Tell me about NCL

[antiquitys]

I have been on 8 cruises on Carnival ships. I would now like to try Norwegian. Other than price how is Norwegian different from Carnival? Do they still have steel drum bands? What are their policies in the dining room and about smoking? How are their entertainment and activities different? Anything else you can tell me? Thank you.

[ColinIllinois]

I have been on 8 cruises on Carnival ships. I would now like to try Norwegian. Other than price how is Norwegian different from Carnival? Do they still have steel drum bands? What are their policies in the dining room and about smoking? How are their entertainment and activities different? Anything else you can tell me?

 

 

While you are waiting for a few responses here might I suggest you read through the forum and soak up all the great information that is already provided for you here. Check out the review section also for the various ships. A search of Norwegian vs Carnival will bring up a ton of results also as this is a common question. Smoking policy is listed on NCL.com and usually is a hot button topic around here.

 

Not sure I can remember anyone posting about steel drum bands but NCL does have great live entertainment.

 

Enjoy.

[Alliezona09]

I have also been on 8 Carnival cruises and now have done 2 with NCL with 2 more booked~ granted DH has vowed never to cruise Carnival again, personal issues, and we get free cruises on NCL but I do like NCL better, the food in the MDR is about the same as Carnival, IMO~ didn't try any of the specialty restaurants on the Sky~ the entertainment is a huge step up IMO~ and there seems to be more of it on NCL~

 

Love the Freestyle aspect of NCL, a lot more relaxed on port days as you don't have to rush back for dinner if you have early dining~

 

We thought embarkation was WAY better than Carnivals~!! SO freakin easy on the Sky, we kept commenting on it!!

 

All I can say as a person who cruised almost exclusively with Carnival since 05 is go for it, you will never know for sure if NCL is for you if you don't try it~

[kcwingwalker]

Overall I find NCL to be classier than Carnival. And, if you go for the "suite life" on NCL you'll never turn back!

[kylenyc]

I have been on 8 cruises on Carnival ships. I would now like to try Norwegian. Other than price how is Norwegian different from Carnival? Do they still have steel drum bands? What are their policies in the dining room and about smoking? How are their entertainment and activities different? Anything else you can tell me? Thank you.

 

The basic services are the same, comfortable cabins, friendly crew, good food (but highly subjective). However the decor, interior design, and atmosphere differ and vary not only between the lines but also individual ships. Go to the ncl.com site and read about the individual ship you're sailing on. http://www.ncl.com/cruise-ships

 

...Steel Drum Band? Not necessarily but they usually have band that will play caribbean music. Norwegian has better live music throughout the ship (poolside and in the lounges) and better production shows on board

...Activities... many similarities, search this forum for "freestyle daily/dailies" (the onboard newsletter) to see what's typically offered

...Dining in the main dining rooms is no reservation, first come first served. So wait time depends on what time you go to dinner. Dress policy is "resort casual". One of the main dining rooms will have a slightly more relaxed dress code than the other. For example, the larger main dining room allows shorts and the other does not. You'll be typically seated at your own table, however you can ask to share a table in order to meet other passengers if you prefer (met many nice people this way). The menu is the same in the main dining rooms on a given evening. However, half the menu is fixed, and half changes with evening specialties. I always check the dinner menu in which is posted in the afternoon, decide if anything particular appeals to me, and then decide whether or not to go to a specialty restaurants (Cagney's, Le Bistro, Moderno are my favorites, reservations recommended). There is also a 24x7 pub style restaurant and the buffet both of which are very good.

...Smoking is allowed on balconies and designated public areas on the ship (ask the crew for the locations).

...Anything else... NCL has a relaxed casual atmosphere with lovely ships and friendly crew. Join your roll call, attend your Meet & Greet, enjoy your cruise and form your own opinion.

 

"Bon Voyage!"

[SeaShark]

I have been on 8 cruises on Carnival ships. I would now like to try Norwegian. Other than price how is Norwegian different from Carnival? Do they still have steel drum bands? What are their policies in the dining room and about smoking? How are their entertainment and activities different? Anything else you can tell me? Thank you.

 

Let me ask you....

 

With 8 cruises you should be familiar with what Carnival offers and doesn't offer. You know what they do that you like, and what they do that you don't like so much. It looks like something is making you consider taking a cruise on NCL....so, why? What is it that you find lacking in your Carnival experience that you are hoping to find with NCL? What specifically do you like about Carnival that is a "must have" for you on another line? What things on Carnival do you hope to NEVER find on another line?

