What do you like about NCL?

[gaylebd]

I have never cruised on NCL, but I am looking at some differnet itineraries that NCL offers (southern Carribean) and would really love to go to those ports.

 

I have read many negative comments about NCL on "other cruise line threads" and thought I would ask - those that love NCL - for their opinion - and from there I will make up my mind.

 

what do you like about NCL?

 

how is the food? examples

 

atmosphere?

 

 

THANK YOU for opinion!

[Grandpaul]

I've been on many NCL cruises so obviously I like them. Several things I like; the price, Freestyle dining, I like the size of their ships(not a big fan of monster ships), their casinos are good. I'm not particular about food and there are other cruiselines with better food but I always find too much to eat anyway. I've never had a bad cruise so I don't knock other cruise lines. They have very good kids programs for when my Grandkids join us. I find their cruises very relaxing.

[flashdog_1]

The main difference in cruising NCL and cruising another main stream line is the freestyle concept of eating when you want (during posted restaurant hours only. It does not mean you can get dinner at midnight or at 4 p.m.) at a table size of your choosing, whether with others or alone.

 

Most people clean up for dinner. If you don't want to clean up, there is the buffet or the comfort food restaurant which is open 23 hours a day. The buffet is not open 23 hours. If you go there at odd hours they will direct you to the comfort food restaurant. Both of these restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating.

 

Other lines are catching on to the idea of many surcharge restaurants. So far NCL is in the lead with the number of these specialty restaurants offered.

 

Instead of having one huge dining room with a balcony (or two) where half the passengers eat at one time, NCL provides two much smaller, but still large, dining rooms that will NOT seat half the passengers at one time. I'm sure they must have done a study before implementing the system. But there are certain people who like to dine very early, and others who like to dine very late, and the majority will want to start to dine between 7-8. Therefore, it works. The early birders go early, the late people go late and have no waits, but the vast majority who want to dine at prime time may have to go to the other dining room, or wait to be seated. Or go to a specialty restaurant if space is available.

 

Food being a subjective subject will prompt people to rave or flame a ship or company from their experiences. If you look at the menus on line, you will see the same sort of food and variety that you will see on other lines. The quality of the food/preparation/presentation seems to vary between sailings (different chef or servers) and between ships. Just choose wisely, or ask your server what's good that night.

 

The atmosphere is friendly and the passengers seem open. I'm sure this varies from sailing to sailing, too. Give it a try and see what you think.

[melligene]

Only been on one cruise ever.. NCL Dawn last November. Chose NCL for Freestyle and have no regrets. Going back this November on the Jewel.

This probably doesn't help you much but after our first experience cruising and reading these boards here on CC we're confident we made the right choice with NCL.

[CC Help Michell]

I have sailed several cruiselines, and I find them more alike than different. We purchase cruises based on itinerary and price, in that order. When that means we sail NCL, though, we're always very happy because it's our overall favorite. We like:

• the number of dining choices onboard (be aware that some do have a surcharge, but NCL offers the same number of included options as most cruiselines do),
  
• no set dining time,
  
• easy to get a table for 2,
  
• the resort casual dress code,
  
• the absence of formal night (cuts down on luggage),
  
• relaxed disembarkation (staying in our cabin until our color is called -- no assembling like cattle in some hot, overcrowded lounge at 7:30 AM),
  
• the very comfortable beds and bedding,
  
• the variety of suite options if you choose to do that,
  
• the welcome-aboard glass of bubbly (not a deal breaker, but it really does put a smile on my face to see the staff waiting to hand those out)
  

I think many of the people who have sailed NCL and trash the line on other boards may have sailed many years ago (I wasn't a huge fan on my first NCL cruise, either, on the Dreamward) but over the last couple of years NCL has really made vast improvements in their product. They've always been an innovator in the industry (look how many other lines are now offering some kind of "any time dining," for example), and they keep trying new things. They recently announced trials of an online check in system to try to cut down on the longish lines at embarkation, which would be very nice.

 

I think it's kind of like the people who sailed a Carnival ship in the 80's and who dismiss the entire line as a "party boat." Times, and the product, do change, and problems on one sailing don't necessarily reflect the line as a whole (there could have been a mechanical problem, a large group booking, maybe it was a 3 night cruise with a different crowd than a 7 night would be, etc.)

