I am having second thoughts about NCL

[Toothfairy754]

This will be our first cruise (DH, me, DD15 and DD9) and I thought NCL would be great for the itinerary , but now I am having second thoughts. Since it is too late to cancel, can you guys just tell me why you like NCL and why I shouldn't worry.

 

My grown children and I are sailing in Jan. We looked at all the cruise lines,where they went and what they offered before making our decision.

Here is why we chose NCL. First we have a group of people who's ages are in their 20's,30's 40's and 50's.

I had sailed CCL before and had a wonderful time. My son suggested NCL as he said we don't have to eat with the same people or at a given time. If we meet people we want to eat with we can do that also.

All your big cruise lines are going to offer pretty much the same amenties, so this way if I want to eat with part of my group, or all of them, or none of them it works.

I think alot has to do with going with the mind set of having a great time and not sweating the small stuff.

I am sure your DD's will have a wonderful time just being on the ship and discovering things. It may also give you and your DH a chance to dine with each of the girls seperately. :o

[salty dingo]

From what I have read here, and seen personally on NCL, Carnival, and Celebrity, there is not much difference. If you want an upscale line you are looking at Crystal, and they are 2X as expensive as NCL for the same accomodation.

 

I don't think the term "down-market" is applicable to NCL, unless it can also be applied to Carnival, Celebrity, HAL, RCCL, etc.

[garycarla]

An earlier poster mentioned Silversea Cruiselines. Now that is upmarket. We have sailed on Seabourn which is similar. But the cheapest REGULAR cabin you can find, even with specials, will still be 2 to 3 times the daily cost of NCL. For example, a 7 day Carib cruise in their cheapest cabin is $4,600 for two. That is $650 per day.

 

So, in that respect, NCL would be downmarket. But, I would not use that term as I don't think we sail downmarket cruises. If we do, bring em on!

[Momymy]

I have been on 5 cruises all on comprable cruise lines. Here is the deal even the worst of these cruises was far better than a day I had to go to work, take care of my kids, clean my own house and cook meals. I hope you have fun and I am sure your kids will love it!

 

SJW

[okbeader]

I love NCL and their freestyle cruising. I hope you have a great time.

 

You know, there are some people who will complain about anything. It's a lot about attitude--go with a good one and you'll most likely have a great time. Go with a bad attitude and the trip probably won't be a lot of fun.

 

The price was what you wanted to pay, so I'm sure you'll feel you got your money's worth. You can always pay four times as much and receive twice the "pampering." Myself, I'd rather use the money to cruise four times with NCL.

[Fishbait17]

While I wouldn't necessarily call myself a "snob", I will admit I am spoiled rotten! With the risk of sounding like I am bragging, I will say that I have been to places, seen things, and eaten menus most people have never even dreamed of.. and have loved every minute of it. My daughter begged me to go back to cruising last year when she and a friend wanted me to take them somewhere last minute. We booked NCL almost on a whim, and I am hooked! Freestyle is the greatest thing to ever be brought to cruising for us, especially with kids (and young adults).

 

The first thing you MUST understand with kids your daughter's ages; they will be MUCH happier on NCL than Silversea, Seabourn, etc. My daughters (17 and 20) were offered the following choice for this Christmas: Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania or the NCL Sun for a week (plus some others). They easily chose the Sun. They have a blast on NCL, and have investigated the others, feeling that they are too formal and stodgy for them. The food in the main dining rooms is not "spectacular" in my opinion, but it is very nice; I would rate it slightly below Celebrity, but the Freestyle makes up for it by far. I would rate the specialties as almost excellent. If I wanted a 3 star gastronomic extravaganza, I would not be cruising at all. I will say that some of the other lines I have sailed with have felt much "slummier" and the crowds on some were pushy and rude, never on NCL. My only complaint about NCL at all is that they need to expand their range to Asia, Australia, and Africa as well, even in limited capacity like the new RCCL Asia cruises. (Oh, and maybe their customer service agents could be better informed and more willing to actually perform customer service.. lol).

 

I am sure you and your family will have a great holiday aboard the Dawn, and I will bet you will be back on NCL if you decided cruising is right for you. I swore I wouldn't cruise again, until last year when my daughter begged me to book. And right after returning, I booked 4 more cruises for the coming year!

 

Robin

[Fishbait17]

Trust me, I think you will love your holiday.. Take it from someone extremely spoiled who has fallen in love with NCL.

 

Robin

[Baitman19]

Thank you all for your reassurances. I feel much better. My SIL sailed on Royal Caribbean, which I thought originally was the same level as NCL but she tried to convince me it wasn't. The other woman sailed on Silversea (I think) and said she enjoyed the pampering and thought NCL would be too "mass market."

