Where the reggae band, steel drum, confetti, fun went >> NCL Pearl vs Carnvial

[Brenna's Mom1]

OP, thank you for your review. That sounds like what I've been talking about. Carnival is cutting all those little things that really make it feel like a cruise. Some people may not care to lose those things, as long as they have their balcony and 2.0, but some of us really enjoyed those things when Carnival had them.

 

I noticed comments here about the room size and beds on Carnival. Carnival actually lies about many of their room sizes, especially on their standard interior rooms. They claim a much larger number (185) than it actually is, just so they can claim to have the largest insides. Several ships have them beat there, as far as actual size. I still do enjoy cruising Carnival, but I also will call these things as I measure them, even if some people get mad at me for ruining their illusion. But the Pearl's insides (140) are slightly smaller than Carnival's. Carnival does have many ships beat as far as oceanview & balcony (indoors) room sizes. And as far as the beds go, Carnival has been changing over to harder, less comfortable beds. Some people prefer hard beds, but most people prefer how they used to be.

 

I always find it interesting that people "know" that rooms aren't the size a cruise line says they are. Rooms are measured from the center of the wall that surrounds the room and includes the square footage used for bathrooms, closets, and built-ins. Some cruise lines give you a bathroom the size of one you find in a truck camper, and provide you with one miniscule closet, and a small counter with a couple of drawers. Sure the room "looks" bigger because there is nothing in it but a bed. And I am positive that "hard" beds are the choice of many a discerning sleeper...old beds used to fold you in half when you slept.

 

And I am pleased that NCL is providing all the bells and whistles that many old cruisers enjoy and I appreciate that the OP has pointed ALL of them out very boldly. Helps me confirm that my choice never to cruise NCL is a very good decision.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

... Helps me confirm that my choice never to cruise NCL is a very good decision.

 

What happened on your NCL cruise that was so horrible to never sail them again? If a person has a bad experience on Carnival I wonder if you think they should try again, or swear off the line like you did with NCL.

 

I am wondering how bad your NCL cruise was to swear of it entirely? A bad cruise can happen on any cruiseline or ship unfortunately but for it to be bad enough to quit the entire line? it must have been bad.

Edited November 7, 2012 by Rottweiler Puppy

[Brenna's Mom1]

NCL was the epitome of cruising way back when I started. They were elegant and clean and provided a wonderful relaxing experience even though the ships were small without many amenities other than great food and service. But they tended to rest on their laurels, not keeping up with changing times and eventually you felt like you had wandered into a very aging old folks home. And then they tried to compete with lines that had kept up and they did it ever so poorly. In their attempts to become mass market they forgot about the passenger and their reason for cruising...the gave up cleanliness, and decorum for pie in the face Barnum and Bailey.

 

I just think it is a badly run company that depends way too much on stimulus instead of heart and soul. Since when my family travels together they have lots of new modern options to choose from it just isn't worth my time to travel NCL. When I cruised with just my late husband we didn't do Carnival or Princess either...though I must say my neices and nephews adore both lines and where I am in my life I move with their flow.

[ronandannette]

NCL was the epitome of cruising way back when I started. They were elegant and clean and provided a wonderful relaxing experience even though the ships were small without many amenities other than great food and service. But they tended to rest on their laurels' date=' not keeping up with changing times and eventually you felt like you had wandered into a very aging old folks home. And then they tried to compete with lines that had kept up and they did it ever so poorly. In their attempts to become mass market they forgot about the passenger and their reason for cruising...the gave up cleanliness, and decorum for pie in the face Barnum and Bailey.

 

I just think it is a badly run company that depends way too much on stimulus instead of heart and soul. Since when my family travels together they have lots of new modern options to choose from it just isn't worth my time to travel NCL. When I cruised with just my late husband we didn't do Carnival or Princess either...though I must say my neices and nephews adore both lines and where I am in my life I move with their flow.

