Thoughts on Norwegian?

[chrisbd1]

[quote name='slotaddict']

Whoever said they were sailing the Spirit - it is a great ship - clean, classy looking with an Asian Flair - and a top notch crew.[/quote]

We just got back from ailing on the Spirit. I agree, she is a beautiful ship and the crew was outstanding. I believe we had the best cabin stewards EVER!

[CruisnGram]

[quote name='CrusinAgain']Are you saying that all the freestyle dining choices are free? The main dining rooms are included in your fare as well as the buffet but Cagneys, LeBistro, LaCucina, Teppanyaki, Lotus Garden, Sushi Bar, all were fee based in the double digits.

And yes we as well as the majority of the posters had to reserve the day before and suites had first choice. I still read where cruisers are paying the fees for these restaurants and having to make reservations. We did cruise before Freestyle 2.0 became effective but the theme restaurants still have fees which means the Steak House, the Italian, the Japanese, the Asian and the French dining rooms. The Mexican Tex-Mex was no fee when we cruised.[/quote]

No what they were saying is that there are many FREE (no charge) restaurants available for you to choose from. Two main dining rooms, the buffet, the Blue Lagoon (23 hour diner type place) pool grill and 24 hour room service. NCL offers as many "free" restaurants as any other cruiseline.

Yes, there are surcharge restaurants (extra costs) and many people like to utilize them. But many do not.

It's a matter of choice which is what "freestyle" is. "Freestyle" has nothing to do with what costs extra or not, it's all about choosing what you want to do.

CG

[Teacherloves2Cruise]

I prefer RCCL. That said, if the price, ship and itinerary are right on NCL, I will gladly take them. (Hence my up-coming Bermuda cruise. :) )

[Dougles]

We are doing a 12 night Baltics cruise in August with our 3 DDs. We have cruised with them twice on RCCL and once on Princess. DDs really wanted to go back to RCCL, but the price difference was huge. I just checked again. We are booked in a penthouse suite on NCL, and the cost is less than 2 inside cabins on the RCCL cruise. Two balconies on RCCL would be $4,000 more than the NCL suite. That difference will more than cover all our expensive shore excursions, and leave plenty left over to eat in the specialty restaurants every night if the MDR food is a problem. Or we can have the butler serve us in our cabin if we want attentive service. We really liked RCCL, but not so much that we will be willing to pay such a large premium.

[terrymtex01]

I have to say that we have sailed RCCL once and NCL four times with two more NCL cruises booked. The only main reason we keep booking NCL is their Casino's at Sea program offers us benefits unlike any other cruiseline. We loved RCCL and we have loved NCL. In having to choose between traditional dining (which I enjoy) and Freestyle, I would choose Freestyle any day of the week. The reason? While we enjoy having the same wait staff every night that you get with traditional dining is terrific, the benefits of Freestyle dining mean more to us. Just for us, dining late is not usually an option we would request, so with traditional dining we would have to usually rush back from port and take our shower, rush to get dressed, etc to make our assigned dining time. With Freestyle we do not have to do that. Also we do like having other options to choose for dining other than the main dining room even if we have to pay for them. NCL usually wins hands down on the number of different dining venues offered. The one other thing that stands out in my mind that would make us choose NCL over RCCL would be final disembarkation. When we sailed RCCL we had to be out of our room by 8AM or so and had to wait in a common area until our group was called to leave the ship. With NCL we were able to wait until our rooms up until 9:30 or 10 when we leave the ship. Just thought of one other thing. We do always book suites, and for us the perks we get with NCL suites have been better than when we sailed RCCL. PLEASE keep in mind that it has been a few years since we sailed RCCL so any of this could have changed since then. I know this posting makes it seem we favor NCL over RCCL, but really we don't. Was just trying to give you a few things we liked better about NCL than RCCL. But you will never hear us say anything bad about RCCL. It is a great cruiseline with beautiful ships and great crews. If NCL ended their CAS (Casinos at Sea) program, I am sure we would be back to sailing RCCL as often as we would NCL, Princess, X, etc. RCCL is a great product and I do not believe you can go wrong with either RCCL or NCL (as long as you stick to NCL's newer ships).

