Tell me about NCL

[Wecruise8]

We are making the switch to NCL and need your help planning a January 2013 cruise. Which ship would be best, and which aft cabin, for a couple in their early 50's (not into partying but really into relaxing). Also would like info on food, entertainment choices and general feel of the ship. We're moving from Princess. Thanks and I'll look forward to heairng your opinions. Forgot to tell you that we'll be going to the Caribbean for 7 days.

[STARFISH*4]

its all about FREESTYLE....YOUR choices for:

 

dining (free and pay-for dining venues) to choose from-when you want to eat (within dining hrs) most of all ships have a 23 hr dining venue-cept for the SUN which has a 12 hr Sports Bar

 

dress (cruise casual any night of the week--or dress up any night you choose)...they do have 1 or 2 optional DRESS UP or NOT nights usually about 25% of the people will; but again YOUR CHOICE!--if you dont choose to Dress Up you still can choose any of the dining venues.

usually shorts and shirts are allowed in all but the larger MDR and Le Bistro (but this can vary from ship to ship, sailing to sailing)

 

BEST thing about FREESTYLE......YOUR choice for a NICE LAID-BACK RELAXING vacation, no pressure or stress to be at dinner at a set place and time with the same people dressed according to that night.....ALL YOUR CHOICE;)!!!

[Island Beachdog]

I would suggest that you strongly consider the Epic. It provides the best of all NCL options. There are plenty of activities when you want a little stimulation and plenty of opportunities to just relax and enjoy. No problem with dining choices or difficulty getting in when we wanted. We did make reservations in advance for a couple of meals but the rest were no problem. You can do what you want when you want. We cruised on the Epic last December. Don't know when I have returned from vacation more relaxed! We had an Aft Suite where we spent many hours lounging, reading and enjoying the view. We took in a few shows, napped, enjoyed many nice meals and people watching (particularly from Posh). Although the ship is huge, we never felt crowded. In our aft cabin, we felt away from it all. Of all the cruises we have ever taken, this was the first one my DH actually wished it were longer. My top choice of a cabin would be an aft penthouse. I love the aft location and the asian inspired decor of the room. Dining in the specialty restaurants was very good but one of our best meals was in the Manhattan MDR. We also spent time at the buffet. I loved the fresh fruit and chilled soups. As a suite guest, you also cannot beat the Epic Club for dining. The service was excellent. Food was great and the Martini happy hour in the lounge was fun and tasty. The only problem is that now I compare everything else to that ship.

[fshagan]

We are making the switch to NCL and need your help planning a January 2013 cruise. Which ship would be best, and which aft cabin, for a couple in their early 50's (not into partying but really into relaxing). Also would like info on food, entertainment choices and general feel of the ship. We're moving from Princess. Thanks and I'll look forward to heairng your opinions. Forgot to tell you that we'll be going to the Caribbean for 7 days.

 

My wife and I switched from Princess and Disney to NCL after going on a cruise on one of their oldest ships, the Sky, for a 4 day Bahamas cruise. We are in our mid-50s (how the hell did that happen?) The newer ships are much better than the Sky, and the following applies to all but the Epic (it might apply to the Epic, but I just don't know!)

 

Embarkation is nicer, especially if you are in a suite (you get escorted through the check in lines very quickly and taken on board before everyone else). Our experience with check in for balcony and lower rooms has been pretty nice as well; NCL does a good job in most cases. If you aren't in a suite, you can get into the cabins around 2 - 2:30.

 

When you board, go to the main dining room that is open rather than the buffet (unless you are fans of the buffet!) On the ships we have been on, there is a MDR amidships and one aft. We enjoy the aft dining room, where you can get a table for two along the windows. It makes for a nice, intimate setting for dinner when you eat in the MDR.

 

Dining is different on NCL. If you choose the MDR, as we do most of the time, you get seated on a first come, first served basis. It is more like a regular restaurant in that regard. You can choose to share with others, but we always prefer to sit alone. As stated, there are no formal nights.

 

The difference in dining can be jarring; if you are used to going to the same dining room and being seated at 8:30 on the dot, the "restaurant style" seating might be a negative to you. If you are like us, and don't want to have to rush back from an excursion to clean up for dinner and make it by your appointed time, it will be a huge positive.

 

NCL has a "Daily Service Charge" that is, I think, $11 or $11.50 per person per day. It is automatically added to your bill. The tips are shared among the hotel and wait staff (if you are in a suite, you tip the butler and concierge separately). You don't have to worry about tipping extra, or handing cash to anyone unless you want to.