 

Not exactly sure what this means, but either way - I agree that if the product doesn't suit you, you have no obligation to buy it. We feel the same way about Carnival that you do about NCL - it's not for us again period. NOBODY else's opinion matters in the least toward what either one of us does with our vacation time/money.

[ScottsSweetie]

We cruised on the Pearl as our first NCL cruise two years ago - there were many more similarities with CCL than differences. Biggest difference to me was that NCL's buffet is WAY better, but the food in the dining room on CCL is WAY better. I would not hesitate to cruise with them again.

 

And, I hate to say it, but I absolutely cannot stand the washy-washy people. I'm an adult - I know how to wash my hands with soap and water and do not care to be accosted by them when walking into the buffet. I saw people walk by who said they were just on their way to the back of the ship (not eating), and the washy-washy people just about tackled them to the ground in order to spray them.

[Tapi]

But they tended to rest on their laurels' date=' not keeping up with changing times and eventually you felt like you had wandered into a very aging old folks home. And then they tried to compete with lines that had kept up and they did it ever so poorly. In their attempts to become mass market they forgot about the passenger and their reason for cruising...the gave up cleanliness, and decorum for pie in the face Barnum and Bailey.

 

I just think it is a badly run company that depends way too much on stimulus instead of heart and soul.[/quote']

 

I agree that NCL went through a "rough patch" a few years ago, but they are now under the command of Kevin Sheehan, which has completely turned NCL around, making them a very attractive. modern, and profitable company. Kevin Sheehan is doing for NCL now what Bob Dickinson did for Carnival while he was in command. In fact, NCL is leaving Carnival in the dust these days with their new and innovative ships, accomodations, and onboard services.

 

It's easy to say "I'll never sail on that cruise line ever again" after a bad experience. I know I almost did with Carnival after we sailed on the Tropicale in 1994 (at the time, I thought that Carnival was an absolutely horrible cruise line and I said I would never EVER sail on them again). Thankfully, I did give them a chance again. If I hadn't, I would've missed out on some great cruises.

 

Granted, not EVERY single Carnival cruise has been great. Some have been good, some not so much (one has been down right awfu), but I've learned NOT to dismiss a cruise line altogether because I had one or two experiences that weren't the best.

Edited November 7, 2012 by Tapi

[Sargent_Schultz]

I don't care how much lipstick you put on it, NCL is still not my first choice for a cruise line.

[mrsd912]

While I've only been on one cruise perhaps my opinion doesn't count, but I appreciate the noted difference. We booked out second cruise with Carnival because we bought a FCC before they discountined them, but we really loved the product that Carnival provided.

Different strokes for different folks though. DH and I weren't into the deck parties or shows, we were just looking for a relaxing stress free week to enjoy each other's company. With that being said, I wouldn't be sold on NCL based on what you said.

We do look forward to trying other lines in the future, but we really loved our experience with Carnival, including the price tag.

[Rottweiler Puppy]

I don't care how much lipstick you put on it, NCL is still not my first choice for a cruise line.

 

I figured Carnival was your first.

 

What bad experience did you have on NCL?

[CapeCodCruiser]

I just got off the Valor and surprisingly enjoyed it way more than expected. After reading about all of the changes here I was expecting a mediocre cruise - much to my delight it was fantastic! Perhaps we had the highest energy waiter in the MDR - he was excellent.

 

There are several things I do not like about CCL - the LOUD TV at the Lido pool for one - but I found ways around.

 

I am really looking forward to my TA on the EPIC in April - 10 sea days to explore her!

 

I had forgotten all those "little things" about NCL - can't wait to be reminded!

[Brenna's Mom1]

I figured Carnival was your first.

 

What bad experience did you have on NCL?

 

Not Rottweiler but I'll answer 'cause someone else asked me the same question. A bad experience can have very little to do with whether someone chooses a Cruise Line...and the lack of a bad experience has little to do as to whether someone chooses to cruise them again.

 

Cruise Lines are like clothes...you wear something, and even though you get tons of complements, you just don't feel comfortable and you hang it at the back of your closet. Later you look at it again and you still aren't enthusiastic for it so this time you just put it in the donate pile.

