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

[mmceachn]

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.

 

Yo,

I have been on the Dawn three times, and also sailed on the Majesty and Spirit. The Dawn is a great ship. The casino is popular, and they have a Casino's at sea program.,

As far as the food goes, well, IMHO the main dining room food is just ok.Some things are very good, while other items are not so good,

I usually go to LeBistro at least twice during the cruise and feel that the 15 surcharge is worth it. Not so fond of Cagneys, but many on this board are big fans. If you can afford it, try both.,

Some people like the Asian and Mexican restaurants, but I have never tried them, so I cannot offer advise on that.,

 

Freestyle dining works for us, too. The buffets are pretty good, and there is a burger and wing place called the blue lagoon which is a nice casual choice

 

I would take another NCL cruise if the price and itenerary was right, but actually prefer the food on Princess and Costa, the other lines I have sailed on.

[sillysailor 1955]

Have been on 3 NCL cruises (Dawn, Spirit and Jade). Let me start by saying you will not starve - the quality of the food is nothing special but then again NCL has great itineraries and beautiful ships at terrific prices, so you can't have everything. The casinos on all the ships were very nice (I only play the slots). I ate in Cagney's on all three ships (save your money I found it to be merely "middle of the road" - I honestly don't feel it was worth the extra cost). Over the years I have noticed quality of food to slip - started out good on the Dawn, okay on the Spirit and last year on the Jade in Europe it was really pretty poor. But that is just my opinion.

[BIG_Steve]

I've only cruised once, and that was on the NCL Sky, so take this for what it's worth.

 

MDR. I thought the food in the MDR was quite tasty. The service was very good too. It wasn't 5 star, but I thought it was fine, especially compared to the overall cost of the cruise.

 

Specialty restaurants. We tried 2, Le Bistro, and Cagneys. I thought they were outstanding for the price. And before anyone scoffs and says I don't know good steaks, I do know steaks.

 

Casino. I felt welcome by everyone. Craps dealers were friendly and fun. I honestly don't recall the odds. I think 10X(??) maybe someone who just got off remembers. Can't comment on their perks/points. I never wager enough where that comes into play. Blackjack dealers were also friendly, not stone face zombies like you see so often.

 

My only beef with the casino was at the blackjack table. The first two nights, the casino tables were pretty full. They were allowing folks to bet 2 and 3 spots at a time for long periods even though there were many waiting to get on the table. I thought that was rude of the players, and that the pit boss should have asked them to bet less spots so others could join in. Anytime I've been to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, the players would stop betting multiple spots when they saw folks waiting.

 

Don't know if it helped.........

[Browezilla]

Hi Yo,

 

I hope we convinced you that you will be able to find food to eat that you like. To be honest, I'm surprised how often this comes up on all cruise line forums. I've been on 7 cruise lines and 20+ cruises, and only on one cruise did I think some of the meals were poor. There's just so many choices, that even if you don't like what you ordered, you can ask them to bring you something else.

 

Again, if you're a foodie, I'd recommend HAL or Celebrity.

 

On the subjectiveness of food, one poster said they didn't like the food on RCI and won't be back. That's one of the lines I've cruised a lot on and I don't feel that way at all.

 

I have yet to eat in a surcharge restaurant. I've eatten ins some that were free, and then converted to surcharge (NCL). The MDRs or other free venues are fine for me.

 

Net: the food is good to very good on almost all cruise lines. You have to be more selective if you want Excellent food.

[mrclean1]

Yo...

 

I think it is roughly equal to Outback. I just felt it was not value for the money spent, to me Le Bistro was much better value. In most cases, NCL fares will be dramatically lower than their competition, their business model seems to be to get you there and improve the bottom line with booze, up-charge restaurants, bingo, excursions, etc. and while all lines do it, it seems more pronounced here. Not saying it's a bad thing, but they are going to get the dollars one way or another.

