NCL vs. More Adult Cruises

[RuthlessBunny]

Hi!

 

My husband and I have taken some very high end cruises. We have always had large staterooms, with balconies. The ships have been quiet and filled with older folks. We're in our forties and don't have children, so it's been great for us.

 

As with most folks, we've been scaling back. This time we've booked the smallest, interior room on the NCL Pearl for November 2010.

 

We like cruising so much that we're hoping that the fact that we're in the dinkiest room on the ship won't affect our fun, but that room looks REALLY SMALL.

 

Should we start saving for an upgrade? How are the balcony rooms in comparison to HAL?

 

Also, how is the kid population the first week of November? We were rather hoping that they would be in school and not so prevalent that time of year.

 

Thanks~!

[dalgirl]

November should be fine for fewer kids as long as it is not Thanksgiving week - if it is, change your date. We also try to avoid a lot of children when we cruise.

As for the dinky room: if you have been used to a larger balcony room, the inside dinky room is going to be a shock and may make your whole cruise experience bad depending on your attitude. Or it can be a cosey, romantic nest for you and DH to reconnect;)

You can always book the room and if the price goes down, contact your TA and upgrade. I keep a careful watch for price reductions till I make final payment - and I always pay only when I have to.

Most of your experience is going to be attitude: if you go into the experience as an adventure and view the ship as your fun, well run resort that is your home base for the wonderful sites you will see, you should be fine and very surprised and pleased at how good NCL is. It is a fun, laid back experience for active cruisers - not for those who need constant attention, and hovering servants. They do like to "hawk their wares", we ignore this and are amused...many are not. If you are expecting the luxury of HAL, you might want to start with RCCL and work your way down:D

[Milaandra]

Should we start saving for an upgrade? How are the balcony rooms in comparison to HAL?

 

Also, how is the kid population the first week of November? We were rather hoping that they would be in school and not so prevalent that time of year.

 

I suppose the main question is, how much time did you spend on your balcony? How much time in your stateroom?

 

By choice we cruise inside, low and centre; for price, lack of movement and fear of noise. We took two cruises last year, but could have chosen to take one cruise with a bigger room. But why? We consider the promenade to be just one big balcony, with the added bonus of people watching and conversation. :) We never eat room service. The food is better in the restaurants and having more company is a treat for us! Apart from sleeping, grooming, uploading photos and the occasional half-hour or so regrouping from a port day...we don't spend much time in the room. Would we, if it were a nicer room? Possibly, but I like the quietly social aspects of cruising!

 

I'm sure it will be a culture shock, but just concentrate on the ports! Same fabulous ports, same great experiences, same beautiful ocean and awe-inspiring sunsets...better price tag!

[garycarla]

Very few kids in early November. Same for early December. Lots of months actually, but extra so when close to other vacation times.

 

Also, once you go for over a week, it further reduces the number of families. Many with kids can not either afford the time or the money to take long cruises.

[RuthlessBunny]

I feel better. I think DH and I can manage in the broom closet! Typically we are out and about, and only in the room for an afternoon siesta where we watch movies or read in the room.

 

We never really 'used' the balcony, but it's great opening it up and letting fresh air into the room.

 

We're going on a week long cruise Nov 7, so it's good to know that it will be primarily adults.

 

I'll definitely keep my eye on prices and see if we can't scoop up a deal on an upgrade closer to cruising time.

 

Thank you all!

 

Bunny =:-)

[sottovoce]

If you are expecting the luxury of HAL, you might want to start with RCCL and work your way down:D

Are you kidding? The "luxury of HAL?" HAL is NCL with tuxedos and funny hats on Dutch night. I hope that by "high end" the OP means Regent or Seabourn or Crystal or something really "high end," not HAL, which is nothing more than mass-market with bowing and scraping.

[sunshine 229]

I think it truly does depend a lot on your attitude. If you go into it as an adventure, with the outlook that you are trying to see what a cruise is like with an inside, and see how much fun you can have while doing it on a budget, there is a good chance you'll have a great time.

 

I've sailed with three adults in an inside, with 2 of us in a balcony, with a suite once on Celebrity (that was a splurge) and once, by myself in an aft with an absolutely huge and fabulous balcony..and I've enjoyed them all.

 

I think the trick is too accept the style of cruise you have signed up for and not expect them to all be the same experience.

 

The cruise with three adults in an inside on RCCL was a blast...we all just decided at the last minute to go on a cruise that none of us had really budgeted for, and to see how cheaply we could do it. We took pride in finding free and fun things to do on board and self toured at the different ports. It certainly wasn't the most fabulous or luxourious vacation I've ever had but it was fun and easy on the bank account.

[Jerseyboy1]

If you are expecting the luxury of HAL, you might want to start with RCCL and work your way down:D

 

Both HAL and RCI are mass market cruiselines. Believe me NCL is no further down the chain than RCI is.

 

In fact, RCI is catering to the active adult and teen segments of the market not the sophisticated world traveler. I'm sorry, but the word "luxury" doesn't come to mind when I think of rock walls, ziplines, flowriders and things of that ilk.