 

Tips are also automatically added to your bar bills, so check before you write in an amount on the "Tip" line (my brother double-tipped without knowing it). Princess may do this also, I don't know.

 

If you like the "private beach" that Princess has and want to check out NCL's private beach, be aware that the Epic is too large to visit it (they tender into their island).

 

Disembarkation is usually well organized and easier than Princess, in our opinion. If you have packed lightly, you can opt for "anytime carry off" and just walk off the ship with your bags. If not, you get to choose your disembarkation time, and put appropriate colored tags on your luggage. In every case, our luggage has been in the right area, grouped close to each other, but this can vary by port, of course.

[DeRon]

As I posted earlier today and yesterday on different threads, we were avid Princess fans (and we still like Princess), but after our cruise this week on NCL, we have decided that we like NCL better! Try to get a suite...you won't be sorry!

 

If you have any questions, ask away! I'll do my best to answer!

[spirit rev]

We are making the switch to NCL and need your help planning a January 2013 cruise. Which ship would be best, and which aft cabin, for a couple in their early 50's (not into partying but really into relaxing). Also would like info on food, entertainment choices and general feel of the ship. We're moving from Princess. Thanks and I'll look forward to heairng your opinions. Forgot to tell you that we'll be going to the Caribbean for 7 days.

We like the Jewel class ships - Pearl, Jewel, Gem and Jade - along with the Spirit. We have sailed in aft facing suites and love them. ON the Jewel class ships the suites on the aft are basically similar. For relaxing while at sea there is much less breeze. There is also the vent from the bakery to tempt you. Deck 10 aft suites have the largest balconies but they are not fully covered (you do still have a lot of privacy from above.) Deck 9 balconies are the smallest by a few inches from the deck 8 cabins. In order of our preference for deck 10, 8 then 9.

 

The Spirit has five suites facing aft. They are wonderful. We had the middle cabin both times we sailed on her. She is a unique ship in the NCL fleet and worth sailing on for her uniqueness.

[mrobstad]

I loved my Princess cruise and thought it was the best until I went on the Epic. Now I believe the newer ships have much more to offer. I can only speak of the Epic, but here are some differences: entertainment on newer [read Epic] ships is much more varied and greater quality than the typical high school performances. MDR food on Princess better, but specialty restaurants are A+++....especially Le Bistro. On the Epic, you can avoid the commotion of the pool area by getting a posh pass or going to H2O, an adults only swim area. Good luck!

[STARFISH*4]

NCL has a "Daily Service Charge" that is, I think, $11 or $11.50 per person per day.

 

 

the DSC is $12pp added each day to your shipboard account, but you can choose to pay for them before the cruise if you would like.

[DeRon]

What is a "posh pass" on the Epic? Similar to the "Sanctuary" on Princess?

[Wecruise8]

Thanks everyone. We really enjoyed our Princess cruise earlier this year for the relaxation but food and entertainment were somewhat disappointing. Don't think DH will ever sail in anything but an aft cabin again, not sure we can afford the suite but with the time to the next cruise maybe can do the mini-suite. The freestyle really appeals as well since we missed a lot of the stuff we would have liked to do with the MDR schedule (frankly I think the cruise director could have done a better planning job). We'll keep researching and asking questions. Glad to know we can rely on y'all for answers.:)

[fshagan]

Thanks everyone. We really enjoyed our Princess cruise earlier this year for the relaxation but food and entertainment were somewhat disappointing. Don't think DH will ever sail in anything but an aft cabin again, not sure we can afford the suite but with the time to the next cruise maybe can do the mini-suite. The freestyle really appeals as well since we missed a lot of the stuff we would have liked to do with the MDR schedule (frankly I think the cruise director could have done a better planning job). We'll keep researching and asking questions. Glad to know we can rely on y'all for answers.:)

 

I think the MDR food is better tasting on NCL, but Princess has the edge in food presentation and ambiance in the dining rooms. But, I hate the formal nights with a passion, so taste+convenience trumps presentation+ambiance for me. Others say they like Princess MDR food better, so I guess its mostly subjective.

 

I do like being able to easily get a table for two, and not have to "share" a table with others.

[phrogpilot73]

I do like being able to easily get a table for two, and not have to "share" a table with others.

This is the reason my wife and I like NCL. My wife is a bit of an introvert, so sitting with strangers would not be super enjoyable for her.

