NCL Fan Has Questions.....

[mrtractor]

....for your input.

 

The last time I went on Princess, I was so disgusted with PC, I swore I was going to do traditional. Right now, I'm thoroughly conflicted.

 

The last time, one of the dining rooms used a number system and the other a pager. The pager was a MUCH better system, because you didn't have to be there when your number was called. How is Princess handling that now?

 

Somebody made the comment that they wondered, "Where is everybody." On NCL, nobody goes to the show at the same time. Nobody goes to dinner at the same time. There is always somebody in the atrium or in Bar Central or walking the halls. When we were on the Grand, we'd go down to the bar for a pre dinner cocktail, and we had our pick of bar stools. The place was practically deserted. But walk down the hall to the show room and you couldn't get in. Or walk down to the dining room after 6:30 and there was a line. It seemed like Princess was still trying to figure out how to prevent everyone from going to the same place at the same time. I don't care how big a ship is, if 3,000 people all want to go to the same place at the same time, there is going to be a line. Or a mob scene. That's what I'm trying to avoid by doing traditional.

 

I realize that PC was relatively new back in 2001. Maybe PCL has gotten a better handle on how to do the program. But I've been on around 30 cruises, about half of them on NCL, the rest were traditional cruises. And we really don't have a problem with that. We've had a great time on Celebrity, RCI, HAL, and yes, even Carnival (the parent company of Princess as you all know). I just want the best, most civilized, relaxing cruise I can get for the money. I understand the limitations and capabilities of Freestyle. I am not sure I've got a handle on PC yet.

 

So I don't need to make my reservations for the dining room at the beginning of the week if I choose PC, right? But if I want to go to the alternatives, I'll need to reserve up front and if I have a large group, I'll need to see the maitre'd. How much notice does the maitre'd need for a group of say, 20-30 people?

 

Am I being a pest????

 

MrTractor<-------in dogged pursuit of the perfect cruise experience. He'll keep trying!!!.....;).......

[Jill SC]

I've cruised 4 times on Princess, once on NCL Jewel. Found the dining room service better on Princess and food was better. I like the buffet open 24 hours as well so you can go for a cup of tea and snack before bed if you want. Quality of production shows is similar, Jewel had cirque show which was excellent but the first production number was so bad we skipped the second one. Princess seems to do the same shows too long before changing them. Don't have to pay to use the sauna on Princess either.

[NthernLgts]

Hey Mr Tractor.... Princess seems to be implementing a new disembarkation system. At least they did on the CB 2 weeks ago. Instead of the cattle call they have made some serious improvements here. You are assigned a time (connecting flights play a role in your disembarking time), you meet at a designated point & leave from there. From the time we went to the island dining room to when we were through customs and at the airport it was less than an hour. If this has been implemented on all Princess ships it is a major plus. The future cruise credit plan is also a huge no-brainer as you do not have to book a specific cruise & you can find the best deal out there & still have the reduced deposit & ship board credits apply. Even then if you do not use it you get your money back. Also...no you do not have to make reservations for PC dining, but it is an option.

[cynbar]

Hello again, Mr. Tractor!! To answer some of your questions, no, you don't need to reserve ahead for the entire week in the anytime DRs. You can call each morning when you know a little more about your schedule for the day -- they take reservations until about 4:00, but they will only take a limited number and they may be full if you call later in the day. You can also show up, ask for the table size of your choice, and get a beeper while you stroll around or have a drink in one of the lounges. We have never found the wait more than a few minutes, but other posters have written in with longer waits ---- we just plan for a wait, and are happily surprised if we sit right down. We usually reserve at least for formal nights, the waits have seemed longer to us then, especially after the Captain's Cocktail party ends on the 1st formal night. For the 2 specialty restaurants, the best bet for getting the night and time you want is to make that reservation on embarkation day --- you can always try later in the week, but I hear reservations fill up although there is currently no penalty for not showing up so you'll sometimes see empty tables. We did this itinerary on the Golden 2 yrs ago, and the formal night were the 3rd night instead of the second (because the second day for us is a full one in St Thomas) and the second to last night, which will be Aruba. I expect the same schedule this year, but you never know. We love anytime dining because we can do different things on different nights -- eat at a table for two, eat at a bigger table with strangers, eat with new friends, reserve or wing it. Not sure if you are going to set up a group dinner for the FOMT, but I would suggest talking to the maitre d' early in the week and I'm sure he will arrange it. We often eat around 8:00, which usually gets us out for the second show. The addition of the Piazza makes the atrium area more lively, I think, and we've never had a problem finding evening things to do. MUTS is a lot of fun-- they usally do a midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show which is unlike anything else I've ever done at sea!! Hope that clears things up!