 

I had fun on NCL when it was the only game in town...but when I tried other lines they just seemed a much better fit for me and for those I travel with. The description of the cruise posted on this thread just doesn't sound at all appealing...so why should I give up cruising on lines I'm comfortable with to see if NCL is worth my effort. Appeal is appeal...that's the bottom line.

Edited November 7, 2012 by Brenna's Mom1

[Sargent_Schultz]

I figured Carnival was your first.

 

What bad experience did you have on NCL?

 

One doesn't have to have a bad experience to prefer another cruise line.

 

I found the staterooms on NCL to be smaller, a tiny little TV that sucked, and the MDR food was inferior to Carnival's. I also was a little annoyed that the dining room wait staff, while they would allow you to order as much as you wanted, would try to move on after they had decided you had ordered enough.

 

Until NCL built a behemoth and ugly ship, I thought the NCL ships were sleeker and faster, with often more interesting itineraries, but now I think Carnival has caught up in the itinerary department. Not yet in the ugly department.

 

Because NCL was the first cruise line back in New Orleans after Katrina, they will be special to me and I will continue to occasionally cruise on them (from New Orleans). If they abandon the city, all bets are off.

[sharecruises]

NCL was the epitome of cruising way back when I started. They were elegant and clean and provided a wonderful relaxing experience even though the ships were small without many amenities other than great food and service. But they tended to rest on their laurels' date=' not keeping up with changing times and eventually you felt like you had wandered into a very aging old folks home. And then they tried to compete with lines that had kept up and they did it ever so poorly. In their attempts to become mass market they forgot about the passenger and their reason for cruising...the gave up cleanliness, and decorum for pie in the face Barnum and Bailey.

 

I just think it is a badly run company that depends way too much on stimulus instead of heart and soul. Since when my family travels together they have lots of new modern options to choose from it just isn't worth my time to travel NCL. When I cruised with just my late husband we didn't do Carnival or Princess either...though I must say my neices and nephews adore both lines and where I am in my life I move with their flow.[/quote']

 

 

?? I am a bit confused here...NCL has all the bells and whistles you could imagine, in fact from what I see other cruiselines (Carnival, Royal) have copied NCL. NCL started the innovative "freestyle" stuff, specialty restaurants

 

Badly run?? I saw more officers, manager, more workers, on NCL at any given time that you see in a week on Carnival. "Workers" seem to have more fun on NCL, speak English well, in fact some are Canadian, Australian, even ...American

 

Having a "welcome home" party on the pier, with red carpet, the cruise director on stilts, tons of "workers' lined up to cheer us, cold towels and cold drinks.....that is a bit of heart IMHO

 

I wrote that I think Carnival is more spacious (for insides)..and the hallways are more spacious

 

I don't "do" suites on either line, but I can see the perks are much greater with NCL.

 

NCL has a LOT of small things they do like letting you drop off your carry on when you board *(they encouage it)....like letting YOU pick your departure time/color...yeah you just go pick it up the night before in the lobby...your choice

 

those things don't cost a lot IMHO but they make people happy

 

Not to mention : tons of welcome aboard info in your email before you cruise

 

when I got home...."survey" in my email, thank you letter and offer to book a cruise in next 30 days and get a $75 ON board credit..

sweet

 

As far as cleanliness...washy washy. Show me a Carnival ship that sprays everyone's hands every time they board/reboard.

[sharecruises]

One doesn't have to have a bad experience to prefer another cruise line.

 

I found the staterooms on NCL to be smaller, a tiny little TV that sucked, and the MDR food was inferior to Carnival's. I also was a little annoyed that the dining room wait staff, while they would allow you to order as much as you wanted, would try to move on after they had decided you had ordered enough.

 

Until NCL built a behemoth and ugly ship, I thought the NCL ships were sleeker and faster, with often more interesting itineraries, but now I think Carnival has caught up in the itinerary department. Not yet in the ugly department.

