Msc vs. Ncl ...and the winner is...!!!

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

Just back from our NCL Dawn cruise.

For those who have done American Lines and wanted to try MSC, and unsure if it is a fit for you, I would like to offer a set of differences as I do not want to compare. You decide what is best for you.

 

We have cruised twice with MSC and now once with NCL. We cruise to visit beautiful islands be entertained and have some good food, and of course we want values for our money.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

MSC. The shows are visually captivating. Singing, Opera, aerialists, Cirque style performances, contortionists, and more…Production is high level professionalism. Entertainement crew keeps you in stitches in the lounges.

NCL. The shows are more production style, bands, dancing, found the productions to be high school quality, amateur, dancers not in sync, singers off key etc.

Cruise director is hilarious and keeps you laughing, but the rest of the crew is rather one dimentional.

FOOD

MSC. We found the food to be rather good, and were always able to find something interesting in either the Italian menu or the standard American side. Food is not available 24/7 but is of a healthier offering, and I prefer to adjust the seasoning to fit my taste rather than it being already prepped.

NCL. Food was not to our liking, too salty. The variety was O.K but felt that it was either out of the ordinary dishes that my kids had a hard time trying different items every night in the main dining room. Good omelet station and breakfast offerings. Food is available 24/7. The kids loved the Blue Lagoon diner type grill, that served comfort food, chicken wings, burgers, fries, and light items to satisfy cravings 24/7.

 

CREW

MSC. More of a stand back feel to the service.

NCL. Attentive service, but one of the 2 MDR’s was slower than the other (Venetian)

 

SHIP

MSC. Hands down a more beautiful ship, full of style and elegance, easy to get around. Sun and pool deck can get crowded and full, limited area. Did not mind the 5 language announcements as they kept to a minimum. You will not be asked if you want a drink, you simply ask the servers.

NCL. This particular ship is slated for a refurb in May, and it needs it. Styles are mishmashed and there is no general theme to the ship, just different décor for different areas, none of which was elegant or in my opinion tasteful. Sun and pool area was very good, spacious and never had a problem finding a chair. Stadium seating for chairs made good use of area.

We did not like the constant announcements (Bingo, Art Auction,Drinks specials etc)..it felt like a constant sales pitch. Did not like to be constantly asked if I wanted a drink, sometimes 3 times within a 5 minute span.

 

ITINERARY

MSC. Good East west itineraries

NCL. Good Southern itinerary

 

I think we will from now on try to make the ship part of the destination as much as the itinerary. We probably will not rush to another NCL cruise but will not say never either. So, for us it’s still MSC on top. Feel free to comment or ask any questions, hope my answers will assist those planning their next cruise.

[GOLDENBONNY]

FOOD

MSC. We found the food to be rather good, and were always able to find something interesting in either the Italian menu or the standard American side. Food is not available 24/7 but is of a healthier offering, and I prefer to adjust the seasoning to fit my taste rather than it being already prepped.

NCL. Food was not to our liking, too salty. The variety was O.K but felt that it was either out of the ordinary dishes that my kids had a hard time trying different items every night in the main dining room. Good omelet station and breakfast offerings. Food is available 24/7. The kids loved the Blue Lagoon diner type grill, that served comfort food, chicken wings, burgers, fries, and light items to satisfy cravings 24/7.

 

.

 

lol after our cruise on NCL we been wondering WHY americans love it soo much and it gets good reviews on CC .Food is 24/7 burgers and fries):eek:

[camofwilliamsburg]

Let me tell you..... we are spoiled with MSC. WE have walked out on every production show of the last 2 cruises we took on HAL and PCL. They are just what you said about NCL: HIGH SCHOOL productions. Night and DAy with MSC.

 

This is what I have been preaching here on cc for over 2 yrs now about how wonderful MSC is.

 

MTL: we have emailed one another before, but I do not have it on file. Pls email me....

[Capricruiser]

Cam, please go to Goldenbonny's thread: MSC Poesia lots of questions. You're the best one to answer her questions.

MTL: Very interesting comparisons. Thank you.

[cruisingcanadian]

"I think we will from now on try to make the ship part of the destination as much as the itinerary. We probably will not rush to another NCL cruise but will not say never either. So, for us it’s still MSC on top. Feel free to comment or ask any questions, hope my answers will assist those planning their next cruise." (quote MTL)

 

After my first few cruises I made a ship a part of the destination as well. And I tried several different cruise lines-always being happy with my experience...but eager to see other ships (so many ships,so little time and money;)).

Only on MSC Splendida there were some issues not to my satisfaction,closely followed by NCL Pride of America (all service staff were Americans-couldn't hold candle to Philipinos,Indonesians or other nationalities).

May I suggest you try Celebrity or more kids friendly Princess and RCI? I think that RCI has so much activities for kids that nothing can beat that.