 

If you like the itinerary, give it a try. :)

 

PS hm, re-read the original post. I think food is a very subjective thing -- we've always found the food in every venue on NCL to be fine, and comparable to most other cruiselines (we did think HAL's main dining room food was a cut above NCL and the others in terms of quality). I'm not sure what "atmosphere" means. NCL ships are very relaxed. They don't do the same lido deck activities (hairy chest contest and such) as some lines, but they do offer Quest, trivia, and other activities. You might want to look at Webshots albums for the ships you are considering to get an idea of the overall appearance and decor of the ships.

[acjjj]

We cruised for the first time this summer. Having never cruised before, we were not sure what to expect.

We had a great experience with NCL. We are very informal people so Freestyle was great. The ship was immaculate. We found the food to be excellent! Service was wonderful as well.

My only complaint is the coffee but I'm fussy about my java!

Looking to book again for next summer and wouldn't hesitate to use NCL again if the itinerary and price are right!

[Serendipity333]

Have only cruised once and that was on NCL's Star. Loved Freestyle with the ability to choose what time to eat and where. When we are on vacation we like to be as casual as we can and were quite comfortable with NCL's dress code. You can be dressy or you can be decently casual for dinner. If you go to the buffet you can be more casual.

 

Had a balcony cabin and had requested the beds be turned into a queen. It was very comfortable. Cabin had more room than we expected. Bathroom was larger than we thought it would be too. Lots of constant hot water with good shower head. Liquid soap and shampoo was provided in the shower and we found it was adequate for our needs. Small TV but we don't watch much TV anyway. A variety of movies to watch if you wanted to. There was also a cinema on board and you have to go there to check the daily movie schedule.

 

Found it to be a relaxing cruise and fell in love with the Star.

 

Crew were cheerful, friendly and helpful. Ship was full but it didn't feel like it. Only time we saw a lot of people was at the evening show.

 

We found plenty to eat and a good choice. We are vegetarians and I have allergies to dairy products and I mentioned that upon booking the cruise. If I told the dining staff every meal time in the main restaurants they would check with the kitchen to see what was available. If you have food allergies or eat special diets they are very helpful as they don't want any of their passengers being ill from food! Because of our dietary needs we found they prefered it if we preorderd a meal the night before but what I fancy to eat one day may not be what I want the next day so only did that if we went to one of the surcharge restaurants. Sometimes we ordered our evening meal at lunchtime and that worked well. Had a lovely romantic dinner at Le Bistro and enjoyed the Asian restaurant too. Our favourite restaurant was the Versailles, which is one of the included restaurants for lunch and dinner.

 

Found the atmosphere good everywhere on board.

 

Loved the choices for daily entertainment while at sea. Lots to do or you can choose to do nothing. Did not find anyone bugged us about doing anything. There were some interesting 15 to 30 minute talks about gems and art, etc. etc. Don't do Bingo so can't comment on that. There was a talk one afternoon about the Star - it was interesting.

 

The final bill for onboard credit was placed under our cabin door during the night and we checked it over breakfast. No problems with it - had kept all the receipts of items charged so it was easy to check.

 

Embarkment and disembarkment went well. We chose to leave the ship at the latest time because we docked at our home port and were in no hurry. We did not want to leave!

 

No complaints and we are booked for another cruise on the Star. I'm sure one day we will try another cruise line and then we will be able to compare.

[gaylebd]

I have sailed several cruiselines, and I find them more alike than different. We purchase cruises based on itinerary and price, in that order. When that means we sail NCL, though, we're always very happy because it's our overall favorite. We like:

• the number of dining choices onboard (be aware that some do have a surcharge, but NCL offers the same number of included options as most cruiselines do),
  
• no set dining time,
  
• easy to get a table for 2,
  
• the resort casual dress code,
  
• the absence of formal night (cuts down on luggage),
  
• relaxed disembarkation (staying in our cabin until our color is called -- no assembling like cattle in some hot, overcrowded lounge at 7:30 AM),
  
• the very comfortable beds and bedding,
  
• the variety of suite options if you choose to do that,
  
• the welcome-aboard glass of bubbly (not a deal breaker, but it really does put a smile on my face to see the staff waiting to hand those out)
  

I think many of the people who have sailed NCL and trash the line on other boards may have sailed many years ago (I wasn't a huge fan on my first NCL cruise, either, on the Dreamward) but over the last couple of years NCL has really made vast improvements in their product. They've always been an innovator in the industry (look how many other lines are now offering some kind of "any time dining," for example), and they keep trying new things. They recently announced trials of an online check in system to try to cut down on the longish lines at embarkation, which would be very nice.

