Should I try NCL?

[Marie-Claude]

We have an opportunity to try NCL on a Mexican Riviera cruise on the Star on Nov. 1 2005 with a pre-cruise in LA and a post-cruise in Las Vegas.

We've never been on NCL and I've read both great and not so great things about it...

We've cruised many lines but enjoy Princess, HAL, and Celebrity best.

 

How is the Star? I'm anxious to get 'sold' on NCL by cruisers who've experienced NCL and other lines to dress the pros and cons for us.

 

Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

MC

[CHOCBANAWAD12]

I took the STAR on 2/25/05 Mex. Riviera.

2 previous NCL, 7 Princess, 3 HAL, 1 Celebrity and 8 others.

Loved it! Dining worked perfectly; never had to wait. Found food equal to others, service equal to Princess and Hal and of course not as good as Celebrity. I just love not having to dress up, and having lots of choices for dinner. I found that criticisms on the board, generally come from negative people, over inconsequential matters. We upsold to an AC suite which was phenomenal. Have never been able to do that except on NCL. If you need specifics adrs1@direcway.com

Sam

[Splatitudes]

hi Marie Claude! Welcome to the NCL board!!!

 

I, personally, love NCL and the Star-class of ships are my personal favorite. I've sailed over 30 times with most all of the mainstream lines, and have kind of "found my home" with NCL (and occasionally Princess). For starters, freestyle suits me well. It's hard to imagine being told when and where to eat while on vacation, and i NEVER thought I'd feel that way before trying it.... The Star is one of the great NCL ships designed specifically for the freestyle concept, and handles it incredibly well. 10 restaurants, endless variety, great passenger flow... plenty of take-your-breath-away spaces indicative of the megas, but just as many nooks, crannies, and hideaways as some of the more intimate vessels.

 

I find NCL to be, IMHO, a near-perfect mix of great service, variety, and "vacation" attitude. The experience is a bit more colorful and relaxed than Princess, X, and (especially) HAL, but not nearly as high-energy and in-your-face as CCL or RCI... for me, it's that happy medium. I've found that NCL offers more activities than any other line, but I don't feel them to be at all obtrusive. The service is good -- the crew is polite, always aims to please, and works incredibly hard. They're a little more personable and relaxed than on HAL or X, but I enjoy that vibe -- and when you settle in for a polished, say, "le Bistro" experience, they white-glove it with the best of them.

 

The entertainment is some of the best at sea, if that's your cup of tea. Plus, the 8-night itinerary lets you get a little bit more relaxed than you would otherwise -- you'll see. :)

 

Let me know if you have any specific questions! I'd be glad to help-- I'm sure we all would! :)

[shoreguy]

hi Marie Claude! Welcome to the NCL board!!!

 

I, personally, love NCL and the Star-class of ships are my personal favorite. I've sailed over 30 times with most all of the mainstream lines, and have kind of "found my home" with NCL (and occasionally Princess). For starters, freestyle suits me well. It's hard to imagine being told when and where to eat while on vacation, and i NEVER thought I'd feel that way before trying it.... The Star is one of the great NCL ships designed specifically for the freestyle concept, and handles it incredibly well. 10 restaurants, endless variety, great passenger flow... plenty of take-your-breath-away spaces indicative of the megas, but just as many nooks, crannies, and hideaways as some of the more intimate vessels.

 

I find NCL to be, IMHO, a near-perfect mix of great service, variety, and "vacation" attitude. The experience is a bit more colorful and relaxed than Princess, X, and (especially) HAL, but not nearly as high-energy and in-your-face as CCL or RCI... for me, it's that happy medium. I've found that NCL offers more activities than any other line, but I don't feel them to be at all obtrusive. The service is good -- the crew is polite, always aims to please, and works incredibly hard. They're a little more personable and relaxed than on HAL or X, but I enjoy that vibe -- and when you settle in for a polished, say, "le Bistro" experience, they white-glove it with the best of them.