[cinanina]

Also hated NCL, to say the truth, although lots of positive aspects like good ship, great cabin, good itinerary, but as for the rest... we felt service was appawlling and it seemed like they were just rushing you to get it all over with and finish off the week. Dreadfull. Very commercial.

And I truly enjoyed our Celebrity cruise, so definitly feel a change. But you cannot really say a bad word about NCL on this forum because you get immediatly insulted. So, just would like to ask CC members: this is my opinion, I desliked NCL, that's it, please do not start the "low discussion" to which I don't even reply. :cool:

[cakeordeath]

I have been on many other large American lines too and always had a good time...but since sailing with MSC we are spoiled. We love the international feel and the ships are beautiful. We also think their port choices are interesting and different from others. It just fits us and we are looking forward to our third trip with them this June.

[Deckhandoug]

We didn't care for NCL either, and like MSC they aren't high upon our list for a another try, but we never say never!

 

MTL, try a more mainstream line and see what you think

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

"

May I suggest you try Celebrity or more kids friendly Princess and RCI? I think that RCI has so much activities for kids that nothing can beat that.

 

These are, actually the lines I was or will start to look at...but keeping a close eye on MSC, Hoping our schedule fits in with some great itineraries as well...

Thanks

[camofwilliamsburg]

You will find itineraries that are good on all lines. RCI is very family oriented and will not even do late night comedy anymore since they told us on our JOS cruise that they are trying to be more family friendly. That was the 9th RCI cruise and after that I did not want to go back. Done the flow rider, done the rock climbing, done the in line skating, the ice skating( on some classes) , loved playing pool on the Radiance Line ( JOS)....

Princess does Movies under the stars really well, as well as playing movies all day. They do a great tea time and lots of nice touches all day. Their production shows are like High SCHool shows...but they have lots of comedy on many days at many times.

.... but still none can touch the soul as MSC USA cruises do for us.

[camofwilliamsburg]

sorry triple post....YIKES

[camofwilliamsburg]

sorry!

[brauchtj]

In December 2009, we went with NCL and I thought the ports were amazing, but the cruise itself was nothing great. It was amazing for the price though. I was surprised that the deserts were already made and had been frozen. The food was actually not that good. I really don't demand much, I don't mind if the cake is a little dry or if I don't have someone bending over backwards for me. We tend to stay to ourselves. I'm not a celebrity, and I've never paid more than $650 total for a cruise, so if I get a bed and food, I'm a happy camper! :D I have sailed with Royal Caribbean before and once when I was 15 on Carnival. Royal Caribbean was very nice I thought, but the smoking was horrible. That was my biggest complaint... which brings me to the question, has anyone sailed on the MSC Splendida? We just booked this cruise for November 2011 and I know Europeans smoke a lot, so I'm just curious as to how smoky the boat is. I am not one of those people who complain, I will just walk away, but I just remember on RC there were clouds of smoke constantly that I had to walk through. I'm not a cougher, and I made me cough. I've been to Europe before and I haven't had a problem at all... the smoking wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. But I keep reading reviews that this is a European cruise line and things are much different. All I want is a bed, free food, and a place to lay by the pool or hot tub. I believe you have to pay for the specialty restaurants, which was like NCL (I don't remember RC having specialty restaurants that you had to pay for), but it's per item, correct? Not a flat fee? Does anyone know if they have laundry on board and how much? The last trip we went on, I learned that it might be really good to have your clothes cleaned, especially if you wear the same jeans for 3 weeks LOL :) Either way, I'm sure I will not be disappointed. Just trying to find out what to expect! :)

[Towel Critter]

I've sailed with MSC once, and NCL once. Twenty years from now, I'll probably be able to report the same thing. That's my comparison.

 

@ brauchtj: I was on the Poesia in February, and there were no public laundries. If you are merely looking for non-poisonous food and and a place to sleep, MSC is the cruise line for you.

[woodofpine]

I've not cruised NCL but probably will someday. It was suggested by an NCL CC poster that if one ALWAYS dines (at least in the evening) at a specialty dining venue on NCL then the overall experience is boosted immeasurably - at a cost of around $100pp per cruise week. That poster suggested that NCL's cruise product becomes very qualitatively competitive (with specialty dining as one's 'norm') yet still remains price competitive with other 'bigs' inclusive of specialty dining charges.

