Never done an NCL Cruise - feedback needed - What are your pros and cons of NCL?

[Atlanta_Cruiser]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

2. Casino

3. Show Quality and Headliners

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

6. Any iprovments they can make?

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

[numberguy]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

 

I don't remember seeing that they did, but I could be wrong.

 

2. Casino

 

Yes, they have one, usually. I only play very low-amount slots. I lose money, DDP wins. C'est la vie.

 

3. Show Quality and Headliners

 

I've really enjoyed most of the shows (there is the occasional clunker). No "names" that I'd heard of before.

 

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

 

I've done the TA on the Gem in 2008 (westbound). Loved it. Only rough seas one day/night out of six. With each cruise I do more of the stuff organized by the staff, but at that time, I wasn't doing as much, so there were times when I got bored. But that's my own darn fault.

 

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

 

I've always cruised in an obstructed view oceanview. I think the room size is adequate. I only wish the desk stool were actually a desk chair. My next cruise will be an inside to save money on the Baltics cruise.

 

6. Any iprovments they can make?

 

None that I can think of, but I'm rather low-maintenance.

 

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

 

Price, service, freestyle dining. Had traditional dining on my one RCCL cruise, and wasn't too fond of it.

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

 

See my responses above.

 

--Michael

[scm200]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

Not on recent cruises

2. Casino

Fine - won on Dawn (a bit)

3. Show Quality and Headliners

They are good, not headliners but fun

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

Never done one

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

Rooms are smaller than Carnival, but adequate, have cruised in Obs OV, OV and Inside

6. Any iprovments they can make?

I would like more "free" activities during the day...

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

Freestyle dining works - what brings me back is the itinaries they cruise.

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

 

We are cruising on Jewel in 3 weeks and have heard good things....EPIC looks too big for me - too many people. My favorite NCL cruise was my first on the Crown (smaller ship) but Majesty was great too...

[patseacruiser]

But the Epic is going to have special entertainment that you have not had on most NCL cruises. Blue Man Group, Le Cirque, Legends in Concert......

[DMH15]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

2. Casino

3. Show Quality and Headliners

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

6. Any iprovments they can make?

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

 

Hello - Here's my experience...

 

1. Have not seen these on any of my NCL cruises... However, on the Sun last year they had a whole series of classes on digital photography that were very well-received. It was headed by a married couple.

 

2. I love the casino but find them very smoky on NCL. So for that reason I go during the day. I wish they had a section of nn-smoking slots like they had when I was on Celebrity, (which I understand is all non-smoking int he casino now). Don't know if this is a concern to you or not. Just giving my info.

 

3. I have not seen that many shows. The one that stands out in my head is Chantz Powell. He is amazing. He does some Sammy Davis and other stuff. He plays a trumpet (I think - it is a horn). I also liked the Cirque Pan show.

 

4. I did the transatlantic from Miami to Athens. I loved it because I love sea days. I like to spend time on the balcony reading and having cosmos that I make with my bar set-up. I love the way the transatlantic cruises are so relaxing. It tends to attract an older group, which is fine with me, (I am 53 and I was one of the young ones - haha).

 

5. I like to use the site where you can go on and see the layouts and pictures of cabins. It has been a valuable tool for me. Since CC does not allow promotion of other sites (that cost), you can email me at donnahill15@gmail.com and put NEED CRUISE INFO in the reference. I will be happy to let you know.

 

BTW, I travel a lot with my mom and we have become addicted to NCL suites, so that is all I will book now. I have traveled in an inside and a mini-suite before the full suites and both were nice, but I am not looking back....

 

6. I think this a very subjective question to which you would get a million answers. Some people care about the free embarkation champagne and the mint on the pillow, I don't. If I want champagne and candy I would buy it. I guess I would want rules enforced across the board more consistently, in regards to chair hogs at the pool or dress code, etc. I am not wanting to make the rules, I would just like them to be understood by all and followed.

 

And after so many threads on teh DSR, I would like it included in the fare and be done with it. Just MHO.