[Tatka]

We sailed on Spirit and Sun(my DH), which are smaller than Dawn, but not by much (77K T vs 90K T)

Enjoyed our NCL cruises as much as on RCCL with several exceptions. NCL buffets were weaker than on Explorer, but about the same as on Splendor of the Seas.

We felt that our room steward on Spirit had too many rooms to clean, but he still did a great job, just later that usually.

Spirit held too many children for her size (800?).. there was a very nice kids pool with slides and fountains, but common pool was filled with the kids too. It was very difficult to find space on sea days, even simple chair, not lounger, but Dawn could be different.

Food even in regular DR was very adequate and on par with RCCL's.

[Cruising89143]

NCL is a good cruise line. Sailed on the Dawn a few years ago. This was my first time back on NCL in quite some time and overall it was a good cruise. The ships are not as nice as the Voyager, Radiance or Freedom class but nothing wrong with them either. We liked the Freestyle concept. Will be back on NCL this summer.

[Cruz-On]

Enjoyed NCL last year and really enjoyed the freestyle.

[mickeysgal]

We've sailed Carnival (1x), Disney (2x), Royal (4x). We love Royal and in retrospect, never had a bad cruise no matter what the line. We did book our first NCL cruise on the Gem for this May. Why? Itinerary, price (just couldn't be beat), the freestyle dining concept, and the no formal nights. It is a relief not to have to worry about packing dress clothes and rushing back from a port to get ready for a structured dining time. I want to experience a different dining area each night [B]if[/B] I want. I want to be able to eat dinner at a table for two with only my DH and not have to worry about making small talk with others [B]if[/B] that is what we choose for that evening. NCL's overall flexibility is what drew us to book with them. I love Royal's decor - it makes quite an impact, so we'll see how the Gem compares. Either way, it's a cruise and we're thrilled to be lucky enough to sail this year.

[CrusinAgain]

[quote name='mickeysgal']We've sailed Carnival (1x), Disney (2x), Royal (4x). We love Royal and in retrospect, never had a bad cruise no matter what the line. We did book our first NCL cruise on the Gem for this May. Why? Itinerary, price (just couldn't be beat), the freestyle dining concept, and the no formal nights. It is a relief not to have to worry about packing dress clothes and rushing back from a port to get ready for a structured dining time. I want to experience a different dining area each night [B]if[/B] I want. I want to be able to eat dinner at a table for two with only my DH and not have to worry about making small talk with others [B]if[/B] that is what we choose for that evening. NCL's overall flexibility is what drew us to book with them. I love Royal's decor - it makes quite an impact, so we'll see how the Gem compares. Either way, it's a cruise and we're thrilled to be lucky enough to sail this year.[/quote]

What are you looking for in freestyle that the cruiseships are not offering for anytime dining called on different lines different things but amounts to go to the dining room at any time. Freestyle is just that but they also offer fee-based dining. They still have a dress code with no shorts or t-tops and in one MDR no jeans when we went and they were strict with that. We saw no difference than Princess Anytime Dining and now Royal has it as well as Carnival coming in with it, as well as HAL. I think most of the cruiselines are relaxing the dress codes and I know that doesn't sit well with some. I hope you have better luck than we did in trying to get that table for 2 [B]if[/B] you choose to do that.

[arlee]

My husband and I just sailed on the NCL Dawn (march 21-28) - first time cruisers, so we have nothing to compare it to. Read a post here about how filthy the ship was - the only problem I had was at the pool area - people took out food from the buffet and left their dirty plates and glasses around. The crew apparently did not clean them up quick enough. Someone cut their foot badly on a broken glass that was lying around unfortunately. I agree that the ship could use some sprucing up, especially the cabins (we had a balcony-deck 10). We are going to be planning our next cruise and are perhaps thinking about RCC - they're are many ships, so how to decide? Also, the fact that there are formal nights - that could be a pain. I also noticed that prices are higher on RCC.