 

The cruiser who gets a low fare and opts to spend little or nothing on the ship gets a great deal and may take a trip they could not otherwise afford, while others may spend more than their fare while on board. It's a business model that allows everyone to go their own way. On our next trip, an inside is priced at about 1/3 of a balcony and 1/7 of a suite, yet they all sell, cabins are just as subjective as food.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy NCL, but you will never know until you try and there are more than enough options to let you tailor your trip to your own needs.

 

Steve

[Mississippi1]

I've cruised twice, Disney and NCL. Honestly, NCL's food didn't WOW me, but we didn't go hungry, either. We ate in the MDR twice, it was just okay, the Italian restaurant, again, was just okay. Cagney's, on the other hand, had a great steak! The action stations on the buffet served up some really good omelets and crepes.

 

We're ready to plan another vacation, we're addicted to cruising, and DH won't let me even LOOK at another line. For him (and me), it's not what's served, it's HOW it's served, and FREESTYLE is the only way he will cruise.

 

Happy travels!

[Yo Eleven]

Yo,

I have been on the Dawn three times, and also sailed on the Majesty and Spirit. The Dawn is a great ship. The casino is popular, and they have a Casino's at sea program.,

As far as the food goes, well, IMHO the main dining room food is just ok.Some things are very good, while other items are not so good,

I usually go to LeBistro at least twice during the cruise and feel that the 15 surcharge is worth it. Not so fond of Cagneys, but many on this board are big fans. If you can afford it, try both.,

Some people like the Asian and Mexican restaurants, but I have never tried them, so I cannot offer advise on that.,

 

Freestyle dining works for us, too. The buffets are pretty good, and there is a burger and wing place called the blue lagoon which is a nice casual choice

 

I would take another NCL cruise if the price and itenerary was right, but actually prefer the food on Princess and Costa, the other lines I have sailed on.

Princess to me so far has the best food of them all. But it has been awhile since I was on that line so perhaps it may have changed along with everyone else. It does seem the bulk of the responses are that the dining room is just ok but won't go hungry. Perhaps the cruising experience is improved greatly in terms of food by going to the specialties. If this is the situation I am all there. I just need to find out if it is worth it. I am getting mixed reviews on Cagney's. But as long as it get a rating at least equal to Outback steakhouse then I would try it. Also, thanks for the casino info. Thanks for your reply in my thread.

Have been on 3 NCL cruises (Dawn, Spirit and Jade). Let me start by saying you will not starve - the quality of the food is nothing special but then again NCL has great itineraries and beautiful ships at terrific prices, so you can't have everything. The casinos on all the ships were very nice (I only play the slots). I ate in Cagney's on all three ships (save your money I found it to be merely "middle of the road" - I honestly don't feel it was worth the extra cost). Over the years I have noticed quality of food to slip - started out good on the Dawn, okay on the Spirit and last year on the Jade in Europe it was really pretty poor. But that is just my opinion.

Another not so hot review of Cagney's. Seeing several of these. It is beginning to paint a picture that perhaps should hit the Bistro for their tenderloin. Glad to hear the ship is nice and won't starve. Thanks for your post.

I've only cruised once, and that was on the NCL Sky, so take this for what it's worth.

 

MDR. I thought the food in the MDR was quite tasty. The service was very good too. It wasn't 5 star, but I thought it was fine, especially compared to the overall cost of the cruise.

 

Specialty restaurants. We tried 2, Le Bistro, and Cagneys. I thought they were outstanding for the price. And before anyone scoffs and says I don't know good steaks, I do know steaks.

 

Casino. I felt welcome by everyone. Craps dealers were friendly and fun. I honestly don't recall the odds. I think 10X(??) maybe someone who just got off remembers. Can't comment on their perks/points. I never wager enough where that comes into play. Blackjack dealers were also friendly, not stone face zombies like you see so often.

 

My only beef with the casino was at the blackjack table. The first two nights, the casino tables were pretty full. They were allowing folks to bet 2 and 3 spots at a time for long periods even though there were many waiting to get on the table. I thought that was rude of the players, and that the pit boss should have asked them to bet less spots so others could join in. Anytime I've been to Las Vegas or Atlantic City, the players would stop betting multiple spots when they saw folks waiting.