 

7. I adore freestyle. The free spirit in me likes to have as few things on the "have to" list. I like to make my own and be flexible. Since I discovered the way NCL does suites that is even taken to a new level. Right now they are my favorite mainstream line. However, I would not turn down an cruise on another line if the chance presented itself.

 

The crews on NCL are more memorable than any other I have sailed. They have the best.

 

I like the hull art. Something that sets NCL apart.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

 

Happy cruising.

[STARFISH*4]

never seen any computer classes offered on the sailings i have been on.

 

the Entertainment is pretty GOOD...the BEST show was the CIRQUE show on the Jewel (Jan 2010)...only maybe 1 show each sailing we havent cared for ...not big on SECOND CITY!

 

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE...did i mention LOVE FREE~STYLE:D and right now this is the ONLY LINE we will be cruising....GOOD PRICES is a PLUS too!!!

[numberguy]

I like the hull art. Something that sets NCL apart.

 

Yeah, me, too. When I cruised on the Rhapsody of the Seas (RCCL) last November, I remarked to my DDP that the ship looks boring from the front as I was approaching it. I missed the hull art.

 

--Michael

[sunshine nana]

NCL Pros: freestyle, price, suite (eating breakfast and lunch at Cagney's and avoiding the buffet). If you can get a good price on an aft AD or AE or get an upsell, it's a deal if you will be on the ship most days for breakfast and lunch. Also many 7 night which can become 14 night with B to B

NCL cons: Food in the MDR, very little choice and not that good compared to other lines. Entertainment: not that good compared to other lines.

Service is fine.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

2. I love the casino but find them very smoky on NCL. So for that reason I go during the day. I wish they had a section of nn-smoking slots like they had when I was on Celebrity, (which I understand is all non-smoking int he casino now). Don't know if this is a concern to you or not. Just giving my info.

...

 

That smoky comment is not a pleasant thing to hear. This makes the second time I have read that (perhaps the other was you also)! Carnival casinos can be pretty smoky as well - with the Dream being an exception, as they have FINALLY set aside a section (somewhat small actually) for smokers.

 

Celebrity wins hands down in this department, as their casinos are totally non-smoking. You would not even know you were in a casino were in not for the sounds of the one armed bandits! :D

 

Tom

[vacation luvver]

The one that stands out in my head is Chantz Powell.

Oh yes - he was the BEST! I saw him on the Spirit in May of 2008. I went back on the Spirit in September of 2008, but he wasn't there. I hope to run into him again sometime.

 

Atlanta_Cruiser, you didn't say if you'll be sailing solo or with someone. If you'll be solo, then I would advise against NCL. Freestyle is terrific if you're with someone, but it's "heck" if you're by yourself, because with freestyle, NCL attracts a lot of people who are tickled pink that they won't have to share their meals with pesky strangers. Sure, NCL reps and possibly some posters here will tell you that all you have to do when you go to the dining room is say that you want to be seated with other people, and then it will happen, but it WON'T necessarily happen. Because most people don't want to sit with strangers. They just want to sit with their traveling companions. It's the number one reason a lot of people choose NCL. I went solo on an NCL cruise, and I wouldn't do it again, unless someone gave it to me as a present and I didn't have to pay. But it's my favorite cruiseline when I'm traveling with someone. The food in the MDR and the entertainment are excellent. The service in the MDR is excellent if you're with someone, but it's shoddy if you're by yourself. I really don't know why they treat solos so badly in the MDR, because with the autograt, it's not as if the waitstaff is worried about getting stiffed.

[flashdog_1]

I have cruise Celebrity, HAL and NCL. The two former ones had assigned times & tables for dinner & the dreaded Baked Alaska parade. NCL has freestyle which we much prefer (and no Baked Alaska parade). No rushing around. Just go when you are ready between 5:30 and 10:30 on some ships. That's a big window!

 

X and HAL had classical music "concerts" which we really enjoy. On NCL you might have a pianist that plays some, but mostly there's none. I realize that's not a breaker for most, but we like it very much and if we had to choose between X and NCL, price were the same and itinerary same, we'd probably take X since they now have flexible dining, also. We like X's food best.

