Are NCL Activities on Sea Days Getting a Little Stale

[newmexicoNita]

Nothing personal Nita, but your general statements " most lines Discontinued....... " I do not think NCL is the only line........." are confusing they appear to always be leaning towards NCL.

 

As we have had two sailings on HAL again I am confused about your general statement "Of course many of the activities were very costly "

 

 

 

 

:confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

WEll, I actually don't know why I am bothering to even asnwer you, as it doesn't make any difference what I say, you will spin it, but OK, here goes: the last 3 lines we have cruised, one of the main activities (after trivia) has been classes of some kind, cooking, wine tasting, arts, etc. all have a charge involved..The gambling tournaments (again) a big activity, entrance fees and many of the activities in the spa that used to be part of cruising now cost..I am not leaning toward NCL, I am pointing out this isn't something new to NCL only thus I am defending NCl on this, but not leaning toward NCL or any other lines. I will add, if you had really paid attention to what I wrote and not just took out what you wanted to, you would have seen I mentioned, if you really want to find things to do that do not require additional bucks, they are there..I also mentioned I miss some of the old activities as well. I guess it is too much to expect you to read the whole thing isn't it?

 

Nita

[MadBrewer]

the last 3 lines we have cruised, one of the main activities (after trivia) has been classes of some kind, cooking, wine tasting, arts, etc. all have a charge involved..

 

Yes I am sure the 'spirit' of the original post was what is there to do during a sea day that is free/v.cheap?

 

i.e. Here's a list that's NCL specific as I have only ever cruised NCL:-

 

Jewelry Lectures (Done this twice now very interesting but as the slides seemed identicle both times probably won't bother again. Learning how to spot fake Amber among other things was a great help though.)

 

Cooking Demo's - never attended one, I dont think the one I witnessed going on had a charge though, can't say for sure. Wish I'd read my daily closer though it looked good.

 

Port Lectures - great for finding out where the shops are, where the beaches are and whether there's a shuttle laid on or not.

 

Other Lectures - saw one advertised on my last cruise, wasn't my cup of tea so didn't bother.

 

'Magic' seminar - Magician gave a one hour talk about Houdini, very well done.

 

Commedian Chat Session - Lenny Windsor lectured about the life of Benny Hill. Was worth attending.

 

Trivia/ film quizes - Definetely fun to do, will do again

 

Dance Classes - Worthwhile IMO even if I didn't bother.

 

Cinema - (well a dvd played to an audience in the theatre with help of a Barco type-Projector).

 

Towell Folding Demo

 

when you then add to this:-

 

Bingo (not free), Swimming Pool, Library, Pool Side musicians, shops, table tennis, chess, golf nets, basketball court, art auctions, bars, restaurants, casino, internet cafe, spa, gym.

 

There's definetely no need to get bored. Stale though? maybe slightly to those of us who have sailed NCL before. I would like to see some variation in the Jewelry lectures maybe an additional 'historian' or 'writer' for as additional sea day lecture.

[zqvol]

I have to say that I find the activities on all the mass market cruise lines to be very lacking. If you are cruising for the activities provided by the cruise directors staff you are going to be very disappointed.

 

Be prepared to entertain yourself on sea days with reading materials, and jsut quiet time.

[kenrod]

I have no preference to any cruise line, but I also haven't met a ship I didn't like.

 

Having sailed most recently on NCL and Carnival, the sea-day activites are similar with each cruise line. Yes, the ice sculpture and hairy chest contest is good for new cruisers. Both line have lots of trivia, bingo, etc.

 

I think the Cruise Directors should find new ways of keeping the more experienced cruisers entertained, while keeping the "old" activities for the new cruisers. At present I can't offer any suggestions on spicing things up. But then I am a passenger and not a Cruise Director.

 

For me, I am pretty satisfied with the same old same old for the time being.

[petesweet]

On an Explorer of the Seas cruise last year, we had a nice crafts class led by a lady who explained to me (privately) that she gets a free cruise by offering her talents. She and a roommate have to pay only $35 (total--not each) and get to bid for the ship, cruise line, and itinerary. She had to provide her own supplies. I think they also have to pay port charges. It was very nice. If I had a talent that was "marketable," I would definitely go that way. There was also a man who offered investing lectures. Very interesting.

When I looked at the website she directed me to, there were interesting subjects cruise ships were looking for--not just lectures but also things like face-painting for the children, etc.

If you are talented or know someone who is, you might want to check into this sort of thing. This lady travels all over on cruise ships doing this.

Kathy