 

The entertainment is some of the best at sea, if that's your cup of tea. Plus, the 8-night itinerary lets you get a little bit more relaxed than you would otherwise -- you'll see. :)

 

Let me know if you have any specific questions! I'd be glad to help-- I'm sure we all would! :)

 

Splatitudes as in Latitudes I have one question. I can't disaggree with your posts. All very well written and in my view on target. 8.13 posts a day since 3/15 when you joined CC and clearly very knowledgable about NCL. The question the statement "found my home" at NCL does that mean you work there?

 

Not that that is a bad thing but if it is the case I want your job :D

[Ella2]

Emphatically, YES, you should cruise NCL and on the Star especially! :) I did my first NCL cruise on the 2/9 Star, after cruising many other lines, and had an amazing time. She's a beautiful ship, I LOVE LOVE LOVE the freestyle dining (GREAT meals in several of the restaurants) and the ports and excursions we did were wonderful.

 

Honestly, I had very lowered expectations for this cruise, but EVERYTHING exceeded my expectations...I will definitely cruise NCL again, and this itinerary.

 

Enjoy! :)

 

OH, just wanted to add that Splatitudes could have taken the words out of my mouth. ;)

[TLC]

Hi,

 

I thought I'd add my two cents! I am a newcomer to cruising, but after one trip I hope to become an expert! My family (8 in all) took our first trip on the wind sailing around Hawaii. We LOVED it! The crew was incredible. so nice and efficient. I have read some not so good reviews of this particular vessel and I have to agree with someone in a previous posting who said you have as good a time as you are prepared to have. I honestly can't think of something to complain about. Some people from our cruise (feb 26/mar9) complained because our ship had to turn back at one point for a passenger who had a heart attack. We ended up missing one of our destinations and had to spend an extra day at sea instead. People actually blamed the cruise line and suggested that in future the line should have people complete a medical before sailing!?! What did they want the ship to do? keep on sailing??? come on. I also heard a man on our ship complain because he asked for cream with his coffee and received milk. It was a major deal to him!?! Hey, I was happy with not having to cook, clean or work for 10 days! Having a mint on my pillow, towel sculptures and wonderful steak dinners was icing on my cake! My father who was sure he would HATE cruising and was going for my mother's sake is now trying to talk her into the same cruise next year.

sign me up!

Tracy:)

[Coastalbreezes]

Hi all -- I am a single parent of 2 teens and am thrilled to read all the positives about NCL...I've cruised Princess and HAL in the past but have been seriously considering a trip on the new Jewel next February with the kids. While both lines were fun, it turned out -- especially on Princess -- that I was one of only 2 singles on board over the age of 40! While I had a great time, there were many times I really felt all alone because it was all couples. I am wondering if anyone noted whether other single parents tend to cruise with NCL. I love the idea of freestyle dining and they seem to have a wide variety of dining choices as well as a decent teen program. I'd appreciate any advice you all can offer.

 

Thanks!

TracyE

[98Charlie]

We have cruised NCL, X, RCCL, and Princess. Each has it's own style and high points and we love them all.

 

Many people go with NCL exclusively because of Freestyle. It is a selling point for us but I don't think we could stick with just one cruise line.

 

We really enjoy meeting others so we like to share tables with new people OR if we want to dine alone we can OR if we run into someone and want to have dinner together we can.

 

Casual attire is always appropriate in most of the dining rooms. We enjoy dressing for dinner on formal nights and can still do that with NCL. There will be one dining room for formal only (dark suit or tux). It works for us.

 

The food is good, staff courteous and skilled, ships in good shape, etc.

 

I think you would have a great time!