[jff50]

....The last time, one of the dining rooms used a number system and the other a pager. The pager was a MUCH better system, because you didn't have to be there when your number was called. How is Princess handling that now?

 

I am not sure I've got a handle on PC yet.

 

if I have a large group, I'll need to see the maitre'd. How much notice does the maitre'd need for a group of say, 20-30 people?

 

Am I being a pest????

 

MrTractor<-------in dogged pursuit of the perfect cruise experience. He'll keep trying!!!.....;).......

In response to the excerpts from you post:

 

Princess uses pagers on all the recent cruises I've been on.

 

I would compare PC to going to a moderate restaurant at home. You don't always need reservations, but you may have a little wait if you show up at a busy time--although the waits I have had on Princess are generally shorter than I would see at a local restaurant at a busy time. If you have a large group (even 8-10 but certainly 20-30) you should make some arrangements in advance. I have found the Maitre'ds to be very accommodating, but dont be surprised if they make a comment if you make things real difficult for them--showing up with 20-30 people and no advance notice would probably constitute making things real difficult for them.

 

Not sure that they can give you a table for 20-30. Are you planning on eating with a group that size regularly. If so, I'd contact Princess in advance to see what they can do, or at least talk to the Maitre'd at the beginning of the cruise about your situation. If it is going to be sporadic, I'd let them know as soon as you know. Because of the size, you may be very limited in your ability to get seating for such a large group. How does NCL handle a group that big?

 

You may be being a little bit of a pest, but there are worse things to be. Take a look at Jhwk and NOT my real name.

[mrtractor]

.....to get a better picture. Just trying to "fine tune" now. Thanks for your patience!

 

On NCL, they seem to handle large groups fairly well as long as you communicate with them. We went to a specialty restaurant the first night out on our cruise last week. The concierge said, "I'd suggest booking before 8pm because LeBistro has a reservation for FORTY TWO at that time!" We booked for 7:30.

 

We're not expecting a table for 40. But if they could accomodate us all at the same time in the same area of the same dining room, that would be great. Is that something I should ask the maitre'd for the first day of the cruise?

 

While I'm at it, I have been successful in contacting the concierge or the group coordinator of NCL ships even before we got on board. If we had special requests like group dinners, we let them know and it was really no problem at all. Is there someone responsible for this type of preboarding arrangement on the Crown? How would I contact them???

 

OK, I'm a pest. But I'm a smarter, wiser pest because of you guys!!!

 

MrTractor<--------doesn't need to know everything before he gets on a cruise. Just the stuff that matters!!.......

[Casshew]

I did Alaska on the NCL Sun in 2004 and the Golden Princess in 2006.

 

I really enjoyed the NCL cruise and the flexible dining option because I was travelling with my elderly parents who did not want to get 'dressed' to have dinner.

 

Princess was much better though, IMO. The ship, the service, the quality, the food - other than the huge blocks of cheese on the NCL buffet - much nicer better than princess' pre sliced cheese platters. Besides the cheese, Princess was a much better cruise experience for my $$ and anytime dining was just like Freestyle, I didn't notice a difference at all. Just show up when you are ready and be seated.

[The Cellar Dweller]

If you like NCL's Motel-6 approach to cruising, then go for it. I see they have bowling alleys. What is next, tractor pulls or female mud wrestliing?

 

 

Are you always this insulting. Mr. T has alway been understanding towards others opinion without being demeaning in his approach towards others opinion. As a friend of his (maybe short time friend) it bothers me you can be so negative of one's opinion.