 

I think it's kind of like the people who sailed a Carnival ship in the 80's and who dismiss the entire line as a "party boat." Times, and the product, do change, and problems on one sailing don't necessarily reflect the line as a whole (there could have been a mechanical problem, a large group booking, maybe it was a 3 night cruise with a different crowd than a 7 night would be, etc.)

 

If you like the itinerary, give it a try. :)

 

PS hm, re-read the original post. I think food is a very subjective thing -- we've always found the food in every venue on NCL to be fine, and comparable to most other cruiselines (we did think HAL's main dining room food was a cut above NCL and the others in terms of quality). I'm not sure what "atmosphere" means. NCL ships are very relaxed. They don't do the same lido deck activities (hairy chest contest and such) as some lines, but they do offer Quest, trivia, and other activities. You might want to look at Webshots albums for the ships you are considering to get an idea of the overall appearance and decor of the ships.

 

By atmosphere - i am looking for answers exactly like yours ...relaxed - no hairy chest contests...etc.

 

I have looked at many photos - so I am aware of that aspect - seems like a "boutique hotel" to me - which I LIKE. Looks very contemporary and updated.

 

I also love food and love to try new things - and I don't mind paying - what type of food is in the alternative restaurants?

Is it real Bistro food? french?

Does Japanese offer real sushi or just california type rolls?

Does the steakhouse have the best cuts of meat - or is it questionable like the steak I had at Chops on RCCL. (plus lousy service)

 

I realize it is all subjective - and I am reading alot of reviews - just thought I would ask people to tell me some things they love about NCL - their own opinion - and I can determine if those are the things I look for and like as well ...

 

I hope that makes sense??

[CTCruisers]

The majority of the cruises we have sailed have been on NCL. We especially like "freestyle" and not having to have assigned dining. We have had a few bad experiences with assigned seating, so we definitely do not miss that aspect of cruising.

 

We are not gourmands and have never left any ship feeling hungry. Food is very subjective. I like Indian food and my wife thinks it is worse than dogfood.

 

The pool area is relaxed with little or no activity compared to other ships. Late night (post 10 pm) entertainment is nil on NCL. But, their shows are usually entertaining.

 

Most of the ships are newer and are in great shape. If one is disappointed after sailing NCL, then they came on board looking for something negative instead just relaxing. IMHO

[bakerintn]

Here is a link to many menus from a recent Alaska cruise. Although there will likely be differences on whatever cruise you select, these should give you a good idea of the varieties and the styles of food available.

 

http://travel.webshots.com/album/570368358ShRfwS?start=12

 

Note that the NCL Dawn is trying a different approach to menus in the 2 main dinning rooms....this test uses a set menu for the whole cruise, with a few daily specials....like most shore-side restaurants.

 

I have had mixed experience with the Cagney's steakhouse....some raves and other boos about the meat quality. Almost everyone says that the filet is excellent, but I had a very average NTY strip.

 

There is a full sushi bar with sushi, sashimi and asian rolls.

[petesweet]

Two things I like about NCL that I can't get when I cruise Royal Caribbean are (1) free cappaccino and (2) the fact that when we board, we can eat a quiet lunch in the main dining room rather than being "herded" into the buffet line, which is often very crowded and noisy that first day (depending, of course, on when you board).

Kathy

[goodshiplollipop]

I love ncl for all the above reasons listed. I also am not a fan of the gigantic mega ships. Ncl pays attention to what works and what people really want in a cruise and they try very hard to make sure you have a great time.

[gaylebd]

excellent answers - just the sort of info I am looking for!

 

thank you to all - and keep the thoughts coming!