 

Because NCL was the first cruise line back in New Orleans after Katrina, they will be special to me and I will continue to occasionally cruise on them (from New Orleans). If they abandon the city, all bets are off.

 

I will say the tv on Sky sucked, but on Pearl (newer ship) we had flat screen tv.

 

The real appeal to me was the feel of a "cruise">>> themed parties, something new every day, a truly friendly staff, and..

 

>>> island music : 5 piece reggae band with girl singer

>>> Island music : guy who played steel drums

>>> Cruise music : recorded music piped in was reggae, Bob Marley, Jimmy Buffet, and other "cruise" songs

 

>>> Cruise music : one night Piano Player did all Jimmy Buffet

 

>>> Carribean night on deck : reggae band, "island" buffet, grill and chill,

workers in "flowered" shirts, carved ice and food displays...all island themed

 

It felt like a cruise

 

Sorry but hearing the DJ play hip hop mixed with teeny bop music from One Direction over and over on the Freedom didn't feel much like a 'cruise"

 

Besides..the point of this post was NOT to say I "prefer" another line....NCL has it's drawbacks, as I live in Florida and it is ONLY here in winter

 

My point is : NCL is doing some really nice things that made the whole "experience" feel great, and felt more like cruises I went on many years ago. JMO of couse

Edited November 7, 2012 by sharecruises

[boaterette]

Glad to hear NCL has changed. I was on two sailings a couple of years ago and there was no music on the Lido. The food and staff were horrible on both cruises. One night we were having dinner and the waitress came over and removed my daughters dishes before she was done eating. We just stared in amazement. Never could get four towels and four washclothes in our room at the same time. Since there were four of us in the room we really didn't want to share. It was absolutely the worst service that I have received in all of my cruises and I cruise a lot. So really hope they have changed.

[Sargent_Schultz]

The music part is irrelevant to me. Besides who wants to listen to steel drums in Alaska or Europe?

[SMSACE6]

For me, I just feel that after five Carnival cruises, over eleven years, I really felt no incentive to return to them. None of those cruises were bad, but I guess, they were also not great enough to entice me back after the fifth one. The things that are gone now that I used to enjoy, are too numerous to mention, and the new things that have been added to the Carnival ships, are not much of a draw for me, and that is just me, and MHO.

 

I am happy to hear that the kind of music I like is standard on NCL ships, decks and other venues plus other kinds of entertainment that I like. I will never do fixed time dining again, therefore freestyle appeals to me very much. I used to like to dress up for dinner, but have grown out of that, yet I hear I can still do that if I want to, but really doubt I will. I have heard that the food is just so so, and I dont cruise for the food. I know that I wont starve and perhaps I will actually like to try a different menu for a change after many years of the same old same on CCL. The new comfort food on Carnival does not appeal to me at all, nor does the Didja stuff.

 

My future NCL cruise is Epic. Some say she is ugly. I dont see that at all. I thought earlier on that she was odd looking with that funny front top, but it has grown on me. I actually dont even care is the ship is ugly from the outside, I have seen pictures of inside and she looks beautiful to me. So far I am liking all I am hearing about NCL and am very much looking forward to a change.

 

And one more thing! NCL's newer ships Epic and Breakaway have studios geared and priced for solo travellers. Since I travel solo these days, it is an option for me. I know they are not rock bottom prices, but my cruise was still affordable in one of those studios, so it was also an incentive to book.

An inside cabin on Carnival for a similar cruise at 200pc, was just slightly higher, so again, no incentive for me to choose same old same old.

 

For now, and until I experience my next cruise, I will happily look forward to it and hopefully, this new experience will entice me to return to NCL

 

I really do appreciate this review and the comparisons, as they very much apply to how I feel right now about Carnival. Thankyou ShareCruises

Edited November 8, 2012 by SMSACE6

[HarpHarp]

We just got back from a 12 day cruise on the Breeze, wonderful intinerary, though we missed Monte Carlo, and a beautiful ship. What we missed was the fun we found on our last 3 NCL cruises.