 

Don't know if it helped.........

That is obnoxious that people were playing more than one hand when others are waiting. That would burn me up. Definitely a big negative on the casino. But I do like hearing how they casino is friendly and not filled with stone faced zombies. LOL! Wow! Looks like you loved both Le Bistro and Cagneys. Everyone seems to like the Bistro a lot but Cagney's seems to go back and forth. Thanks for your review.

[Yo Eleven]

Hi Yo,

 

I hope we convinced you that you will be able to find food to eat that you like. To be honest, I'm surprised how often this comes up on all cruise line forums. I've been on 7 cruise lines and 20+ cruises, and only on one cruise did I think some of the meals were poor. There's just so many choices, that even if you don't like what you ordered, you can ask them to bring you something else.

 

Again, if you're a foodie, I'd recommend HAL or Celebrity.

 

On the subjectiveness of food, one poster said they didn't like the food on RCI and won't be back. That's one of the lines I've cruised a lot on and I don't feel that way at all.

 

I have yet to eat in a surcharge restaurant. I've eatten ins some that were free, and then converted to surcharge (NCL). The MDRs or other free venues are fine for me.

 

Net: the food is good to very good on almost all cruise lines. You have to be more selective if you want Excellent food.

Problem with HAL is that I don;t think they cater to kids. I am not familiar with their kids programs but I hear that the ship caters to the older and that after 10 pm everything pretty much closes and the ship is quiet. That would drive me bananas since I am a night owl. I do hear Celebrity is nice though and have but a watch on them but haven't considered a specific cruise yet with them. I just came back from RCI and was not impressed with the food and the Chops steak was NASTY. You can get a better cut of meat at the I-hop. Looks like the food is safe in the free areas since you are still alive and well posting here. :p

Yo...

 

I think it is roughly equal to Outback. I just felt it was not value for the money spent, to me Le Bistro was much better value. In most cases, NCL fares will be dramatically lower than their competition, their business model seems to be to get you there and improve the bottom line with booze, up-charge restaurants, bingo, excursions, etc. and while all lines do it, it seems more pronounced here. Not saying it's a bad thing, but they are going to get the dollars one way or another.

 

The cruiser who gets a low fare and opts to spend little or nothing on the ship gets a great deal and may take a trip they could not otherwise afford, while others may spend more than their fare while on board. It's a business model that allows everyone to go their own way. On our next trip, an inside is priced at about 1/3 of a balcony and 1/7 of a suite, yet they all sell, cabins are just as subjective as food.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy NCL, but you will never know until you try and there are more than enough options to let you tailor your trip to your own needs.

 

Steve

Thanks for writing. Well if Cagney's does equal Outback that would satisfy me. I just don't want a nasty steak and have to bathe in in A1 sauce so I can actually eat it. Thanks for the explanation on how NCL works their fares. TTYL

I've cruised twice, Disney and NCL. Honestly, NCL's food didn't WOW me, but we didn't go hungry, either. We ate in the MDR twice, it was just okay, the Italian restaurant, again, was just okay. Cagney's, on the other hand, had a great steak! The action stations on the buffet served up some really good omelets and crepes.

 

We're ready to plan another vacation, we're addicted to cruising, and DH won't let me even LOOK at another line. For him (and me), it's not what's served, it's HOW it's served, and FREESTYLE is the only way he will cruise.

 

Happy travels!

Interesting-a WOW vote for Cagney's. Interesting how there are so many different reviews of this place. Thanks for writing and speaking your mind. Best regards!

[islandgirlejfan]

I'm going to be the minority, but I for one wasn't as crazy about LeBistro. Le Bistro on the Sky is beautiful....you feel like you are dining in a top notch restaurant, but the food for us was ordinary. It was beautifully presented and we enjoyed ourselves, but the food wasn't that memorable to me. The service however WAS great and made up for the ordinary food.

 

I loved Cagneys....the shrimp cocktail was delicious and my filet mignon was perfectly cooked. Many of the upscale restaurants that we dine do not seem to understand medium rare well, but Cagneys got it right! Cagney fries were wonderful!

