"FREESTYLE" What it means.

[M2ice]

On my recent trip on the Pearl I had the chance to talk at some length with one of the managers on what "freestyle" means.

 

According to him NCL is moving from a "ship" based model to a "land" based one.

 

On the ship model you eat in the main dining room, go to the show and then maybe to the disco or casino. Everyone does pretty much the same thing. In addition everyone stays in cabins that are generally the same (Not in location but in the number of people they will hold and the services that are offered).

 

In a land based model you have a choice of rooms (i.e. large suites with hold 6-8) much like renting a condo rather then a hotel room. Choice of dining, and a choice of how much you are going to pay and a choice of entertainment ( I heard that the F3 ship will have no main showroom). These are the same choices you would have if you went to some resort area on land.

 

When it was explained to me it made a lot of sense. I'm not sure if it is good or bad but it is NCL's choice to try it. I think a lot of the problems come from the fact that this concept in not known by the public. The changes that result from it are, but the concept is not.

 

I had a lot of problems on my last NCL cruise and doubt if I will ever sail them again. Some of these were related to the concept but most were service issues that should not occur no matter what the concept. NCL does not seem to be very forthcoming with information, I found this to be true on the ship also and that was part of my problem with them.

 

If the concept was better known everyone could make their own decision on if NCL was for them.

[sunseeker17]

Just returned from cruise on NCL Sun 14 days SCL around CApe Horn to BA. I loved the crew. They were exceptional in all ways. From the room stewards to waiters, busboys, entertainers, Hotel Manager, etc. All first rate individuals that catered to our every need. Always helpful and friendly. I love the casual atmosphere of NCL and if the cruise itinerary is the same won't consider any other cruise line. If you want the stuffiness and regiment of other cruise lines, go for it. There are no rules or expectations on NCL and people love NCL for that reason.

 

sunseeker 17

[debihen]

Mark me as another who has never had a problem with NCL, and it's our cruise line of choice! We have sailed Disney (EXCELLENT, no complaints there!) and with Celebrity (UGH...never again!) so we have ventured out a bit. We love the FreeStyle concept and have gotten nothing but stellar service!

[retiredonthesea]

The idea of not being so structured is what "freestyle" means to us. We love their suites, and the crews are the best. We do so much or so little on cruises that being told when to eat just doesn't work for us and "dressing up" only if we feel like it. I do like your explanation of freestyle. We have never had any trouble with info or service on any of our NCL cruises---Now Celebrity is a whole new ballgame!!

[mypleasure]

The model referred to as the ship model is the model traditional cruising is based upon.

 

Personally I far prefer the freestyle/land model which is all about personal choice and this is why I liked my 1st ever cruise with NCL and why I am sailing again this year.

 

I can see why the concept is not currently well recognised as such and I also think this is why so many cruisers seem to hate NCL. To me it is definately a change for the good as I don't mind paying for what I want and not paying for things I don't want or need. Not everyone will feel this way but that is OK!

I think NCL is very forward thinking and is looking at the younger generation of cruisers coming through rather than the old style traditionalists who prefer set dining etc. NCL is looking at where it thinks the market will be in 10 years and more ahead. Time will tell whrether this will pay off big time for them for doing this.

 

Jean

[watchdiva]

We've cruised traditional (RCCI and HAL) in the past few years but returned "home" to NCL because nothing beats their suite perks and we're big fans of freestyle. We love the restaurant options that are available to us and that we are free to just "be"........

[CalVulcan0608]

I think NCL is very forward thinking and is looking at the younger generation of cruisers coming through rather than the old style traditionalists who prefer set dining etc. NCL is looking at where it thinks the market will be in 10 years and more ahead. Time will tell whrether this will pay off big time for them for doing this.

 

I couldn't agree with you more. I'm currently 25, and have an advanced degree in business (marketing concentration) and sports. The amount of traditional cruisers has to be shrinking (I have no research on this but just some common sense should work). People are working much later in their lives and therefore cruising is a short vacation rather than a lifestyle as it may have been in the past. If you take a survey of cruisers who are on at least their second or third cruise I think that most of them that are under 50-55 years old are taking that cruise as a vacation to relax and unwind, rather than the people who are over that age who would be more likely to want to cruise as part of their lifestyle.

