newyorkray

I always sailed Celebrity (8 cruises) but recently was on the Norwegian Breakaway for an extended family cruise. I always liked the structure of Celebrity and wasn't looking forward to the "free style of Norwegian but there is something to be said for it. Sometimes on Celebrity I would miss an activity because of my dinner time or would sometimes feel rushed especially when in port. The plus side of Traditional is having the same wait staff who quickly learns if you take coffee or tea or want your coffee with you desert or afterward. Both have their plus and minius.

I usually book concierge cabins, usually C1 since I can't see paying alot more for a suite when I am hardly in the cabin (Norwegian upgraded me to the "Haven suite" for only $400 more for 2 but I didn't really get to enjoy in because we are out all the time) However, my question is what is the difference between C1,C2 and C3 three? It can't be the location because I am booked on the Reflection and deck 10 has all three classes of concierge and there isn't much difference in location. As a many of fact, what is the difference between a Veranda cabin and Concierge except for the few appitizers each day and a tote bag? I have never seen a concierge person.

I have been at Select status with 9 points under the old system, it now lists me as 286 points. I recently booked a cruise in Concierge for this January 4 on Reflection. I anticipated this would finally give me Elite status but now that I don't know how the point system runs and don't know if I will reach Elite! And if I do finally reach the "top", I now see there are now 2 more classes above me, can never win! Truthfully, I don't see much from the rewards. On my last few cruises the wait on the security line was the same for all and the counter check in lines were the same for all, nobody really had to wait because coming from the security line acted to slow down entry to check in. All my cruises have been on Celebrity and I am well satisfied, be nice if there was a little more recognition but I realize that is difficult.

I liked OceanBlue's comments. As I mentioned, I am a Celebrity fan (probably because all my cruising has been on Celebrity (last on the new Reflection in January). I will be on the Breakaway (first NCL) 9/15 as 12 family are going. I have seen changes in Celebrity and wrote down 8 issues that irritated me in the first 2 hours on board (I quickly forgot them as time went on, I react too much too fast!!) I have never had a bad cruise but yes, it is very resonably priced (actually cheap compared to any other vacation) Basically all in one, not a hotel bill, car rental, dining each day, entertainment, whereelse can you get all this. BUT, as OceanBlue said, it's changing and it's sad. More and more space set aside to money making items. I guess the cruise lines have to survive. They kept prices down (I'm paying cheaper prices than I did 10 years ago) in order to survive. But again, OceanBlue is right, just relax and enjoy. Accept that there will be things that irritate you but that's life. It's like air travel now. Once it was a glamourous experience for the more well to do, now it's like a grayhound bus terminal with them nickle and dimeing you too!

I will be on the Breakaway 9/15 with 12 of my family. This is my first NCL cruise after 9 with Celebrity. What I've learned after 10 years on this board (and through life) is that we are all different, look at things differently and that is okay (would be boring if we were all the same!!) I can see all the cruise lines (except the more upscale) charge for the regular items. I'm just a bit confused that it seems (at least from what I've read) that some shows on Breakaway charge. Also that reservations are needed for many free events or suggested for main room dining. (maybe I'm wrong). I am a little OCD, I like to be organized and have things in place. With Celebrity I like early and late seating and the different shows before or after dinner according to your dining. I like some speciality dining and know I will pay a small price but it seems overwhelming with the choices on Breakaway. I also wear casual slacks and golf shirt to work so I like getting dressed for formal nights. I bring a tux and a suit. (I know this has been an issue here for years) I respect the guests who say they go on a cruise to relax, not get all dressed up but for ME, flips flops and bathing suit or shorts I live in during the day then it is nice to get dressed up at night. But nickled and dimed, it gives a choice which is good but I understand why people feel this way. I am not a rich man but when i go on my well earned vacations I spare no expense and I would kind of like to pay one price and be done with it.

Thanks for the responses. As a regular cruser on Celebrity, never haven't been on NCL I wasn't sure. Celebrity is much more restrictive on smoking. As a smoker I am aware of the affect it has on non smokers and am very considerate. I never smoke at home when company comes over and can go for hours when around non smokers. I do however think that as one who consider non smokers, then smokers should respect what little areas are set aside for smokers and avoid these areas or at least not complain when in a smoking area. I am trying to stop but like any addiction, it is difficult

As a group going on the Breakaway 9/15 with a few smokers, any info on availability of smoking areas on the ship?