[mickeysgal]

[quote name='CrusinAgain']What are you looking for in freestyle that the cruiseships are not offering for anytime dining called on different lines different things but amounts to go to the dining room at any time. Freestyle is just that but they also offer fee-based dining. They still have a dress code with no shorts or t-tops and in one MDR no jeans when we went and they were strict with that. We saw no difference than Princess Anytime Dining and now Royal has it as well as Carnival coming in with it, as well as HAL. I think most of the cruiselines are relaxing the dress codes and I know that doesn't sit well with some. I hope you have better luck than we did in trying to get that table for 2 [B]if[/B] you choose to do that.[/quote]

I know that the relaxed dress codes aren't sitting well with others. Cruising is very different from when we cruised long ago for the first time on the Song of Norway. With the luggage limits on airlines nowaday, I just didn't want to pack DH's tux, very formal wear for me, etc. I don't mind packing dressy casual. I do like that other lines are offering the anytime dining approach, yet keeping structured dining times options if you want it. (I believe Celebrity is still maintaining all set dining times). NCL isn't the only line to offer fee based optional dining; other lines have it as well. In my opinion, there is a good mix of non-fee and fee-based dining on NCL. It is entirely possible to have a cruise where you don't have to pay for any of your dining. You don't have to use the fee based restaurants. The price of the cruise was low enough such that even if we do decide to use the fee based restaurants a few nights, we still come out way ahead money-wise than if we had booked with Royal.

[beachchick]

[quote name='CrusinAgain']We were so excited to try NCL and had other cruises on NCL lined up to Alaska and Canada/New England and Bermuda until we tried the new Pearl. It was a 9 day cruise and we had never experienced a cruise where everything during the day on the activity list was fee based and to eat Freestyle one had to reserve the day before and the majority are fee based. The service was really slow both in dining and in the cabin, the Pursers desk personnel were rude, our shower was never fixed that was plugged, the ship came down with the Norovirus and then to top it all off, they lost my luggage. We did however like the coffee in the room and the free self-serve laundry that we have read no longer exists. Luckily we did not buy liquor on the trip as the line was huge to retrieve your bottle on the last night. It felt so good to get back to Princess and Carnival after that.[/quote]

Sigh. This is simply not accurate. How can you honestly write "everything during the day...was fee based"? That's interesting hyperbole, as you must know. Please explain how it's the cruise line's fault that someone brought Noro onboard so that "the ship" came down with it? RCI also loses luggage from time to time, as members report here. One of the reasons that the line to retrieve alcohol was so long is because NCL is even more meticulous and snarky in confiscating alcohol that pax try to bring onboard than RCI is. (I do prefer it when alcohol is delivered to the cabins though.) There is no excuse for not having your shower fixed. I hope you have written to NCL management/passenger complaints about it.

I don't doubt your perception or experience regarding service because that's such a personal thing, but I will say that it differs from what we experienced. With a few exceptions, the crew were pleasant, professional, and hardworking. We did have serious service issues with one meal (and complained right away so the problem could be corrected and our complaint addressed) and minor service issues with another two meals (nothing that was worth stressing over and nothing more than the minor issues we've found on most cruises). OTOH, our experiences at with passenger service desks onboard have been variable on all lines we've cruised with, including RCI, ranging from great to lousy. I'm one of those people who believes that a bit of honey is the best way to ask for what you want. However, I think cruise crew members sometimes just get overwhelmed with sometimes unreasonable passenger expectations, so they tend to "snap" at the "next in line" (as it were). Doesn't make it right, but I think that contributes. I fear though that the combined Noro, shower problem, and lost luggage might have compounded your negative perceptions. BTW, how did they handle the Noro outbreak? Usually they're very good with that.

As far as activities onboard, we didn't find any that are included on RCI that have a fee on NCL. The activities with fees are what you expect on mass-market lines: Spa, special gym classes, bingo/casino, excursions, shopping (okay, that's obvious and not an "activity" we do much of), and so forth. The rest of the activities were included at no charge. I understand that Pearl now charges for bowling, which used to be included. OTOH, RCI charges for late night room service now and NCL does not. It's a push in that regard. For example, NCL's diner (like a combo of Seaview and JR's) is an included venue like Seaview. They do not have a surcharge burger place. (One disturbing note: You cannot find a milkshake on NCL at all. One of my DH's favorite vacation treats is a daily milkshake. The rest of the year, he only has about one per month, so it was very disappointing. It didn't ruin the cruise, of course.) NCL had martini and other bar clinics for a fee; not unlike paying for a wine tasting on RCI (not counting the coupon in our C&A booklets). NCL also had two pub crawls for a fee, but considering you got a drink in seven bars/lounges for $15, those who attended were, shall we say, "happy" afterward. We can't/don't drink that much, so I can only comment on the pub crawls and drink clinics from the feedback and observations of others.