We loved to go to one of the lounges, have a drink & listen to great music many evenings on NCL. Jazz trios, folk singers like Janna Searle, Pianists like Vladimar & Fabrizio, not to mention Benny Martini and Kenny the Human Jukebox. We would move from venue to venue to catch our favorites, sometimes 2 or 3 different entertainers in an evening.

On the Breeze , the guitar player was amped so loud nobody was visible near him in the Red Frog whenever we went by. Sure helped our sign & sail acct, since we only paid for 4 drinks each in 12 days. We missed the farewell show and the washy washy folks, and really missed being able to grab a quick bite or even a cup of coffee at the Blue Lagoon. Really, after I do my 2 laps around the promanade in the morning, I love being able to grab coffee or juice & head back to the room. I couldn't even get a cup of coffee while I was playing in the casino on the Breeze.

We did enjoy some of the entertainment.

The mixology contest and the synchonized swimming were great. No the music & the movies weren't too loud on the pool deck, but almost everything else was too loud. We loved the house band and Regan the vocalist.

[WDBGUY]

I personally don't care for the dancing waiters...

I feel these people are overworked enough,

not be forced to do a song and dance too.

I would prefer to have them focus on service

and have time to chat with their guests.

[PhotoPete]

We sailed the Liberty earlier this year....had a guy with a guitar providing the entainment on the pool deck. Just got back from RCCL Monarch...they had a steel band playing on the pool deck all week. The guys playing on the Monarch were quite good...the guy on the Liberty not so. CCL needs to bumb up the live music.

[sharecruises]

The music part is irrelevant to me. Besides who wants to listen to steel drums in Alaska or Europe?

 

? Well the cruise was in the Caribbean

 

Who wants to listen to a DJ, club music and One Direction ?? Music is important to many of us.

 

 

I have heard that when in Europe, NCL brings Flamenco dancers on in Spain, and so forth. <grin<

 

Carnival in Alaska/? I saw YOUR review of Spirit a few years ago...this past May we had NONE of the Alaska themed stuff.

 

You showed a "smoked salmon pizza">> but they discontinued that

 

Your review showed neat looking "stuffed bear" and other Alaska themed decor by the shops....but your review was from a couple years ago. In May of 2012 there was nothing "Alaska' about the Spirit other than the stuff they pushed in the gift shop or on deck on Glacier Day.

 

Fun times from Alaska 2011 showed a different Alaska caught fish dish every night....but in May of 2012 that too was discontinued.

Edited November 8, 2012 by sharecruises

[ronandannette]

? Well the cruise was in the Caribbean

 

Who wants to listen to a DJ, club music and One Direction ?? Music is important to many of us.

 

 

I have heard that when in Europe, NCL brings Flamenco dancers on in Spain, and so forth. <grin<

 

Carnival in Alaska/? I saw YOUR review of Spirit a few years ago...this past May we had NONE of the Alaska themed stuff.

 

You showed a "smoked salmon pizza">> but they discontinued that

 

Your review showed neat looking "stuffed bear" and other Alaska themed decor by the shops....but your review was from a couple years ago. In May of 2012 there was nothing "Alaska' about the Spirit other than the stuff they pushed in the gift shop or on deck on Glacier Day.

 

Fun times from Alaska 2011 showed a different Alaska caught fish dish every night....but in May of 2012 that too was discontinued.

 

FWIW, this year Princess added "Reindeer" pizza to the menu for the Alaska itineraries; it was :p horrible but at least it was in keeping with the theme...

[sharecruises]

Not to mention...on the NCL board...someone from NCL themselves actually just thanked me for my review. WOW!

 

Really little things mean a LOT. For those of you not turned on by music and entertainment, can you honestly say you would NOT want to drop off your bags immediately, or pick your own departure time?? Can you honestly say you don't want a nice cold towel and welcome back when you reboard the ship??

 

What about a $75 credit if you book a new cruise within 30 days of return?? would you complain about that??