 

We like NCL because you do not have to dress up for a formal night. They have a "dress up or not" night, and some do wear formal attire. But no one looks at you sideways unless you are wearing a Beat Your Wife tee shirt in the dining room.

 

Plenty of tables for two on NCL. If you want to be seated with others, they will do so.

 

NCL has many specialty restaurants, too, with a surcharge. But since NCL's cruise rates are usually lower than the others, just budget for some specialty nights. Less congestion, better service, no rushing. (Steak house, French, Tex/Mex, up to 3 Oriental, Italian, plus a free comfort food place open 22 hours a day).

 

I'd read reviews of how awful the food on NCL was, but it just is not true. We are foodies and do enjoy a continental menu, but there is fine food even in the included dining rooms on NCL.

 

NCL has free ice cream and soft serve. You may smoke in your cabin and on your balcony but not other indoor places except the Cigar Bar if your ship has one, and the casino.

 

NCL has a future cruise credit program where, while on board, you make a $250 payment which is sufficient to be your entire deposit for your next cruise (inside, ocean view, balcony & minisuite only; partial deposit on full suites), any time within the next 4 years, and immediately they will give you $100 on board credit on the current cruise. Not bad.

 

NCL is plain fun. The former lines are a little stuffier. Maybe that's because of the formal nights. You see all ages of passengers on NCL. Less complaining on NCL.

 

NCL has an upsell program. Not many people get the call, but it is rather fun wondering if you will. The way it works is that a few weeks before departure, they will try to fill the highest suite categories with people from lower suite categories, for about 1/4 of the amount it would have cost had you paid upfront. Then they ask the mini-suite people if they want the suites, then ask the balcony people if they want the mini-suites, and on down. IF there is availability. It doesn't always trickle down, but occasionally people in insides and ocean views are offered balconies! Just book what you are comfortable paying for, and wait. You do not have to accept the NCL offer if they call. On our first NCL cruise we had an ocean view promenade deck 108 sq ft cabin! That is small. We had the call to upgrade to a 142 sq ft ocean view with picture window for $25 each and we took it and were very happy. We haven't gotten any further calls.

 

NCL has a very customer friendly disembarkation policy. YOU pick the time to get off the ship. It's great. They also have self disembarkation if you carry all your luggage.

[oLEEander]

Oh yes - he was the BEST! I saw him on the Spirit in May of 2008. I went back on the Spirit in September of 2008, but he wasn't there. I hope to run into him again sometime.

 

Atlanta_Cruiser, you didn't say if you'll be sailing solo or with someone. If you'll be solo, then I would advise against NCL. Freestyle is terrific if you're with someone, but it's "heck" if you're by yourself, because with freestyle, NCL attracts a lot of people who are tickled pink that they won't have to share their meals with pesky strangers. Sure, NCL reps and possibly some posters here will tell you that all you have to do when you go to the dining room is say that you want to be seated with other people, and then it will happen, but it WON'T necessarily happen. Because most people don't want to sit with strangers. They just want to sit with their traveling companions. It's the number one reason a lot of people choose NCL. I went solo on an NCL cruise, and I wouldn't do it again, unless someone gave it to me as a present and I didn't have to pay. But it's my favorite cruiseline when I'm traveling with someone. The food in the MDR and the entertainment are excellent. The service in the MDR is excellent if you're with someone, but it's shoddy if you're by yourself. I really don't know why they treat solos so badly in the MDR, because with the autograt, it's not as if the waitstaff is worried about getting stiffed.

 

On the Epic they are promoting solo cabins so single diners may not be such a singularity. The single lounges will also serve as an area where people can met and perhaps pair up to dine. Single diners should never be treated shoddily by the wait staff anywhere. I'm sorry you encountered that in the past hopefully that won't be the case on the Epic where they are encouraging single cruisers.

[Ann262]

Hi there! As you can see from my signature, we have cruised several lines. We are pretty easy to please in general. Our last cruise, on the Jade bumped NCL up to our favorite line.

 

Some people really miss the scheduled dinner times. There are upsides to that. You get to know your waiter, to get to know some new people, etc. However, my DH is not a schedule kind of guy and we really liked the fact that we could opt to eat at different times without that meaning we had to give up eating in the main dining room. On other lines, that decision usually relegates you to the buffet.