 

While still a fine cruiseline, about the only thing "royal" in RCI is the name.

[wg6530]

I think it truly does depend a lot on your attitude....(edit)... I think the trick is too accept the style of cruise you have signed up for and not expect them to all be the same experience.

 

I agree with this. I like different styles of cruises, including NCL. I would describe NCL as a casual, fun, family-friendly, easy-going. The decor is colorful. Most passengers are very casual. Some will be loud. There will be children on board, even on Nov 7. Some of the crew give fabulous service, others only so-so. The people who love NCL strike me as low-maintenance types. Higher-maintenance types may be much happier on other lines.

 

This may be a a big change from your so-called "more adult cruises." Think long and hard about whether NCL's style and the step down to a small inside cabin will suit you. Even at a great price, the vacation has to fit the individuals.

[Barb Nahoumi]

I was on the Pearl for a repositioning two week cruise last week of September into early October. There were very few kids aboard. Most were not yet school age. You should be safe in early November.

 

The least expensive room I have taken is an oceanview with a window. I need to be able to see outside. The best room was a minisuite on the Pearl last year.

 

You should have a great time on Ncl. I do.

 

Barb

[Ms belp]

Hi!

 

My husband and I have taken some very high end cruises. We have always had large staterooms, with balconies. The ships have been quiet and filled with older folks. We're in our forties and don't have children, so it's been great for us.

 

As with most folks, we've been scaling back. This time we've booked the smallest, interior room on the NCL Pearl for November 2010.

 

We like cruising so much that we're hoping that the fact that we're in the dinkiest room on the ship won't affect our fun, but that room looks REALLY SMALL.

 

Should we start saving for an upgrade? How are the balcony rooms in comparison to HAL?

 

Also, how is the kid population the first week of November? We were rather hoping that they would be in school and not so prevalent that time of year.

 

Thanks~!

 

I would not do it personally. We cruised Majesty inside after always doing balcony cabins and I was miserable. I do use the balcony in the afternoons and evenings, but I missed the fresh air even more. Save for an upgrade in my opinion. It was not pleasant.

[Ms belp]

I agree with this. I like different styles of cruises, including NCL. I would describe NCL as a casual, fun, family-friendly, easy-going. The decor is colorful. Most passengers are very casual. Some will be loud. There will be children on board, even on Nov 7. Some of the crew give fabulous service, others only so-so. The people who love NCL strike me as low-maintenance types. Higher-maintenance types may be much happier on other lines.

 

This may be a a big change from your so-called "more adult cruises." Think long and hard about whether NCL's style and the step down to a small inside cabin will suit you. Even at a great price, the vacation has to fit the individuals.

 

Very good. I agree completely. They might be miserable.:o

[izodlacoste]

A balcony is great but I'd rather go inside than not go at all. You'll sleep great!

[lambs2]

We go back and forth. Our last cruise was in s BA balcony for a Panama Canal cruise on the Star. Coming up in two weeks or so we will be on the Sun in one of the larger inside cabins on deck 10. Honestly, when we get balcony cabins I love them, but find I spend a BIG chunk of my time out there and not interacting with others or participating in that many activities. When we are in an inside cabin we are out and about much more. I agree with the promenade deck being "one big balcony". We are using the money we are saving on an inside cabin this cruise to book ANOTHER cruise in the fall!

[cruzndiz]

The OP cruiser has sailed SilverSea and Regent (Radisson)....HAL was a step down.....NCL is a leap off a cliff down!!!! (as would any other mass market ~ I'm not singling out NCL)

 

Putting aside cabin category for a moment, the biggest differences you are going to feel are the things that happen when you step outside your cabin. Even without lots of kids on board, you will have masses of people who also paid very cheap prices to cruise, picture a crowded floating WalMart the week before Christmas.

 

As far as the inside cabin....yikes!....tiny is not the word for it; but I think overall that should be the least of your concerns.

 

In any event, you could look at the whole thing as an adventure and when you disembark, immediately start saving to get back on one of the luxury lines or at least premium :p

 

I still think you will have a great time and not for nothing, the staff on both NCL ships I was on were over-the-top solicitous, friendly, warm and welcoming and really made up for so much else that was lacking.

[Milaandra]

Even without lots of kids on board, you will have masses of people who also paid very cheap prices to cruise, picture a crowded floating WalMart the week before Christmas.

 

Ick! Now that's not nice!

 

Check the ship's capacity. That's the amount of people you may find onboard, whether higher end or lower end cruise, right? Then check the flow of the ship's design. Those are really the only two things that can create crowding. Freestyle dining actually reduces the amount of crowding and milling. If you're like me and avoid the pool and the casino, the only crowding you'll find is embarkation.

 

I haven't been on a high end cruise. I'm not sure I ever would...if the pocketbook stretched that far, I'd rather spend it on a longer cruise or a further destination.

