NCL Jade - Never again

[dasmonkey]

Even though you are a Red Sox Fan, I have to give you kudos on this one. Great investigation skills. ;)

 

I quoted the OP's comments on Princess in the 3rd reply in the thread. ;)

[dalgirl]

As usual if you say anything negative you get beat up. Let the NCL cheerleaders continue......

 

I am taking my first cruise ever in 1 week and let me tell you that if it isn't absolutely wonderful I will not bother to let anyone know. I have never seen so much rah, rah in my life. These boards are "opinions" of cruisers. Not every cruiseline is right for everyone. There is no need to tell someone they are wrong if their opinion is not the same as yours. The OP stated what they didn't like, it doesn't make them right or wrong. It is not the first time that I have read someone didn't like the food, that doesn't bother me as we will eat in the speciality restaurants. This review, and others like it, didn't sway me one way or another but I like to read people's opinions regarding their cruises. I just wish others would stop the flaming everytime someone writes something negative.

 

OP did you read anything at all positive in that review? A good review lists the bad, but also the good - and liking the ports doesn't count, if you didn't like Italy, well then go to the Europe boards and tell everybody! See if you come out alive;) I know you have never cruised, but I guarantee if you can't find anything at all to like on the ship - well I will be stunned. So take a hint: if you can't say good and bad (and yes, the bad can be very helpful) then it is flame time. All negative and all great is not as helpful as balanced. Not one good thing on the ship?? Let's see: you aren't at work, someone else is cooking at least as good as you can, and the magic faeries pick up your room;) And yes, we rah, rah, just like every other board does - please check them out. I made a comment/question on Oceana once and was flamed big time. Also, don't you have a favorite team? If we were talking football would you be against a little rah, rah???

Enjoy your cruise and even if you don't care for NCL, try someone else - no matter who you cruise with it is a wonderful experience.

[STARFISH*4]

i stopped reading at NEVER AGAIN:p

[joyy7403]

I never in a gozillion years will understand why someone would book a cruise without researching the cruise line first. If you want to see people dressed up at dinner, don't cruise NCL! There are people who do, but there are a lot more of us "resort casual" in the dining rooms. Do your homework before you cruise. You found these boards, now read before you book. It will make your cruise experience a lot more fun. (trolling, maybe?)

[rvsullivan]

Interesting post. 3 years ago this same OP posted almost the same thing about Sapphire. Also noticed that he/she asked ahead of this cruise about formal/relaxed dining and was told how it is with NCL somewhat relaxed dress code.

[newmexicoNita]

Just returned from two weeks with NCL Jade visiting adriatic coast - ports were brilliant which is why we chose this cruise line.

 

However, NCL's standards have dropped dramatically. Unless you want to pay extra (between $10 & $25) per head for a decent meal, the food is dreadful - tinned turkey, barely warm at that, beef fatty and tough, lots of lentils etc but potatoes a rarity, meagre portions (just as well). Vegetables unheard of. Didn't get a 'hot' meal the whole two weeks. Only three options for free food; one of them self service offering barely warm canteen type food. And for this they want $12 per person per day tips!

 

Smallest balcony cabin we've ever had; no room to move around.

No port information but plenty about where to purchase and what to buy; and of course their excursions.

 

Shows not up to standard that they used to do; even a crew talent show one evening which was repeated the second week. And of course, they were selling scratch cards at every opportunity.

 

Beds uncomfortable; two layers of foam sponge hiding the worn out mattress underneath.

 

Personally, we prefer to dress in the evenings. However, NCL encourage staying in holiday wear, i.e. shorts, t-shirts, vests etc. Not what I want to see whilst eating dinner.

 

Never again.

 

I am not going to waste time reading all this nonsense nor will I get into a debate about things that are just blown out of proportion, but I will clarify one thing for those just reading this: potatoes can be had at every meal, all one has to do is ask, there is a huge selection of veggies, again, just ask and there are more places to get "free food" as the Op calls it on NCL than any other line. End of my debate about this. Others will clarify other mis-informtion I am sure.

 

Nita

[mikewrit]

Really have to hand it to OP. Fifth post in four years on Cruise Critic (after 13 cruises on P&O, Princess and HAL) kicks up 30 indignant responses in short order. That's trolling on a world-class level.Tinned turkey in the main dining room? Hilarious.

