Differences between NCL cruise and, say, Carnival cruise?

[DaveNetMan]

Hi, we've been on several cruises, mostly Carnival and a couple of Celebrity. This December will be our first time on an NCL ship (Pearl). We're just wondering, generally what will be some differences we'll see on NCL? For example, is embarkation/disembarkation pretty much the same? What about formal nights, is there 2 like Carnival (for a 7-night cruise)? Are tips handled the same? How does the food, the entertainment and the (inside) cabins compare?

[sparks1093]

Hi, we've been on several cruises, mostly Carnival and a couple of Celebrity. This December will be our first time on an NCL ship (Pearl). We're just wondering, generally what will be some differences we'll see on NCL? For example, is embarkation/disembarkation pretty much the same? What about formal nights, is there 2 like Carnival (for a 7-night cruise)? Are tips handled the same? How does the food, the entertainment and the (inside) cabins compare?

 

NCL doesn't have formal nights, they have what is called "Norwegian Night Out" and you can dress up or not, as you choose (really sort of like CCL's Elegant night when you get right down to it;)).

 

NCL charges a $12 per day/per person service charge that takes care of the traditionally tipped positions. Not covered is bar (15% added to bill), spa (18% added to bill), kids crew, room service, butler/concierge (if in a suite).

 

No assigned dining times- you show up when you are hungry and will be seated when seating is available. That means that if you get hungry when everyone else does that you might have a wait (if the wait is too long they will provide you with a pager).

 

We found the food to be about the same on both lines.

 

Entertainment on NCL is much more robust and less dependent on passenger participation (although there are opportunities for that).

[emcelh]

I would agree with Sparks. Also, you might find the cabins a bit smaller but they're well designed with lots of storage. Regarding food, I liked the NCL buffet more but thought Carnivals desserts were better. If you enjoy the surcharge restaurants you'll find more of them to choose from on NCL and on embarkation day one of the MDRs will be open if you don't want to join the crowds at the buffet.

[kcwingwalker]

Hi, we've been on several cruises, mostly Carnival and a couple of Celebrity. This December will be our first time on an NCL ship (Pearl). We're just wondering, generally what will be some differences we'll see on NCL? For example, is embarkation/disembarkation pretty much the same? What about formal nights, is there 2 like Carnival (for a 7-night cruise)? Are tips handled the same? How does the food, the entertainment and the (inside) cabins compare?

 

Comparing NCL and Carnival the biggest differences are constant noise everywhere, lack of quiet spots and being herded around like cattle. You won't have these problems with NCL. Being on NCL after Carnival is like a breath of fresh air!

 

I will give the nod to Carnival for desserts.

 

 

JMO

[fergusonvt]

I think you will find that the lines are very similar. We cruised on the Valor in Feb. after two NCL cruises and we honestly couldn't tell much of a difference (except for the dancing waiters). The CCL MDR was a little more formal in my opinion but the food was all pretty comparable as was the ship.

 

In my opinion though the CCL steakhouse kicks anything on NCL's butt.

[fridaythe13th]

I actually like Carnival and have never been herded around like cattle, I've always found quiet spots and they weren't any noisier than any other 7 day cruise I've been on. Sounds like a Carnival hater. NCL cabins and beds are definitely smaller than Carnival and Celebrity, at least on the ships I've been on. NCL stewards are usually friendly and in sight. NCL makes sure you sanitize your hands when walking in the buffet (they actually spray for you). Some people have a "favorite" cruise line but if you go with the flow you'll survive.

[emcelh]

I actually like Carnival and have never been herded around like cattle, I've always found quiet spots and they weren't any noisier than any other 7 day cruise I've been on. Sounds like a Carnival hater. NCL cabins and beds are definitely smaller than Carnival and Celebrity, at least on the ships I've been on. NCL stewards are usually friendly and in sight. NCL makes sure you sanitize your hands when walking in the buffet (they actually spray for you). Some people have a "favorite" cruise line but if you go with the flow you'll survive.

 

 

I would agree. No "herding" and lots of quiet spots. Also, the Serenity deck/area on Carnival is very nice. I didn't notice that the beds were bigger though, but then I'm not very tall.

[kcwingwalker]

I actually like Carnival and have never been herded around like cattle, I've always found quiet spots and they weren't any noisier than any other 7 day cruise I've been on. Sounds like a Carnival hater. NCL cabins and beds are definitely smaller than Carnival and Celebrity, at least on the ships I've been on. NCL stewards are usually friendly and in sight. NCL makes sure you sanitize your hands when walking in the buffet (they actually spray for you). Some people have a "favorite" cruise line but if you go with the flow you'll survive.

