Considering NCL For Next Cruise

[CK77]

Hi Everyone,

 

I’m still kind of a newbie and am considering taking a Cruise on the new Breakaway sometime in 2013. The New Breakaway seems like a modern fun ship and has sparked our interest.

 

We have had 2 cruises under our belts so far, one on the Princess Caribbean and one on the RCL Explorer. We enjoyed both of these, with each having their pluses and a few small negatives, but all in all, both great Cruises.

 

Could you tell me what differences I might expect going on NCL on the new Breakaway ship from what I have been on?

 

We enjoy good Entertainment, like great Comedy and Shows. We understand that food on Cruise lines is not like a 5 star dining experience, but we’re ok with that. We like some quiet times also on the balcony, but like to keep busy, even during the day.

 

What type of daytime activities can be had on NCL?

 

Freestyle sounds great and would work for us.

 

What is the dress code on NCL? (Taking less clothes is always a plus).

 

I'm sure a few more questions may pop into my brain, but that's it for now.

 

We're not party animals, kind of quiet, but still like to have fun (age mid 50's)

 

Thanks

[lsw9658]

Thanks for posting this. We are in a similar "boat" :rolleyes:. We have cruised 8 times with Carnival and once with Royal Caribbean. Ready to branch out a little! You asked great questions...here's hoping you get great responses!

[justcake]

1. Breakaway will be brand new which is a plus. Also, NCL is fixing all the issues that they have had with the Epic so Breakaway is probably an excellent choice.

 

2. NCL dress code is that there really isn't one. You definitely don't have to pack heavy. There will always be at least 1 formal night but even then you don't have to dress up if you don't want to.

 

3. NCL is freestyle which means there won't be any traditional main seating in the dining room. If you like to sit with other people that you don't know, NCL would not be the best line to choose. We love the freestyle and it seems like you would as well.

 

4. The daytime activities are basically the same as on RCCL and Princess. There is trivia, bingo, dance lessons, crafts, pool games etc. Generally I find that all lines have basically the same but I enjoyed Princesses the most.

 

5. NCL is a little more party type than RCCL or Princess. I found on Princess that by 10 pm the bars were empty. You won't find that on NCL. The party will continue but like you we are quiet (late 30s) but still like to have a little bit of fun and NCL definitely provides this.

 

6. After my Epic cruise I said I would never book with NCL again. I changed my mind and am just about to book the Dawn to Bermuda in August 2013. I like the smaller ships personally and want to try NCL again just not on a mega ship. And, if you are cruising in a suite, there is nothing better than the perks you get with NCL.

 

If you think of any more questions ask away!

[espo56]

Thanks for posting. We are also looking for answers to the same questions although we are already booked in the Breakaway for June 2013

[CK77]

1. Breakaway will be brand new which is a plus. Also, NCL is fixing all the issues that they have had with the Epic so Breakaway is probably an excellent choice.

 

2. NCL dress code is that there really isn't one. You definitely don't have to pack heavy. There will always be at least 1 formal night but even then you don't have to dress up if you don't want to.

 

3. NCL is freestyle which means there won't be any traditional main seating in the dining room. If you like to sit with other people that you don't know, NCL would not be the best line to choose. We love the freestyle and it seems like you would as well.

 

4. The daytime activities are basically the same as on RCCL and Princess. There is trivia, bingo, dance lessons, crafts, pool games etc. Generally I find that all lines have basically the same but I enjoyed Princesses the most.

 

5. NCL is a little more party type than RCCL or Princess. I found on Princess that by 10 pm the bars were empty. You won't find that on NCL. The party will continue but like you we are quiet (late 30s) but still like to have a little bit of fun and NCL definitely provides this.

 

6. After my Epic cruise I said I would never book with NCL again. I changed my mind and am just about to book the Dawn to Bermuda in August 2013. I like the smaller ships personally and want to try NCL again just not on a mega ship. And, if you are cruising in a suite, there is nothing better than the perks you get with NCL.

 

If you think of any more questions ask away!