 

I appreciate it :D

[honolulu66]

I love being able to eat when I want as well as have the choice of many other dining options even if they have a fee. The main pool area is really nice and if you are going with kids they will really love it. We have travelled on Princess, RCCL, Holland America, Carnival and NCL and have found the prices for NCL are usually the best. Each of the cruise lines have things we like and don't like as well as some ships are better than others. Even my "bad" cruises have been fun and we have great memories.

[CanadianTwosome]

By atmosphere - i am looking for answers exactly like yours ...relaxed - no hairy chest contests...etc.

 

I have looked at many photos - so I am aware of that aspect - seems like a "boutique hotel" to me - which I LIKE. Looks very contemporary and updated.

 

I also love food and love to try new things - and I don't mind paying - what type of food is in the alternative restaurants?

Is it real Bistro food? french?

Does Japanese offer real sushi or just california type rolls?

Does the steakhouse have the best cuts of meat - or is it questionable like the steak I had at Chops on RCCL. (plus lousy service)

 

I realize it is all subjective - and I am reading alot of reviews - just thought I would ask people to tell me some things they love about NCL - their own opinion - and I can determine if those are the things I look for and like as well ...

 

I hope that makes sense??

 

MichellP, whom you quoted when you posted this reply, really said just about everything I wanted to, so I won't bother with any of that - just know that I agree with her completely! :)

 

Now... sadly, I regret to inform you that there ARE 'hairy chest' and 'best legs' contests, etc. These appear to be very popular with a certain segment of the cruising population, so I think they'll always be present - the good news is that they are listed in the Daily, so you can avoid them.

 

The decor varies from ship to ship. I thought it was very nice on the Dream, the Star and the Pearl, but I've seen other posters make comments such as 'garish' or 'over the top'. It's all about personal preference.

 

Speaking of personal preference, as MichellP noted, food is very subjective. I have enjoyed every meal I've ever had on NCL, and I'm quite picky. I think my particular 'brand' of pickiness tends to guarantee that I'll like what I get, though, simply because I know my own tastes so well. I read descriptions and ask questions before I order - so unless something isn't prepared well, I almost always get something I enjoy, and so far NCL has succeeded 100%. I did send one steak back in the Asian restaurant on the Star because it was overcooked, but I believe this was due to the server thinking my daughter said 'well' when in fact she'd said 'rare' - an easy mistake, especially since most 9 year olds don't order their steak rare!

 

I cannot tell you anything about LeBistro, as we've never eaten there, though I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses since it's a board favourite. Cagney's, however, is the one specialty we never miss, and I highly recommend their prime rib. I am extremely picky about red meat, with the most common problem being the difference between how well done I order a piece of meat compared to how well it is prepared. What I've found at Cagney's is that their steaks are delicious, but the prime rib is where they truly excel. They roll a trolley to your table and you are able to choose for yourself which roast you want your meat cut from. We only had two to choose from - which worked well since one was perfect for my husband and the other for me - but I'm sure they had additional trolleys for well done, medium well, medium, etc. Additionally, their appetizers, sides and desserts are amazing. One of the most important things when dining in Cagneys is to bring your appetite, because you'll get a LOT of food. :)

 

I also can't tell you much about the sushi, since I don't eat it, but one of our friends ordered it on the Star while we enjoyed the regular Asian fare, and I took a picture. I know they had an assortment, and you should be able to find a menu online somewhere. You can check out all of my food pictures from the star at this link:

 

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562285834btzutd

 

I think our favourite specialty restaurant is Teppanyaki, but it's pretty neck and neck with Cagney's. If you enjoy teppan grilling, it's a good show and a delicious meal.

 

The one thing I will add about my personal preference for NCL is that my family enjoy different levels of 'dressing up'. I love to dress up and take every opportunity to do so, my husband looks forward to vacations so he doesn't have to, and our daughter doesn't really care at this point (though she's just hitting the age where she's seeming to enjoy it - YAY!). Aside from one 'dress up or not' night, when we all dress up (formal gowns, suit and tie) and have our annual photo taken, I dress for dinner every evening, my daughter wears something 'nice', and my husband dresses casually - often in his jeans. People may think we look odd together, but to us, that's the whole point of Freestyle - being able to choose for ourselves. (within the parameters of the dress code, of course)

[gaylebd]

MichellP, whom you quoted when you posted this reply, really said just about everything I wanted to, so I won't bother with any of that - just know that I agree with her completely! :)

 

Now... sadly, I regret to inform you that there ARE 'hairy chest' and 'best legs' contests, etc. These appear to be very popular with a certain segment of the cruising population, so I think they'll always be present - the good news is that they are listed in the Daily, so you can avoid them.