Yes, you do need to make reservations at some of the specialty restaurants. They are just like land-based restuarants and other cruise line specialty restaurants (e.g., Chops and Portofino). Only suite passengers can book them for the entire cruise on the first day, but everyone has a chance at least 24 hours in advance. They are small venues, like on RCI, and can only accomodate so many passengers at a time. Why would it be okay to need reservations on RCI, but not okay if you need to make them on NCL for basically the exact same thing? You can dine in the regular dining rooms any time without reservations, but if you want to dine when 1000 other passengers do, then you might have a wait. Perhaps the Freestyle dining simply isn't right for you. There's nothing wrong with preferring set dining times and assigned tables. We were very happy with dining on our own schedule and not having it be "go to the dining at this exact time or eat dinner somewhere else." We don't plan our days around eating and we don't care about formal nights anymore, so it worked well for us.

Obviously, NCL isn't the right cruise line for you. Certainly you should express your opinions and experiences, but please do not report as "facts" things that are not true.

[quote name='GrannyMouse']I've been on several NCL ships and never had to reserve the day before and never had a fee associated with the Freestyle Dining. We even had a party of 10 on one cruise and never had a problem being seated promptly. I have a January 2010 cruise booked on NCL and a May 2009 booked on RCCL. I like both lines equally for different reasons.[/quote]

We like both lines too and for different reasons.

The only fees for dining are at the various surcharge specialty restaurants. I have a hard time understanding why some people get upset that there are "so many" surcharge restaurants on NCL, but are okay when there are fewer choices on RCI (and other lines). It's not as if NCL doesn't have the same basic dining choices included in the cruise fare that RCI has. The dining rooms, room service (at all times), outdoor grill, buffet, and Blue Lagoon diner have no fees (except specialty items on the room service menu, just like on RCI). NCL even includes specialty coffees at dinner. That was nice.

[quote name='slotaddict']I have never sailed on the POA - but from all accounts it is not good. I believe the company that owns it is NCLA - whatever that is I am not exactly sure. The main problem with the ship as I have read - again not from personal experience - is the service is terrible - it is fully staffed with americans who by all accounts do not go out of their way to make you happy. If you choose to sail this ship I would suggest doing some research, see what the problems are on the ship and decide if you can live with them. Otherwise I would book another cruiseline to Hawaii.[/quote]

Yes, NCLA is the US-registered company of NCL. We do have personal experience with NCLA. We didn't experience terrible service, not even close. Overall, the service and experience we had on NCLA was very good and on par with other cruises. It's true that many of the US crew were/are not used to the grueling work schedules or cramped living quarters onboard ships. There were definitely service issues in the beginning because (I suspect) that many bought into a fantasy working on "The Love Boat" and having "adventures." As well, this is not a permanent career for most like it tends to be for much of the international crew. Finally, the attitude is more casual, not disrespectful. You don't find the US crew "bowing and scraping," so to speak, and they are more "one equal to another" in their demeanor. If someone wants the "traditional" cruise experience with the "old school" (ocean liner, if you will) ship, then NCLA is not a good choice. But if maximizing time in port is most important with the ship being a more "hang loose" feel, then NCLA could be just right. We have not been on PoAm (were on PoH), so you have to take our experience as a step away from the exact same thing. I think if you discount the negative reviews based on "this ship and cruise isn't exactly like the traditional cruise," you'll find that most people enjoy NCLA. Some love it; some don't. It's definitely personal preference.

beachchick

[Philly Steve]

[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]After RCI sold Empress and exited Philadelphia, we decided to return to NCL last fall. While we missed our platinum RCI perks, we found NCL's Freestyle Cruising to be a pleasant change. NCL's competitors are now incorporating freestyle elements in their cruises including anytime dining (by reservation) and changes in debarkation.
The food, to us, was about the same as on RCI although we had two lobster nights. Our last two RCI cruises had none.