 

The surprise of the cruise for us was Il Adagio. The antipasto cart was probably better than either the Little Italy's in Baltimore where I am from or New York which I adore! We could have had that and our dessert for dinner. Both my husband and I loved the panna cotta!

 

My favorite statements here on CC are usually something like *I couldn't find a thing to eat*! It's so laughable to me and I guess it's because many of things are made by God (fruit and vegetables) and NCL doesn't grow them. While food is subjective to everyone, I always laugh when someone says they couldn't find anything to eat on a cruise. My expectations are different because I gourmet cook as a hobby and I definitely consider myself a foodie, but when I cruise it's for the vacation. Yes, good food enhances my experience, but I really like being able to dine when I want and not to dress in something I will have no chance to wear again with the exception of a cruise. I can get away with the dress clothes I would wear to a top notch restaurant in my little corner of the world! :)

[Yo Eleven]

I'm going to be the minority, but I for one wasn't as crazy about LeBistro. Le Bistro on the Sky is beautiful....you feel like you are dining in a top notch restaurant, but the food for us was ordinary. It was beautifully presented and we enjoyed ourselves, but the food wasn't that memorable to me. The service however WAS great and made up for the ordinary food.

 

I loved Cagneys....the shrimp cocktail was delicious and my filet mignon was perfectly cooked. Many of the upscale restaurants that we dine do not seem to understand medium rare well, but Cagneys got it right! Cagney fries were wonderful!

 

The surprise of the cruise for us was Il Adagio. The antipasto cart was probably better than either the Little Italy's in Baltimore where I am from or New York which I adore! We could have had that and our dessert for dinner. Both my husband and I loved the panna cotta!

 

My favorite statements here on CC are usually something like *I couldn't find a thing to eat*! It's so laughable to me and I guess it's because many of things are made by God (fruit and vegetables) and NCL doesn't grow them. While food is subjective to everyone, I always laugh when someone says they couldn't find anything to eat on a cruise. My expectations are different because I gourmet cook as a hobby and I definitely consider myself a foodie, but when I cruise it's for the vacation. Yes, good food enhances my experience, but I really like being able to dine when I want and not to dress in something I will have no chance to wear again with the exception of a cruise. I can get away with the dress clothes I would wear to a top notch restaurant in my little corner of the world! :)

I really like this review a lot! Thanks for taking the time to write it up. It is most appreciated. Interesting I have to now put a Red X on the Le Bistro restaurant. But at the same time you gave high marks for Cagney's. Funny you mentioned shrimp coctail. I just posted on another thread where you could get shrimp cocktail at as I did not see them listed on any of the MDR menus that were posted up. This is great news. You post seems to support to at least try both Le Bistro and Cagney's and see for myself. I am glad I have not read any posts that the food was so horrible that it wasn't edible.

 

Regarding Baltimore. I lived near there for a little while. Loved the crab cakes. Been all over Inner Harbor like flies on a rib roast. Hey did you ever eat at that dive at Cross Street Market called No Way Jose? The greatest Mexican food ever. I wonder if it is still there? Great post!

[SeattleMother]

My husband and I were not fond of Le Bistro; we thought it was just okay food. We loved Cagney's. It was always well above Outback level whenever we went. My one steak I had in the main dining room was just okay, not up to Outback level. (on the Star)

 

The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail at Cagney's are HUGE. We also found shrimp cocktail on the buffet too, not quite huge, but just as good. The shrimp cocktail in the main dining rooms was different, although my kids liked it too.

[islandgirlejfan]

I really like this review a lot! Thanks for taking the time to write it up. It is most appreciated. Interesting I have to now put a Red X on the Le Bistro restaurant. But at the same time you gave high marks for Cagney's. Funny you mentioned shrimp coctail. I just posted on another thread where you could get shrimp cocktail at as I did not see them listed on any of the MDR menus that were posted up. This is great news. You post seems to support to at least try both Le Bistro and Cagney's and see for myself. I am glad I have not read any posts that the food was so horrible that it wasn't edible.

