OK-What's the Scoop on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

[Yo Eleven]

Okay! You are now have to deal with YO in the house. LOL!

The reason being is that I am looking where to spend my next cruise vacation.

 

I am running around these forums looking for a nice cruise that will give me the typical cruise experience (nice ports of call) and one that has a halfway decent casino.

 

Yes, I heard it all. Yadda Yadda Yadda how cruises aren't the way to hit casinos and should go to Vegas and all of that. I don't disagree, but I enjoy the cruising experience and if I can find a casino on a ship that treats their player with RESPECT then I am there. I just got off another cruise and the dealers and other staff were the biggest you know what I have ever encountered on a cruise ship.

 

So while I am visiting Disney, and RCCL forums to find our next cruise I hear Norwegian caters to their casino players. I like to know if folks here feel the same way.

 

I have never cruised Norwegian because I hear the food is no better than dog food and is simply disgusting. This is what I am here to find out. Not trying to troll or stir up trash talk. I just want the facts.

 

I did find a cruise that has some really nice ports of call. This being on the Norwegian Dawn. She looks like a real beautiful ship. Looking at the 5 night that goes to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel. I am looking for someone who has been on this cruise. I have not been able to find some reviews.

 

So in a nutshell. I have put this cruise on my watch and consideration list. I want to know the following.

 

How is the food really? Specifically in the main dining room? How much better is the food in the specialty restaurants?

 

How is the casino in terms of craps? Odds? And do the staff cater to their players?

 

How about the cabins? Are they spacious or do I need to bring a can opener so I can get myself out of the room?

 

Kids programs? How are they?

 

And tell me everything else you know.

 

If anyone has any input they can give me for Nowegian Dawn or anything in general regarding Norwegian it would be most appreciated.

 

Signed,

 

Yo Eleven

[STARFISH*4]

I have never cruised Norwegian because I hear the food is no better than dog food and is simply disgusting. This is what I am here to find out. Not trying to troll or stir up trash talk. I just want the facts.

 

the FACT is i DONT EAT DOGFOOD...i have cruised on NCL 4 times and sorry your remarks i feel will stir up TRASH TALK:mad:

[Yo Eleven]

the FACT is i DONT EAT DOGFOOD...i have cruised on NCL 4 times and sorry your remarks i feel will stir up TRASH TALK:mad:

Oh please! :rolleyes:

 

Anyone else here that can reply with some helpful information and provide answers to the several question put in my original posting?

 

Thanks.

[Don Haynes]

An NCL average cabin is a bit less than a Carnival cabin, think in terms of a foot or two shorter in width, about the same in length.

 

I didn't notice much difference with the food, its typical cruise line continental cuisine in the main dining rooms. I don't do buffets, but have found the cheeseburgers by the pool bbq good.

 

I don't cruise to gamble, so I don't visit or donate to the casinos. Can't help you there.

 

A cruise is what you make of it, on any cruise line.

[njhorseman]

Okay! You are now have to deal with YO in the house. LOL!

The reason being is that I am looking where to spend my next cruise vacation.

 

I am running around these forums looking for a nice cruise that will give me the typical cruise experience (nice ports of call) and one that has a halfway decent casino.

 

Yes, I heard it all. Yadda Yadda Yadda how cruises aren't the way to hit casinos and should go to Vegas and all of that. I don't disagree, but I enjoy the cruising experience and if I can find a casino on a ship that treats their player with RESPECT then I am there. I just got off another cruise and the dealers and other staff were the biggest you know what I have ever encountered on a cruise ship.

 

So while I am visiting Disney, and RCCL forums to find our next cruise I hear Norwegian caters to their casino players. I like to know if folks here feel the same way.

 

I have never cruised Norwegian because I hear the food is no better than dog food and is simply disgusting. This is what I am here to find out. Not trying to troll or stir up trash talk. I just want the facts.

 

I did find a cruise that has some really nice ports of call. This being on the Norwegian Dawn. She looks like a real beautiful ship. Looking at the 5 night that goes to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel. I am looking for someone who has been on this cruise. I have not been able to find some reviews.