 

At 25, if I was told when and where I had to be to be able to eat, I don't think I would enjoy it at all. All throughout college having manditory times that I could eat was bad enough and that was usually in a 2-3 hour window.

 

Cruiselines need to start thinking forward because those of us who are under 50 are the ones who will be spending our money on things such as cruising, especially the under 30 crowd. While I understand they do not want to attract high school seniors or college kids for "spring break" simply because their ships would be destroyed by the end of the cruise, they need to face a reality of how the under 30 crowd thinks. By and large I think that most people under 30 would prefer the freestyle cruise because there is so much choice and that is what our generations are used to.

[terrymtex01]

Doesn't thier commercials where they show the other lines telling people when to eat, who to eat with, when to be by the pool, etc, tell enough of the differences of Freestyle over traditional? Between their commercials and their website that gives a lot of information, I'm not for sure what else they can do to stress the differences between Freestyle and traditional. I think there are some bitter grapes being shown here.

[Dukegirl5577]

they need to face a reality of how the under 30 crowd thinks. By and large I think that most people under 30 would prefer the freestyle cruise because there is so much choice and that is what our generations are used to.

 

31-year-old who couldn't agree with you more. Although I guess I'm no longer in the demographic you just cited. ;)

[julieanne]

Most lines have an open seating now along with casual dining. For me, it meant the chef always got my order and then made me whatever he wanted, especially my desserts! LOL! Now, before anyone says anything, please note, I do have another NCL cruise booked! ;) The Sun cruise was 180 degrees from our first Sky cruise in '99, however, I could say that about all of them that I have sailed with! We did have a few minor problems with some of the crew, nothing that would make me turn away as we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.......

[CalVulcan0608]

31-year-old who couldn't agree with you more. Although I guess I'm no longer in the demographic you just cited. ;)

 

30 was just a number. I'm sure there are people who are 45 and older who feel the same way, but generationally I would say the cut off would probably be much closer to 37-39 for the more "free" thoughts on cruising. Obviously everyone will be different and I'm sure there are 22 yr olds who want to go on a cruise for a lifestyle rather than a vacation, but I think the point was made.

[sottovoce]

Just returned from cruise on NCL Sun 14 days SCL around CApe Horn to BA. I loved the crew. They were exceptional in all ways. From the room stewards to waiters, busboys, entertainers, Hotel Manager, etc. All first rate individuals that catered to our every need. Always helpful and friendly. I love the casual atmosphere of NCL and if the cruise itinerary is the same won't consider any other cruise line. If you want the stuffiness and regiment of other cruise lines, go for it. There are no rules or expectations on NCL and people love NCL for that reason.

Could not have said it better. We love NCL for all these reasons. After 70 or so nights on NCL ships, I cannot imagine anyone having a problem with an NCL crew.

[Seago2]

The idea of not being so structured is what "freestyle" means to us. We love their suites, and the crews are the best. We do so much or so little on cruises that being told when to eat just doesn't work for us and "dressing up" only if we feel like it. I do like your explanation of freestyle. We have never had any trouble with info or service on any of our NCL cruises---Now Celebrity is a whole new ballgame!!

 

And yet... aside from fixed dining, what do other cruise lines tell you to do? What kind of structure do you feel they have that NCL doesn't?

[johnritt]

30 was just a number. I'm sure there are people who are 45 and older who feel the same way, but generationally I would say the cut off would probably be much closer to 37-39 for the more "free" thoughts on cruising. Obviously everyone will be different and I'm sure there are 22 yr olds who want to go on a cruise for a lifestyle rather than a vacation, but I think the point was made.

 

Hey now, I'm a 50 year old goat who not only understands, but prefers freestyle. ....

 

'scuse please, gotta go...filled the depends....