 

Thank You For Cruising Like A Norwegian!

Dear sharecruises,

 

Thank you for posting feedback from your recent cruise vacation on Cruise Critic. Welcome to our community of Norwegians, we are glad to hear that you enjoyed your time on board Norwegian Pearl! We look forward to welcoming you on board another Norwegian ship again soon!

 

Happy Cruising,

Norwegian Cruise Line Public Relations

[sharecruises]

For me, I just feel that after five Carnival cruises, over eleven years, I really felt no incentive to return to them. None of those cruises were bad, but I guess, they were also not great enough to entice me back after the fifth one. The things that are gone now that I used to enjoy, are too numerous to mention, and the new things that have been added to the Carnival ships, are not much of a draw for me, and that is just me, and MHO.

 

I am happy to hear that the kind of music I like is standard on NCL ships, decks and other venues plus other kinds of entertainment that I like. I will never do fixed time dining again, therefore freestyle appeals to me very much. I used to like to dress up for dinner, but have grown out of that, yet I hear I can still do that if I want to, but really doubt I will. I have heard that the food is just so so, and I dont cruise for the food. I know that I wont starve and perhaps I will actually like to try a different menu for a change after many years of the same old same on CCL. The new comfort food on Carnival does not appeal to me at all, nor does the Didja stuff.

 

My future NCL cruise is Epic. Some say she is ugly. I dont see that at all. I thought earlier on that she was odd looking with that funny front top, but it has grown on me. I actually dont even care is the ship is ugly from the outside, I have seen pictures of inside and she looks beautiful to me. So far I am liking all I am hearing about NCL and am very much looking forward to a change.

 

And one more thing! NCL's newer ships Epic and Breakaway have studios geared and priced for solo travellers. Since I travel solo these days, it is an option for me. I know they are not rock bottom prices, but my cruise was still affordable in one of those studios, so it was also an incentive to book.

An inside cabin on Carnival for a similar cruise at 200pc, was just slightly higher, so again, no incentive for me to choose same old same old.

 

For now, and until I experience my next cruise, I will happily look forward to it and hopefully, this new experience will entice me to return to NCL

 

I really do appreciate this review and the comparisons, as they very much apply to how I feel right now about Carnival. Thankyou ShareCruises

 

 

I have heard many many good things about Epic, know people who have cruised on her. Yes, NCL really has stepped it up for solos and singles.

On Epic they have a solos lounge for the studios 24/7....all singles can go to a happy hour there daily and meet

you can put up plans, ideas on a "whiteboard" ...like

"anyone want to join us at La Cucina" or whatever...really cool

they even have a singles hostess to help the solos arrange some group meals...sweet

 

As good as our entertainment was, I hear Epic is just beyond....Blue Man

you pay $75 or ? more to see them in Vegas...you see them included on Epic

 

The thing that is really nice on NCL is all the many many different live music groups... so many choices every night. YOu can go from one venue to another...so much to do. Lots of fun.

 

Have a great Epic adventure !

[sharecruises]

FWIW, this year Princess added "Reindeer" pizza to the menu for the Alaska itineraries; it was :p horrible but at least it was in keeping with the theme...

 

Yes...I have heard that Princess does some good "theme" stuff for Alaska,

and also for Hawaii. Carnival has cut out themes it seems

 

Even in the Caribbean, there is NO Island/Caribbean theme. The "theme" seems to be DJ dance club music 24/7 nowadays. Really a shame

 

I still remember my first Carnival cruise on Imagination (when she did longer cruises)....I still remember the 5 piece reggae group they were from Trinidad and sooo good. I remember the 6 piece cover band from Philipines..the guitar player played guitar behind his head to Jimi Hendrix. They were amazing

 

I have quickly (and happily) forgotten the last few entertainers I have seen on Carnival. Not much to remember. The Big Easy is a great show..but the lounge/duos, etc...all lackluster. DJ took over for the steel band. My last cruise on Freedom so many nights no good music at all.