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

[Yo Eleven]

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!

Yeah-you and I are on the same page here.

 

The extra money doesn't concern me either. What would really tick me off is I spend it and it ends up being a bait and switch. They bait you to go to the nice restaurant and you end up with the same meat they give in the MDR. Pretty much what happened to me somewhere else. Boy that made me mad. I shoulda went to guest relations and told them about it.

[Toyz711]

the thing that people forget is that every cruise is different...even with the food. each food/beverage officer will have their own idea on food prep. each chef puts their own touch on the service.

each time the food is delivered, it may not be of the quality of the last cruise. you can't judge any cruise by the food..too many things change every week.

one cruise the beef wellington was outstanding, on the next cruise is was so-so. last cruise we didn't eat at any of the specialities..if fact, the buffet was excellent on that cruise.

[Yo Eleven]

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.

OK that's fair and makes sense.

 

All I am looking for with Cagney's is a steak that is at LEAST the same quality as Outback. Anything better would be a huge bonus.

[GORDONCHICK]

Cathi's not joking about the food - here's some of my photos:

 

[smokie36]

5th norweigan cruise, your might want to go somewhere else.your mindset is already in place. i will think of you when i am sailing to bermuda next sunday.try hal or celeberty

[Toyz711]

the last 2 photos were at Cagney's...the lobster dinner is a maine lobster, the steak is the porterhouse. both have extra charges besides the speciality fee. they have a surf and turf on the menu. usually the fee is for just one entree, with all the salads, veggies, apps and desserts you want. you would have to ask your server if they would be willing to let you creat your own surf & turf. (you will get mixed answers here, some will say they have done it and others will say they were charged more)

the beef wellington and small lobster (caribbean lobster, no claws) was from one of the main dining rooms..

they have 2 MDRs, but the menus will be the same.

the crepes are from the buffets, some ships have actions stations (in the buffet). my last cruise was on the NCL spirit and the crepe action stations was great.

[Yo Eleven]

Okay-again this is what I am reading about NCL Dawn. Saw stuff like this more than from one reviewer. I am cutting and pasting a bunch of them for you to look at. I will spare you the Dog Food review as that got me in trouble here. :D

 

This really turned me off but reading stuff like this is concerning. Take a look. I can't link it directly because it will link you to a travel agency website which against CC TOS. Do you think the reviewers are making this up or did they really feel this way? YES, there were also good reviews as well and I will take that into consideration, but with so many of these I do wonder??????

 

Dining/Food

The meuns are very plain,not what you get on the major cruise lines. Their meat quality was poor to the point that I could not eat my meal the last day. My sons had NY Strip steks on three occasions and they were about 1/4 inch thick. This is not a cruise line for gourmet dining. The cafeteria food was OK but again not outstanding. It was interesting that they have eliminated trays to carry food, you need multiple trips if you wanted a soup, salad, entree and a drink. There is no sommelier on board so your wine choices will be on your own.

 

Dining/Food

 

The food was ok the room service was horrible all they had was left overs.

 

Dining/Food

do not waste money on the restaurants with an added cover charge. they are just as bad

 

Dining/Food

The food is something left to be desired. The better food you had to pay extra for. And that is if you can get a reservation. The kids buffet needs more hot healthy choices. And the adult buffet had way to much of stuff I wouldn't even want to eat.

 

Dining/Food

If you want to eat in a buffet style dining day and night this is for you. You can't get into any restaurants. People book then the minute they get on the ship. So you are3 eating cafateria style if you can't get into the restaurants.

 

Dining/Food

Cagney's is so-so. Mexican restaurant and Italian restaurants were great. Main diningroom had good meal as well.

 

Dining/Food

You can look forward to freestyle dining meaning poor food and long waits for the restaurants. I can stay home for this!

 

Dining/Food

food is nothing to write home about-maybe plenty but doesn't have the wow factor. steaks in main dining area were blah-real thin and chewy. menu was "ok". went to one of their specialty restaurants (teppanyaki) and it was good but with $20 cover charge and they RUSH you thru in an hour. Blue Lagoon is the 24 hour restaurant and it really needs attention as it was hard to get the waiters to come over and give you a menu-people actually left before getting menu.