 

I will try not to let other people's opinions cloud my first cruise. I am even a little embarrassed I posted this. :o

 

Don't be embarassed. You only wnated to find out about the Dawn.

You will love the Dawn! The crew are the friendliest around. The ship is clean and will be decorated for the holidays.

 

We just finished our 9th cruise on her and I just booked our 10th for April 2008.

 

Check out our webshot pics.

 

Happy Cruising,

Monty

[Tarheelbelle]

I have been on many cruises [several cruise lines] and exotic land trips. No matter what, every time I embark, I am filled with excitement about exploring a new ship [or rediscovering the fun on ones I have previously sailed] and I am thrilled to be on the seas again. I love to visit the ports and to enjoy all the ship has to offer. [i savor the sea days!] Different cruiselines offer different experiences and strengths. Brand new ships or refurbished classic liners each have their charms.

Have a wonderful cruise! Especially during the Holiday season, there will be some special moments onboard and in port!

[Down-Unders]

This will be our first cruise (DH, me, DD15 and DD9) and I thought NCL would be great for the itinerary , but now I am having second thoughts. Since it is too late to cancel, can you guys just tell me why you like NCL and why I shouldn't worry.

 

 

The Dawn is our favourate ship, you will have a ball. Don't go away when you have had your cruise, let us know all about your trip. Bon voyage.

[booklady26]

Wow! Now those are SOME credentials lady. Yours is an opinion I would have loved to see.

 

 

Fin - I think the key to enjoy cruising on different lines is that you have to be able to accept the differences between them. Don't expect a Celebrity or HAL experince on a Carnival or NCL ship. I wonder how many people who trash Carnival or NCL have ever even sailed with them.

 

Each cruise line offers a different experience and they all have plusses and minuses.

 

I know people who swear by Carnival, after sailing on other lines. One friend prefers RCI over Celebrity.

 

I've sailed on the QM2, and while the ship is incredible, I thought the food was lackluster and felt the whole experience was pretty much overrated. Even though that was the only cruise where we were invited to sit at an officers table on Captain's Night.

 

While, HAL can't be beat for service and food quality, it's rather low key.

 

Carnival has come a long way in the past few years. The food has vastly improved since I sailed on the Fascination in 1995 and swore I would never go back. When the Legend came into NYC in 2003, I gave Carnival another shot and was pleasantly surprised.

 

With NCL, I love the whole Freestyle concept. I love being able to dine when you want. Skipped lunch in port? Let's have an early dinner. Kind of tired? Let's take a nap and eat later.

 

A table for 2 has always been a priority for us and with freestyle or any of the other open seating concepts, you never have to worry that you're going to be stuck with table mates with whom you have nothing in common, making meal time a chore rather than a pleasant experience. That's happened to us on a couple of cruises. I also love the choice of restaurants on NCL ships. On a 7-10 day cruise, you can eat in a different venue every night.

 

We have never waited more than 10 minutes or so for a table on either NCL or Princess, and that was only on a formal nights. Most times we walk right in. ALthough we do tend to dine later - after 8:00.

 

People say that they've seen a difference in service since NCL and other cruise lines started imposing service charges in lieu of personalized tipping. I have not. The people with whom we come in contact, cabin stewards, servers, bartenders, etc, are just as friendly and efficient as they've always been. Then again, my husband and I are not very demanding. The only extras we ever ask of our cabin steward is to have extra towels and ice on hand for us. While we are foodies and enjoy a good meal, we aren't fussy either. We know that every meal is not going be 5 star, whether it's on a cruise ship or in a restaurant on land.

 

The biggest key for good service is to treat those serving you with friendliness and respect. Just becasue someone is making your bed and cleaning your bathroom that doesn't mean you are better than he or she is. We ask about their homeland and their families. Most of them love to talk about their life back home. My husband has a great sense of humor and is always joking with the stewards. More than one has told him that they love him because he makes them laugh.

 

In general, the cruise experience is somewhat different today than it was when I first stepped on board the Volendam in 1981. But times have changed since then too and one can't expect a cruise to be frozen in time. As prices have become more competitive, more people have discovered cruising. I actually pay less now than I did back in the 1980's, and the accomodations are much better and the ships have more to offer.

 

Some old time cruisers wish it could be the the way it was 20, 30 or 40 years ago. I get a kick out of some folks who are obviously very unhappy with the direction the cruise industry is taking and are so reluctant to change. Just take a look at the number of postings on the HAL board about their new "As You Wish Dining" concept. You would think it was the end of the world to some of these people!