 

We are much better at helping with specific inquiries over those that are general and vague in nature.

[antiquitys]

Let me ask you....

 

With 8 cruises you should be familiar with what Carnival offers and doesn't offer. You know what they do that you like, and what they do that you don't like so much. It looks like something is making you consider taking a cruise on NCL....so, why? What is it that you find lacking in your Carnival experience that you are hoping to find with NCL? What specifically do you like about Carnival that is a "must have" for you on another line? What things on Carnival do you hope to NEVER find on another line?

 

We are much better at helping with specific inquiries over those that are general and vague in nature.

 

 

It is not that I am dissatisfied with Carnival as much as I am somewhat bored with the same old thing. I miss the steel drum bands on Lido and find we are spending most of the cruise in our room or on our balcony. I am just wondering if a different line would make cruising interesting again. p.s. I am thinking of the Pride of America for our next cruise.

[SeaShark]

It is not that I am dissatisfied with Carnival as much as I am somewhat bored with the same old thing. I miss the steel drum bands on Lido and find we are spending most of the cruise in our room or on our balcony. I am just wondering if a different line would make cruising interesting again. p.s. I am thinking of the Pride of America for our next cruise.

 

If there is a steel drum (or any other type of) band on the Lido, I would first suggest that you get out of your room and/or your balcony and enjoy it. Quite possibly, the boredom you mentions comes from your self-imposed isolation. Get out. Try NEW things that you haven't experienced before. Eat NEW foods that you haven't tasted before. You only live once...sample what is out there.

 

Cruising on a different line is not going to make things interesting again if you stay in your room or on your balcony....its really up to you.

 

FYI...I rank the Pride of America as one of the best cruises I've taken. However, be forewarned that it is NOT a typical cruise experience. Hawai'i IS the attraction. You have to get off of the ship and explore.

[Cruise_More_Often]

I haven't been on the POA, but I'm going to hazard a guess that there wouldn't be steel drum band on it.

[Bostonjetset]

Overall I find NCL to be classier than Carnival. And, if you go for the "suite life" on NCL you'll never turn back!

 

Definitely agree! CCL ships have a much tackier decor and the neon HAS to go! Also, the guests on NCL seemed to be a bit more well-traveled and cosmopolitan than on any CCL ship I've been on [on average but not exclusively].

 

That said, I have had wonderful cruises on Carnival as well and would not hesitate to go on another [in fact my next one will likely be on Carnival due to timing/price of the planned trip].

 

Most differences will be in small things like the fact that NCL gives out cold towels in port when returning to the ship whereas CCL does not. Then again, CCL gives bathrobes to every guest, regardless of stateroom type, where NCL only gives then to guests in suites. Things like that are give and take amongst both lines and sort of equal out in the end.

 

IMO, the MDR food and service on Carnival was better. It appears NCL wants to drive people into their surcharge restaurants of which there are no shortage of. We ate in two on the Breakaway and they were great but never felt the need on a Carnival ship as the MDR experience was satisfying to us. On the flip side, NCL has a much better buffet in both selection and food quality [we only eat the buffet for breakfast and lunch though...never dinner on any line].

 

Our best cabin steward ever was on the Carnival Glory; our best waitstaff was in the Truffles dining room on the Carnival Legend; our nicest stateroom ever was on the Norwegian Breakaway. There are pluses and minuses to be found on any line [on just about anything in life for that matter] but if you just go with the flow you will have a great trip.

[kcwingwalker]

I have been on 8 cruises on Carnival ships. I would now like to try Norwegian. Other than price how is Norwegian different from Carnival? Do they still have steel drum bands? What are their policies in the dining room and about smoking? How are their entertainment and activities different? Anything else you can tell me? Thank you.

 

Cannot resist..................NO DANCING WAITERS!:D

[antiquitys]

If there is a steel drum (or any other type of) band on the Lido, I would first suggest that you get out of your room and/or your balcony and enjoy it. Quite possibly, the boredom you mentions comes from your self-imposed isolation. Get out. Try NEW things that you haven't experienced before. Eat NEW foods that you haven't tasted before. You only live once...sample what is out there.

 

Cruising on a different line is not going to make things interesting again if you stay in your room or on your balcony....its really up to you.