 

Dining/Food

The food in the dining rooms was acceptable although a bit skimpy and choices seemed somewhat limited.

 

Dining/Food

The food was ok the room service was horrible all they had was left overs.

 

Dining/Food

do not waste money on the restaurants with an added cover charge. they are just as bad

 

OKAY YO! YOU MADE YOUR POINT-now shut up!!!!!!!!

:D:D:D:D

[Yo Eleven]

It is time for din din!!!! I will be back later. Thanks for helping me out. Sorry for the grand entrance I made earlier. No hard feelings. :D

[WinnieinWA]

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

 

You crack me up!!! :D

 

OP..I am a foodie and I find the MDR's on NCL to be very good. I also find plenty of delicious food in the buffet for lunch and breakfast. The worse food I ever had on a cruise was on RCI and I won't be sailing them again because of it.

I haven't eaten in Cagney's but I've enjoyed Le Bistro several times and it is several cuts above any Outback.

 

Can't comment of the casino because I take $20.00 to donate to them and when it's gone....so am I. ;)

 

My only other comment is that I find the crews on NCL ships to be the friendliest and nicest on the 4 lines I've sailed.

 

Happy sails.:)

[ruffs]

I think you'll hear good and bad things, try it if you want to, don't if it doesn't seem right. Of course it depends on the reviewer's perspective and expectations, how much they paid for the cruise, etc, but you know all that already. I would guess the people writing those reviews aren't happy with much.

 

Relatively speaking, NCL doesn't cost much. I would have really high expectations if I were on a cruise costing four times as much. It looks like a really good value for what you are paying.

 

I don't need absolute perfection for $20 a day to be happy.

 

If the food is half as good as it looks I'm in and I'll go again.

[Toyz711]

i figue it this way...never take anyone else's word for it, especially bad reviews. either you are willing to judge for yourself or not.

one of the best cruise i have taken was on a greek cruise ship from athens to istanbul and back. loved eveything, the crew (though not all spoke english) was great, the food was very higher cruisine..the ship was older and well maintained.

flying to las vegas, a few weeks after that cruise, we heard a couple complaining about their cruise. hated the foreign crew, hated that some didn't speak english, hated that they didn't serve more american food, thought the ship smelled, hated the ports (too hot and dirty), nothing to do in any of the ports..it was OUR ship, our same ports!! they were on a it a couple of weeks before us!!!

learned my lesson, never take anyone's work on travel or food..some people can't leave home with complaining.

on NCL, if the steak is tough..send it back!! if you don't like the 1st entree..send it back and try something else. isn't that the same on all the cruise ships?

[2Cruise4Ever]

Been on NCL 5 times (4 times on the Dawn) and been on all 3 other mass market lines. We have found the food on NCL to be just as good (if not better) than the others. Food is subjective, though. So, you'll get varying opinions on it. In my opinion, the Impressions restaurant on the Dawn is wonderful (lobster ravioli is to die for!), the Teppanayaki restaurant on Dawn is also superb. But, our all-time favorite specialty restaurant is Cagney's. Some of the best surf n turf we've ever had!!! We also eat in the Venetian (main dining room) several times during our Dawn cruises. Again, excellent. We've never had a bad meal. Oh, and don't miss the Fish N Chips in Blue Lagoon. It's perfect after a long beach day!

 

As far as the casino goes, DH hit the jackpot on the Wheel of Fortune slots more than once. I've turned $50 into $500 on the Roullette wheel more than once. And, we've always been treated with respect and professionalism everywhere on board. I would consider us NCL loyalists only because when we start planning a cruise, we look at NCL first. We are not opposed to sailing other lines. But, we always consider an NCL cruise before any other.

 

Happy Sailing!

[sottovoce]

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:

And deservedly so. What's more, who cares if "YO is here?" Not I, rest assured.