 

So in a nutshell. I have put this cruise on my watch and consideration list. I want to know the following.

 

How is the food really? Specifically in the main dining room? How much better is the food in the specialty restaurants?

 

How is the casino in terms of craps? Odds? And do the staff cater to their players?

 

How about the cabins? Are they spacious or do I need to bring a can opener so I can get myself out of the room?

 

Kids programs? How are they?

 

And tell me everything else you know.

 

If anyone has any input they can give me for Nowegian Dawn or anything in general regarding Norwegian it would be most appreciated.

 

Signed,

 

Yo Eleven

 

 

Yes...everything you've heard is true and worse. Definitely cruise on another line...:rolleyes:

[swedish weave]

I have never eaten dog food, but if it is as good as the food on NCL, I am going to try it. I have never lost a pound on NCL cruises (Over 30 of them), and love the food. I have lost a few nickels in the casino, and have won a few, but they do have nice people working there. I like it, and hope you do too. Bill

[Yo Eleven]

Yes...everything you've heard is true and worse. Definitely cruise on another line...:rolleyes:

Thanks for your help. Exactly what I expect from New Jersey! HAHA! :D

[Yo Eleven]

I have never eaten dog food, but if it is as good as the food on NCL, I am going to try it. I have never lost a pound on NCL cruises (Over 30 of them), and love the food. I have lost a few nickels in the casino, and have won a few, but they do have nice people working there. I like it, and hope you do too. Bill

Thanks Bill. A good start.

[Yo Eleven]

An NCL average cabin is a bit less than a Carnival cabin, think in terms of a foot or two shorter in width, about the same in length.

 

I didn't notice much difference with the food, its typical cruise line continental cuisine in the main dining rooms. I don't do buffets, but have found the cheeseburgers by the pool bbq good.

 

I don't cruise to gamble, so I don't visit or donate to the casinos. Can't help you there.

 

A cruise is what you make of it, on any cruise line.

When you say average are you comparing interior to interior?

 

How about balcony to balcony? I have sailed Carnival and although it is a "fun ship" the crowd just doesn't do it for me.

 

Cheeseburgers good, eh? That is nice to hear. I just got off another line and the burgers there were what can I say, "dog food" :D

[ashtyn]

You stated that you are looking at Disney also. Well, Disney does not have casinos on their ships.

[ruffs]

Actually I've read a ton of post by Yo Eleven on other boards, he's actually a really nice guy. He's not a one-post troll, but seems very helpful.

 

I haven't been on NCL yet, (ask again in 3 weeks), but I understand there is a ton of variety in the food offered and many do not think it's that bad, some say it's very good.

 

Food quality is very objective, you really need to try it to find out.

 

I don't expect absolutely gourmet food, even if I pay the $25 surcharge for Cagney's or whatever. Decent food shouldn't be hard to find on NCL.

 

They seem to offer a few 1 night cruises you could try, or try them for a week.

 

If you try them please let us know what you think.

[njhorseman]

Actually I've read a ton of post by Yo Eleven on other boards, he's actually a really nice guy. He's not a one-post troll, but seems very helpful.

 

I haven't been on NCL yet, (ask again in 3 weeks), but I understand there is a ton of variety in the food offered and many do not think it's that bad, some say it's very good.

 

Food quality is very objective, you really need to try it to find out.

 

I don't expect absolutely gourmet food, even if I pay the $25 surcharge for Cagney's or whatever. Decent food shouldn't be hard to find on NCL.

 

They seem to offer a few 1 night cruises you could try, or try them for a week.

 

If you try them please let us know what you think.

 

 

You would never know that by how he's posed his post here.

[Browezilla]

So in a nutshell. I have put this cruise on my watch and consideration list. I want to know the following.

 

How is the food really? Specifically in the main dining room? How much better is the food in the specialty restaurants?

It's good to very good, but not excellent. Consider it just a bit above the average franchise American eateries (e.g. chilis, Applebees). If you're a "foodie", I'd steer you more to Celebrity or HAL. I don't think the surcharge restaurants are better in terms of preparation, it's just a different food, e.g. French, high end steak, TexMex.

