NCL to Carnival questions

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening?

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)?

When are upgrade emails typically sent out?

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable?

Is FTTF worth the extra cost?

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program.

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated!

I can answer a few of your questions:

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening?

 

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)? Yes to soap and shampoo, I don't believe there was conditioner

When are upgrade emails typically sent out?

 

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable?

Is FTTF worth the extra cost? We are trying FTTF for first time on Carnival in a few weeks, everything I have read is that if you are not in a suite this is great. Most people have said that one of the best advantages is a shorter line at guest services onboard.

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program. Carnival drink prices are comparable to NCL. However, Carnival has many more options included such as specialty coffees/teas, milkshakes, bottles of water. Also it covers any drink valued at $50 or less (much better than NCL price limit) They only limit the number of alcoholic drinks to 15, all non-alcoholic are unlimited.

 

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated!

I can't answer all of the questions either, but will say the steakhouse is definitely worth the extra cost.:)

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening? Very Subjective, bring a sweater

 

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)? Yes, there is shampoo that is terrible and body wash dispensers in the tiny shower that has a curtain. (NCL Dawn had a sliding door and much larger shower). Carnival also gives a bar of soap for the sink.

When are upgrade emails typically sent out? None.

 

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost? Absolutely, similar to Cagney's.

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable? Better than what we just had on the Dawn.

Is FTTF worth the extra cost? Depends. Are you using it just for emabarkation? Do you have tender ports?

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program. Drink prices are about the same between the 2 lines.

 

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated!

I prefer newer ships like the Dream class and up, but many swear by the Pride.

We had a Casinos at Sea certificate for NCL but the dates offered just didn't work out for us. I like this itinerary-especially the three at sea days-and the fact that we can just drive to Baltimore.

We had a Casinos at Sea certificate for NCL but the dates offered just didn't work out for us. I like this itinerary-especially the three at sea days-and the fact that we can just drive to Baltimore.

I don't know why that part of my answer was outside the box. I had put answers after all your questions but that one jumped ship.

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening?

 

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)?

When are upgrade emails typically sent out?

 

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable?

Is FTTF worth the extra cost?

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program.

 

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated!

Our last cruises were on NCL and now going on Splendor which we have been on before. To give an opinion on your steakhouse question: On NCL we took the specialty restaurant pckage and had amazing meals every night. I would say the specialty restaurant on NCL which is similar to the steakhouse on Carnival would be very comparible. Unfortunately for us the steakhouse menu has not changed since our first Carnival cruise and it sure would be nice to see a new menu. We have booked the first night and for that night they also give you a complimentary bottle of wine. The Splendor does not even have another choice of specialty restaurants and we have yet to book on a Carnival ship with Guy's Burgers. Maybe the ship you are going on will have that.

As for the toiletries for the shower, we found them similar.

We also found more choices of activities on NCL during the daytime but more on Carnival during the evening. The comedy clubs are usually very good.

Buffet choices on each basically the same but Carnival has more smaller places to eat and each has it's own type of food. Like there is a tandoori spot, a burger spot, Manchu Wok, a new BBQ spot upstairs above the Lido buffet, etc. and these are spread out more so people are not crowded in one area.

never felt the need to pay for FTTF but my last cruise was before Carnival started giving out boarding times.

We got an upgrade email about a month ago (our cruise is Feb. 10) but by the time I checked with the person who booked us (2nd cabin) it was gone so you have to be fast if you want to accept.

Hope this is helpful.

(1)How cold are public areas in the evening?

I don't remember them being uncomfortable on the Pride while wearing a T-shirt and shorts, so that shouldn't be a problem.

(2)Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)?

I've always brought my own, but Carnival provides shampoo; I don't remember if they provide conditioner.

(3)When are upgrade emails typically sent out?

I was given a phone call, not an email. It was about ten days out, if I remember correctly.

(4)Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

I think so. Grab the steakhouse on the first night, you'll get a free bottle of wine.

(5)Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable?

Never tried it.

(6)Is FTTF worth the extra cost?

Never tried it; I don't mind waiting a bit.

(7)Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program.

They cost about eight bucks a drink, if I remember correctly.

You have been sailing on really big NCL ships, so the Pride is going to feel different. I love the smaller ships with fewer venues, but for lots of cruisers bigger means more variety of stuff to do onboard. If you like the big ships you may have a little culture shock with a smaller one.

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening?

