Convince me....RCI over NCL

[ginger123snaps]

Okay first let me say that I'm sailing an NCL Epic Haven Suite off season so the price is the same as sailing RCI over spring break. The big difference is that RCI we have a family oceanview cabin (3 kids) and on NCL we have a Haven Suite for the same price. We sail NCL December 2013 and RCI spring break 2014.

 

I'm just worried that after staying in a Haven suite I'm going to be very disappointed with RCI. It's been a long time since we have sailed either one of these lines...we took a break and had kids...3 of them! Now we are sailing again!

 

Should I cancel our RCI vacation? We are sailing on Navigator of the Seas out of Galveston that will be newly refurbished...I think the first sailing after refurbishment is in Feb of 2014 and we will set sail March 2014.

 

Norwegian Jewel is sailing out of Houston during that time also with haven suites..though I haven't priced those for spring break yet.

[Tapi]

This is not a direct comparison, but hopefully it will calm some of your fears. We sailed on the Allure of the Seas during its inaugural season. Needless to say, the experience was beyond amazing and to this day, no other cruise compares to it.

 

A few months later, we had the opportunity to sail again, this time on the Carnival Dream thanks to low prices and some credit card points. Skeptical doesn't even being to describe how I felt about sailing on a Carnival ship half the size of the Allure after that amazing experience a few months prior.

 

Well, I'm glad to report that we had an absolutely wonderful time on the Dream as well! Although the experience was completely different, both cruises were very enjoyable in their own way. So go on both of your cruises. DON'T make comparisons, and embrace the fact that they will be different experiences.

 

Many reading this board probably wish they had your dilemma. :)

[melbur]

Navigator is a great ship and lots for the family to do. BUT if you are trying to compare the Haven experience to ANYTHING, don't! There is no comparison when it comes to suite experience.

[Aquahound]

Of course a Family Oceanview will not compare to a Haven Suite, but outside that suite, the rest is all RCI. NCL Jewel cannot compare to the Navigator. What's more important...your room or the ship?

[ginger123snaps]

Thank you everyone. THat is exactly what I keep telling myself...it will be a different experience and worth it...regardless of room type.

 

I also just confirmed that NCL Jewel doesn't start sailing from Galveston until fall 2014...so we wouldn't have that option anyways. We live in austin so I wanted to save on airfare for 5 and sail from galveston on the spring break cruise...our only options are disney (not for us...only because we like casinos), carnival magic (done that twice now), carnival triumph (did once...never again)...so RCI it is...here we come!

[papaflamingo]

I am RCI loyal. I have done one NCL (old ship) and really haven't gone back. But if you like NCL, and it appears you do, and you can do a Haven Suite, then I don't see any comparison. If I do NCL then a Haven Suite is sort of the only way I would go. It sounds wonderful and would certainly make it a great experience.

I would do that for the same money. I think you'd love RCI, but you would wonder why you gave up such an apparently luxurious suite on NCL for a very nice stateroom on Navigator. If you were talking Oasis or Allure, then maybe I'd suggest differently because of all the great amenities and the uniqueness of Oasis class. But Navigator, as beautiful as she is, isn't enough, in my opinion, to give up a major luxury suite on a cruise line you enjoy.

Just my opinion.

[cruisenuts4life]

I cant compare the rooms but I can compare the cruise lines.I just returned from my first Norweigain cruise and will not be going on again.I have been on several cruise lines and carnival was my least favorite until I cruised NCL,very disappointed.I am sticking to Princess and Royal Caribbean.But like the other poster stated if you have been on NCL and like it you should have no problem. Just my two cents.

[bowbiter]

I cant compare the rooms but I can compare the cruise lines.I just returned from my first Norweigain cruise and will not be going on again.I have been on several cruise lines and carnival was my least favorite until I cruised NCL,very disappointed.I am sticking to Princess and Royal Caribbean.But like the other poster stated if you have been on NCL and like it you should have no problem. Just my two cents.

 

I would suggest giving NCL another try on a "normal" ship. Many say the breakaway/getaway are very different. Partially because of size. I actually do not want to sail them.