 

Regarding Baltimore. I lived near there for a little while. Loved the crab cakes. Been all over Inner Harbor like flies on a rib roast. Hey did you ever eat at that dive at Cross Street Market called No Way Jose? The greatest Mexican food ever. I wonder if it is still there? Great post!

 

I used to work in Federal Hill, but never ate at No Way Jose. I will have to keep that in mind. :) I believe it is still there though. Best burgers and *unusual* hot wings are in the Cross Street Market at Bruce Lee's. Federal Hill dining is hip, but parking down there can be a pain in the arse. We usually avoid Baltimore for dining unless there is parking on the premises because our dinner ran too long at Sabatinos and we ended up with a parking ticket I wasn't too happy about. Crabcakes...new place in Arbutus called Gianni's. Local business guy, but not using cod filler like G&M's. It's a crabcake, not a crab/cod cake. G&M didn't used to do this, but they are busier than ever because of their reputation. Waitress who worked in G&M and now Gianni's confirmed it. I kept tasting fish in the G&M ones....it wasn't my imagination.

Enjoy whatever you decide, cruise wise! :)

[Yo Eleven]

My husband and I were not fond of Le Bistro; we thought it was just okay food. We loved Cagney's. It was always well above Outback level whenever we went. My one steak I had in the main dining room was just okay, not up to Outback level. (on the Star)

 

The shrimp in the shrimp cocktail at Cagney's are HUGE. We also found shrimp cocktail on the buffet too, not quite huge, but just as good. The shrimp cocktail in the main dining rooms was different, although my kids liked it too.

Wow! The description of the shrimp coctail in Cagney's is a great sell to try them out. Thanks for the report. Wow! Today is NO bistro day. Another red X for that restaurant. Cagney's on the other hand is getting better feedback today. Very interesting.

I used to work in Federal Hill, but never ate at No Way Jose. I will have to keep that in mind. :) I believe it is still there though. Best burgers and *unusual* hot wings are in the Cross Street Market at Bruce Lee's. Federal Hill dining is hip, but parking down there can be a pain in the arse. We usually avoid Baltimore for dining unless there is parking on the premises because our dinner ran too long at Sabatinos and we ended up with a parking ticket I wasn't too happy about. Crabcakes...new place in Arbutus called Gianni's. Local business guy, but not using cod filler like G&M's. It's a crabcake, not a crab/cod cake. G&M didn't used to do this, but they are busier than ever because of their reputation. Waitress who worked in G&M and now Gianni's confirmed it. I kept tasting fish in the G&M ones....it wasn't my imagination.

Enjoy whatever you decide, cruise wise! :)

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting you mention G & M! I get those delivered here overnight sometimes and the last time they came they actually tasted different. Not bad or anything, but different. Looks like they are cutting corners now. Lovely. :rolleyes:

Did you ever try the CRABCAKE on the Dawn? Anyone? I see it is on their menu.

Definitely try No Way Jose and get the chunky beef burrito. The sauce they put on it is amazing. :p

[islandgirlejfan]

HEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting you mention G & M! I get those delivered here overnight sometimes and the last time they came they actually tasted different. Not bad or anything, but different. Looks like they are cutting corners now. Lovely. :rolleyes:

Did you ever try the CRABCAKE on the Dawn? Anyone? I see it is on their menu.

Definitely try No Way Jose and get the chunky beef burrito. The sauce they put on it is amazing. :p

 

If you are having them overnighted, try these:

http://www.giannisitalianbistro.com/

We love them! It's sad G&M is doing whatever they are doing...they used to be the best around. Don't cut corners when you have a good thing!

 

Haven't been on the Dawn, but I will let everyone know about the Pearl when we get back on the 13th or 14th of December. We are very excited! Crabcakes are hard for us to order because we like crabmeat from the USA, but who knows, I might get brave enough to order one on the ship. I will take your suggestion on No Way Jose....I love Mexican food!:D

[Wineshipper]

My view on Cagneys: I do like a good steak, it needs to stand on the flavor my it's self. If A1 is needed it falls short.