 

Thanks...

 

What were the issues with the Epic and is NCL really fixing those for the Breakaway?

 

We just got back from the Explorer and the Explorer has more party stuff than Princess, so how is the partying more on NCL than RCL?

 

On a Side Note, we usually get to sleep before midnight lol.

[lamchops]

We enjoy good Entertainment, like great Comedy and Shows. We understand that food on Cruise lines is not like a 5 star dining experience, but we’re ok with that.

 

I asume the "Breakaway" will have the same type of entertainment as their current flagship "Epic" which means "Cirque du Soliel" and "Blue Man Group" as well as the basic entertainment of their regular cruiseships.

MDR is standard cruise/convention style food.

I find NCL buffets better than others especially at dinner on the few times we wanted a "quick" bite before a show.

"Pay for" restaurants provide decent value.

The staff throughout the NCL ships that we have been on have been more openly friendly and helpful than the other 3 lines that we have cruised.

 

What type of daytime activities can be had on NCL?

 

There will be your basic trivia, putting contests, dance lessons, etc. as well as wine tastings, bingo, casino tournaments, and other "pay" activities.

 

Freestyle sounds great and would work for us.

 

It's like the "real world" in which you just show up at the MDR and wait to be seated. I have never really had to wait except after a show just let out. We prefer to dine alone but will join others rather than wait

 

What is the dress code on NCL? (Taking less clothes is always a plus).

 

It's casual and most people wear "Casual Friday work clothes" to the MDR. Khakis and a polo shirt for men is acceptable. There is a "Formal or Not" night in which some may choose to dress up for portraits. Shorts and Tees are acceptable basically everywhere during the day but I use more discretion than some.

 

We're not party animals, kind of quiet, but still like to have fun (age mid 50's)

 

Same as me!:) The choices are there if you choose to partake as well as plenty of areas where you can just relax.

[espo56]

1. Breakaway will be brand new which is a plus. Also, NCL is fixing all the issues that they have had with the Epic so Breakaway is probably an excellent choice.

 

2. NCL dress code is that there really isn't one. You definitely don't have to pack heavy. There will always be at least 1 formal night but even then you don't have to dress up if you don't want to.

 

3. NCL is freestyle which means there won't be any traditional main seating in the dining room. If you like to sit with other people that you don't know, NCL would not be the best line to choose. We love the freestyle and it seems like you would as well.

 

4. The daytime activities are basically the same as on RCCL and Princess. There is trivia, bingo, dance lessons, crafts, pool games etc. Generally I find that all lines have basically the same but I enjoyed Princesses the most.

 

5. NCL is a little more party type than RCCL or Princess. I found on Princess that by 10 pm the bars were empty. You won't find that on NCL. The party will continue but like you we are quiet (late 30s) but still like to have a little bit of fun and NCL definitely provides this.

 

6. After my Epic cruise I said I would never book with NCL again. I changed my mind and am just about to book the Dawn to Bermuda in August 2013. I like the smaller ships personally and want to try NCL again just not on a mega ship. And, if you are cruising in a suite, there is nothing better than the perks you get with NCL.

 

If you think of any more questions ask away!

 

Thanks. One question. Why did you say you would not book NCL again. We too prefer Princess of the 3 lines we have been on. We are in our mid 50s.

[Oldgoat61]

My wife and I have been on 3 cruises, 2 on NCL, and 1 on CCL, so I can't give a comparison between RCL, nor Princess. Someday we will try a mega ship, and a different line, but NCL is our go to line.

The issues that I have read about on CC about the Epic dealt with the bathrooms, and the smoke from the casino, I am sure there are others but I don't recall.

The 2 things I would like to mention are dining and the shows. Freestyle is the way to dine for us, eat when and where you want (many options), as mentioned before, you can dress up or not. You can request to sit at a larger table if you choose, just ask.

There will be more entertainment options than you would find on the smaller ships (this is what I have read).

I will also say that the staff and crew are exceptional!