 

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[George C]

I hate anytime dinning will never sail NCL again ( loved them in the 1980/90's and the Norway)

[Aquahound]

I cant compare the rooms but I can compare the cruise lines.I just returned from my first Norweigain cruise and will not be going on again.I have been on several cruise lines and carnival was my least favorite until I cruised NCL,very disappointed.I am sticking to Princess and Royal Caribbean.But like the other poster stated if you have been on NCL and like it you should have no problem. Just my two cents.

 

Agreed. I'm actually Gold on NCL and feel the same way. My latest experience was on Dawn. I could imagine it being good for a first time cruiser, but compared to RCI, everything about it was just chintzy. They need to focus a little better on maintaining their ships.

[LMaxwell]

I would suggest giving NCL another try on a "normal" ship. Many say the breakaway/getaway are very different. Partially because of size. I actually do not want to sail them.

 

 

Why, when someone doesn't like a cruiseline, do people suggest they try it again? The poster did not say "We had a rude steward" or "The weather was awful" or "We hated the ports". Those would be items you could excuse and say that maybe they didn't get the best possible experience and it's not entirely the cruise line fault, etc.

 

But if they simply didn't care for the overall product, why throw away more hard earned money to "try again" when they can go back to a product they know, trust, and like? :confused:

 

Actually, the poster didn't really say one way or the other what it was that turned them off; but still, I stand by my point.

[FLACRUISER99]

Why, when someone doesn't like a cruiseline, do people suggest they try it again? The poster did not say "We had a rude steward" or "The weather was awful" or "We hated the ports". Those would be items you could excuse and say that maybe they didn't get the best possible experience and it's not entirely the cruise line fault, etc.

 

But if they simply didn't care for the overall product, why throw away more hard earned money to "try again" when they can go back to a product they know, trust, and like? :confused:

 

Actually, the poster didn't really say one way or the other what it was that turned them off; but still, I stand by my point.

Because the cruising experience can vary greatly form ship to ship on the same line. If fact it can very on the same ship from week to week!

[LMaxwell]

Because the cruising experience can vary greatly form ship to ship on the same line. If fact it can very on the same ship from week to week!

 

You make a very good and factual point; however, is it worth the risk of thousands of dollars and irreplaceable time? Some people are adventurous or go with the flow; others get turned off and that's enough.

 

As an aside, I see by your signature you go on Legend in a few weeks and Vision next year. I will be on Vision in a few weeks and Legend next year. I am hoping to take a lot of ship photos. I am hoping that now that Legend will be in the US we will see more photos of the ship. I love seeing ship photos Trade ya some pics?:)

 

(I was actually going to photograph the 11/12 sailaway, but I will be on Vision then; last minute deal and easy drive over to the port)

[Baded]

Please don't be offended, but cruise with whatever line you want. Why do we need to convince you? Stay with NCI, then RCI won't be as crowded. LOL! Just have fun wherever you go!

[JohnSnowGOT]

This is not a direct comparison, but hopefully it will calm some of your fears. We sailed on the Allure of the Seas during its inaugural season. Needless to say, the experience was beyond amazing and to this day, no other cruise compares to it.

 

A few months later, we had the opportunity to sail again, this time on the Carnival Dream thanks to low prices and some credit card points. Skeptical doesn't even being to describe how I felt about sailing on a Carnival ship half the size of the Allure after that amazing experience a few months prior.

 

Well, I'm glad to report that we had an absolutely wonderful time on the Dream as well! Although the experience was completely different, both cruises were very enjoyable in their own way. So go on both of your cruises. DON'T make comparisons, and embrace the fact that they will be different experiences.

 

Many reading this board probably wish they had your dilemma. :)

 

 

Good advice Tapi.

Reminds me of the saying......"wherever you go...there you are"

Perception and attitude is every thing.

Although RC and Oasis class is my first choice right now....A Haven suite sounds very interesting.

[Little Buddy's Mom]

Please don't be offended, but cruise with whatever line you want. Why do we need to convince you? Stay with NCI, then RCI won't be as crowded. LOL! Just have fun wherever you go!