 

Last cruise was on NCL Star and in a suite, we liked Cagney's so much for breakfast and lunch that we booked our next cruise in a suite as well.

 

Outback is good, Cagney's was better in my view.

 

As far as bad reviews go, I try to use the Olympic method, throw out the worst and the best then compare. This eliminates those that can find no good and those that might be to one sided. Pick any cruise line or any ship and you WILL find reviews that are all negitive.

 

Happy cruising wherever you end up.

[Yo Eleven]

If you are having them overnighted, try these:

http://www.giannisitalianbistro.com/

We love them! It's sad G&M is doing whatever they are doing...they used to be the best around. Don't cut corners when you have a good thing!

 

Haven't been on the Dawn, but I will let everyone know about the Pearl when we get back on the 13th or 14th of December. We are very excited! Crabcakes are hard for us to order because we like crabmeat from the USA, but who knows, I might get brave enough to order one on the ship. I will take your suggestion on No Way Jose....I love Mexican food!:D

Thanks for the link! I will most certainly order from them and see how they are!

 

Yeah-try the crabcake on the ship. It should be interesting to see how it is prepared. But it probably won't be Maryland style with Old Bay.

 

Gosh-I miss the days at Pickle's Pub across from Camden Yards on game day! :cool:

[Yo Eleven]

My view on Cagneys: I do like a good steak, it needs to stand on the flavor my it's self. If A1 is needed it falls short.

 

Last cruise was on NCL Star and in a suite, we liked Cagney's so much for breakfast and lunch that we booked our next cruise in a suite as well.

 

Outback is good, Cagney's was better in my view.

 

As far as bad reviews go, I try to use the Olympic method, throw out the worst and the best then compare. This eliminates those that can find no good and those that might be to one sided. Pick any cruise line or any ship and you WILL find reviews that are all negitive.

 

Happy cruising wherever you end up.

Great point and ANOTHER plus for Cagney's!

Wow! Cagney's is getting a lot of great feedback today. CRAZEEEEE!!!!!

[H82seaUgo]

 

As far as bad reviews go, I try to use the Olympic method, throw out the worst and the best then compare. This eliminates those that can find no good and those that might be to one sided. Pick any cruise line or any ship and you WILL find reviews that are all negitive.

 

 

Same advice should be applied to some posters. The "advice" from some on this thread to the OP has me scratching my keyboard. It seems the OP is much more mature than some as to take their low road, and I applaude him!

 

To the helpful posters on here, THANKS!

[Yo Eleven]

Same advice should be applied to some posters. The "advice" from some on this thread to the OP has me scratching my keyboard. It seems the OP is much more mature than some as to take their low road, and I applaude him!

 

To the helpful posters on here, THANKS!

Hey there! Glad you are enjoying the thread. I got beat up pretty early here but didn't let me get the information I need. Yeah-there are a lot of reviews here and some conflicting reports especially where Cagney's is concerned. One thing is certain the casino appears to be quite nice. This cruiseline is still on the list of options for a booking.

 

As for me being mature? That remains to be seen. HAHAHA! I am still trying to figure out your avatar. It is either the cover of a Led Zeppelin album or something that I can't mention on this website. I dunno! LOL!!!!!!!! :p:D

[cruzinaway]

Hi Yo - looks like you stirred the pot here ;).

 

We sailed on the Gem last year (going again next week!) and tried quite a few restaurants on board. Not sure which restaurants are on board the ship you are looking at but here's what what we found on the Gem...

 

Cagneys - DH and I thought the steaks were great. For us, it was better than Outback but not as fabulous as the steak we get at a top of the line restaurant here in Milwaukee. Keep in mind the restaurant in Milwaukee is almost 3 times the price of a Cagney's steak so take that for what it's worth.

 

Le Bistro - Probably our favorite on the Gem. Great food, excellent service. I still remember our waiter's name - Jason...he was the BEST. Loved everthing about this place. I highly recommend it!