[Fishbait17]

Yo,

 

As a consummate foodie, casino junkie, and spoiled Jersey girl, I am totally hooked on NCL. Those reviews you quoted sounds like it was written either by people with a serious grudge or someone too cheap to splurge for anything and too confused to learn the reservation system.

 

The casino treats me VERY very well... I haven't paid for a cruise in a few years (only upcharges for larger suites). I spend most of my sea time in the casino, and the staff there is usually superb. I can honestly say that I get better comps and treatment than a lot of land casinos - certainly better than I get treated as a Harrah's Diamond. Booking thru the casino gets you a "free drink" card to be used in the casino, and by the second day, the waiters know your name and preferences. I don't play much craps, so I can't help you there, but if you are a good spender on the tables, they treat you decently.

 

I am a bit of a food snob, so don't eat in the MDR often, usually specialties for dinner and room service for breakfast. The specialties serve excellent cuisine, maybe not Guy Savoy quality, but definitely excellent. The MDR is definitely good, not always great, but good, and occasionally great. The Blue Lagoon (or other diner type restaurant) is perfect for lunch if I am hungry.

 

NCL's suites are the best in the business - with service unparalleled by other mainstream cruiselines. I know that most people don't cruise in suites, but if you do, you will be treated very well. They are a great value. Actually NCL is a great value overall.. Feel free to ask more specifics!

 

Robin

[mrclean1]

Yo...

 

Can't speak for the Dawn, but was on the Spirit in June. Food is a subjective thing, what one likes another does not. I would rate it average, not great, but not bad either. Did not care for Cagney's, but did really enjoy Le Bistro. Fact is you will find something to your liking unless you are really fussy.....

 

I too am a gambler and if the casino is anything like the Spirit, you will be impressed. I played slots, blackjack and craps, did Ok and never ever had a problem getting a comped drink. In fact, one night they even sent a bottle of wine up to the cabin complements of Cary the executive host.

 

When DW and I decided to do the upcoming Spirit 14 day sailing on 10/9, we booked it because of the itinerary and the fact we enjoyed our prior trip, not because of the food....Figuring if "you don't ask, you don't get" I decided to try to book thru their Casinos At Sea department and was flat out amazed that after only 1 trip they offered a full comp for our cabin. All we had to pay was taxes and port charges a spectacular deal for sure. I have never been treated like that on any other line....Looking forward to it and counting down the days.

 

Steve

 

PS. The wings in Blue Lagoon were the best I've had on any ship....

[Zeno]

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.

 

 

Really ? With a comment as rude as that you could have fooled me.

[Cubechick]

As a former Vegas craps dealer, love the name.

 

Too many years working the casino, means I don't spend much time in one. :rolleyes:

 

I'll add my 2 cents on food though.

 

MDR I have experienced "good" to "very good" food.

 

Specialities, "good" to "excellent" depending on the restaurant.

 

I don't think Cagney's is worth the money. I find Cagney's to be to inconsistent quality-wise. A much better value is LeBistro. $15 for dinner and I've never had a tenderloin that was anything but perfect. Not to mention fantastic escargot and cream of mushroom soup. Superb!

[mooshipalmdale]

We have cruised on Princess, HAL, NCI and RCI in that order. I loved them all!! What is not to love; you are not working and someone else is cooking and cleaning!!! We always look at ports and dates first and budget and which lines second. We have eaten in the MDR and speciality restaurants and I enjoy all of them!! We never had problems with long wait times and we are chronic late planners. If you don't like something, send it back. We are now planning our first Med cruise with NCI mainly cuz of ports and dates. I looked at other lines but NCI was best with our schedules and the price is good so I just booked it this week!!