 

My opinion is just that an opinion from my experiences. That does not make me a "hater". Hater is a strong word.

 

I rarely eat vanilla ice cream because I prefer chocolate. That does not mean that I hate vanilla ice cream.

 

We all have preferences and some prefer one cruise line over another. I think we are lucky to have so many choices.

[Cruising3000]

Comparing NCL and Carnival the biggest differences are constant noise everywhere, lack of quiet spots and being herded around like cattle. You won't have these problems with NCL. Being on NCL after Carnival is like a breath of fresh air!

 

I actually like Carnival and have never been herded around like cattle, I've always found quiet spots and they weren't any noisier than any other 7 day cruise I've been on. Sounds like a Carnival hater.

 

I would agree. No "herding" and lots of quiet spots. Also, the Serenity deck/area on Carnival is very nice.

 

My opinion is just that an opinion from my experiences. That does not make me a "hater".

 

kcwingwalker:

Absolutely spot on about the noise. Didn't notice any herding. Sounds like I should consider NCL for my next cruise.

 

In my experience on the Carnival Inspiration ... the Serenity deck had it moments, but still ended up with six rowdy drunks stuffed into a hot tub. Not very serene, if you ask me. I tried the "Shakespeare Library", but some idiots commandeered it for some sort of loud card game. In both cases, no management present to control the misuse of the area and the excessive noise.

 

If you go way to the top of the ship (to the sports deck) there are deck chairs somewhat away from things, but it is still overlooking the main (loud) pool area. Also, it's unshielded from the ocean winds so you get to freeze if you think you're going to take a break from the festivities for an hour by reading a book in a desk chair.

 

Don't even get me started on the defensive "hater" comments. I've addressed this phenomenon elsewhere. Nothing wrong with folks wanting to "party", but it doesn't need to take up 100% of public spaces and ruin the cruise for others. Some people are simply looking for a cruise with optional activities, not a floating bachelor/bachelorette party forced on us at all times in all corners of the ship.

[Warm Breezes]

Hi, we've been on several cruises, mostly Carnival and a couple of Celebrity. This December will be our first time on an NCL ship (Pearl). We're just wondering, generally what will be some differences we'll see on NCL? For example, is embarkation/disembarkation pretty much the same? Yes What about formal nights, is there 2 like Carnival (for a 7-night cruise)? Dress Up or Not Nights. Aft MDR and LeBistro have a more formal Dress Code, Rest of the Restaurants are Casual even on those nights. Are tips handled the same? Yes How does the food MDR similar, NCL better buffet, CCL better desserts, NCL more for fee choices, the entertainment NCL Better and the (inside) cabins compare?

NCL inside cabins are smaller....You didn't ask, but IMHO Service is similar as well.

[Warm Breezes]

Comparing NCL and Carnival the biggest differences are constant noise everywhere, lack of quiet spots and being herded around like cattle. You won't have these problems with NCL. Being on NCL after Carnival is like a breath of fresh air!

 

I will give the nod to Carnival for desserts.

 

 

JMO

I have to say that your biggest difference is something I haven't ever experienced on Carnival....

[Cruising3000]

I have to say that your biggest difference is something I haven't ever experienced on Carnival....

But how do you feel about the desserts?

[sparks1093]

But how do you feel about the desserts?

 

I like dessert. If I can eat dessert on a cruise ship then I like it even more:).

[Warm Breezes]

But how do you feel about the desserts?

 

I rarely eat them at home, not a sweets type of person. Comparing CCL to NCL however, I like the ones I've had on CCL and usually eat about half of mine with DS polishing off what I can't finish (he always orders something different than I do because he knows he will get at least half of mine). On NCL, I haven't really liked the desserts I've tried and will only take a bite or two....I'm not going to eat something I don't like. Sometimes DS will finish it and sometimes he won't like it either so then yes I waste food. Now what this has to do with noise and cattle that I was responding that I had not experienced on CCL, I have no idea.

[SnootieTootie]

I love dessert, but NCL's desserts are not worth waiting for

[Cruising3000]

I rarely eat them at home, not a sweets type of person. Comparing CCL to NCL however, I like the ones I've had on CCL and usually eat about half of mine with DS polishing off what I can't finish (he always orders something different than I do because he knows he will get at least half of mine). On NCL, I haven't really liked the desserts I've tried and will only take a bite or two....I'm not going to eat something I don't like. Sometimes DS will finish it and sometimes he won't like it either so then yes I waste food.