[retiredonthesea]

And yet... aside from fixed dining, what do other cruise lines tell you to do? What kind of structure do you feel they have that NCL doesn't?

 

Not so much telling us what to do as what we can't do. We liked being able to order a bar set-up/ bringing our own wine aboard, contacting the Concierge before our cruise to make reservations ect., ordering off any restaurant menu for room service, and having a Butler that truly cared about suite guests.

[mbisson]

Hey now, I'm a 50 year old goat who not only understands, but prefers freestyle. ....

 

'scuse please, gotta go...filled the depends....

 

Wippersnappers! This discussion is filled with Wippersnappers. But this old goat likes freestyle also ;)

[CC Help Michell]

Wippersnappers! This discussion is filled with Wippersnappers. But this old goat likes freestyle also ;)

 

My thoughts exactly! :D

 

Regarding the original post, I don't see a problem with a cruiseline experimenting and trying new things. Some may appeal to the public, some may not. The only way to know is to try by rolling them out. I do disagree that how these changes work onboard a NCL ship is some mystery which is hard to unravel. This is the internet age -- you can google anything you want to know, NCL's website has good information on freestyle, including surcharge restaurants, and so on.

 

I think what happens fairly often is folks who have sailed other lines book NCL for the price, figuring it will be what they have become accustomed to as a "cruise experience," and they are completely flummoxed once onboard at learning how it works.

 

A traveler's failure to prepare or research doesn't mean it's the cruiseline which is doing something "wrong."

[CalVulcan0608]

Geeze, I didn't think putting an age limit on generalizations was going to get everyone in an uproar. When I made a comment about ages there are obviously people that don't fit that description. There are ALWAYS exceptions to every rule. For those of us who speak english, we should know this more than anyone else. English has the most rules and the most exceptions to those rules. "I before E except after C" and "A,E,I,O,U but sometimes Y and W"...

 

Hope everyone is having a great day and isn't too anxious waiting for your next cruise!

[sottovoce]

And yet... aside from fixed dining, what do other cruise lines tell you to do? What kind of structure do you feel they have that NCL doesn't?

And other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?

 

To answer your question: They tell you what you have to wear every night, and some expect you to maintain the dress du jour all evening in public areas. Gimme a break.

 

Some also tell you to get out of your stateroom the morning of disembarkation and wait 'til it's your turn in the theater or a lounge.

[peg013]

Geeze, I didn't think putting an age limit on generalizations was going to get everyone in an uproar. When I made a comment about ages there are obviously people that don't fit that description. There are ALWAYS exceptions to every rule. For those of us who speak english, we should know this more than anyone else. English has the most rules and the most exceptions to those rules. "I before E except after C" and "A,E,I,O,U but sometimes Y and W"...

 

Hope everyone is having a great day and isn't too anxious waiting for your next cruise!

 

'bout time you get it sonny boy! Who's taking you on your freestyle cruise.....and who can afford it more....you or me??? (ps...he really is my DS.)

[CanadianTwosome]

On my recent trip on the Pearl I had the chance to talk at some length with one of the managers on what "freestyle" means.

 

According to him NCL is moving from a "ship" based model to a "land" based one.

 

On the ship model you eat in the main dining room, go to the show and then maybe to the disco or casino. Everyone does pretty much the same thing. In addition everyone stays in cabins that are generally the same (Not in location but in the number of people they will hold and the services that are offered).

 

In a land based model you have a choice of rooms (i.e. large suites with hold 6-8) much like renting a condo rather then a hotel room. Choice of dining, and a choice of how much you are going to pay and a choice of entertainment ( I heard that the F3 ship will have no main showroom). These are the same choices you would have if you went to some resort area on land.

 

When it was explained to me it made a lot of sense. I'm not sure if it is good or bad but it is NCL's choice to try it. I think a lot of the problems come from the fact that this concept in not known by the public. The changes that result from it are, but the concept is not.