 

Charlie

[thequeen]

Hello fellow cruisers..........My husband and I have been on other cruiselines mentioned and I must say our favorite ship is an NCL.......the Star. This ship is gorgeous. It has 10 different restaurants (all fantastic) and the decor is unbelievable plus the largest and best bathroom configurations on ANY ship. If you are looking for afternoon teas or white glove service, you will not find it on NCL. The personnel on their ships are fabulous and extremely friendly. NCL has the BEST entertainment at sea with broadway style shows. Most of the other cruiselines offer one kind of speciality show, but a lot is crew oriented which we don't find that great. We have been on the Star twice, for Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera. We hope to do Alaska this summer on the Star too as we love it that much. Don't get us wrong, the other cruiselines are topnotch, but in reality, NCL offers the same great cruise for a better price. NCL is the sleeping giant of the cruise industry. I don't think you will be disappointed. If you want further information, feel free to email us at Petruy@aol.com

 

Karla

[Marie-Claude]

You have convinced us of giving NCL a try! There's nothing like experimenting something new...

 

I would be interested in knowing from those who did the Star in the Mexican Riviera what excursions you really enjoyed in the ports visited, and anything special about the Star that we shouldn't miss!

 

Also, I'm not sure about cabin size - is it worth to pay the extra for a cabin with balcony?

 

Thanks to all for such great recommendations!! This is a very lively board, surely representative of NCL cruisers!

[Splatitudes]

Splatitudes as in Latitudes I have one question. I can't disaggree with your posts. All very well written and in my view on target. 8.13 posts a day since 3/15 when you joined CC and clearly very knowledgable about NCL. The question the statement "found my home" at NCL does that mean you work there?

 

Not that that is a bad thing but if it is the case I want your job :D

Hi Shoreguy!

 

Nah... I wish that was case! I was a t/a for a few years not so long ago, and I've been cruising for a long time... I've sailed w/ most of the mainstream lines, and by "found my home" I guess I just meant vacation-wise. :) Every time I'm back on a NCL ship it feels familiar, almost a home-type feeling... I guess I didn't really explain that too well. :)

 

but, I mean, if anyone's hiring.... ;)

[Splatitudes]

oh yeah, and on the recent membership thing -- I had another user name with lots o' posts, but i had been away a while, changed e-mail addys, etc., so just re-registered.

[Pianogrl]

Thanks Marie-Claude for asking this. We too are sailing on the STAR to the Mexican Riviera 4/30/05 for the first time....first time for these ports as well as on NCL. (have sailed on other lines). Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to the OP as it does help & give insight to those of us who have never sailed on NCL before.

[cantwaitt]

We have been on the Dawn three times and the Majesty once.

 

I love free-style because I don't need to pack a tie and suit. I also like eating in different restaurants (and I NEVER pay for the extra-fee restaurants) at different times, depending upon my mood and what I did when I got off the ship.

 

And, frankly, because the Dawn food is so good and the variety is great, my wife and I like to get a "pre-dinner" snack in the buffett before we get ready for dinner in the dining room.

 

There is always an interesting ethnic food to try and taste and tide you over (like you really need it). Part of the fun for the week.

 

My only disappointment about the Dawn is the fact that you don't get to eat with others in the dining room. I do miss that feature of the traditional cruises.

 

The Majesty--which is much smaller and shocking if you recently sailed the Dawn--does encourage strangers to sit together in the dining room, and we took advantage of that opportunity.

 

Try NCL and free-style. Let's face it: How much of a downside can there be if you are on a big, beautiful cruise ship for a week or so?

[niya305]

Hi Shoreguy!

 

Nah... I wish that was case! I was a t/a for a few years not so long ago, and I've been cruising for a long time... I've sailed w/ most of the mainstream lines, and by "found my home" I guess I just meant vacation-wise. :) Every time I'm back on a NCL ship it feels familiar, almost a home-type feeling... I guess I didn't really explain that too well. :)

 

but, I mean, if anyone's hiring.... ;)

 

Well, why don't you forward your resume to NCL:D

[newmexicoNita]

As others on this thread have said "NCL" is a great line, a little of everything and not too much of anything. For us, freestyle makes the difference. I have sailed all but one mass marketed line and prefer NCL for freestyle alone, if nothing else. We will be cruising on Celebrity twice this year and not NCL which is hard to digest. There just was no choice. I like Celebrity, of course the service is first class all the way as well as the special niceites they provide, but this does not take the place of the friendly crew and relaxed atmosphere. Go ahead, try it and I bet you will like it. NMNita

[98Charlie]

Also, I'm not sure about cabin size - is it worth to pay the extra for a cabin with balcony?QUOTE]NCL has some pretty small cabins. The insides that we had on the Majesty and the Sea were ......well "cozy" :rolleyes: . However, it is our choice to cruise 4 times a year inside versus only once or possibly twice with a balcony or suite.