 

Teppanyaki - I'm probably the minority here but I thought it was just okay. We had read so many fabulous things about it here at CC so maybe I was expecting too much. Food was very salty, too much garlic for me - and the steak and seafood were a bit tough/chewy. The service was kind of off - never got our drink order (and we asked twice) and the whole experience was not what we expected. We had fun, however, as we sat with a great group of fellow passengers that we realy clicked with!

 

Tequilla - Great food and margaritas - DH loved the chips and salsa (they have a HOT variety that will set you on fire!). The service was a little slow but there was a very large group of people here when we dined and I think that had a lot to do with it.

 

La Cucina - Food and service were very good. Some people complain about the time it takes to get through a meal but that's kind of what this restaurant is all about. Italians eat in courses - antipasti, soup/salad, main course, dessert, coffee...you get the idea. If you don't want to sit there that long, just order a couple items! Anyway, from start to finish the meal was very good. My only complaint is that we sat outside and unfortunately the Great Outdoors is right next door. It got pretty loud over there and sort of took away from the nice, relaxed atmosphere of La Cucina. Next time we'll sit inside.

 

Orchid Garden/Sushi Bar - Again, very good food and excellent service. I remember our waiters name...Fred...he made fantastic suggestions and stopped by often to make sure we liked what we ordered. My DH and I didn't care for one of our appetizers so he took it away immediately and brought something else. I really liked Fred!

 

Blue Lagoon - It's an okay place for a quick bite...think comfort food...but nothing too special.

 

Buffet - We ate here for dinner on the first night and thought it was very good. We liked the action stations and I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh everything was. The breads and rolls were soft, the fruit was ripe, the salads were green and crisp. We did not eat here for breakfast, however, as we had access to Cagney's (suite guests) but I've heard it's quite a zoo in the mornings!

 

I can't help you with the casino. We just don't gamble very much.

 

Good luck with whatever cruise you choose.

[Yo Eleven]

Hi Yo - looks like you stirred the pot here ;).

 

We sailed on the Gem last year (going again next week!) and tried quite a few restaurants on board. Not sure which restaurants are on board the ship you are looking at but here's what what we found on the Gem...

 

Cagneys - DH and I thought the steaks were great. For us, it was better than Outback but not as fabulous as the steak we get at a top of the line restaurant here in Milwaukee. Keep in mind the restaurant in Milwaukee is almost 3 times the price of a Cagney's steak so take that for what it's worth.

 

Le Bistro - Probably our favorite on the Gem. Great food, excellent service. I still remember our waiter's name - Jason...he was the BEST. Loved everthing about this place. I highly recommend it!

 

Teppanyaki - I'm probably the minority here but I thought it was just okay. We had read so many fabulous things about it here at CC so maybe I was expecting too much. Food was very salty, too much garlic for me - and the steak and seafood were a bit tough/chewy. The service was kind of off - never got our drink order (and we asked twice) and the whole experience was not what we expected. We had fun, however, as we sat with a great group of fellow passengers that we realy clicked with!

 

Tequilla - Great food and margaritas - DH loved the chips and salsa (they have a HOT variety that will set you on fire!). The service was a little slow but there was a very large group of people here when we dined and I think that had a lot to do with it.

 

La Cucina - Food and service were very good. Some people complain about the time it takes to get through a meal but that's kind of what this restaurant is all about. Italians eat in courses - antipasti, soup/salad, main course, dessert, coffee...you get the idea. If you don't want to sit there that long, just order a couple items! Anyway, from start to finish the meal was very good. My only complaint is that we sat outside and unfortunately the Great Outdoors is right next door. It got pretty loud over there and sort of took away from the nice, relaxed atmosphere of La Cucina. Next time we'll sit inside.

 

Orchid Garden/Sushi Bar - Again, very good food and excellent service. I remember our waiters name...Fred...he made fantastic suggestions and stopped by often to make sure we liked what we ordered. My DH and I didn't care for one of our appetizers so he took it away immediately and brought something else. I really liked Fred!