[SuiteRose]

Thanks everyone. We really enjoyed our Princess cruise earlier this year for the relaxation but food and entertainment were somewhat disappointing. Don't think DH will ever sail in anything but an aft cabin again, not sure we can afford the suite but with the time to the next cruise maybe can do the mini-suite. The freestyle really appeals as well since we missed a lot of the stuff we would have liked to do with the MDR schedule (frankly I think the cruise director could have done a better planning job). We'll keep researching and asking questions. Glad to know we can rely on y'all for answers.:)

 

My DH loves aft suites... we are sailing on 1/21/2012 from NYC on the Jewel... the price for the suite is an amazing $999 pp... just in case you are looking for something to book now... we are both in our early 50's and really love the peace and quite of the aft suites and the perks are amazing!!! Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's is so wonderful.. relaxing and makes you feel like royalty... the rooms are a nice size and have a nice balcony.

[DeRon]

Princess has the edge in food presentation and ambiance in the dining rooms. .

 

We have been on 3 Princess cruises, and one thing we liked better on the Gem was that the "ambiance" was better in the MDR...ha! In our opinion, the Gem had the prettiest main dining room...even over the Freedom of the Seas we've been on.

[Anjjmum0294]

If you can't afford a suite, I adored our midship balcony deck 10 on the Dawn. It was so nice just to sit there and watch the sunrise and sunsets and my seventeen year old daughter and I played cards and relaxed. We didnt do any of the party things either, just walked through the amazing ship and saw a few shows and we were happy as clams. Just my thoughts ;)

[fshagan]

We have been on 3 Princess cruises, and one thing we liked better on the Gem was that the "ambiance" was better in the MDR...ha! In our opinion, the Gem had the prettiest main dining room...even over the Freedom of the Seas we've been on.

 

So much of this is subjective, of course. But having the head waiter, waiter, bread waiter and drink waiter and the more formal attendance to the diner's needs is what I meant by ambiance, and the food presentation is how it is arranged on the plate, and how it is served. NCL is much more like a less formal restaurant (even though there is still a head waiter and beverage waiter, you hardly notice it). I prefer NCL's approach because I think it is less stuffy and less pretentious, but people who prefer the other lines really miss it.

[DeRon]

Ahhh...I agree with these points.

[Wecruise8]

My DH loves aft suites... we are sailing on 1/21/2012 from NYC on the Jewel... the price for the suite is an amazing $999 pp... just in case you are looking for something to book now... we are both in our early 50's and really love the peace and quite of the aft suites and the perks are amazing!!! Breakfast and lunch in Cagney's is so wonderful.. relaxing and makes you feel like royalty... the rooms are a nice size and have a nice balcony.

 

After doing some more checking I was very pleasantly surprised to see that an aft suite on NCL was what we paid for a regular aft balcony on Princess. Texted my DH and told him we were moving up in the world and he could book a suite!! Still can't go until 1/2013 but the planning will start now. I feel funny with the butler thing and really don't have a need for one but it might be a nice treat for us. What other perks are there for suite cruisers?

[Sauer-kraut]

You will get breakfast and lunch in Cagney's restaurant. You will have a concierge to do bookings for you in the surcharge restaurants and will escort you off the ship at tender ports.

 

Depending on the suite level (and I really have no clue on this) you might get a bottle of booze, assorted sodas/mixers and water at no charge. Again it all depends on the level booked.

 

The butler can wheel in your dinner that you ordered en suite, you can get meals or desserts or appetizers from any restaurant on board (surcharge if ordering main courses from a speciality restaurant) and he will place a table cloth and set the table for your meal.

 

Others who have done this will probably chime in as well. It always sounds like fantasyland to me, something to dream about. ;)

[spacewoman]

We are in our mid-50s (how the hell did that happen?)

 

I just turned 50 this past December - I've been saying the same thing since I turned 50:D

 

I can give you a perspective of 3 cruise lines, all our cruises taken out of the NYC area. Very convenient for us, no air fare.

 

We have done 9 cruises: 4 CCL, 1 Princess, 4 NCL

 

DH and I are low maintenance. We did the dress up thing the first cruise and again in 2008 to renew our vows for our 25th. I don't like being dictated by time, I'm on V A C A T I O N.

 

I have found every embarkation but this past one in September to be organized chaos. Princess is in the Brooklyn Navy yard. Our cruise with them was one of the most organized I ever saw. In defense of the other lines, Princess is all by themselves - big difference. When we sailed Princess in 2007 I found a lot more seafood dishes, more fish and captain's night I thought I died and went to seafood heaven. My fussy eater DH did have some difficulties finding foods he would eat. Our balcony cabin on the Crown was very nice and ample space on the balcony. I can pretty much say the same about CCL and NCL's cabins as we have always done balcony cabins. NCL Spirit really wasn't one of my favorite ships because it was built for short people. I'm only 5'6" and my feet were hanging off the bed:eek: Yet it's pool is good-sized - go figure:D Really nice cruise on her though.