 

I know I've gotten off the OP's subject a bit, but the bottom line is, she'll be on a beautiful ship, seeing new places and doing new things. How can that be bad????

[packman266]

We have sailed 16 times with NCL and took our grandson (7 at the time) on an Alaska cruse on the SUN. He went to the children's program and it was hard to get him back he was having so much fun> My son who has a degree in food and hospitality mgmt said the food was "yummy" not gormet, but yummy. We have sailed in the last two years on RCCL and Celebrity, and I still prefet NCL mainly for "freestyle" Have a great cruise!

[Philob]

My only complaint about NCL at all is that they need to expand their range to Asia, Australia, and Africa as well, even in limited capacity like the new RCCL Asia cruises.

 

Actually NCL's parent(?) company, Star Cruises, operate in Asia.

[cruise4kicks]

Booklady, I think I love you... :D

[electricron]

Actually NCL's parent(?) company, Star Cruises, operate in Asia.

 

To add, Star Cruises operates more cruise ships in Asia than any other cruise line. Superstar Virgo (Spirit's sister), Superstar Gemini, Superstar Libra (ex-Sea), Superstar Aquarius (ex-Wind), Star Pices, and probably very late in 2008, Superstar (?) (ex-Dream).

 

Basically, half the Star Cruises ships sail from Singapore, the other half sail from Hong Kong/Tawain.

 

The Gemini, Libra, and Virgo have longer cruises more akin to North America cruising. The Star Pices and Aquarius have many one day/night cruises and are set up more as Casino ships than traditional cruising ships.

 

The Libra recently spent the last two winter season sailing from Mumbai, India, the only cruise ship and line to every sail from India on a regular basis. This winter it will not return to India.

[booklady26]

Booklady, I think I love you... :D

 

Right back atcha, Becky!!

[Fishbait17]

To add, Star Cruises operates more cruise ships in Asia than any other cruise line. Superstar Virgo (Spirit's sister), Superstar Gemini, Superstar Libra (ex-Sea), Superstar Aquarius (ex-Wind), Star Pices, and probably very late in 2008, Superstar (?) (ex-Dream).

 

Basically, half the Star Cruises ships sail from Singapore, the other half sail from Hong Kong/Tawain.

 

The Gemini, Libra, and Virgo have longer cruises more akin to North America cruising. The Star Pices and Aquarius have many one day/night cruises and are set up more as Casino ships than traditional cruising ships.

 

The Libra recently spent the last two winter season sailing from Mumbai, India, the only cruise ship and line to every sail from India on a regular basis. This winter it will not return to India.

 

Thanks for the details... I have looked into Star, but not too deeply.. I just love NCL...

 

Robin

[sagiv666]

This will be our first cruise (DH, me, DD15 and DD9) and I thought NCL would be great for the itinerary , but now I am having second thoughts. Since it is too late to cancel, can you guys just tell me why you like NCL and why I shouldn't worry.

 

I agree with others who reply: how can I reassure you if you do not say what concerns you. My wife and I just completed our first cruise with NCL. We enjoyed it, but we also have some complaints and observations which we may share with others in the forum before booking again with NCL. At the same time, if I look for answers from others here, I must be specific -- and that goes for you as well.:confused:

[Hunter2]

I have been on 5 Carnival cruises and 2 NCL cruises. I loved them all but I would say that against your friends advice about NCL I loved NCL more. Carnival is more showy and NCL is to me higher class. The freestyle cruising is fantastic. You can eat whenever and where you want. The other cruise lines have a set time to eat and set seat all week long. You could be stuck with people you are not interested in eating with and have not choice about it. You have the same waiter and dining room every night of the week. The eating experience on NCL is like going to a different restaurant every night or the same if you like. You can eat anytime of the night so there is no need to rush in from the pool or to wait until late if your ready early. I think the entertainment on all the ships is equally fantastic. You will have a great time and don't let other people past judgement on your vacation that you have been waiting to go on. Enjoy yourselves. Just do yourself a favor and don't go with the expectations of it not being good because you will ruin your trip.

[newmexicoNita]

This will be our first cruise (DH, me, DD15 and DD9) and I thought NCL would be great for the itinerary , but now I am having second thoughts. Since it is too late to cancel, can you guys just tell me why you like NCL and why I shouldn't worry.

 

well tell us, why are you having second thoughts? What ship are you sailing and what difference does it make if it is too late to cancel?