[A Sixth?]

If you like NCL's Motel-6 approach to cruising, then go for it. I see they have bowling alleys. What is next, tractor pulls or female mud wrestliing?

 

Ironically, NCL is away ahead on Princess on reducing smoking intrusion aboard their ships. I always equate smoking with Motel-6, bowling alleys, tractor pulls and female mud wrestling.

 

Here's their forward thinking latest announcement. (Which IMHO is a real plus in their favour)

 

Norwegian announced revisions to their onboard smoking policy, which are effective immediately. The new policy designates as smoke-free all indoor public areas, with the exception of casinos and cigar lounges. Several outdoor public spaces are affected by the new policy as well--smokers must now stay a "reasonable distance" from restaurants, jogging tracks, recreational areas and children's pools. In staterooms and on balconies, guests may still smoke cigarettes, but pipes and cigars are not allowed.

I'm looking forward to the "less than 6 star lines joining the hotel industry in making many cabin (80% would be right to represent the percentage of adults who do not smoke) non-smoking cabins.

[Co. Cruisers]

What a jerk.

 

AMEN to that!!!!!!!!! The best thing to do with a person like this is to totally ignore them, :mad: . All they're doing is crying for attention - let's NOT give it to them. Incidentally, most, obviously not all, Princess cruisers are really nice and good people. Glad that you enjoy NCL and feel confident you will enjoy Princess as well; ( 7 Princess cruises, 1 coming up 11/26 - 12/06 ). Did try Celebrity but went right back to Princess! NCL or Princess - have a GREAT cruise! :) :D

[mrtractor]

......there are many De-Tractors out here. But it's only occasionally that I can actually hear a muffled groan from the pathetic losers that just want to see if we will react to their pleas for help. I just hope their health insurance has psychiatric coverage. Sad. What's really sad is when the people who need counseling are in a position of authority. There are some other boards that have that problem. I won't mention any names. They already know who they are because I let them know.

 

Hey, as my buddy John (the former Planersedge here says) I am a social smoker. And the only reason I smoke is because I find it occasionally stimulating and pleasureful. Occasionally. I think if you want to smoke, it's your choice. But I do not live under the illusion that ANY smoking is GOOD for me. It is possibly the WORST thing you can do to your body that is still legal. But that doesn't mean anyone should tell me I can't do it. If I want to slip into the cigar bar and puff on a big fat Cuban, then no one can tell me I can't. Back off.

 

But my right to swing my fist ends where your nose begins. I'm not going to smoke in the public areas. I'm not even going to smoke in my room. If somebody wants to smoke in my room, they better be on the balcony. Cuz I hate the smell of stale smoke. Even if it's mine! I think that cruise lines need to revise their smoking policies to reflect the attitudes of the general public about smoking and the solid science concerning the link between first hand and second hand smoke to health problems. But I'm not going to be standing on the promenade deck giving you a lecture about the evils of smoking. Just not my style.

 

So, if it's OK, let's get back to making this cruise the best for all of us. Smoking and non-smoking!

 

MrTractor<---------as long as it doesn't hurt anybody else, leaves personal decisions to each person's conscience.........

[BAMA X 2]

Are you always this insulting. Mr. T has alway been understanding towards others opinion without being demeaning in his approach towards others opinion. As a friend of his (maybe short time friend) it bothers me you can be so negative of one's opinion.

 

 

Mr Tractor seems to bring that out in folks of late! LMAO!

[mrtractor]

......the being understanding part, right, Bamster????

 

When somebody tries to stick their nose in and where it doesn't belong and say stupid stuff, I just ignore them. Just consider the source. When an administrator starts sending obscene private messages to me and my friends, that's when they deserve a little attention. The kind they don't want.

 

Just tellin' it like it is!!!

 

MrTractor<------thinks OJ was guilty and doesn't mind saying that either.........