 

Blue Lagoon - It's an okay place for a quick bite...think comfort food...but nothing too special.

 

Buffet - We ate here for dinner on the first night and thought it was very good. We liked the action stations and I was pleasantly surprised by how fresh everything was. The breads and rolls were soft, the fruit was ripe, the salads were green and crisp. We did not eat here for breakfast, however, as we had access to Cagney's (suite guests) but I've heard it's quite a zoo in the mornings!

 

I can't help you with the casino. We just don't gamble very much.

 

Good luck with whatever cruise you choose.

Yeah I stirred the pot here I guess. LOL!

 

THANK YOU! Very nice restaurant review. You should be hired as a food critic here. This helps a great deal!

[asirign475]

I just got off the Spirit from Boston and the food was really good. I gained 4 pounds. I do not go to the specialty dinning very often. out of 7 cruises I have only gone around 9 times. I went to Cagney's it was unbelievable. The cost adds up.

 

Norwegian Dawn is a real beautiful ship. I went on it a few years ago. I went from NY it was 14 days with Cozumel on it. The ports were great but watch yourself in Cozumel. The vendors are pitbulls. They llie and will tell you one price and charge your credit card another. Use cash....

 

The kids program is great. My daughter begs to go back. She is 4 almost five. She had a choice between Disney World and NCL she chose NCL without even blinking. The pools and the kids club keep her happy.

 

I have traveled on Holland America it was more expensive and the food was a bit fancier but not better. IT HAD SET DINNING which was hard with a 4 year old.

 

 

I play craps in the casino. There was only one table I think on the Spirit I cant remember on the Dawn sorry . I never had a problem getting a spot to play. Makes sure you get a players card so you can get credit for what you gamble.

 

The staff was very nice to me. I can only play at odd times because I am a non smoker.

 

The rooms are smaller than Holland America but price reflects that.

 

I hope this helps . I can see the good and bad in NCL. If you have any other questions I can try to help.

 

Anna

[bimbombubbie]

anyone on the Jade NCL leaving Istanbul Oct. 9;)

[Toyz711]

anyone on the Jade NCL leaving Istanbul Oct. 9;)

 

go down this site:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=360

until you find your date. rolls calls are a great way to meet your fellow passengers.

[Wormy53]

I think you've finally gotten a lot of good info! We were on the Dawn for 11 days after sailing on mainly Princess (with a few others thrown in!) Just my 2 cents:

 

This cruise was MUCH cheaper than a similar cruise on another line. I also departed and returned to New York, so airfare was cheaper also.

 

Gambling: Lots of fun and seemed to be several people there most of the time. You know those times when it seems like you are the only person there? - not so much here. Dealers seemed to be having a good time too. The craps table looked busy most times.

 

Food: Tried the MDR - just OK for us. So just made ressies: 2 Cagney's, 2 Le Bistro's, 2 Italian, & 2 TexMex. DH loved his lobster in Cagneys - my med-rare filet was cooked as ordered and good. I loved the Escargot at Le Bistro and lamb. The Italian was our favorite. Whoever said there was an excellent antepasto tray was right!!! GREAT! And the gelato and cookies for dessert - yum!! Texmex was pretty good and just right for a quicker night. Didn't do the asian place - DH not a fan. During the day we found the buffet after 2pm has a NY Deli - type flavor which suited us. Lots of salads and fruit. Didn't care for the Blue Lagoon - but we don't like those fast-food type of things. Also a long wait with not enough waiters.

 

I noticed that the booze cost a bit more than other lines - this is probably how they make up that cheap fare!! And I do not mind this - it's not like you HAVE to drink!!:D (Well, YOU maybe not - but I do!!) I just usually ordered the whole bottle of wine - they will store it for you.

 

So in general - a nice cruise. I really liked the Dawn's size. She wasn't way too big, but still had all the good stuff. I like the pool area with the stadium seats and the back bar area. People were friendly and we had a great time (with no dogfood!!:D:D). If you are taking kids, I think that they have a better rate for them than some lines. Have a great time!!