 

I have to give NCL a one up on shows over the other two. I haven't been to an NCL show that I thought was so-so. Among the 6 of us sailing the Crown Princess, most felt the shows were so-so.

 

When I booked the cruise we just took in September I had priced out a CCL sailing to Bermuda and the Jewel. The Jewel came in for more $$$ but we had loved the Jewel so much last year we wanted to sail her again before she left our area. That's saying a lot because I tend to go with the best price and NCL's itinerary is so-so (in my opinion).

 

I would say NCL's balcony cabins compared to Princess are a bit smaller but they're quite manageable.

 

Although I have not done any of the specialty restaurants other than getting sushi with Mom (DH, see reference above:rolleyes:) I like the fact that NCL has so many choices for dining. I love having breakfast in the MDR, aft, in the morning sitting by the windows watching to ocean. The new menus this year, I felt, gave even more choices. New items on one side each evening and everyday ones on the other side.

 

I have never had a bad cruise and have thoroughly enjoyed all 3 lines. If you don't want to have to be dictated by your watch, this is the line to go with. If you're running late and you want to be on time for one of the shows you've got the buffet or you can eat a little earlier in one of the MDR's. A night you want to feel pampered you hit a specialty restaurant. The NCL crews treat you like royalty. They remember your name in an instant and they are always asking if you are enjoying yourself.

 

I find it nice that, if I'm in a nice pair of shorts and a decent shirt, that I don't have to go back to the cabin and dress for dinner. I will say they'll chase the men back to the cabin if they have any type of shirt on that is sleeveless. DH's cousin had on a really nice shirt but it was sleeveless. Not a tank top by any means. It was a nice designed shirt. He had to change it. He did not mind at all.

 

You can't go wrong with NCL and I find that most posters who have been lucky enough to do suites say that NCL offers the best perks for their suite guests.

 

GO, Have fun!!

 

Kathy

[fshagan]

After doing some more checking I was very pleasantly surprised to see that an aft suite on NCL was what we paid for a regular aft balcony on Princess. Texted my DH and told him we were moving up in the world and he could book a suite!! Still can't go until 1/2013 but the planning will start now. I feel funny with the butler thing and really don't have a need for one but it might be a nice treat for us. What other perks are there for suite cruisers?

 

The fun starts when you enter the terminal for embarkation. You will be escorted to a small room to wait for your butler, and can enjoy the pastries, coffee and juice and chit-chat with NCL employees. When the butler arrives, he will escort you on-board and to your suite, hours before the rest of the passengers are allowed on board. He will show you the Espresso maker, give you his phone number and the concierge's phone number, and ask if you need anything.

 

Head up to Cagney's for your lunch and choose freshly cooked entrees from their menu. Your suite includes both breakfast and lunch in Cagney's and is, to me, one of the most valuable of the suite perks. Along with that espresso maker!

 

When you come back to your suite around 4, you may have the chef's special treat of the day ... chocolates, strawberries, or other tasty little morsels. Let your butler know if you would like chocolate every day ... or chocolate covered strawberries.

 

The captain will invite you to a suite-owner's cocktail party, and you should go. Like the rest of the events on NCL, you don't have to worry about being dressed up for this, but its nice to wear nice slacks and a clean shirt. You will meet the captain, and probably the hotel manager, head chef, cruise director and others . . . including the other passengers in suites.

 

The suite life is very sweet indeed. We upgraded to a suite on our Euro cruise, but I didn't tell my wife. It was our second NCL cruise and at first she thought the private escort onto the ship was part of being a Latitudes member. She kept saying "They really treat their returning customers well!" She realized what had happened when she walked into the cabin and didn't see a bed, but looked over into the other side for the bath and bedroom (it was a two bedroom Penthouse suite on the Jade). It was a nice surprise!

[Wecruise8]

More advice please...these are the 2 options I'm looking at, which do you like best and why. Thinking January 2013 but can push to February if there are better deals then.

 

Dawn - 7 day western out of Tampa in an aft penthouse suite

 

Star - 7 day western out of New Orleans in either an aft balcony or aft penthouse.

 

Which deck for the most covered balcony (pictures if anyone has them would be great and cabin numbers)? Which ship is the most recently renovated?

 

You all are great, thanks.