[dasmonkey]

Really have to hand it to OP. Fifth post in four years on Cruise Critic (after 13 cruises on P&O, Princess and HAL) kicks up 30 indignant responses in short order. That's trolling on a world-class level.Tinned turkey in the main dining room? Hilarious.

 

Meatloaf and fried chicken in the MDR at Carnival would most likely put him over the edge. ;)

[thistimeplease]

OP did you read anything at all positive in that review? A good review lists the bad, but also the good - and liking the ports doesn't count, if you didn't like Italy, well then go to the Europe boards and tell everybody! See if you come out alive;) I know you have never cruised, but I guarantee if you can't find anything at all to like on the ship - well I will be stunned. So take a hint: if you can't say good and bad (and yes, the bad can be very helpful) then it is flame time. All negative and all great is not as helpful as balanced. Not one good thing on the ship?? Let's see: you aren't at work, someone else is cooking at least as good as you can, and the magic faeries pick up your room;) And yes, we rah, rah, just like every other board does - please check them out. I made a comment/question on Oceana once and was flamed big time. Also, don't you have a favorite team? If we were talking football would you be against a little rah, rah???

Enjoy your cruise and even if you don't care for NCL, try someone else - no matter who you cruise with it is a wonderful experience.

 

First off I didn't write the original review but I respect the OP right to state what he feels was wrong. I am going into the cruise with a very open mind and looking forward to a great time. But if these boards are a indication of what "cruisers" are like I'm not so sure a cruise is for me.

[Pokeraddict]

Wow tin turkey can't wait!

 

Is it one can per person, how does it work.

[billet]

If the OP used a travel agent then the TA failed to do the most important job of setting expectations andmatching their cruising style. If the booking was made online it is time to find a good TA.

[highmath]

My final theory is the name "Norwegian" threw them off (thinking of royalty and prestige) when they were booking and failed to research. Reading the book by the cover only.

 

Its a shame that they set themselves up. I mean, if I'm gonna spend a bit of money on a vacation, (southern talk coming out -> ) you darn tootin, I'm gonna check it out all the facts!

[ShipShape4me]

Nita, thank you for you contibution to this thread. Your comments will be missed as you no longer are going to comment to negative reviews and posts. Best to you!

[sjbdtz]

Interesting post. 3 years ago this same OP posted almost the same thing about Sapphire. Also noticed that he/she asked ahead of this cruise about formal/relaxed dining and was told how it is with NCL somewhat relaxed dress code.

 

 

I hadn't zeroed-in enough about which Princess ship they'd sailed, but for what it's worth, Sapphire definately has a sommelier, as they offered a full wine pairing experience, one day during our sail.

 

 

 

 

.

[helpthejuggler]

The OP makes some valid points but misses many other negatives that we discovered on Jewel.

 

Nobody warned me that the ship has art on the sides. Too visible. They should show this on the brochure.

 

I dressed for dinner at 8:30 every night. You know many others had chosen their own dining times. Terrible to not know what time to be hungry.

 

Not once did they say it was formal dress. So had to put our formals on each night just in case.

 

The ships currency was not GB pounds. How inconveient. I will also go back to P&O

 

I struggled to meet enough others to share my moans. So I'm back to P&O.

 

;)

[Cruisin'cockney]

The OP makes some valid points but misses many other negatives that we discovered on Jewel.

 

Nobody warned me that the ship has art on the sides. Too visible. They should show this on the brochure.

 

I dressed for dinner at 8:30 every night. You know many others had chosen their own dining times. Terrible to not know what time to be hungry.

 

Not once did they say it was formal dress. So had to put our formals on each night just in case.

 

The ships currency was not GB pounds. How inconveient. I will also go back to P&O

 

I struggled to meet enough others to share my moans. So I'm back to P&O.

 

;)

 

You think that is bad - I deposited money in the casino and they wouldn't let me have it back when the cruise had finished :eek:!

[dalgirl]

First off I didn't write the original review but I respect the OP right to state what he feels was wrong. I am going into the cruise with a very open mind and looking forward to a great time. But if these boards are a indication of what "cruisers" are like I'm not so sure a cruise is for me.

 

Sorry, my lazy because I usually won't type out someone's "handle" and I was referring to you - I was not trying to be rude to you - I hope that you have done your homework and know what you are getting into. NCL is very different from other cruiselines and that is not good for everyone. My first cruise was on RCC, a great trip, but I didn't like eating when they told me to, and some of my tablemates were... oh well.