 

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)?

When are upgrade emails typically sent out?

 

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost?

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable?

Is FTTF worth the extra cost?

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program.

 

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated!

My tip would be to cancel and book another NCL cruise. Carnival’s product is nowhere near Norwegian.

My tip would be to cancel and book another NCL cruise. Carnival’s product is nowhere near Norwegian.

Anything more specific than that?

We find NCL and Carnival to be comparable. The food in the MDR is much better on Carnival -- NCL almost forces you to buy a specialty dining package to get a good meal. The Steakhouse on Carnival is very much worth the $35 surcharge, but don't book it on a Cruise Elegant evening.

With 3 sea days, I would encourage you to get the Cheers package. It is more inclusive than NCL's Ultimate Beverage Package. Yes, you are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours, but there is basically no price limit ($50, but I never found a drink anywhere near that price). You will get your money's worth when you throw in unlimited soft drinks, bottled water, and coffees.

Service on Carnival should be on par with NCL. When you board and meet your room steward, be sure to specify that you want your cabin made up twice daily. They are supposed to offer morning or evening service, or both. Some "forget" to offer the "both" option. Otherwise, you should be fine.

How cold are public areas in the evening? I have never found them cold, but my wife and daughters usually take a sweater.

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)? Yes

When are upgrade emails typically sent out? I have only received one email offering an upgrade in my last six cruises.

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost? Have not tried it yet

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable? No, I have to say not reliable, but I still purchase and struggle with it.

Is FTTF worth the extra cost? For me, very much so. I am buying more time on the ship and less time waiting at guest services.

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program. $10 average, some higher by two dollars, some lower by two.

You have been sailing on really big NCL ships, so the Pride is going to feel different. I love the smaller ships with fewer venues, but for lots of cruisers bigger means more variety of stuff to do onboard. If you like the big ships you may have a little culture shock with a smaller one.

For me the Pride has been my favorite ship in the fleet so far. You will find that compared to the larger ships, all wait time will be reduced. Elevators, Buffets, Gangway. Everything just easier to access. I also love the decor of the Pride, I know most disagree, but I like it.

I sailed on the Dream last March and doubt I ever will again, long wait times for everything and almost all of the guest lounges were also walkways for the rest of the guests. I do not like a steady stream of cruisers walking through what would otherwise be a quiet and relaxing venue.

We have sailed the bigger ships and always compare everything to the Pride. She is our favorite by far. We are booking her for our platinum cruise next year.

Over the past year we sailed with NCL three times, the big ships Getaway, Epic, and Escape. We are now booked on Carnival Pride for the end of May. The last time I sailed Carnival was 1991:o so I have a few questions:

How cold are public areas in the evening? I'm always cold and will have a wrap or light sweater with me. My husband is usually quite warm anywhere we go, although he has started wearing vests.

 

Are any bathroom toiletries provided (shampoo, conditioner)? We will pack our own but they should provide shampoo (possibly also conditioner or as a 3-in-1) and body wash, hand soap (bar) for the sink, and maybe a small lotion.

When are upgrade emails typically sent out? We received an up-sell offer a few months ago, but it was not a better location for what we wanted.

 

Is the steakhouse worth the extra cost? I've seen very good reviews of David's. We weren't very impressed with either NCL Brazilian BBQ or RC steak house, and I have heard good things about the MDR as well. If you like a specialty meal though, it is supposed to be one of the better ones.

Is the Social Wi Fi plan good/reliable? I've read mixed reviews on this, but mostly spotty/slow.

Is FTTF worth the extra cost? It is for us, but it depends on what you value. We like being able to board ready and take everything to the room right away. It sounds like it will especially be nice for Baltimore as they enforce check-in times. If you have a tender location that may tip the scales for you.

Cost of average drinks (Bloody Mary, rum & coke, etc)? We're thinking about not adding on the beverage program. We are moderate drinkers and will apply a $500 gift card to our account instead of Cheers (which would be +$300) and expect to have money left over. If you are both more than moderate drinkers or value the all-inclusive/no surprise bill factor even if it's more expensive then I would recommend Cheers. Be sure to consider port vs sea days when deciding.

 

Any other specific Carnival and/or Pride hints or tips would be appreciated! Pride does have Guys burgers and Blue Iguana. I've read very good things about both and looking forward to trying them. Also, MDR has warm chocolate melting cake.

We are sailing on the Pride next month. My answers are above.