[TNSTUD]

sets NCL apart from other cruise lines in my opinion is their entertainment. Specifically the Jean Ann Ryan production company's production of Andrew Loyld Weber's Phantom of the OPera. I don't think NCL has any larger than Panamax size ships which is good. The food, staterooms, etc I would rate a tossup. I never observed anyone in bib overalls or tattoo parlors on either cruise line.

[gopher's girl]

Hey MrTractor - figured I would post this here where more people could benefit.

 

Basically, if we really want to sit alone, we will make a reservation, wait in line, or go at an "off-peak" time (really early or really late).

 

Sometimes, I like to call Personal Choice Dining "Restaurant Roulette" - I like good old casino roulette, so why not dine that way? Like the spinning wheel, you never know what you'll get!

 

When the Maitre'd asks if we would like to dine alone or if we would mind sitting with others, we will often choose to sit with others. We do enjoy meeting people on our vacations, be it to spice up the conversation, make friends, or laugh at whatever happens (Hey, remember that guy we sat with at dinner on formal night? He ordered 5 soups and slurped them all! or What a nice family we ate with on the Dawn Princess, they had tea with the royals because they knew so and so. We've run into some pretty interesting folk on 4 cruises!) We have met many wonderful people on our trips, some not so fabulous, but almost always entertaining!

 

Unfortunately I have no experience in planning a dinner for more than 2 people - so you will have to believe what others tell you there.

 

See you in 2 months!

-gg

[LasVegas_Qtpie]

[B]Hi MrTractor ~ [/B]

[B]We will be sailing on the Golden for Thanksgiving and have a "Group Booking" through a major US Wholesaler. The service has been SO outstanding throughout every cruise we book with them, no wonder we keep going back! [/B]

[B]Our TA asked if I would like HER to contact Princess and request them block off tables sitting together for EVERYONE in our group ahead of time so we didn't have to worry about making single reservations daily. We have about 30 people in our Family and they couldn't have made it more simple. The choices are only what Traditional times are. So, if you come to dinner that night at your requested time (ours was 5:30 pm) you will have your tables empty with NO wait. If you don't show and decided to go to another restaurant, come another time to dinner or whatever the reason, they will take notice and fill your tables with the many people waiting in the lobby for one. [/B]

[B]Call and ask your TA to arrange it for you. Its part of the perks of having one. I'm sure its a simple Fax request and nothing more on their part. [/B]

[B]She did although tell me to make sure I checked in with the[/B] [B]Maitre'D by calling from our Cabin once we get settled to ensure its all down on paper and our table arrangements are set. A small part of work for us for such a BIG convenience to be able to be seated together as a Family with such a large group. [/B]

[B]Have Fun! This will be our VERY first with Princess. [/B]

[M&MCruisin]

OP...I'll be honest...I didnt read every response as its a long thread so Im sorry if this is duplicate info.

Ive only sailed once on each. That being said, I also have 2 more booked, one on Princess and one on NCL. I like them both for different reasons.

One thing I like better about Princess is the show times in the main theatre. I like to get up really early for breakfast and excursions so I prefer the 8:30 oclock shows on Princess. Eat at 6pm set dining, which I love and a show each night. I think NCL's late show was more like 9:45 or 10pm. Then there are always other things to do later if you so choose in some of the nightclubs.

I found, even with freestyle, I still ate dinner about the same time every day so that wasnt really an issue. I did like choosing from all the different restaurants on NCL, but I enjoy the main dining room on Princess.

Its actually hard to compare them as they are both great for different reasons.

Also, did I mention MUTS? The Crown Princess has Movies Under The Stars! Its fantastic. Blankets, drinks, popcorn and your spouse, what could be better? Also, the Crown has new things such as the International Cafe, which I dont believe is on the Grand. Fresh baked cookies each day!

For those who hate the bowling alley on the Pearl...have you actually been on the Pearl? I have and its GREAT! It was a wonderful place to meet before dinner, enjoy the atmosphere, have a bag of popcorn. The bowling was so fun. It was impossible to be really good, so it makes it more fun not knowing which way the ball would go with the sway of the ship! LOL!

Both lines are GREAT! I think we make it what it is, so enjoy both of them...you dont have to choose just one!