 

I loved the staff on both my NCL cruises. Entertainment on our Bermuda cruise was great. On our Western Med cruise, we never went to a show. That cruise was just too port intensive and we were worn out at the end of each day.

 

My rankings are now 1) NCL, 2) Princess 3) Carnival, 4) Royal Carribean

[cruising g-mom]

As you can see from previous postings, comparisons of cruiselines is mainly what that invidual likes. We think that the difference is more in the individual ships rather than the line. On Princess we were given (free) upgrades to a balcony two times, and on RCCL were upgraded to a balcony at the price of an inside cabin so, of course, we liked those a great deal. Entertainment on all our cruises has been about the same...good. We always do "Anytime dining" so freestyle doesn't make any difference to us. We did find that Princess seemed to have more things to do...computer classes, etc...that appealed to us while Carnival had more "fun and games" activities that would appeal to others. (Our trips on NCL were with a group so we didn't pay much attention to that point.)

 

The larger the ship the more people need the elevator and the longer the lines so that is something to consider also.

[gkbiiii]

The larger the ship the more people need the elevator and the longer the lines so that is something to consider also.

 

 

On the May 2, 2010 transatlantic crossing, of the RCCL Adventure of the Seas; many of us kept wondering "where is everyone". The ship was full of 3,000 passengers and yet you would never know it. Adventure is a well designed ship, many large glass elevators, so this was not really a problem. The central promenade and the two atriums of the Voyager class ships makes all the difference.

[cruise pup]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they? DON'T THINK SO. I BELIEVE THE COMPUTERS ARE FOR INTERNET USAGE.

2. Casino -VERY BIG CASINO. LOTS OF SLOTS AND VIDEO POKER IN ADDITION TO THE TABLES.

 

3. Show Quality and Headliners -EXCELLENT SHOWS. THEY ARE ARGUABLY THE LEADERS IN THE INDUSTRY. IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN THEATRE SHOWS THEY ALSO HAVE EXCELLENT MUSICIANS IN THE LOUNGES.

 

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality? -I'VE DONE 2 TRANSATLANTICS ON NCL. ONE ON THE GEM FROM NYC TO BARCELONA AND ON ON JEWEL FROM DOVER TO NYC. BOTH WERE WONDERFUL. SERVICE AND FOOD WERE GREAT. PLENTY TO DO SINCE i LOVE BUYING THE SPA PASS FOR THE ENTIRE CRUISE. EVEN IN CHILLY WEATHER YOU ARE GUARANTEED A PLACE TO LOUNGE AND USE HOT TUBS AND T-POOL.

 

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes? ALWAYS HAVE AN INSIDE AND THEY ARE TINY BUT HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED IN THEM.

 

6. Any iprovments they can make? ALL CRUISE LINES COULD USE IMPROVEMENTS. I'M WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE EPIC WILL BE LIKE. IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE A VERY ADULT EXPERIENCE WHICH I WOULD LIKE.

 

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back? WHAT I LIKE MOST ABOUT NCL IS THAT I FIND THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE (ACCOMMODATIONS, SERVICE, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND ITINERARIES) TO BE WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR IN A CRUISE. I RETURN TO NCL WHEN THEY ARE GIVING THE BEST PRICE.

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

 

Hope my answers above help.

[newmexicoNita]

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

2. Casino

3. Show Quality and Headliners

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

6. Any iprovments they can make?

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

 

What lines have you cruised? That will help determine if NCL is a good fit for you.

 

I don't know about computer classes, I don't think so. In fact I don't know too many people that take cruises to enroll in computer classes.

 

Good casinos

 

as good entertainment as anywhere. No, they don't often have truely headliners. They have shows like Second City, but not the same cast as Vegas. The EPIC will have some top entertainment it appears.

 

Cabins and balcony size, depends on the ship. NCL cabins and balconies are similar in size to RCI and Princess.

 

Did the Northern Transatlantic, best cruise ever but they aren't offering it at this time.

 

Of course they can make improvements, nothing is perfect. The food isn't 5 star and free style with all its pluses does have a certain minus involved.