 

The decor varies from ship to ship. I thought it was very nice on the Dream, the Star and the Pearl, but I've seen other posters make comments such as 'garish' or 'over the top'. It's all about personal preference.

 

Speaking of personal preference, as MichellP noted, food is very subjective. I have enjoyed every meal I've ever had on NCL, and I'm quite picky. I think my particular 'brand' of pickiness tends to guarantee that I'll like what I get, though, simply because I know my own tastes so well. I read descriptions and ask questions before I order - so unless something isn't prepared well, I almost always get something I enjoy, and so far NCL has succeeded 100%. I did send one steak back in the Asian restaurant on the Star because it was overcooked, but I believe this was due to the server thinking my daughter said 'well' when in fact she'd said 'rare' - an easy mistake, especially since most 9 year olds don't order their steak rare!

 

I cannot tell you anything about LeBistro, as we've never eaten there, though I'm sure you'll get plenty of responses since it's a board favourite. Cagney's, however, is the one specialty we never miss, and I highly recommend their prime rib. I am extremely picky about red meat, with the most common problem being the difference between how well done I order a piece of meat compared to how well it is prepared. What I've found at Cagney's is that their steaks are delicious, but the prime rib is where they truly excel. They roll a trolley to your table and you are able to choose for yourself which roast you want your meat cut from. We only had two to choose from - which worked well since one was perfect for my husband and the other for me - but I'm sure they had additional trolleys for well done, medium well, medium, etc. Additionally, their appetizers, sides and desserts are amazing. One of the most important things when dining in Cagneys is to bring your appetite, because you'll get a LOT of food. :)

 

I also can't tell you much about the sushi, since I don't eat it, but one of our friends ordered it on the Star while we enjoyed the regular Asian fare, and I took a picture. I know they had an assortment, and you should be able to find a menu online somewhere. You can check out all of my food pictures from the star at this link:

 

http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562285834btzutd

 

I think our favourite specialty restaurant is Teppanyaki, but it's pretty neck and neck with Cagney's. If you enjoy teppan grilling, it's a good show and a delicious meal.

 

The one thing I will add about my personal preference for NCL is that my family enjoy different levels of 'dressing up'. I love to dress up and take every opportunity to do so, my husband looks forward to vacations so he doesn't have to, and our daughter doesn't really care at this point (though she's just hitting the age where she's seeming to enjoy it - YAY!). Aside from one 'dress up or not' night, when we all dress up (formal gowns, suit and tie) and have our annual photo taken, I dress for dinner every evening, my daughter wears something 'nice', and my husband dresses casually - often in his jeans. People may think we look odd together, but to us, that's the whole point of Freestyle - being able to choose for ourselves. (within the parameters of the dress code, of course)

 

THANK YOU - pictures were great and I noticed that It was from the Star - correct?

I live close to port Canaveral and the Sun is coming next year - although those itineraries are ... same old - same old. (but prices are nice!)

 

they have REAL sushi - that is a plus for me!

[DMH15]

gaylebd-

 

Just got off the Sun Mar 1 and loved the Sun! A little smaller. But liked that. I picked the wonderful AC aft penthouse #9076. It was incredible. Don't know if you are considering a suite but if you are this one is fab!

 

The Sun has Il Adagio Italian ($10 surcharge) it is stellar.

 

Of course last 3 on Ncl and next, so obviously iagree with other posters about freestyle... I love it.

[mew1]

Love NCL, love the variety of the ships, from the intimate Majesty with the close knit crew to the larger ships like Jewel and Gem, which give you all the big ship events and still I feel like a special guest on board.

 

Embarkation is a breeze and when it is time to leave, you pick the time, we love having a final breakfast in the dining room, then walk off, we usually don't have lines when we leave and it sure beats being hearded into a lounge for hours.

 

Freestyle dress is perfect, dh who hates wearing suits can be comfortable while I wear my fancy dresses, and you don't feel out of place.

