NCL And Expectations

[Jimmys Chippy]

On the verge of booking our first ever cruise after years of badgering by my Dad. As we've left it far too late actually get on the cruise that we wanted (RCI), we had the choice of Carnival or NCL and it seems that NCL's intinerary has tipped in our favour. We would be taking the Norwegian Jade (Pride Of Hawaii) out of Southampton for 14 days round the Med. next summer. Like I've said, my Dad has been on most of the cruising "Big Guns" (Celebrity, Princess, P & O) but can't give me any decent info on NCL.

 

The question really is "Freestyle" cruising. Now apart from the more relaxed way of dining, is everything else as much as you get on all the other lines, for example midnight buffets, lots of activities, folded towels:rolleyes: and all that jazz? I will be taking my kids (10 & 9 ) so I want there to be things to keep them entertained when at sea other than the pool? Now I know Carnival really push the entertainment side of their cruising on their website, but NCL don't seem to.

 

Is there also going to be a difference on board when the name changes on the boat and ceases to be NCL America and becomes just plain old NCL?

[Cruisechic470]

Having sailed Princess, Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Carribean, we just returned from our first NCL cruise on the Pearl. Freestyle cruising is convinient, but because of freestyle we found the service on NCL lacking, especially compared to Royal Carribean. Maybe it's just us and freestyle isn't our thing. I may sail NCL again, but we'll most likley go back to RCCL or CCL.

[petesweet]

I personally prefer Royal Caribbean for a number of reasons (LOVE set seating in dining room and like extra onboard credits that I get from Royal Caribbean). That said, I think if you have a GROUP of people doing various things, it's nice to have freestyle dining. You don't say how large your family group is. Our group of seven went to the Mexican Riviera on Norwegian Star 18 months ago, and it was great. Sometimes the women liked the dining room while the guys preferred the cafeteria, for example. We're doing the same thing in May--the Baltics on the Jewel.

 

Not much difference otherwise that I have noticed. Both will give you a wonderful cruise.

 

Can't answer the part about the ship.

[insidecabin]

On the verge of booking our first ever cruise after years of badgering by my Dad. As we've left it far too late actually get on the cruise that we wanted (RCI), we had the choice of Carnival or NCL and it seems that NCL's intinerary has tipped in our favour. We would be taking the Norwegian Jade (Pride Of Hawaii) out of Southampton for 14 days round the Med. next summer. Like I've said, my Dad has been on most of the cruising "Big Guns" (Celebrity, Princess, P & O) but can't give me any decent info on NCL.

 

The question really is "Freestyle" cruising. Now apart from the more relaxed way of dining, is everything else as much as you get on all the other lines, for example midnight buffets, lots of activities, folded towels:rolleyes: and all that jazz? I will be taking my kids (10 & 9 ) so I want there to be things to keep them entertained when at sea other than the pool? Now I know Carnival really push the entertainment side of their cruising on their website, but NCL don't seem to.

 

Is there also going to be a difference on board when the name changes on the boat and ceases to be NCL America and becomes just plain old NCL?

 

For round trip from the UK you also have Princess and P&O to look at.

 

Is the RCI Independance really full for your dates.

 

As for the main question, NCL offers all the basic cruise stuff allthough midnoght bufets are getting phased out for 24hr dining location and late snacks in the various places(eg casino), on a lot of ships these days.

 

For comparison reviews look for the Jewel,Pearl,Gem