 

We come back because of dining choices and the overall freestyle policy. We love eating when we want and enjoy deciding if we want to eat with a bunch of other people or just with ourselves. Plus we do like the entertainment and the wonderful, relaxed crew. If you want to be pampered, find a more upscale line, if you want a good time with nice people NCL is great.

 

Nita

[M&MCruisin]

Hi Atlanta Cruiser - here is my experience (based on the Pearl 2 times). Everything is personal preference, so you will get tons of different answers, but as long as you go on any cruise with an open mind and dont let other's thoughts (good or bad) sway your thoughts, you will be fine. Its a cruise...how bad can it be? ENJOY!

 

Hi,

 

I really enjoy cruising but have never done an NCL cruise and have been tempted to try them out. I saw the new ship EPIC and thought it was pretty cool. The circus colors are a bit extreme, but I thought I could handle them for a week or 10 day cruise. I would enjoy hearing feedback on some things I enjoy:

 

1. Computer Courses - Do they offer them? If so, how are they?

I havent taken any computer classes at see, sorry, I cant comment on this.

2. Casino

Yes, I love love love that stupid quarter eater. Thats what we call it. We had the best time throwing our money away at the machine that you drop the quarter in and it pushes the money forward and hopefully in your bucket!

3. Show Quality and Headliners

I would say that I liked the shows on Princess a bit better than NCL; however, we did see a couple on the Pearl that were awesome! I also love the parade of officers and the crew singing, etc on NCL which is followed by the chocolate buffet (11pm) which is almost non-existant on other lines now.

4. Has anyone done a transatlantic? Over all quality?

Sorry, I know how rough the water is, I just couldnt do it, but I have read many people talk about how much they love it. I did read one review that the water was so rough that many things were closed and the waves were splashing up so high on the decks. That review said they spent alot of time in the room. Couldnt do much else.

5. Room size and layouts? Balcony sizes?

One thing I have to give NCL...their bathrooms in the Balcony rooms. Their showers are bigger than Princess for sure and I have heard bigger than RCCL. The rest of the balcony room is fairly typical size, but I think RCCL is bigger. One tip is that one NCL or Princess or RCCL, I think there are certain rooms that have a bigger balcony. For example, my sister just went on RCCL and had a huge balcony with their room, but this was the first she has had that big in many RCCL cruises.

6. Any iprovments they can make?

hmmm, I think their sail away party isnt as good as Princess for sure. I think the food in the main dining room could be improved, but it was still good. Im not picky though. Their price of soda package is too high and their photographers could use some more experience.

7. What do you like most about NCL and what brings you back?

Several things (not any order)....1) price 2) disembarkment (we stayed on till almost 11pm last NCL cruise cause our flight wasnt till night time). 3) freesytle 4) I love the buffet on NCL - its broken into stations. Pasta station, sandwich station, burger station, pizza station, salad, etc. you get the gist. 5) I love the room stewards. They make me towel animals, which I am a big fan. They also were so nice to me when I had a spill in the room on the brand new carpet. 6) I like the atrium on the Pearl...nice meeting place, music, wii games, movies, etc. 7) love love love the restaurants even though there is a fee for many of them. Its worth it and the food is awesome. Not been disappointment once. 8) I LOVE the Great Outdoors terrace on the Pearl (been on this ship twice). Its a fantastic place to eat, there is a bar and a small buffet, but we usually went to the main buffet and then came out here to eat. We also sat here and enjoyed company of friends several days. Nice place to sit and enjoy the ocean! 9) I loved the crew on the Pearl. We met them twice. So many came to the cruise critic gathering and spoke to the group, took picture with me, etc. 10) The spa..>OMG<...they have a theralossapy(sp) pool and warm stone beds, saunas, personal hot tubs, ice baths, steam showers, etc. The spa is magnificant! They also have lounges faces the water to relax and read or nap, etc. I thought the fee was reasonable for all you get there.

 

By the way, I have the NCL Sun booked for next year...I keep coming back!

 

 

Thanks!

 

Ms. Cory in Atlanta

[newmexicoNita]

Hello - Here's my experience...