 

Charlie

[Marie-Claude]

The NCL brochure says that the Star doesn't have a casino - is that true? It doesn't really bother me, but my mom likes to go once in a while...

 

Also, it says that there are 11 restaurants. How many of those are included and how many do we have to pay??

 

Are the 'free' restaurants varied enough so that we can be happy with that or will we feel like we 'have' to go to the paying restaurants?

 

What is the price for the extra restaurants??

 

I sincerely thank everyone, the information you've given me is awesome... we are really looking forward to try NCL!!

[thequeen]

To answer your questions about the Star.....yes, there is now a casino and it is great. My husband won the blackjack tournament onboard and we had a blast there. There are 10 different restaurants on the ship and I think there are only 4 you may have to pay for. We ate at 2 of those when they offered the 1/2 price cover charge. The food was fantastic. The normal cover charges are between $12.50-$20 I believe as each one is different. The main dining room is the Versaille and it is stunning and food excellent. Even the small Blue Lagoon has the best fish and chips we ever ate. We normally ate breakfast at the buffet and it was always nice too. You will enjoy it and in fact, we are thinking of doing the Mexican Riviera on the Star again next year with some friends from Canada.

 

In regards to the cabin sizes, we had an inside and didn't feel cramped at all. The luggage fit perfectly under the beds and the bathroom is large and very well organized. There is a hot pot for tea and a small refrigerator along with a small desk and chair area. We didn't mind it at all, plus after all if you choose an inside, you can cruise more often!

Have a great time!

[katiel53]

I'm glad to see the nice words about NCL. We are going on NCL to Alaska on May 22, 2005. We sailed on NCL a long long time ago and have had mostly Celebrity cruises. I was a bit worried, but I can see that the Star will have a lot to offer. Thanks for the good words.

 

Katie

[shoreguy]

The NCL brochure says that the Star doesn't have a casino - is that true? It doesn't really bother me, but my mom likes to go once in a while...

 

Also, it says that there are 11 restaurants. How many of those are included and how many do we have to pay??

 

Are the 'free' restaurants varied enough so that we can be happy with that or will we feel like we 'have' to go to the paying restaurants?

 

What is the price for the extra restaurants??

 

I sincerely thank everyone, the information you've given me is awesome... we are really looking forward to try NCL!!

 

Casino is there. It was installed when the Star left Hawaii. They will be happy to take your money.

 

There are only 3 pay resturants $10 - $25 dollars - plenty of choice without paying but you might want to try the Bistro.

[Splatitudes]

yeah, once again, Shoreguy is right -- you just have an older deckplan. You see where Dazzles Lounge is located on the one you have?? It's been moved upstairs to where I believe the Karaoke Circus used to be, and the Star Club Casino has replaced it.

[Marie-Claude]

You did a great job of convincing us... I just called my TA and booked the Nov.1/05 cruise on the Star to the Mexican Riviera!!!

 

I'm excited to try NCL, and about the itinerary as well. We'll have a pre-cruise stay in LA, and two days post-cruise in Las Vegas... Should be fun!

 

Thanks again for answering all my questions. I'm sure I'll have more when we get closer to departure date! I will now focus on our May cruise to the Mediterranean!!

 

So long!

[Rayefan]

TLC,

Thanks for the Wind review. We are heading on this cruise July 2005 and it will be a 1st for us on Norwegian after two of both Carnival and RCCL. Again, Thanks