 

But I have been in Walmart pre-Christmas...it's not the same as an NCL cruise at all!! :D:D:D

[cynbar]

I think the OP should look at it this way: a cruise on NCL will be a very different experience from one of the high end lines, but you have to be ready to appreciate it for what it is. It's like at home ---- sometimes we go to a high end, expensive but high quality restaurant. Other times, we dress casually and go to a Bertucci's or Olive Garden. We never compare the two, they are very different experiences with different expectations, but we enjoy both depending on the mood we are in, and we appreciate the strengths of each. I wouldn't call NCL a floating Wal-Mart, but it will absolutely seem crowded and a little loud, and dress of many of the passengers will be VERY casual. Food will likely not be the caliber you are used to, but it will be plentiful and the choice of specialty restaurants is a nice change from traditional cruising. Some will love it, others will spend the whole cruise comparing it negatively with the high end lines. Only you know which you are.

[octagonmike]

Both HAL and RCI are mass market cruiselines. Believe me NCL is no further down the chain than RCI is.

 

In fact, RCI is catering to the active adult and teen segments of the market not the sophisticated world traveler. I'm sorry, but the word "luxury" doesn't come to mind when I think of rock walls, ziplines, flowriders and things of that ilk.

 

While still a fine cruiseline, about the only thing "royal" in RCI is the name.

 

 

I TOTALLY Agree

 

Thankfully RCI was not at all stuffy or snobby when I cruised last year and we have booked up again for May.

 

As you say there is nothing "up market" about RCI in terms of the passengers. The ships are fantastic however.

 

As you say climbing walls and wave runners doesn't exactly remind you of the Titantic nor does the Belly Flop competition on the first day at sea.

 

RCI is very laid back cruising to be honest.

[cynbar]

I also want to add, watch the prices especially after final payment. Your cruise is not during high season, [prices may come down and you can upgrade for less than you think. Remember that you can't get a price decrease after final payment, but you can always move up and pay the difference. That's what we did for our May Gem cruise ---- prices came down and we ended up with a much nicer cabin than we originally booked , at substantially less than we would have paid originally.

[RuthlessBunny]

We knew what we were getting into when we signed up. We're going to a wedding in the Keys and just tacked the cruise on as a cheap way of extending our trip.

 

The Regent and Silversea cruises we were on were Presidents Club prizes, we're just not in that price range. But let me tell you, if anyone wants to pay your way on one of these, jump at the chance. They were WONDERFUL!

 

As for adventure, on my very first Princess cruise in '97 one of the folks in my party died while being evacuated off the cruise on his way back to Miami. I'm not looking for adventure.

 

We like cruising for the ports, the relaxation and the all inclusive nature of the beast.

 

I think we may try to upgrade the room, but if it's just not in the cards, then we'll make the best of it.

 

As for HAL, the cabin size was comperable to what we had on Regent and Silversea. The folks were a bit...older and less active, also it wasn't very crowded at all. Off season I think.

 

I really appreciate all the feedback, at least I have a notion of what we're going to encounter. Also, take it from me, buy the insurance!!!!

[dalgirl]

Please don't flame me about my HAL and RCCL comment - I was just going on my perception of RCCL (which I have sailed on before) and HAL (from other comments from friends, etc, no personal experience). It seemed to me that OP shared this good feeling about HAL since they mentioned them. I personally think there are some very positive things about RCCL that are better than NCL (food - sorry - and children's programs - sorry) That said, I sail with NCL now because of the price, the food is great (for the price) and the ships are very nice and comfortable (for the price), and I don't have young children in the kids program (thank goodness). I LOVE NCL, but there are others that I know that would never sale on NCL because THEY perceive HAL and others as a cut above. Just as many see NCL as a cut above CCL. I DON'T, but they do. And I can say that if all of the cruise lines competed at the same price, I would go with any one of them. For me, it is mostly the itenerary.

[flowerchild]

I've sailed in all types of cabins but DH was spoiled with balconies since his first cruise for our honeymoon. We wanted to save $$ last time around and went for an inside. He was so nervous about feeling clausterphobic! Turns out we were fine in our little cozy cabin and slept like babies in the cave-like little cubby. Our next cruise is a 13 day repo through the Panama Canal and we are in an inside again. I love balconies but depending on finances, I'm more than happy to go with a cheaper cabin and save the extra $$ for shopping and activities.

[scamper]

Bunny...

 

Have you considered an "inside" room on HAL? I am sure you've done your research, but in case you haven't many of HAL's inside rooms are just as large as those with an ocean view.

[RuthlessBunny]

Actually we're doing this one because it's $441 pp, and it's available after the wedding we're going to.

 

I wouldn't rule out HAL again, we met some very nice folks on the last HAL cruise we took.

 

The combination of right price and right day and right itinerary has us with our deposit on this particular NCL cruise.

 

We're getting to see Honduras and Belize. We probably won't get off the boat in Mexico, or Key West (having lived in South Florida, I think we've done it to death.)

 

Mostly we just want to be pampered and relax.

[ailuro]

at that price, how can you complain if it isn't up to your usual standard?

 

$441 with food and entertainment thrown in, and a bit of R&R, remember your afternoon nap will be much easier in an inside cabin because it's nice and dark.;)