I hoped that you looked at several cruiselines, did a lot of homework, and are comfortable with your choice. But if you like formality and dressing up every night, this isn't it. If you are offended by NCL selling pull-tabs to win a prize before your show starts, you are on the wrong cruise. If you are offended by "pay restaurants," then you are on the wrong cruise. If you think your cabin is too small - remember you are on a ship. Knowing all of this if you still go and then come back and have nothing good to say (which is totally impossible)then you will be flamed.

 

I have written several reviews - and I include good and bad - most recently I was angry at the Jade spa staff, they told me an out and out lie, and then later in the week some fine lady wizzed in the spa shower and I had to quickly change stalls. The spa is not paid by NCL, but they are no NLC ships so NCL is ultimately responsible. Now I could come back and say NCL's spas is terrible, but it is not true. It was one spa on one cruise - it was one week out of 52, and my bad luck.

Thistimeplease, when you return, please tell us what you didn't like - but also what you did like.... evene if it was one thing, If you include both, you will never by flamed.

All of these boards are filled with those who love their favorite cruiseline. We are all for the most part nice people, but who wants to hang out with someone who is always negative. That would not be us.

[newmexicoNita]

Just returned from two weeks with NCL Jade visiting adriatic coast - ports were brilliant which is why we chose this cruise line.

 

However, NCL's standards have dropped dramatically. Unless you want to pay extra (between $10 & $25) per head for a decent meal, the food is dreadful - tinned turkey, barely warm at that, beef fatty and tough, lots of lentils etc but potatoes a rarity, meagre portions (just as well). Vegetables unheard of. Didn't get a 'hot' meal the whole two weeks. Only three options for free food; one of them self service offering barely warm canteen type food. And for this they want $12 per person per day tips!

 

Smallest balcony cabin we've ever had; no room to move around.

No port information but plenty about where to purchase and what to buy; and of course their excursions.

 

Shows not up to standard that they used to do; even a crew talent show one evening which was repeated the second week. And of course, they were selling scratch cards at every opportunity.

 

Beds uncomfortable; two layers of foam sponge hiding the worn out mattress underneath.

 

Personally, we prefer to dress in the evenings. However, NCL encourage staying in holiday wear, i.e. shorts, t-shirts, vests etc. Not what I want to see whilst eating dinner.

 

Never again.

 

you didn't like Princess, you hate NCL, I think you need to stick with the luxury liners. Obviously main stream cruising isn't your thing. The sad part, you asked about things like dress code a few months ago. Too bad you didn't check before you ever booked.

 

I notice you have posted a total of 5 times and all 5 were negative postings...It would be nice had you chosen to let others know what you do like about your perferred cruise line.

 

NIta

[newmexicoNita]

As usual if you say anything negative you get beat up. Let the NCL cheerleaders continue......

 

I am taking my first cruise ever in 1 week and let me tell you that if it isn't absolutely wonderful I will not bother to let anyone know. I have never seen so much rah, rah in my life. These boards are "opinions" of cruisers. Not every cruiseline is right for everyone. There is no need to tell someone they are wrong if their opinion is not the same as yours. The OP stated what they didn't like, it doesn't make them right or wrong. It is not the first time that I have read someone didn't like the food, that doesn't bother me as we will eat in the speciality restaurants. This review, and others like it, didn't sway me one way or another but I like to read people's opinions regarding their cruises. I just wish others would stop the flaming everytime someone writes something negative.

 

sounds like you are all prepared to blast or not post. If you think NCL is bad try a few other cruiselines, they can be brutal. No, negative reviews and opinions are not questioned as long as they are balanced. No cruise is perfect: I have rarely gotten beatin up for a reivew (one line only) and I have always had some negatives. It is the constant cons, no positives that create defensiveness. This particular poster has posted 5 times in 3 years, every posting negative.

 

Nita

[che5904]

sounds like you are all prepared to blast or not post. If you think NCL is bad try a few other cruiselines, they can be brutal. No, negative reviews and opinions are not questioned as long as they are balanced. No cruise is perfect: I have rarely gotten beatin up for a reivew (one line only) and I have always had some negatives. It is the constant cons, no positives that create defensiveness. This particular poster has posted 5 times in 3 years, every posting negative.

 

Nita

 

You can add to that flamed list of negatives to which could have been easily researched prior to booking (and I'm not speaking about cruise critic, but NCL web site itself). Even if you are not overly adept at the internet most of those who are online know about FAQ's.