Norwegian Majesty may be one of the smallest big line ships cruising today but it had the friendliest hotel staff/crew we've ever encountered.
[/FONT][/SIZE]

[Nerina]

[quote name='PACrew']I just got off the Norwegian Jewel and it was one of the best cruises I have ever been on. The service was fantastic and the food was the best I have had in a long while.

You have nothing to loose by taking NCL. Its a vacation, its still the carribean, and you are still on a beautiful ship. I say try something new...you just might like it.[/quote]

Due to RCCL changing their itinerary to Canda last year we chose to cruise Explorer to the Caribbean this past March. However, we found the exact itinerary on NCL Jewel that we originally had on Explorer. Very apprehensive about sailing with NCL because of all we have read - we booked anyway due to the itinerary.
I am glad to hear you liked the Jewel. We have been "Loyal to Royal" in the past. But with all the cut backs maybe it is time to look elsewhere.
I will not say I will never cruise with RCCL again, but they just made it easier for me accept the change :(

[B][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Past Cruises:[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2003 Serenade of the Seas – [I]Canada [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]5 Nights – Sept 6[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2004 Voyager of the Seas – [I]Western Caribbean [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]9 Nights – Oct 10[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2005 Jewel of the Seas – [I]Westbound Transatlantic [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]12 Nights – Aug 31[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2006 Explorer of the Seas – [I]Bermuda [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]5 Nights – May 14[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2006 Explorer of the Seas – [I]Bermuda [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]5 Nights – Sept 3[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2007 Radiance of the Seas – [I]Hawaii Circle [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]14 Nights – April 28[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2008 Explorer of the Seas – [I]Southern Caribbean [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]12 Nights – Mar 16[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2008 Eurodam – [I]NYC Introduction Cruise [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]3 Nights – Aug 29[/FONT][/I]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2009 Explorer of the Seas – [I]Eastern Caribbean [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]9 Nights – Mar 27[/FONT][/I]

[B][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Future Cruises:[/FONT][/B]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]2009 Norwegian Jewel – [I]New England & Canada [/I][/FONT][I][FONT=Arial]10 Nights – Oct 10[/FONT][/I]

[temple1]

[quote name='Sailingagain0123']We have sailed RCL and I personally felt like I spent a lot of time standing in line.
[/quote]

I keep reading this in regards to traditional cruising as opposed to NCL's "freestyle" cruising. Exactly what lines were you standing in? Just wondering. If you go to dinner a few minutes after the doors open there is no line, that is the only line I've ever encountered.

[big al]

[quote name='bouhunter']We've been on 4 cruises the past 4 winters, all RCCL (Mariner, Navigator, Liberty, Independence). We LOVE RCCL and are hesitant to try something else. Obviously we've only been on the bigger ships and really liked them because we keep going back:) For anyone who's been on Norwegian, considering the RCCL ships we've been on do you think we'd like it? We like the Royal Promenade and have always considered the cleanliness and service on RCCL impeccable. We're only shopping around for two reasons:

1. Price

2. The 9-night caribbean itinerary for Norwegian Dawn is AWESOME. We so wish RCCL went to some of these other ports.

Switching from RCCL next year would be a big decision because we've liked it so much. All thoughts and comments are welcome.

THANKS![/QUOTE]

We have done 9 RCI cruises INCLUDING Mariner (twice),Navigator,Liberty & Freedom....we've also done 4 NCL including the Sky (Twice),Sun,and Dawn.....we LOVE their concept-here is why.....1st-I am a cruise agent and have done 24 cruises on ALL except Costa...NCL has TWO strengths:Their alternative dining venues and entertainment,specifically their production shows....IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO PAY A FEW $$ MORE FOR GREAT FOOD,then NCL is not for you...I have friends who are very cheap,and spending $10-25 on their spouses for a romantic dinner for 2 with a window table over-looking the sea is outrageous to them..not me! I feel the OPPOSITE-sitting at a table with people I don't know and whom I have NOTHING in common with,and couldn't care less about,is NOT my idea of a romantic vacation dinner..I wouldn't sit at a table with strangers if I was at a hotel on vacation,why should I on a cruise? Bottom line is NCL 's MDR food is fair-on the Sky,we ate all 3 nights in the better venues.On the Sun,we ate 4 nights of 7 in Le Bistro (twice),Teppanyaki(Japanese steakhouse),and Il Adaggio (Italian) and ALL were terrific...In Le Bistro,I had salad,ESCARGOTS to die for,filet mignon,veggie & potato,fresh bread,AND a chocolate fruit fondue for dessert which practically requires a MEDIC standing by!! AND ALL for $15 pp!!! You can't even eat at DENNY's for $15!!!!! And I don't have a table for 2 over-looking the sunset with white glove service at Denny's either.....