 

1. Have not seen these on any of my NCL cruises... However, on the Sun last year they had a whole series of classes on digital photography that were very well-received. It was headed by a married couple.

 

2. I love the casino but find them very smoky on NCL. So for that reason I go during the day. I wish they had a section of nn-smoking slots like they had when I was on Celebrity, (which I understand is all non-smoking int he casino now). Don't know if this is a concern to you or not. Just giving my info.

 

3. I have not seen that many shows. The one that stands out in my head is Chantz Powell. He is amazing. He does some Sammy Davis and other stuff. He plays a trumpet (I think - it is a horn). I also liked the Cirque Pan show.

 

4. I did the transatlantic from Miami to Athens. I loved it because I love sea days. I like to spend time on the balcony reading and having cosmos that I make with my bar set-up. I love the way the transatlantic cruises are so relaxing. It tends to attract an older group, which is fine with me, (I am 53 and I was one of the young ones - haha).

 

5. I like to use the site where you can go on and see the layouts and pictures of cabins. It has been a valuable tool for me. Since CC does not allow promotion of other sites (that cost), you can email me at donnahill15@gmail.com and put NEED CRUISE INFO in the reference. I will be happy to let you know.

 

BTW, I travel a lot with my mom and we have become addicted to NCL suites, so that is all I will book now. I have traveled in an inside and a mini-suite before the full suites and both were nice, but I am not looking back....

 

6. I think this a very subjective question to which you would get a million answers. Some people care about the free embarkation champagne and the mint on the pillow, I don't. If I want champagne and candy I would buy it. I guess I would want rules enforced across the board more consistently, in regards to chair hogs at the pool or dress code, etc. I am not wanting to make the rules, I would just like them to be understood by all and followed.

 

And after so many threads on teh DSR, I would like it included in the fare and be done with it. Just MHO.

 

7. I adore freestyle. The free spirit in me likes to have as few things on the "have to" list. I like to make my own and be flexible. Since I discovered the way NCL does suites that is even taken to a new level. Right now they are my favorite mainstream line. However, I would not turn down an cruise on another line if the chance presented itself.

 

The crews on NCL are more memorable than any other I have sailed. They have the best.

 

I like the hull art. Something that sets NCL apart.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

 

Happy cruising.

 

though I would throw this in: on the Pearl they did have non smoking, it wasn't in the actual casino but one of the bars with slots and the Spirit also had a non smoking area.

 

Nita

[kazu]

Hello - Here's my experience...

 

1. Have not seen these on any of my NCL cruises... However, on the Sun last year they had a whole series of classes on digital photography that were very well-received. It was headed by a married couple.

 

2. I love the casino but find them very smoky on NCL. So for that reason I go during the day. I wish they had a section of nn-smoking slots like they had when I was on Celebrity, (which I understand is all non-smoking int he casino now). Don't know if this is a concern to you or not. Just giving my info.

 

3. I have not seen that many shows. The one that stands out in my head is Chantz Powell. He is amazing. He does some Sammy Davis and other stuff. He plays a trumpet (I think - it is a horn). I also liked the Cirque Pan show.

 

4. I did the transatlantic from Miami to Athens. I loved it because I love sea days. I like to spend time on the balcony reading and having cosmos that I make with my bar set-up. I love the way the transatlantic cruises are so relaxing. It tends to attract an older group, which is fine with me, (I am 53 and I was one of the young ones - haha).

 

5. I like to use the site where you can go on and see the layouts and pictures of cabins. It has been a valuable tool for me. Since CC does not allow promotion of other sites (that cost), you can email me at donnahill15@gmail.com and put NEED CRUISE INFO in the reference. I will be happy to let you know.

 

BTW, I travel a lot with my mom and we have become addicted to NCL suites, so that is all I will book now. I have traveled in an inside and a mini-suite before the full suites and both were nice, but I am not looking back....

 

6. I think this a very subjective question to which you would get a million answers. Some people care about the free embarkation champagne and the mint on the pillow, I don't. If I want champagne and candy I would buy it. I guess I would want rules enforced across the board more consistently, in regards to chair hogs at the pool or dress code, etc. I am not wanting to make the rules, I would just like them to be understood by all and followed.