 

FYI...I rank the Pride of America as one of the best cruises I've taken. However, be forewarned that it is NOT a typical cruise experience. Hawai'i IS the attraction. You have to get off of the ship and explore.

 

 

SeaShark you seem to be looking for a confrontation. Staying in our cabin is a fairly recent development. We have spent countless hours on Lido, seen the hairy chest contest many times, seen so many shows that they are all starting to seem the same, seen the ice carving many times, gone to the midnight buffet back when they had one, explored the ships, and tried the foods. My wife will usually spend one day of the cruise sunbathing and one night in the casino. These have no interest for me. We have no interest in karaoke, bingo or the nightclubs. We drink in moderation. In ports we take the tours and shop. We are both in our 50s and physically disabled so getting around is not as easy as it once was. In 2008 I enjoyed the nights in the piano bar but not only was it smoking then but the piano player was Laurie Anne Gardner who was so good the piano players since then have been a disappointment.

[Cubechick]

It is not that I am dissatisfied with Carnival as much as I am somewhat bored with the same old thing. I miss the steel drum bands on Lido and find we are spending most of the cruise in our room or on our balcony. I am just wondering if a different line would make cruising interesting again. p.s. I am thinking of the Pride of America for our next cruise.

 

The PoA was one of the best cruises we've ever been on. You won't regret it if you book it...no matter the differences between cruise lines.

[SeaShark]

SeaShark you seem to be looking for a confrontation. Staying in our cabin is a fairly recent development. We have spent countless hours on Lido, seen the hairy chest contest many times, seen so many shows that they are all starting to seem the same, seen the ice carving many times, gone to the midnight buffet back when they had one, explored the ships, and tried the foods. My wife will usually spend one day of the cruise sunbathing and one night in the casino. These have no interest for me. We have no interest in karaoke, bingo or the nightclubs. We drink in moderation. In ports we take the tours and shop. We are both in our 50s and physically disabled so getting around is not as easy as it once was. In 2008 I enjoyed the nights in the piano bar but not only was it smoking then but the piano player was Laurie Anne Gardner who was so good the piano players since then have been a disappointment.

 

Sorry if you took it that way, but I don't see how encouraging you to get out of your cabin, experience new things, and enjoy your vacation could possibly be taken as confrontational. :confused:

 

You came here looking for advice because you wanted something different. I simply asked what you like and didn't like.

 

You told me you were becoming bored and that you were "spending most of the cruise in our room or on our balcony". I suggested that maybe that was the issue and that you should get out and do new things...in other words, do something different than you do when you claim to be bored.

 

Now your response is that you are out and about all the time trying new things and the staying in is a "fairly recent development". Its almost like the situation changes with each suggestion...and we can only go by what you say, we're not mindreaders.

 

 

I don't know what else to tell you...if you don't like what you're doing, try doing something different. Based on your latest, I don't have any suggestions. Whether or not your vacation is enjoyable is completely dependent on you. If you have a "we've seen and done it all" mindset, then there will be nothing new to offer you. The vacation is only going to be what you make of it. You either have to accept that you will be "bored", get out and do new things, or simply try a new type of vacation better suited to your tastes. The choice is yours and yours alone.

[antiquitys]

The PoA was one of the best cruises we've ever been on. You won't regret it if you book it...no matter the differences between cruise lines.

 

 

I am leaning towards booking it because the piano player, Laurie Anne Gardner, says she will be on it this November through January and January is when we usually cruise. So far the cruises I enjoyed most were New England/Canada from New York, Southern Caribbean from San Juan, and Mexico from LA. Oddly enough, Alaska was disappointing and I cannot say I have ever really enjoyed the Western Caribbean cruises to Mahogany Bay Roatan, Grand Cayman, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Montego Bay Jamaica. My Bermuda cruise was kind of boring even though the sea was more active on that cruise than any other. It just all depends on what you like and I liked the Eastern Caribbean islands.

[Karysa]

The entertainment and live music is better on NCL. On our last Carnival cruise they had a large screen instead of the Caribbean band like on NCL. I prefer the bands by a long shot. Food was good on both so I wouldn't really make my decision based on that.

[Cubechick]

I am leaning towards booking it because the piano player, Laurie Anne Gardner, says she will be on it this November through January and January is when we usually cruise. So far the cruises I enjoyed most were New England/Canada from New York, Southern Caribbean from San Juan, and Mexico from LA. Oddly enough, Alaska was disappointing and I cannot say I have ever really enjoyed the Western Caribbean cruises to Mahogany Bay Roatan, Grand Cayman, Belize, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Montego Bay Jamaica. My Bermuda cruise was kind of boring even though the sea was more active on that cruise than any other. It just all depends on what you like and I liked the Eastern Caribbean islands.