 

I agree. I'm surprised when someone says, "convince me". The only way to be convinced is to go on the cruise and find out for yourself. To compare an ocean view on RCCL, to a suite on NCL is like comparing apples to oranges. :)

 

Go with an open mind and you'll probably enjoy your cruise. I'm sure the kids will have a great time. It's nice to be able to have choices. :)

[fergusonvt]

I love NCL and am sure I'll love RCI. We also loved our CCL this past February. We are not difficult to please and prefer NCL's freestyle experience. It all depends on what you like. Everybody has their own opinions. You need to make up your own.

[halos]

Why, when someone doesn't like a cruiseline, do people suggest they try it again? The poster did not say "We had a rude steward" or "The weather was awful" or "We hated the ports". Those would be items you could excuse and say that maybe they didn't get the best possible experience and it's not entirely the cruise line fault, etc.

 

But if they simply didn't care for the overall product, why throw away more hard earned money to "try again" when they can go back to a product they know, trust, and like? :confused:

 

Actually, the poster didn't really say one way or the other what it was that turned them off; but still, I stand by my point.

 

What you say makes sense...but if I were to go by that rule, I'd have never booked a Royal cruise again. I have one coming up next summer and it's the first time I am attempting the line again since 2008.

If I feel the same way I did the first time, I likely won't be booking many RCI cruises afterwards...however, they could surprise me. :)

I know that no matter what it won't be awful, so there is no real loss and what I could gain is a new respect for the line and another option when I book in the future

:)

variety is good.

 

Good advice Tapi.

 

"wherever you go...there you are"

 

.

 

Agree with both statements :D

[Tapi]

Why, when someone doesn't like a cruiseline, do people suggest they try it again?

 

...if they simply didn't care for the overall product, why throw away more hard earned money to "try again"? :confused:

 

My first Carnival cruise in 1994 was the most awful cruise I've experienced in my 30+ years of cruising, yet I decided to give them a try again. Well, I've now taken 13 cruises on them and I'm glad that nobody told me not to try them again. Had I not done so, I would've missed out on many wonderful cruises.

[ginger123snaps]

Wow didn't mean to spur such debate! It's been years since we last cruised! 8 to 10 years ago we had cruised most of the major cruiselines. We took a break and had kids. We recently took our first cruise after having kids and boy were we disappointed! Years ago there didn't seem to be so much of a difference between cruiselines...we are easy going and we liked aspects on carnival, NCL, PRINCESS, RCI....they all had great service! Years ago I would not have been able to tell someone that one cruise line offered better service then another...they were just different..but all good.

 

We have only done Carnival Magic and Triumph...since coming back to cruising...but we were disappointed in so many things...it just wasn't the same! We did Magic twice..only because we have young kids and they enjoy the water slides...plus we didn't think it was worth flying the whole family to Florida (because of their ages). Now that they are older we would like to venture out again...and hence the NCL Epic this December.

 

It just sounds like the cruise industry has changed alot since we last sailed...so although I can say that I once liked NCL and RCI...just not sure if that will be the case today! That is why I'm reaching out to you guys! Sure I can form my own opinion...I will...but getting some feedback from recent cruisers is nice also. I think we will be okay either way now that I have read your comments.

[Paulette3028]

Okay first let me say that I'm sailing an NCL Epic Haven Suite off season so the price is the same as sailing RCI over spring break. The big difference is that RCI we have a family oceanview cabin (3 kids) and on NCL we have a Haven Suite for the same price. We sail NCL December 2013 and RCI spring break 2014.

 

I'm just worried that after staying in a Haven suite I'm going to be very disappointed with RCI. It's been a long time since we have sailed either one of these lines...we took a break and had kids...3 of them! Now we are sailing again!

 

Should I cancel our RCI vacation? We are sailing on Navigator of the Seas out of Galveston that will be newly refurbished...I think the first sailing after refurbishment is in Feb of 2014 and we will set sail March 2014.

 

Norwegian Jewel is sailing out of Houston during that time also with haven suites..though I haven't priced those for spring break yet.

 

I can't share experiences I have had with other cruise lines, because we are Royal Loyalists, and never cruised another line.

 

First thing to remember is you are comparing a Suite to a Cabin....that will give you a different experience no matter what cruise line you are on.