 

So if you are going to book a cruise that tells you upfront that "Freestyle Cruising® is not too dressy, not too casual. In fact, you’ll find that there are really only two types of attire you’ll need" then don't come back after your cruise complaining that it wasn't fancy enough for you. If research from NCL's FAQ tells you your wine brought aboard will cost you $15, again don't come back and complain. And so on.

[thistimeplease]

Sorry, my lazy because I usually won't type out someone's "handle" and I was referring to you - I was not trying to be rude to you - I hope that you have done your homework and know what you are getting into. NCL is very different from other cruiselines and that is not good for everyone. My first cruise was on RCC, a great trip, but I didn't like eating when they told me to, and some of my tablemates were... oh well.

I hoped that you looked at several cruiselines, did a lot of homework, and are comfortable with your choice. But if you like formality and dressing up every night, this isn't it. If you are offended by NCL selling pull-tabs to win a prize before your show starts, you are on the wrong cruise. If you are offended by "pay restaurants," then you are on the wrong cruise. If you think your cabin is too small - remember you are on a ship. Knowing all of this if you still go and then come back and have nothing good to say (which is totally impossible)then you will be flamed.

 

I have written several reviews - and I include good and bad - most recently I was angry at the Jade spa staff, they told me an out and out lie, and then later in the week some fine lady wizzed in the spa shower and I had to quickly change stalls. The spa is not paid by NCL, but they are no NLC ships so NCL is ultimately responsible. Now I could come back and say NCL's spas is terrible, but it is not true. It was one spa on one cruise - it was one week out of 52, and my bad luck.

Thistimeplease, when you return, please tell us what you didn't like - but also what you did like.... evene if it was one thing, If you include both, you will never by flamed.

All of these boards are filled with those who love their favorite cruiseline. We are all for the most part nice people, but who wants to hang out with someone who is always negative. That would not be us.

 

I will not write a review one way or another I have enough stress in my life without having to defend anything I may write here. The original OP had the right to their opinion whether anyone here likes it or not. I am happy with the choice I made in cruises but am very concerned about the people I will be cruising with. These boards have made me very nervous.

[thistimeplease]

sounds like you are all prepared to blast or not post. If you think NCL is bad try a few other cruiselines, they can be brutal. No, negative reviews and opinions are not questioned as long as they are balanced. No cruise is perfect: I have rarely gotten beatin up for a reivew (one line only) and I have always had some negatives. It is the constant cons, no positives that create defensiveness. This particular poster has posted 5 times in 3 years, every posting negative.

 

Nita

 

Don't know where you see anything in my post stating I am ready to blast NCL. Again, though, because I defended the OP's right to say what he wanted to say I am negative. I'm not worried about NCL as I am very excited and don't expect anything bad to occur. I am a very easy to please person, it's the other CC members I'm worried about.

[duckfan80]

I will not write a review one way or another I have enough stress in my life without having to defend anything I may write here. The original OP had the right to their opinion whether anyone here likes it or not. I am happy with the choice I made in cruises but am very concerned about the people I will be cruising with. These boards have made me very nervous.

 

No need to be nervous. Despite what one can read on any particular thread, it's important to realize that the vast majority of people on here are pleasant people. Same goes for the cruise itself. Have fun on your cruise...I know I will on mine, and it's the Jade in a few weeks! :)

[thistimeplease]

"No need to be nervous. Despite what one can read on any particular thread, it's important to realize that the vast majority of people on here are pleasant people. Same goes for the cruise itself. Have fun on your cruise...I know I will on mine, and it's the Jade in a few weeks! :)"

 

Thanks, we are really looking forward to it. The days to the cruise won't go fast enough and unfortunately the days of the cruise will go to fast. Sorry if I hijacked this thread my rant is over.

[canpass]

We were on the Jade in November and absolutely enjoyed her, were there some issues yes but we looked past them and enjoyed our time. We are booked to go on the Jade again and can't wait. We have been researching Princess cruises and are concerned that their cabins are smaller than the ones of equal status on NCL. We have had five cruises on NCL and they just seem to get better and better. I did have a cold steak one night but the waiter promptly replaced it and spend the night trying to make it up to me. Maybe it is all about how you handle the problem. Also on the Jade we did see people asked to return to their state room to put on slacks because shorts were not allowed in the dinning room at night.