 

I had a lot of problems on my last NCL cruise and doubt if I will ever sail them again. Some of these were related to the concept but most were service issues that should not occur no matter what the concept. NCL does not seem to be very forthcoming with information, I found this to be true on the ship also and that was part of my problem with them.

 

If the concept was better known everyone could make their own decision on if NCL was for them.

 

Ummmmmmmm... Yep, that's Freestyle. I think the concept itself is better known than you think, though. One doesn't have to know the basis of the concept to understand the concept itself, you see. Until now, I had no idea that NCL used land based resorts as a model for Freestyle, but the similarities were obvious to me. Knowing doesn't change my understanding or my view of the concept, but I do thank you for providing insight into its conception. :)

 

The thing about cruising any line for the first time is that unless you find a site like CC where you can gather knowledge and learn from the experiences of others ahead of time, you will find surprises. I found CC about a month before my first NCL cruise, so my advance knowledge of Freestyle was limited and I got quite a few surprises. I liked all of them. :) I found that I pretty much had the concept grasped after one night, also. That very first meal where my family and I got to show up at whatever time we wanted and meet with the new friends we'd made instead of some strangers that were assigned to my table was all it took to convince me of the merits of Freestyle. Beyond that, though, there are way more similarities among the cruiselines than differences, so since I'd had prior cruising experiences, there were a lot of non-surprises as well.

[kruzkid]

They also have STYLE witch stands for Service, Teamwork, and a Yes lead to Exelence

[CanadianTwosome]

Geeze, I didn't think putting an age limit on generalizations was going to get everyone in an uproar. When I made a comment about ages there are obviously people that don't fit that description. There are ALWAYS exceptions to every rule. For those of us who speak english, we should know this more than anyone else. English has the most rules and the most exceptions to those rules. "I before E except after C" and "A,E,I,O,U but sometimes Y and W"...

 

Hope everyone is having a great day and isn't too anxious waiting for your next cruise!

 

Okay, let me get this straight... you have an advanced degree in business and you think 'W' is sometimes a vowel? :p ha ha ha ha ha Sorry, I couldn't help myself! I think you're pretty close with the rest of what you said, though, except I agree with other posters about your age estimates. I think the 'new generation' of cruisers you're talking about has a much higher average age (we just all look young because we're so happy and open minded). :p

[mbisson]

Okay, let me get this straight... you have an advanced degree in business and you think 'W' is sometimes a vowel?

 

Yep, that's what they taught in my school as well (but don't ask me for an example-I don't know any).

[CanadianTwosome]

And yet... aside from fixed dining, what do other cruise lines tell you to do? What kind of structure do you feel they have that NCL doesn't?

 

There have been a couple of posters answer with some other 'structured' areas that they don't like, but I just wanted to note that you shouldn't underestimate how much you can be affected by fixed dining. I've done both, so I do speak from experience and not just speculation. We also just returned from the Pearl, so that experience is very fresh in my mind.

 

What I can tell you is that out of seven nights, we never ate at the same time twice, and we enjoyed 7 different dining venues (I think), as well as room service. We didn't have to pull our daughter out of the pool (or anyone from anything) while she was having fun to make a fixed dining time. We were travelling with 10 other people and were able to dine with all of them, some of them, or none of them whenever we wanted. We never had a problem attending any shows or activities because we were able to dine when we wanted - before or after the activity. The one time we needed to be somewhere at an odd hour (7pm for the passenger talent show), we simply went to the main dining room, which was open at 5:30, and informed them that we were rushed and we were in and out in plenty of time. That was actually the only time in the entire week that we dined at what I consider a 'traditional' time (they're at 5:30 and 8 usually, right?) We definitely never dined at 8 or after, unless it was to wander in to the Blue Lagoon for a quick late-night snack. It was also exceptionally nice not to feel like we had to run in from an excursion, covered with salt water residue, and push three people through a single shower and out into 'proper' attire to get to dinner on time. (or, again, wait until well past the time we actually want to eat)

 

So yes, there are other 'restrictions' in traditional cruising, but the fixed dining is, in my opinion, by far the BIGGEST. :)