We find the "Grand Class Ships of the Princess fleet to be our cup of tea. The layout of these ships are such that one never seems to find themselves in a line, or at a crowded venue. So many selections to enjoy a cocktail, or entertainment, that you never seem to have difficulty finding a seat. We also enjoy anytime dining as we like a less hurried approach to going to dinner. From the top entertainment, to the level of service, the overall food quality, the fresh water pools, and the varied activities, I vote Princess all the way.

 

 

The Suze and Me are looking forward to our Feb. 07 sailing of the Crown Princess, and meeting new friends while onboard on this board.

 

ISLANDFAN

 

The Suze and you??? HAHAHAHA. Um ok

[ErinsMommy]

I think we are going to give it a try. Does anyone know if there is a kids pool on the new princess?

 

My only concern now is that princess is as kids friendly as NCL !

[surrocruiser]

I have to say, I prefer NCL. I loved Princess, but NCL I never once felt like any of the employees were bothered by their job, the passengers, or any other thing the seemed to be on Princess(fixing drinks at the bar, helping with on-board accts, etc). They definitely seemed much more like they like their jobs and go out of their way to do the smallest mundane thing for everyone on NCL.

 

but......I greatly prefer traditional dining over freestyle. but.....I overall liked the food on NCL better but there were particular things on Princess I preferred. Hmmm, maybe I really don't know what I like???

[mstr824]

Interesting thread.

 

We are taking a close look at these two lines for our second family cruise (first one was on RCI Brilliance).

Our initial cruise on BOS definitely confirmed our disdain for "traditional dining", as we don't like being told when or where we have to eat, or how we have to dress for dinner.

 

What exactly is the difference between NCL "freestyle" and Princess "personal choice" dining, especially in terms of dress codes, food / time options, quality, service, etc. ?

 

Also, how do the children's programs on NCL & Princess compare to RCI's (which was excellent)?

 

I've heard several negative reviews on NCL regarding the food & service, and mostly good reviews on Princess.

[Twaincruisers]

CruiseFever, we had a great time on the one-nighter, but we ate in the Italian restaurant in order to catch up with a server there. Our server this time was great, too.

 

We are not bothered by fixed times to dine and really enjoy having the same tablemates throughout a cruise. Our experience of freestyle has been extremely varied in service with the meal usually ending by the staff heading off to other tables and not continuing service of existing ones...has happened both in the dining rooms and specialty restaurants. The food also is very limited with no steak on the "always available" menu; shrimp salad for shrimp cocktail and no duck! I enjoyed all of these on a 3-night Majesty of the Seas just a couple weeks ago. And I have enjoyed the same on Princess. But NCL has been the least expensive cruises I have ever taken so I think you get what you pay for.

 

We enjoy Princess very much including staff service, ships, food, and entertainment. After spending two weeks in Dec on the Sea Princess we are hoping some bookings drop out so we can cruise on her transatlantic in Sept. We'll continue to cruise NCL when the itinerary is unique (Hawaii) and the price is right, but we actually look forward to cruising Princess!

[Clutterlady]

I'm leaving 5/13 on NCL Dawn. We were booked for 4/23 on the Star Princess, but we all know what happened! The price was right for the Dawn and no flight required. Did a lot of research and have a good friend who loves NCL. I'm really leary, because I do love Princess but I'm sure we'll have a great cruise. Freestyle is just that, no reservations except for certain restaurants. Dress is casual in all restaurants (no shorts or tees)

They do have a formal night, but it is optional. Heard that only about 30% dress for formal night. Of course my DH is very happy about that. As for me, one cruise without formal will be nice, but I think I'm going to miss that special night! Any reassurance anyone can give me about NCL would be great. I do have my credit from the Star and the Crown Princess is looking good!!:p

[mstr824]

Another question on the dining topic: what are the seating arrangements in regards to the freestyle and personal choice dining?

 

Can the three of us get our own table (without having to go thru any bother to get one), or will we be forced to dine with others at a larger table?

[rgtkkb]

I had a difficult time deciding between NCL and Princess for an upcoming cruise (my first), but chose Princess because of its better Alaska itinerary. After booking and then reading these posts for a few weeks, I think I made a mistake and should have gone withe the more casual atmosphere of NCL. I plan to follow the Princess rules on dress-- I am willing to skip the dining rooms on formal nights and have convinced my husband that he cannot wear jeans at night. However, it appears from the postings on this board that there are higher expectations for dress. These expectations seem to apply to the buffet as well as to PC dining on casual nights.

 

I feel caught between offending or disrespecting those who want everyone to dress in a certain way and having arguments with my husband, who dislikes dressing up on vacations. I now think NCL would have been a better choice. This is in no way meant to be a criticism of those with higher sartorial expectations-- it is just not for us.

[dean8844]

what time of the day is the icecream FREE on the coral ? :eek:

 

Dean

[LHT28]

Another question on the dining topic: what are the seating arrangements in regards to the freestyle and personal choice dining?

 

Can the three of us get our own table (without having to go thru any bother to get one), or will we be forced to dine with others at a larger table?

 

Just ask the person at the entrance for a table for 3 ...they have tables set for 4 so should not be a problem.

[LHT28]

what time of the day is the icecream FREE on the coral ? :eek:

 

Dean

Probably 3:30-4:30 in Horizons near the bar.......they don't tell you this anywhere onboard.

 

It was there on the Dawn.

[FOGGY DAZE]

Embarkation..both Very Efficent

Balcony Rooms...seemed Larger On Ncl

Room Steward & Cleaning Staff ...edge To Princess

Room Service...close But Princess Was Faster

Room Service Menu...princess

Buffet...princess

Dinner Menu Variety...princess

Lunch Menu Variety...princess

Breakfast Menu Variety.....both Very Good

Available Seating At Buffet....princess For Sure..ncl Really Crowded And At Times Tables Were All Full..

Service For Lunch And Dinner....both Great

Pizza Stand..princess Wins ..ncl Was Terrible

Coffee Bar...ncl

Casino And Staff....ncl

Game Variety ....ncl

Photo Takes...both The Same

Overall Clean And Well Painted...princess

Shore Excursions Variety...both Pretty Much The Same

Tendering Process....princess Was So Organized And Very Efficent..ncl Was A Pain In The Rump And Really Not A Good Experience

Best Selection Of Programs Offered On Board..princess

Best Theatrical Or Variety Shows...ncl

Best Gift Shops..both The Same

Overall We Would Put Our Money On Princess , However Ncl Is Also A Great Cruise Line...foggy Daze

[Dolphins]

We have been impressed with NCL because they are easily the most innovative cruise line. They introduced "Freestyle Dining" and others are now considering alternatives to traditional dining (Princess now has Personal Choice dining). How can you resist a cruise ship that has 10 different restaurants where you eat at the time of your choosing with the table size of your choice. Skeptics scoffed when NCL announced they would sail year round out of New York. Now NCL is adding a second ship. Other cruise lines are now sailing from Manhattan, Bayonne and Brooklyn, following in NCL's wake.

I hate flying and love sailing out of New York. While I prefer NCL, we look forward to sailing on the new Crown Princess out of Brooklyn. Having sailed on many ships on many cruise lines, I have never had a bad cruise. I look for more varied itineraries out of New York in the future as well as more dining options. The more the merrier.