 

Your vacation is what you make it, so have a cocktail and enjoy!!:):):)

[STARFISH*4]

I LOVE NCL...or i wouldnt be cruisin it and the FOOD is up to my SATISFACTION...always FIND things to EAT and that i LIKE and i am a very picky eater:p

just want to say I AM NOT THE ONE WHO SAID IT TASTED LIKE DOGFOOD

that is being put with my name...the QUOTE thing isnt working for me....

so the top paragraph in post #2 is the original OPs and i was just saying I DIDNT EAT DOGFOOD---seems some of you got that confused cos of the QUOTE thing not showing when i posted---i just dont like my posts to be associated with TROLL or CCers thinking that was me saying that...its confusing and i just wanted to clear it up!

i guess to when i first read the OPs post i was taking the defensive...i just thought he was trying to STIR UP something...but if that is him then fine!!

[Yo Eleven]

And deservedly so. What's more, who cares if "YO is here?" Not I, rest assured.

 

Really ? With a comment as rude as that you could have fooled me.

AWESOME! Thanks for bumping up the thread so others can see it and actually post some really GREAT responses.

 

You two are my pals as well. :D

[Yo Eleven]

Cathi's not joking about the food - here's some of my photos:

 

Did you eat all of that??????? YUM

[Yo Eleven]

Yo,

 

As a consummate foodie, casino junkie, and spoiled Jersey girl, I am totally hooked on NCL. Those reviews you quoted sounds like it was written either by people with a serious grudge or someone too cheap to splurge for anything and too confused to learn the reservation system.

 

The casino treats me VERY very well... I haven't paid for a cruise in a few years (only upcharges for larger suites). I spend most of my sea time in the casino, and the staff there is usually superb. I can honestly say that I get better comps and treatment than a lot of land casinos - certainly better than I get treated as a Harrah's Diamond. Booking thru the casino gets you a "free drink" card to be used in the casino, and by the second day, the waiters know your name and preferences. I don't play much craps, so I can't help you there, but if you are a good spender on the tables, they treat you decently.

 

I am a bit of a food snob, so don't eat in the MDR often, usually specialties for dinner and room service for breakfast. The specialties serve excellent cuisine, maybe not Guy Savoy quality, but definitely excellent. The MDR is definitely good, not always great, but good, and occasionally great. The Blue Lagoon (or other diner type restaurant) is perfect for lunch if I am hungry.

 

NCL's suites are the best in the business - with service unparalleled by other mainstream cruiselines. I know that most people don't cruise in suites, but if you do, you will be treated very well. They are a great value. Actually NCL is a great value overall.. Feel free to ask more specifics!

 

Robin

Wow! Robin! Thanks for writing. I enjoyed reading every sentence. It appears that NCL Casinos do care about their players. I have had my share of cruises and the only cruise that remotely gave a hoot was Princess. But it is nice to hear NCL does. Another good vote for NCL. I am taking notes.

 

Yo...

 

Can't speak for the Dawn, but was on the Spirit in June. Food is a subjective thing, what one likes another does not. I would rate it average, not great, but not bad either. Did not care for Cagney's, but did really enjoy Le Bistro. Fact is you will find something to your liking unless you are really fussy.....

 

I too am a gambler and if the casino is anything like the Spirit, you will be impressed. I played slots, blackjack and craps, did Ok and never ever had a problem getting a comped drink. In fact, one night they even sent a bottle of wine up to the cabin complements of Cary the executive host.

 

When DW and I decided to do the upcoming Spirit 14 day sailing on 10/9, we booked it because of the itinerary and the fact we enjoyed our prior trip, not because of the food....Figuring if "you don't ask, you don't get" I decided to try to book thru their Casinos At Sea department and was flat out amazed that after only 1 trip they offered a full comp for our cabin. All we had to pay was taxes and port charges a spectacular deal for sure. I have never been treated like that on any other line....Looking forward to it and counting down the days.

 

Steve

 

PS. The wings in Blue Lagoon were the best I've had on any ship....