 

Hmm, Alaska is also in my top three (along with Hawaii and the Panama Canal). I also love Bermuda. Since I seem to love everything you don't, maybe you won't like Hawaii! :)

[opalinem]

I much prefer the food on ncl than on carnival (more of an international flair and more variety). I feel the shows are very good on both lines and the atmosphere is equally friendly but ncl is a bit more sophisticated maybe. Still laidback enough to suit my taste (I find royal caribbean a bit "snotty" for instance)

[halos]

It is not that I am dissatisfied with Carnival as much as I am somewhat bored with the same old thing. I miss the steel drum bands on Lido and find we are spending most of the cruise in our room or on our balcony. I am just wondering if a different line would make cruising interesting again. p.s. I am thinking of the Pride of America for our next cruise.

 

If there is a steel drum (or any other type of) band on the Lido, I would first suggest that you get out of your room and/or your balcony and enjoy it. Quite possibly, the boredom you mentions comes from your self-imposed isolation. Get out. Try NEW things that you haven't experienced before. Eat NEW foods that you haven't tasted before. You only live once...sample what is out there.

 

Cruising on a different line is not going to make things interesting again if you stay in your room or on your balcony....its really up to you.

 

FYI...I rank the Pride of America as one of the best cruises I've taken. However, be forewarned that it is NOT a typical cruise experience. Hawai'i IS the attraction. You have to get off of the ship and explore.

 

I agree that with a Hawaii cruise, hawaii is the attraction but I believe you won't get the real feel for what NCL is about.

As far as becoming bored with CCL, I get that. I was platinum when I decided to stop booking with them. At that point we had several NCL cruises under our belts and found there was far more to enjoy on an NCL ship than what Carnival provides.

 

When you sail NCL...if you notice the little things, you will see that NCL tries a bit harder. From the entertainment and music available (no real steel drums, but always a 3 to 5 piece band playing caribbean music on the lido)...and lido music is there a good portion of the day, even when the ship is in port and 3/4 of the passengers are in port!

Crew and especially officers are fabulous....moreso than any other line I have sailed thus far.

 

When you get back from port, NCL crew are often outside the ship with music, dancing and you will be handed cool towels, juice and water. This isn't a BIG deal, but these little things make a big difference (to us anyway). So before you even get back ON the ship, you are in a party mood. It's really nice.

 

I find the food in the mdr to be totally on par with carnival's. (CCL used to be superior...not anymore) However, NCL offers numerous optional dining venues and we happen to like the variety this offers.

 

There seem to be more parties on NCL ships. Everything always seems festive. CCL is supposed to be the FUN ships. I have more fun on NCL.

[newmexicoNita]

If there is a steel drum (or any other type of) band on the Lido, I would first suggest that you get out of your room and/or your balcony and enjoy it. Quite possibly, the boredom you mentions comes from your self-imposed isolation. Get out. Try NEW things that you haven't experienced before. Eat NEW foods that you haven't tasted before. You only live once...sample what is out there.

 

Cruising on a different line is not going to make things interesting again if you stay in your room or on your balcony....its really up to you.

 

FYI...I rank the Pride of America as one of the best cruises I've taken. However, be forewarned that it is NOT a typical cruise experience. Hawai'i IS the attraction. You have to get off of the ship and explore.

 

I pretty much agree with everything you are saying. I think what some don't understand; there is nothing like the first or maybe even the first few of anything. I remember when the biggest thrill of our lives was the week we spent every year in Vegas (well not the biggest thrill, but something we looked forward to) after so many years it got almost boring. We took a 5 year break and went back last year. Part of the old thrill returned even though we didn't gamble nearly as much.

 

We still love cruising but not in the same way we did 30 years ago. Now, it is more, simply a way of relaxing for a week or two, not the overall excitement. We also, like you suggested, try things on cruises we never used to do.

 

OP: you will find NCL a little toned down from Carnival. I don't want to say subdued or lacking energy, this isn't the case, it is just a different experience and yes, it is worth a try to do something different. You might find it rewarding or you might find, it is time to give cruising a rest for a few years.

[antiquitys]

Thank you to everyone for your insights.