I've tried desserts on Disney and Carnival. I do enjoy a good dessert, but I wasn't impressed with either. Haven't tried NCL yet.

 

Now what this has to do with noise and cattle that I was responding that I had not experienced on CCL, I have no idea.

All part of the poster's package o' observations you quoted, ah reckon.

[GrandBistro]

Carnival and NCL are more alike than different.

 

Carnival has assigned dining in the MDR; NCL is freestyle. NCL has more specialty restaurants, all of which come with a surcharge. Carnival has "dancing waiters; NCL does not.

 

Carnival has a formal optional night and quite a few people will dress up; NCL has a 'night out' but I didn't see a single suit and only one long dress on our recent NCL cruise.

 

Carnival has lots of "fun" activities - hairy chest contests, etc., and all activities are announced throughout the day over the PA system. NCL has trivia games and Bingo as well, but they aren't announced. Both have trivia, arts & crafts on sea days, tournaments in the casino, bingo, etc. both have children's programs with dedicated space for them. Ships of similar sizes have similar pools, hot tubs, deck top games, etc.

 

Carnival has port talks - mostly pushing certain vendors - but maps and info about the ports. They also give some information about the ports you are visiting. NCL does not - at least not in my experience. I understand that Carnival has naturalists on board during Alaska cruises to provide information and NCL does not- but I don't know for sure.

 

Both are mass-market cruise lines catering to families, first-time cruisers and emphasize fun factors.

 

All aspects of cruising are subjective. I think Carnival has better food and better beds.

 

 

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[Cruising3000]

Carnival has lots of "fun" activities - hairy chest contests, etc., and all activities are announced throughout the day over the PA system. NCL has trivia games and Bingo as well, but they aren't announced.

Are all of the activities listed on the daily schedule that is delivered to your room?

[GrandBistro]

Forgot to say:

On Carnival, debarkation times are assigned to you by cabin class and location. On NCL, you pickup your own color-coded luggage tags based on the time you want to debark. Carnival asks you to be out of your cabin by 8am. On NCL, it's 9am. Both announce debarkation times/zones over the PA. On both you can have breakfast in either the MDR or the buffet.

 

I believe standard cabins are slightly smaller on NCL.

 

 

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[GrandBistro]

Are all of the activities listed on the daily schedule that is delivered to your room?

 

Yes- delivered by the steward each evening so you can plan your day.

 

 

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[SASA13]

I would agree with Sparks. Also, you might find the cabins a bit smaller but they're well designed with lots of storage. Regarding food, I liked the NCL buffet more but thought Carnivals desserts were better. If you enjoy the surcharge restaurants you'll find more of them to choose from on NCL and on embarkation day one of the MDRs will be open if you don't want to join the crowds at the buffet.

 

 

I agree with you 100%.

[BlancaNoir]

I've tried desserts on Disney and Carnival. I do enjoy a good dessert, but I wasn't impressed with either. Haven't tried NCL yet.

 

What??? Not impressed with carnival desserts!? I'm not a big fan of Carnival and don't plan to cruise with them again but the desserts were great! That chocolate melting cake, that creme brulee . . . dessert was amazing every night! They make some tasty fruity drinks too. :)

 

(And no, i don't hate carnival. Just wasn't the right cruise line for me!)

[Warm Breezes]

I've tried desserts on Disney and Carnival. I do enjoy a good dessert, but I wasn't impressed with either. Haven't tried NCL yet.

 

 

All part of the poster's package o' observations you quoted, ah reckon.

 

I hate to tell you this, but if you weren't impressed with DCL or CCL's desserts, you're going to be highly disappointed in NCL's. One of the consistent opinions on these boards when comparing NCL with CCL has been that CCL desserts are definitely better than NCL's.

[ldlewis45]

I've sailed with both lines, and I agree that they're more similar than different. NCL has better entertainment, far better overall buffet, and a better variety of for-fee restaurants (and free restaurants, too, if the Breakaway is anything like the rest of the fleet). CCL has better desserts, better pizza (on the 2.0 ships, at least), makes a better omelet at the buffet's omelet station, and offers really good vegetarian Indian food in the MDR. Other than that, they're extremely similar.

[bowbiter]

It has been a long time since I sailed on Carnival but I remember when I first switched not noticing much of a difference. The activities were pretty similar. The only major difference was dining and clothing. I prefer freestyle and casual so Ive stuck with NCL. Generally speaking NCL has an older crowd but I avoid spring break cruises.

 

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