How is the casino in terms of craps? Odds? And do the staff cater to their players?

The odds are the same on any table aren't they? They have one or 2 craps tables. I've not noticed the casino staff catering to players on any cruise line. Seem professional and uninvolved.

 

How about the cabins? Are they spacious or do I need to bring a can opener so I can get myself out of the room?

Typical cruise cabin. Bathrooms are some of the best.

 

Kids programs? How are they?

Minimalistic. Carnival, RCCL, and Disney cater more to families.

[GORDONCHICK]

I have never cruised Norwegian because I hear the food is no better than dog food and is simply disgusting. This is what I am here to find out. Not trying to troll or stir up trash talk. I just want the facts.

 

the FACT is i DONT EAT DOGFOOD...i have cruised on NCL 4 times and sorry your remarks i feel will stir up TRASH TALK:mad:

 

Your sig says you have 4 NCL cruises coming up....... I'm still going to say troll....

 

I've been on 5 cruises on 4 lines, so I'm no line loyalist. Our last cruise was with NCL, and we enjoyed it so much that we booked another when we returned. We thought the food compared just fine with the other mass-marketed lines we've been on, and we've yet to go to any of the restaurants on board that cost extra.

 

I'm not a big gambler by any means. If you find me in the casino, it will be at the $.02 machines! I hope Terry checks in here, cuz I know he spends much more time in the casino and not at the machines I do!

 

We found the kids' program to be just fine, but our DS was 7 at the time, and I hear the age group that they are in can make a big difference, as well as the time of year you sail, length of cruise, and itinerary. Our DS is very out-going and will play with just about anyone, so he usually has a great time no matter where we go.

 

I think the cabin size really depends on the category you book (and the ship sometimes). If you are looking at suites, most people will tell you that no other mass-marketed line comes close to the perks that NCL offers for those in full suites (minis are not counted and don't get the perks).

[Yo Eleven]

Actually I've read a ton of post by Yo Eleven on other boards, he's actually a really nice guy. He's not a one-post troll, but seems very helpful.

 

I haven't been on NCL yet, (ask again in 3 weeks), but I understand there is a ton of variety in the food offered and many do not think it's that bad, some say it's very good.

 

Food quality is very objective, you really need to try it to find out.

 

I don't expect absolutely gourmet food, even if I pay the $25 surcharge for Cagney's or whatever. Decent food shouldn't be hard to find on NCL.

 

They seem to offer a few 1 night cruises you could try, or try them for a week.

 

If you try them please let us know what you think.

Thanks bro. (or sis) for the plug.

I didn't get the tar and feathering but that is okay. I can take the heat.

Reminds me of my last cruise. HAHA!

 

Are you going on the Norweigian Dawn in 3 weeks? If so that would be awesome if you happen to go on the one I am looking at.

 

What concerns me with these specialty restaurants is are they actually that much better? I got a Chops steak in RCCL and it was terrible. Waste of money. I expected a Morton's Steak or Ruth Chris type. Not one from the I-hop.

 

I would definitely try Cagney's but want assurance that the quality of the state goes over and beyond, let's say Outback. Although Outback is a good steak.

 

Thanks for your reply.

[derf5585]

OK-What's the Scoop on Norwegian Cruise Lines?

 

I believe the scoop is used for ice cream.:D

[Yo Eleven]

You would never know that by how he's posed his post here.

It's all good nj. That is just the way I am.

 

See you on the Garden State Pkwy. :D

[ruffs]

When you say average are you comparing interior to interior?

 

How about balcony to balcony? I have sailed Carnival and although it is a "fun ship" the crowd just doesn't do it for me.

 

Cheeseburgers good, eh? That is nice to hear. I just got off another line and the burgers there were what can I say, "dog food" :D

 

It seems that the flexibility you have on almost any cruise line, if you get a burger you don't like you can just go to one of their other restaurants. For example, I'm thinking I'll try Versailles, hopefully it will be good, otherwise I'll just try a bit of what they serve me then hit up the Blue Lagoon later for hot wings. If Versailles isn't good, I won't go there again. I'll try Le Bistro, if that's not good I can troll through the buffet and make my own salad or whatever.