As for entertainment,NCL has always had top-notch shows..IMO,only Disney has better production shows..these are FAR superior to the boring RCI unknown Broadway shows with songs nobody ever heard of...

Another tip: NCL cabins tend to be a bit tighter than other lines....opt for a mini-suite on a newer ship like the Dawn,Gem,Pearl,etc...OR get an aft balcony..they are nice because they are COMPLETELY un-obstructed,unlike the RCI afts which have all that stupid steel hanging down in front of you.......

Tip: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE FREESTYLE CONCEPT!! You can go to any venue to eat starting at 5:30..BUT if you go at PRIME time,like 7 PM,you may have a wait...We like to dress the way we want,dine when we want,WHEN we want,with WHOM we want,ETC....people who want traditional dining,won't pay extra $$ for better food & service,and DON'T CARE about entertainment,will NOT like NCL......Just my O.....

Big Al

[temple1]

[quote name='big al']
Another tip: NCL cabins tend to be a bit tighter than other lines....opt for a mini-suite on a newer ship like the Dawn,Gem,Pearl,etc...OR get an aft balcony..they are nice because they are COMPLETELY un-obstructed,unlike the RCI afts which have all that stupid steel hanging down in front of you.......

Tip: MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE FREESTYLE CONCEPT!! You can go to any venue to eat starting at 5:30..BUT if you go at PRIME time,like 7 PM,you may have a wait...We like to dress the way we want,dine when we want,WHEN we want,with WHOM we want,ETC....people who want traditional dining,won't pay extra $$ for better food & service,and DON'T CARE about entertainment,will NOT like NCL......Just my O.....

Big Al[/quote]

So to sum it up, to be comparable to other cruise lines you need to spring for a bigger cabin and plan to spend extra for meals? Plus, if you want to dine at say, 6:30 you will probably end up standing in line? Plus you will have new waiters every night and have to go through the learning process the entire cruise? :confused:

[mickeysgal]

[quote name='big al']I feel the OPPOSITE-sitting at a table with people I don't know and whom I have NOTHING in common with,and couldn't care less about,is NOT my idea of a romantic vacation dinner..I wouldn't sit at a table with strangers if I was at a hotel on vacation,why should I on a cruise? [/quote]

Very well said.

[mafig]

[quote name='temple1']So to sum it up, to be comparable to other cruise lines you need to spring for a bigger cabin and plan to spend extra for meals? Plus, if you want to dine at say, 6:30 you will probably end up standing in line? Plus you will have new waiters every night and have to go through the learning process the entire cruise? :confused:[/quote]


Their fares are lower to begin with. So you'll be getting the minisuite for probably less than a Royal Caribbean balcony, and still be ahead if you go to a few specialty restaurants.

"If you want to dine at say, 6:30" you'll be fine. The poster said 7:00.


You will have new waiters every night, unless, of course, you request a specific waiter in the dining room which you can do. I don't require a learning process from my waiters, since I like to order different drinks, etc. every night. I've actually had waiters bring me something like iced tea which I didn't want, just because I ordered it the night before.

[temple1]

[quote name='mafig']Their fares are lower to begin with. So you'll be getting the minisuite for probably less than a Royal Caribbean balcony, and still be ahead if you go to a few specialty restaurants.

"If you want to dine at say, 6:30" you'll be fine. The poster said 7:00.