 

And after so many threads on teh DSR, I would like it included in the fare and be done with it. Just MHO.

 

7. I adore freestyle. The free spirit in me likes to have as few things on the "have to" list. I like to make my own and be flexible. Since I discovered the way NCL does suites that is even taken to a new level. Right now they are my favorite mainstream line. However, I would not turn down an cruise on another line if the chance presented itself.

 

The crews on NCL are more memorable than any other I have sailed. They have the best.

 

I like the hull art. Something that sets NCL apart.

 

Hope this helps in some way.

 

Happy cruising.

 

Sorry to barge into your post and no I don't want any flaming here. I sailed NCL years ago. On a recent HAL post (which is what I have been sailing, one of the posters said this "

 

NCL Suite Life is so far above HAL it truly makes HAL look and feel like McDonalds..... so before you start accusing another cruise line of being McDonalds you need to have a little experience under your belt. "

So, since I see you book suites, would you mind sharing what they offer? Hal has a Neptune lounge which is really nice and I don't see that on NCL but apparently NCL offers things HAL doesn't? size of suites? amennities? thank you. hope you don't mind to share?

__________________

[Ct secret]

Been on 2 NCL cruises, Pearl, Jewel and this March we are going on the Sun. I love NCL. The staff are always accomodating and very pleasant. I have read on some reviews that some folks thought the staff were rude but I have not come across that problem. I love the whole idea of not sitting with folks you don't know and being obligated to have a conversation with them. My idea of a cruise is to go relax and not talk if I don't feel like it. I talk all day on the phone at work so to not talk is a vacation.

Ncl is probably the best cruise line I've been on and I have been cruising since the early 70s.

The casinos are VERY smoky so I tend not to hank around there for long. But there are plenty more to do.

The shows are always entertaining and lots of fun, but again if you don't feel like doing that, hit one of the clubs instead.

There are computers but no classes.

Have fun picking the cruise and I know you wont be disappointed....;):)

[megibabi7]

Having just got off my first NCL cruise, there are some good and bads about the cruise line. I LOVED the freestyle aspect, makes the day much less "planned" and allows you to relax and have fun. However, there's not a lot to do during the day compaired to carnvial and RCCL. There were no fun games by the pool (just one belly flop competition). There also wasn't on my ship (the jewel) the nice indoor adults pool, which I really suggest going for a boat with one. I loved the free style part, but didn't really love the service you get because of it. I don't think I'd do NCL again, unless it's the epic.

[Viesczy]

Atlanta Cruiser,

my $0.02 are:

 

1 - never seen a computer course, typically they have courses that I completely ignore like dancing and such.

 

2 - yes there is a casino on board, never been there as it is smoky and if I'm going to throw my $ away I'll do it in the duty shop buying a $1 container of Vaseline for $4! :D

 

3 - show quality is typical cruise quality. On our last cruise there were a few "names", ones I didn't really recognize though... the only one I sorta knew was Jane Hunt because I saw her play her violin @ the US Open a few years ago.

 

4 - never done a TA.

 

5 - Room size is about that of a small closet! :D We've always gone balcony, so I never minded the size, enough for a comfortable sized bed, a sofa and the door. Balconies are maybe 3' - 4' x 9'.

 

6 - I've always liked NCL's ships, maybe they could get a little more daring in their locales to hit (at least in the Caribbean) as it is a little tame this year.

 

7 - I like the feeling of not being rushed, that I am truly on vacation. That's what keeps me going back.

 

Derek

[Vernipper]

Many good things about NCL.

Previous posters seem to Love freestyle dinning.

 

 

Our opinion is just the opposite. We HATED it....

We like making relationships with our table mates.

Service seems much better when you know your waiter.

Our opinion of the food is very low.

MDR food, in our opinion, was inferior, buffet was just OK.

We have been on two NCL cruises in the past year (Dawn and Spirit) and although we had a decent time with the ships activities we will probably not sail NCL again.

 

 

Just another point of view..

[RambleRocket]

I very much enjoy NCL. I think it is one of those things you need to experience for yourself. :)