[AmoMondo]

In December 2009, we went with NCL and I thought the ports were amazing, but the cruise itself was nothing great. It was amazing for the price though. I was surprised that the deserts were already made and had been frozen. The food was actually not that good. I really don't demand much, I don't mind if the cake is a little dry or if I don't have someone bending over backwards for me. We tend to stay to ourselves. I'm not a celebrity, and I've never paid more than $650 total for a cruise, so if I get a bed and food, I'm a happy camper! :D I have sailed with Royal Caribbean before and once when I was 15 on Carnival. Royal Caribbean was very nice I thought, but the smoking was horrible. That was my biggest complaint... which brings me to the question, has anyone sailed on the MSC Splendida? We just booked this cruise for November 2011 and I know Europeans smoke a lot, so I'm just curious as to how smoky the boat is. I am not one of those people who complain, I will just walk away, but I just remember on RC there were clouds of smoke constantly that I had to walk through. I'm not a cougher, and I made me cough. I've been to Europe before and I haven't had a problem at all... the smoking wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. But I keep reading reviews that this is a European cruise line and things are much different. All I want is a bed, free food, and a place to lay by the pool or hot tub. I believe you have to pay for the specialty restaurants, which was like NCL (I don't remember RC having specialty restaurants that you had to pay for), but it's per item, correct? Not a flat fee? Does anyone know if they have laundry on board and how much? The last trip we went on, I learned that it might be really good to have your clothes cleaned, especially if you wear the same jeans for 3 weeks LOL :) Either way, I'm sure I will not be disappointed. Just trying to find out what to expect! :)

 

Hi brauchtj

 

As far as your questions regarding the SplendidA are concerned (based on my experience of her identical sister the Fantasia)

- smoking is only really bad in the casino and if you are accessing the theatre stalls then you'd pass through the casino. You can avoid this by going along the deck above and then coming down the stairs right at the theatre or just going in to the balcony. There are a few bars designated as smoking, all places serving food are non smoking. You'll occasionally find someone ignoring the no smoking signs and smoking in a no smoking section

- there are no self service laundries on any MSC ship

- most speciality restaurants are a la carte (pay per item). They have menus with prices displayed beside the entrances

[Deckhandoug]

We found MSC Poesia to be a very smoky ship.

 

Neither line is to our liking, so I don't think there is a "winner"

[outerbks]

After many cruises on lines with declining entertainment, my DW and I are looking for a cruise line with live dance bands. Are there venues for pop, Calypso, salsa, disco, etc. on MSC?:cool:

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

We found MSC Poesia to be a very smoky ship.

 

Neither line is to our liking, so I don't think there is a "winner"

 

well at least in our limited experience we would choose MSC over NCL no hesitation....

[AmoMondo]

After many cruises on lines with declining entertainment, my DW and I are looking for a cruise line with live dance bands. Are there venues for pop, Calypso, salsa, disco, etc. on MSC?:cool:

 

Yes they have live bands in a variety of lounges playing different types of music. Not a dancer myself, so can't provide specific details but there is another thread on here entitled "We found dancing heaven on the Poesia" which will tell you a bit more.

[Deckhandoug]

well at least in our limited experience we would choose MSC over NCL no hesitation....

 

I find that very interesting, I have to admit in my singular experience with MSC I wasn't too impressed but that was over a year ago so things might have changed.

 

We didn't particularly dislike NCL, but we knew from experience that there was something we liked better out there and that makes a huge difference I guess.

[cutecat]

Great to read your summary ....I am an MSC lover , been tempted sometimes to try NCL as they have solo cabins but the beautiful MSC elegance always makes me choose them...I love the evening shows , the foreign announcements just add a more cosmopolitan feel and the staff are great.

 

Thanks for conforming my own thoughts.

[Capricruiser]

MSC ships also do announcements in English.

[MTL=CRUISEFAMILY]

I find that very interesting, I have to admit in my singular experience with MSC I wasn't too impressed but that was over a year ago so things might have changed.

 

We didn't particularly dislike NCL, but we knew from experience that there was something we liked better out there and that makes a huge difference I guess.

 

Found/Looking at a great HAL Maasdam for next Feb, your thoughts on this?

I see you have done this line,

Compare to NCL and MSC?

[Deckhandoug]

Found/Looking at a great HAL Maasdam for next Feb, your thoughts on this?

I see you have done this line,

Compare to NCL and MSC?

 

HAL is hands down our favorite,our ages being mid and late forties we like the quieter crowd and not so many kids aspect, we've never felt the crowd was "too old". I've felt the HAL food and general service was the best we have ever had on a cruise ship and we would be booked again if the itinerary had been right.

 

If I was 20 years younger and still a drinker/partier or had kids I wouldn't sail HAL, not enough well filled bikinis and kids don't need disapproving looks on THEIR vacation:p:);)

 

HAL has great libraries with real newspapers and cozy bars, just right for a quiet drink, and if you are the type that likes to dress up (we don't)it's the perfect line.

 

I think it is a step up from MSC, NCL and CCL and encourage you to try it.

 

My september cruise has me in a weird spot, that particular sept 26th sailing is the ONLY one that RCCL hasn't adjusted the Itinerary on, can you believe that?

The only (I think) RCCL Egypt cruise this fall that hasn't been updated is

mine, and even though I have cancel for any reason insurance I still only get 80% of the non refundable deposits and will lose the $300-+ cost of the policy if I cancel.

I'm considering cancelling because Egypt WAS the highlight of the cruise, but until they update mine I'm in suspense as to what ports may be offered...

 

Sorry everyone, just had to vent....:(