You will have new waiters every night, unless, of course, you request a specific waiter in the dining room which you can do. I don't require a learning process from my waiters, since I like to order different drinks, etc. every night. I've actually had waiters bring me something like iced tea which I didn't want, just because I ordered it the night before.[/quote]

OMG!!! I posted 6:30 instead of 7. Well now.

But that still doesn't answer the age old - what about the lines? That is always the reason people give for not liking traditional cruising are all the lines. Well, if you go to dinner at 7 PM won't you stand in line and have to wait for a table?

Plus the poster I was quoting indicated the food in the non surcharge venues is mediocre at best so am I standing in line for one of the surcharge venues or the non-surcharge venue? Do I need to make reservations? If I have to make a reservation to get into any of the dining facilities, doesn't that kind of take away the freedom aspect? Just wondering. I'm not being super nasty, I might in the future try NCL, I'm just trying to figure out the free part of freestyle.

[mafig]

[quote name='temple1']OMG!!! I posted 6:30 instead of 7. Well now.

But that still doesn't answer the age old - what about the lines? That is always the reason people give for not liking traditional cruising are all the lines. Well, if you go to dinner at 7 PM won't you stand in line and have to wait for a table?

Plus the poster I was quoting indicated the food in the non surcharge venues is mediocre at best so am I standing in line for one of the surcharge venues or the non-surcharge venue? Do I need to make reservations? If I have to make a reservation to get into any of the dining facilities, doesn't that kind of take away the freedom aspect? Just wondering. I'm not being super nasty, I might in the future try NCL, I'm just trying to figure out the free part of freestyle.[/quote]

No reservations required at the free restaurants.

Reservations suggested at the pay restaurants.

You might have a wait at 7:00 pm. However, they do have boards in the lobbies that shows the status and wait times for the restaurants. On Jewel last month, we once had a line at Tsars, and simply walked downstairs to Azure where there was no line at all.

There were some evenings where the menu in the main dining room left us wondering "what will we order?" Not every night, but some, I would say the choices were "mediocre." Apparently, we weren't alone because there were a lot of people ordering the always available steak. My dh and others said the steak was very good (and free).

[Got2Cruise]

[quote name='temple1']OMG!!! I posted 6:30 instead of 7. Well now.

But that still doesn't answer the age old - what about the lines? That is always the reason people give for not liking traditional cruising are all the lines. Well, if you go to dinner at 7 PM won't you stand in line and have to wait for a table?

Plus the poster I was quoting indicated the food in the non surcharge venues is mediocre at best so am I standing in line for one of the surcharge venues or the non-surcharge venue? Do I need to make reservations? If I have to make a reservation to get into any of the dining facilities, doesn't that kind of take away the freedom aspect? Just wondering. I'm not being super nasty, I might in the future try NCL, I'm just trying to figure out the free part of freestyle.[/quote]

It is "freestyle", not "freedom". The free part is that you eat with whom you want, in the type of restaurant you want, at the time you want. Of course it is not perfect, but it is different than, this is your table, this is who you are eatting with, and tonight you have the choice of five entrees. Just like when at home, there are some restaurants where you need to wait a little to get into. Same as on the ship. So big deal, you walk around the deck, have a drink and come back. It is not as if you have someplace else to be.:)

[terrymtex01]

As far as having to wait in line for dinner, we have sailed four NCL cruises so that is like 28 nights of dining and twice we have had to wait in line. One night there was a 10 or 15 minute wait to be seated and the other time we had to wait in line was simply waiting while the ten or so couples in front of us were escorted to their tables. The line kept moving at a very acceptiable pace and we were seated within maybe four minutes of getting in the line. I do believe there have been some that have had to wait a long time, I don't doubt them. Just feel like the odds are more likely that you will not have to wait in line based on our experience. I will also add that we always eat at different times when we cruise, so someone who likes dinner every night at a specific time might have issues with having to wait to be seated and maybe that is why we have not had that experience very much.

[temple1]

So, with the changes in the other cruise lines, I suppose NCL is going to have to do something to beef up their difference. I've signed up for My Time Dining on Enchantment later this month. So I can dine in the MDR when and with whom I want, I can pay extra for Chops or go to the Windjammer. Sounds pretty freestyle to me.

I guess the true difference is if I prefer something a little more formal for dinner I can find it more easily on RCI.