 

As far as food, I am adventureous and always love to try new things, waiters on NCL are great at recommending. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fruit soups, and in the morning, the sticky buns are to die for. Pasta bar in the buffets are great. I have never had problems finding foods to delight my taste.

 

Never had a bad cruise on NCL ever.

Mew1

[gaylebd]

Thanks to all for some wonderful advice and replies

[mtwingcpa]

I like the flexible dining, casual dress code and fairly restrictive smoking policy. But I seem to be running out of interesting itineraries on NCL, so I may have to start looking elsewhere. :-(

[Zeno]

I have never cruised on NCL, but I am looking at some differnet itineraries that NCL offers (southern Carribean) and would really love to go to those ports.

 

I have read many negative comments about NCL on "other cruise line threads" and thought I would ask - those that love NCL - for their opinion - and from there I will make up my mind.

 

what do you like about NCL?

 

how is the food? examples

 

atmosphere?

 

 

THANK YOU for opinion!

 

I have been on three NCL cruises and 3 NON-NCL cruises. I prefer NCL.

We recently booked the Dawn because of that excellent southern Caribbean itinerary and I expect that we will have as good a time as we did on our other 3 NCL cruises.

 

what do you like about NCL?

 

I like Freestyle dining - eating when and where I want and with whom I want. I also like disembarkation on NCL (being able to stay in my cabin until our colour is called). I like the polite, friendly (but not fawning) and professional attitude of the crew.

 

how is the food? examples

 

I can't help you much here since it has been a couple of years since we cruised and I would assume that there have been changes to the food since our last cruise. I can only say that I especially enjoyed the chilled soups and appetizers that were available then.

 

atmosphere?

 

I find the atmosphere casual and friendly. But not "party, party". I found it relaxing which is what I like in a vacation.

[newmexicoNita]

I have never cruised on NCL, but I am looking at some differnet itineraries that NCL offers (southern Carribean) and would really love to go to those ports.

 

I have read many negative comments about NCL on "other cruise line threads" and thought I would ask - those that love NCL - for their opinion - and from there I will make up my mind.

 

what do you like about NCL?

 

how is the food? examples

 

atmosphere?

 

 

THANK YOU for opinion!

ok, I haven't read any other comments so I will simply give you mine and I know some of this will already been mentioned:

 

1-freestyle dining. I love eating when I want and where I want. I know lots of people have formed great friendships from eating with the same people for 7, 8, 10 days or longer, for us this has not been the case. We have enjoyed some tablemates, not enjoyed others, but never found a true forever bonding.. We also like eating at 6pm some nights and 8:30 others.

 

No dressing up: great, I hate to lug all those extra clothes, especially now with the extra charge for bags.

 

NCL has good to great entertainment.

 

NCL has the friendliest crew ever

 

The overall atmosphere is relaxed and laid back, but never boring.

 

As for the food, some is great, some could stand some improvement, but it isn't all that much different from other lines and I love the restaurant choices. If we want, we can eat in the main dining rooms every night, but we choose 2 or 3 specialty dining rooms.

 

Hope this helps, oh, one more thing great beds and awesome bathrooms as cruise ships go.

 

Nita

[STARFISH*4]

i dont feel PRESSURE...that comes with having to eat at a certain time and dress a certain way...i just am more RELAXED on my NCL cruises!!

[bocamom61]

I like that NCL will try different things than the other lines. They are not afraid to deviate from the norm. Innovative.

[Cruise_More_Often]

There is a certain personality on all the NCL ships we've sailed on, and I wish I could describe it in words. I think it comes from the laid-back, casualness (but not too much so) of the crew and passengers. Whatever it is, I haven't found it on any other line we've tried. It's like coming home after a hard day's work, or putting on the most comfortable pair of shoes you own (or going barefoot, if you prefer that analogy).

 

Besides personality, the other thing that sets NCL apart from the other lines is the choice of restaurants in which to dine. We always eat in Cagney's at least once on every cruise and at the Asian venue. Il Adagio on the Sun is not to be missed. Teppanyaki is a kick, and the food is fantastic.

 

Oh, I almost forgot about the shows! The Jean Ann Ryan shows on NCL are better than any show I've seen on any other line.

 

Try it, you'll like it!