 

If the food isn't good at all, I'll be off the ship most days anyway and will eat there. If it's not good I'll just try another line next time.

 

Fortunately for us we aren't looking for a once in a lifetime vacation, just something fun to do for a week. If it's great we'll do it again, if not at least we checked it out.

[Yo Eleven]

You stated that you are looking at Disney also. Well, Disney does not have casinos on their ships.

Yes I know. I was planning on hitting Atlantis all day long there!

 

I am still considering that option.

 

If I go on Dawn, then I am limited to the casino on the ship.

[Yo Eleven]

Your sig says you have 4 NCL cruises coming up....... I'm still going to say troll....

 

I've been on 5 cruises on 4 lines, so I'm no line loyalist. Our last cruise was with NCL, and we enjoyed it so much that we booked another when we returned. We thought the food compared just fine with the other mass-marketed lines we've been on, and we've yet to go to any of the restaurants on board that cost extra.

 

I'm not a big gambler by any means. If you find me in the casino, it will be at the $.02 machines! I hope Terry checks in here, cuz I know he spends much more time in the casino and not at the machines I do!

 

We found the kids' program to be just fine, but our DS was 7 at the time, and I hear the age group that they are in can make a big difference, as well as the time of year you sail, length of cruise, and itinerary. Our DS is very out-going and will play with just about anyone, so he usually has a great time no matter where we go.

 

I think the cabin size really depends on the category you book (and the ship sometimes). If you are looking at suites, most people will tell you that no other mass-marketed line comes close to the perks that NCL offers for those in full suites (minis are not counted and don't get the perks).

PAGING TERRY!!!!!!!! :D

 

Thanks for the informative information especially in regards to the kids program.

 

Any reason why you don't try the specialty restaurants though? They do look pretty fancy and not pricey at all. Just wondering if you get what you pay for. TTYL!

[Toyz711]

the casinos are run by CAS...casino at sea...some crews are very good and some aren't. last cruise the dealers were not the that friendly and very few comped drinks. the cruise before the casino manager was much nicer with the comped drinks. don't except 20 times odds at the crap table, usually just double (maybe triple). if the tables are busy, min bets can go up to $20...if the tables aren't busy, they might drop to $5 or $10.

no crapless tables. watch the pay-outs, saw many mistakes on the last cruise.

the point system, they use, can be turned into credit off your cabin's bill. once you cruise with NCL and build a rep, you can book with CAS for discounts or free cabins.

the casino managers have very limited powers, can't comp dinners or anything above a few drinks. if you book through CAS you get a card to use for drinks in the casino.

the "dog food" is just a rumor, usually by someone that wanted to stir up trouble. while i don't love all the food on NCL, i have had no problems finding something good to eat. i heard the same comments, about the food, on a greek cruise we took..some americans were upset about all the "greek" food..they though the french cruisine food was greek? some people just shouldn't travel if they can't accept change.

[Yo Eleven]

It seems that the flexibility you have on almost any cruise line, if you get a burger you don't like you can just go to one of their other restaurants. For example, I'm thinking I'll try Versailles, hopefully it will be good, otherwise I'll just try a bit of what they serve me then hit up the Blue Lagoon later for hot wings. If Versailles isn't good, I won't go there again. I'll try Le Bistro, if that's not good I can troll through the buffet and make my own salad or whatever.

 

If the food isn't good at all, I'll be off the ship most days anyway and will eat there. If it's not good I'll just try another line next time.

 

Fortunately for us we aren't looking for a once in a lifetime vacation, just something fun to do for a week. If it's great we'll do it again, if not at least we checked it out.

I look at this way. If the food in the main dining room is really bad and IF the specialty restaurants are amazing then I would hit those for most of the cruise. It looks like they are kid friendly as well meaning they allow kids in there with no restrictions. They do this on RCCL. I wanted to try Portofino but no can do and my other half refuses to leave the kid with a babysitter in the cabin with a stranger.