Give it a try, I think you will enjoy it! :)

[CK77]

Thanks for the feedback...

 

I take it that there are no Self Serve Laundromats on NCL?

 

It seems that only Princess offers this type of service, that I have seen in my research so far.

[punkincc]

Thanks for the feedback...

 

I take it that there are no Self Serve Laundromats on NCL?

 

It seems that only Princess offers this type of service, that I have seen in my research so far.

 

No self serve laundry. Why anyone would want to waste a second of time doing laundry is beyond me, but to each his own. There is "laundry by the bag" for purchase and they usually have a special on this toward the end of the cruise if you are truly desperate. I guess I overpack!

 

IMO, NCL is tops for entertainment. You will find music and entertainment throughout the various lounges of the ship, so much so that you will be challenged to see it all. There is always something going on somewhere, margarita tasting, karaoke, trivia, dance classes. If you search, you can locate postings of the Freestyle Dailies for each ship which will give you an idea of the activities available.

[CK77]

What types of Live Bands are on the NCL ships?

Any Rock or Classic Rock?

[Shelli]

Thanks for the feedback...

 

I take it that there are no Self Serve Laundromats on NCL?

 

It seems that only Princess offers this type of service, that I have seen in my research so far.

 

Carnival offers it as well. Yes, there are none on NCL.

 

To the OP:

 

I've been on pretty much all of the mass-market lines, and I've found more similarities among them rather than differences. Until I tried NCL (in recent times, since my first cruise was 25 years ago on NCL's Norway), I'd heard so many negatives that I was hesitant to try it.

 

Boy, was I pleasantly surprised! I thought the staff on my Jewel cruise 2 years ago was the best of any cruise I'd ever been on... but then I went on the Star last month, and the staff was even *better*! Just an amazing crew, which makes so much more of a difference than I ever would have expected.

 

Also, the entertainment on NCL seemed a step above the other lines. Great production shows! We really enjoyed them on both NCL cruises.

[mizLORInj]

I too am looking forward to the brand new Breakaway.

I don't think NCL is any more party-ish than RCL.

Cabins are about the same size-wise. Food is better on NCL in my opinion. Princess would be second. You will not find a match to Princess pizza at sea.

Entertainment on NCL is very good; maybe a little better than the other lines IMO, though they all have cut back and have fewer production shows. Comedians, hypnotists, karaoke, pianist, smaller bands. I like the Second City comedians.

I'm glad I gave NCL a try a few years ago.

I do wish they would bring back the launderettes on NCL, as I don't like to bring my whole closet and I want to wear clean clothes.

[CK77]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone...Now its time to take the info here and talk it over with the wife...As she will make the final decision :rolleyes:

[Great Canadian]

Thanks...

 

What were the issues with the Epic and is NCL really fixing those for the Breakaway?

 

We just got back from the Explorer and the Explorer has more party stuff than Princess, so how is the partying more on NCL than RCL?

 

On a Side Note, we usually get to sleep before midnight lol.

 

We are also considering Epic - Europe in 2013, we have been RCCL lovers, and thinking to try something different.

Overall, is it comparable to RCCL -Liberty of the Seas?

[tip]

No self serve laundry. Why anyone would want to waste a second of time doing laundry is beyond me, but to each his own.

 

Well for starters, we will be doing a 14 day NCL cruise. Add in the pre-cruise and post cruise hotel stays and we shall be needing clean laundry. I have no desire to spend my hard earned $$ on an overpriced small bag that can be sent out!

[freeholdfriends]

Thanks for the feedback...

 

I take it that there are no Self Serve Laundromats on NCL?

 

It seems that only Princess offers this type of service, that I have seen in my research so far.

 

Carnival offers this also and includes an area to iron your clothes

[CK77]

Thanks for all the input...

 

I booked the Breakaway for Bermuda this fall :)

[Want2Cruise]

Carnival offers this also and includes an area to iron your clothes

 

When did NCL get rid of this? The Gem had one in December 2007. We used it since we ran out of warm clothes.

 

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