 

Read any thread and you will see both negatives and positives. We are sailing Princess in a few months: I have spent some time on their boards and am surprised at some to the negatives.

 

NCL offers the optional dining with so many choices you can't imagine. That in itself is worth chossing them. Add to it, great entertainment and a very friendly but relaxed crew.

 

I can think of a few negatives, but overall you couldn't have made a better choice for the money.

 

I did just read another post you made stating "friends have said" well NCl falls into the same catagory as RCI and Carnival plus a few other lines. They are considered mid priced mass marketed lines. If you say you are stretching your budget but your husband is a bit of a snob, you may have picked the wrong type of vacation. You can only afford what is within your budget and if a mid priced line is stretching your budget your husband certainly can't expect to be sailing on a luxury line.

 

I just booked a couple today on a luxury cruise; price, $280 per day, min cabin plus $59 per day for service charges and taxes. Now, that is what to expect on the higher end.

 

Now I read your sister in law sailed RCI. Why does she think they are better than NCL? The other friend, Silversea; do you have any idea the price of SilverSea, it is similar to the line I booked today. Of course they pamper you more. For $3000 per week, per person or more, I would hope so.

 

Nita

[rolloman]

I have read good things about the Dawn. I too did not sail NCL for a long time but then tried the NCL Pearl and it ranks as one of my best cruises and cruise ship. I think NCL has a good new product, the older part of their fleet I would not recommend. If you have to go on an old ship make sure it is Celebrity or Princess.

 

The only thing really different I find with NCL is the anytime dining, which I think on one hand is a marketing marvel, yet on the other hand the real truth is anytime dining is one of the biggest jokes ever told. Have fun making those reservations each day and waiting for a table! What is crazy is those restaurants are only open during a specific time frame 6 pm to 10 pm, which oddly enough is basically the same time scheduled seating is on other lines without the reservation game. Some will say, well we can eat "anytime" in the buffet, room service or pizza, uh well yeah you can do that on any other lines as well. What NCL should really brag about is their newer fleet, they have more dining choices. Maybe the slogan should be "anything you want dining" instead of "anytime dining".

[insidecabin]

Read any thread and you will see both negatives and positives. We are sailing Princess in a few months: I have spent some time on their boards and am surprised at some to the negatives.

 

One thing you have to realise with the boards is they are not representative of the cruising public, they are a micro snapshot.

 

Look at the roll calls you have a ship with 2500pax and some of the roll calls never make it close to 100, when on a ship if you talk about CC or some of the other popular boards how many have heard of them hardly any.

 

You will find a lot of new posters find the boards and first posts are complaints. So you tend to get three camps on each the cruise line board, cruise line supporters/regulars, the complainers, and those looking for the info for their next cruise(move from board to board for each cruise)

 

On most of my roll calls 50% are probably regular cruisers and are cruising on their favourate cruise line so are nearly always positive but many do analyse the micro detail from ship to ship which for the majority is not that relevent

 

I would guess that 80%-90% pax just go about their cruising buisness happy but we never here from them on any interenet boards.

 

When reading complaints you have to read between the lines judge they way the issue is described also it helps if you read more than one review from the same cruise and from the same author.

 

Still it would help if the OP mentioned what it is that concerns them in particular, sounds to me just a couple of nondescript negative comments have seeded the concern.

[beachchick]

Loud applause for booklady26. Well done!

 

beachchick

[themishmans]

Still it would help if the OP mentioned what it is that concerns them in particular, sounds to me just a couple of nondescript negative comments have seeded the concern.

 

 

You are exactly right. A couple of negative comments have seeded concern.

There is nothing more to it than that.

[gore]

My husband and I have been on 11 Princess cruises, 2 NCL cruises, 1 RCL cruise, 1 Celebrity Cruise and 2 Carnival Cruises. We enjoyed them all but for different reasons. If you pay for a higher price line, you get better service and accomodations - however, the ships make a big difference in accomodations so look for size and age. The mid price cruises are a great deal for the money, but don't expect to pay for Holiday Inn and get the Four Seasons. At this point, our favorites are Princess and NCL because of anytime dining/open dining as we hate to be locked into a specific time and the same people every night. The rest is what you make of it. Entertainment is good pretty much everywhere (and, be honest, where else can you get shows every night yet now everyone is a critic?) When we take a mid price line, it's usually an intinerary where we want to spend maximum time on land and have the convenience of a floating hotel room and pre paid food (Hawaii, for example.) In our longer trip (over 3 weeks) we choose Princess or Celebrity because we will be on that ship a long time. Most of all, it is attitude! Look for the best parts and enjoy.