Hey Steve. What specifically did you not like about Cagney's? How would you rate the steak? Was it at least the same quality as Outback Steakhouse? Thanks for writing and telling me about how you got comped by Casinos At Sea. That is one hell of a deal! :D

 

Been on NCL 5 times (4 times on the Dawn) and been on all 3 other mass market lines. We have found the food on NCL to be just as good (if not better) than the others. Food is subjective, though. So, you'll get varying opinions on it. In my opinion, the Impressions restaurant on the Dawn is wonderful (lobster ravioli is to die for!), the Teppanayaki restaurant on Dawn is also superb. But, our all-time favorite specialty restaurant is Cagney's. Some of the best surf n turf we've ever had!!! We also eat in the Venetian (main dining room) several times during our Dawn cruises. Again, excellent. We've never had a bad meal. Oh, and don't miss the Fish N Chips in Blue Lagoon. It's perfect after a long beach day!

 

As far as the casino goes, DH hit the jackpot on the Wheel of Fortune slots more than once. I've turned $50 into $500 on the Roullette wheel more than once. And, we've always been treated with respect and professionalism everywhere on board. I would consider us NCL loyalists only because when we start planning a cruise, we look at NCL first. We are not opposed to sailing other lines. But, we always consider an NCL cruise before any other.

 

Happy Sailing!

Interesting. The post before yours didn't like Cagney's but don't know why yet. It is subjective I am seeing. Was Cagney's meat better than Outback? I use Outback as the standard as I do enjoy the steak there. Therefore, if Cagney's is just as good I will enjoy.

 

I don't play roulette but it is fun to watch. I love the dice rolling. Very good to see you are all treated well. Thanks for your post.

[Yo Eleven]

5th norweigan cruise, your might want to go somewhere else.your mindset is already in place. i will think of you when i am sailing to bermuda next sunday.try hal or celeberty

No mindset is not in place yet as I haven't booked any cruise yet. I am still trying to decide and I have not X'ed out NCL. I am liking what I hear about the casino and specialty restaurants so far.

[Yo Eleven]

As a former Vegas craps dealer, love the name.

 

Too many years working the casino, means I don't spend much time in one. :rolleyes:

 

I'll add my 2 cents on food though.

 

MDR I have experienced "good" to "very good" food.

 

Specialities, "good" to "excellent" depending on the restaurant.

 

I don't think Cagney's is worth the money. I find Cagney's to be to inconsistent quality-wise. A much better value is LeBistro. $15 for dinner and I've never had a tenderloin that was anything but perfect. Not to mention fantastic escargot and cream of mushroom soup. Superb!

Looks like two NAY's for Cagney's so far. Thank you for your honesty. You provided an alternative which appears to be much better. LeBistro's tenderloin. I love cream of mushroom soup. Sounds great. Thanks for the reply!

[Yo Eleven]

We have cruised on Princess, HAL, NCI and RCI in that order. I loved them all!! What is not to love; you are not working and someone else is cooking and cleaning!!! We always look at ports and dates first and budget and which lines second. We have eaten in the MDR and speciality restaurants and I enjoy all of them!! We never had problems with long wait times and we are chronic late planners. If you don't like something, send it back. We are now planning our first Med cruise with NCI mainly cuz of ports and dates. I looked at other lines but NCI was best with our schedules and the price is good so I just booked it this week!!

 

Your vacation is what you make it, so have a cocktail and enjoy!!:):):)

Well this is a great post from someone that has been around most of the cruiselines and gives a nice comparison. Thanks for your reply!

I LOVE NCL...or i wouldnt be cruisin it and the FOOD is up to my SATISFACTION...always FIND things to EAT and that i LIKE and i am a very picky eater:p

just want to say I AM NOT THE ONE WHO SAID IT TASTED LIKE DOGFOOD

that is being put with my name...the QUOTE thing isnt working for me....

so the top paragraph in post #2 is the original OPs and i was just saying I DIDNT EAT DOGFOOD---seems some of you got that confused cos of the QUOTE thing not showing when i posted---i just dont like my posts to be associated with TROLL or CCers thinking that was me saying that...its confusing and i just wanted to clear it up!

i guess to when i first read the OPs post i was taking the defensive...i just thought he was trying to STIR UP something...but if that is him then fine!!

I still have ice on the two black eyes you gave me. That's okay. I still like ya! :p