 

Also, the dining options are different. Although Royal offers 'my time dining' -- NCL has made it a focal point of differentiation for it from other cruise lines. Friends of ours have been on NCL and their "Open Seating Option" dinner and hated it.

 

So go with an open mind and have a great time on both ships. The experiences will be different. You have made certain choices due to proximity and the lack of necessity of airfare....so enjoy them both.

[wallie5446]

First cruise was in 1987, one NCL and done, but you will need to find out for yourself, or will forever second guess.

[halos]

Also, the dining options are different. Although Royal offers 'my time dining' -- NCL has made it a focal point of differentiation for it from other cruise lines. Friends of ours have been on NCL and their "Open Seating Option" dinner and hated it.

 

.

Having been a cruiser who was very fond of traditional dining, I too hated Freestyle dining the first time I cruised NCL.

It was absolutely, without a doubt the 'change' and 'newness' of it that made me feel that way. Not to mention that dining traditional (set dining time) means you need not think. You know what time to go back to your cabin and get dressed for dinner and what time to head down and what people you are sitting with and your waiter even has it easier because he gets to know you and what you want/like. Totally brainless...and while on vacation, most people don't want to have to think.

 

When I cruised NCL the 2nd time , I felll in love with the Freestyle dining. The shock of it wore off.

We met people on board that we hit it off with and had dinner with them...we got back from port late and had dinner late. We were tired of the mdr so we had numerous options/food ethnicities to choose from. We sailed with a group and all chatted during the day about where we'd like to have dinner, (You in the mood for Italian tonight??) walked to the house phone at the pool bar, dialed the extension and made a reservation.

Yes, more work (LOL, if you call walking to a phone in your bathing suit work) but SO worth it :)

 

Now, Freestyle is so wonderful to me that I wonder how I ever disliked it.

 

I am so happy I gave NCL that second shot.

 

Hoping I am happy giving RCI a second shot. :eek:

Having actually sailed both lines, my thought is that NCL is better...but it is better for us. That doesn't mean it should be better for everyone. And because my judgment is based on a Royal cruise that I took 5 years ago, that really isn't even fair. Cruise lines change ALL the time. Sometimes the experience you have on a cruise line can vary even by ship.

My thought about the whole thing is that I would find it hard (if not impossible) to take a cruise and absolutely hate it so much that I felt it was a waste of my time or money. I just prefer some more than others. So, to me it seems silly not to try all of them.

[SAS21]

I just returned from Alaskan cruise on NCL Pearl.

 

We stayed in a 2 bedroom family suite. Being escorted onto the ship to Cagney's for lunch was really nice. While the cabin was nice, not enough storage. Having a butler was pretty awesome, ordered room service for breakfast and lunch while cruising thru the Glacier.

We prefer RCL's suites overall, although the option of a butler would be nice to have.

 

The food was awful on NCL. 3 of the 7 night's, 1 hour wait in the dining room we prefered. Second dining room, service was horrid, except the one night after complaining to the Maitre'd. Just about everything on NCL menu has mushroom's. Not a mushroom person, when I would ask to eliminate the mushroom's, no can do is what I was told. Also, you have to to pay for lemonade in the main dining room, but it is free everywhere else on the ship. RCL's food is not oustanding, but better and has more variety.

 

Overall I would cruise NCL again, but only for itinerary and price in a suite. Not for the food or freestyle dining.

 

Thanks for listening!

[roe2ship]

There is no comparison here because of the cabin categories you have booked. I wouldn't cancel the Navigator cruise just expect a totally different experience because of the room type.

 

I would suggest giving NCL another try on a "normal" ship. Many say the breakaway/getaway are very different. Partially because of size. I actually do not want to sail them.

 

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I don't understand this comment....what is not "normal' about the Breakaway?? The Breakaway is NCL's new pride and joy you would think that the overall experience would be close to excellent. Many say that the newest ship in the fleet get the best crew on board. The service on my Breakaway cruise was hit or miss, service is far better on RCL. The quality of the MDR food also does not compare to RCL. I would probably give NCL another try however I now know that the specialty restaurants are a must.