 

Looking for a report from each of the specialty restaurants. I don't see much written about them.

 

Thanks for checking out my thread.

 

Still considering NCL even after getting my butt kicked here in the beginning. I got ice on BOTH my black eyes. :D

[ruffs]

Thanks bro. (or sis) for the plug.

 

Are you going on the Norweigian Dawn in 3 weeks? If so that would be awesome if you happen to go on the one I am looking at.

 

What concerns me with these specialty restaurants is are they actually that much better? I got a Chops steak in RCCL and it was terrible. Waste of money. I expected a Morton's Steak or Ruth Chris type. Not one from the I-hop.

 

I would definitely try Cagney's but want assurance that the quality of the state goes over and beyond, let's say Outback. Although Outback is a good steak.

 

Thanks for your reply.

We're going on the Star, LA to Mexican Riviera. We just have to drive a few hours then get on the boat, should be an easy trip.

 

To me the extra $25 each doesn't sound like much, it would be hard to get in and out of Outback for that. Some of the other restaurants are $15 (Le Bistro) or even $10 and they include a margarita. I don't even think they add gratuity onto that, but I think it would be good form to tip them a bit anyway.

 

I would love to see a comparison of the NCL specialty restaurants to chain restaurants that we are used to. If Cagney's is as good as Outback I'll be more than thrilled. If it's a good as Denny's then, well, damn they can't be that bad!

[Yo Eleven]

the casinos are run by CAS...casino at sea...some crews are very good and some aren't. last cruise the dealers were not the that friendly and very few comped drinks. the cruise before the casino manager was much nicer with the comped drinks. don't except 20 times odds at the crap table, usually just double (maybe triple). if the tables are busy, min bets can go up to $20...if the tables aren't busy, they might drop to $5 or $10.

no crapless tables. watch the pay-outs, saw many mistakes on the last cruise.

the point system, they use, can be turned into credit off your cabin's bill. once you cruise with NCL and build a rep, you can book with CAS for discounts or free cabins.

the casino managers have very limited powers, can't comp dinners or anything above a few drinks. if you book through CAS you get a card to use for drinks in the casino.

the "dog food" is just a rumor, usually by someone that wanted to stir up trouble. while i don't love all the food on NCL, i have had no problems finding something good to eat. i heard the same comments, about the food, on a greek cruise we took..some americans were upset about all the "greek" food..they though the french cruisine food was greek? some people just shouldn't travel if they can't accept change.

Man you hit one out of the park with your post. Thanks! The pictures are are nice tough and prove that I don't see dog food.

 

That lobster dinner looks amazing! Now I will disclose to you that I am a PIG when it comes to eating. No denial.

 

If I go to Cagney's one night will they have a problem with me ordering a LOBSTER DINNER and a cut of Filet Mignon????? A self designed surf and turf if you will?

 

That picture was amazing! I hope you are trying to pull an early April fool on me! LOL!

 

Thanks for the info on the casino! Very helpful. Interesting it is run by a casino company and not the cruiseline. Anything more than single odds is ok by me. The minimums are fine as well. I prefer the higher minimums anyway. Keeps the dopes off the table. LOL!

[GORDONCHICK]

Any reason why you don't try the specialty restaurants though? They do look pretty fancy and not pricey at all. Just wondering if you get what you pay for. TTYL!

 

We've never felt the need. We are not expecting 5* in the MDR (and if you are, you're setting yourself up for disappointment on all but the 6* luxury lines), but there are plenty of selections. Also, for a bit of perspective - I'm a great cook (both DH & DS would tell you that in a heartbeat) and we don't eat out much at home. I cook everything from homecooking (semi-Southern) to almost gourmet. We've not ever gotten even close to hungry on any cruise. Sure, there have been things we didn't care for on ocassion, but that's not been the norm. If there was a Ruth's Chris on a ship we were on, we'd be there. I hear Cagney's is great, but not Ruth's Chris.