Carnival VS Norwegian

[LindseyButlerWilson]

Has anyone cruised with Norwegian? How do you feel the two lines compare? :confused:

[cruiser12]

I have not been on Carnival in a long while ( will be on soon in October 2014) as for Norwegian I was just on this past August - both cruise lines are so different in many ways -- we were on Dawn in the Garden Villa in August - and in The Haven on the Breakaway in February -

 

 

If you are planning to book either of those cabin types --

What would you line yo know ?

Food was great and so was the entertainment -- service in the Villa and Haven is just so amazing -

[LindseyButlerWilson]

I have not been on Carnival in a long while ( will be on soon in October 2014) as for Norwegian I was just on this past August - both cruise lines are so different in many ways -- we were on Dawn in the Garden Villa in August - and in The Haven on the Breakaway in February -

 

 

If you are planning to book either of those cabin types --

What would you line yo know ?

Food was great and so was the entertainment -- service in the Villa and Haven is just so amazing -

 

We would probably do a balconey. I guess I am just curious about general impressions from cruisers like ourselves who have primarily sailed with Carnival. I am not sure how we would like it.

[Cruising Golfer]

It's a cruise... What can be wrong with that??? Doesn't matter what ship, what cruise line, as long as we are at sea!!!:cool:

[hamgela]

We have cruised both. I honestly like both lines. We were new to the 'freestyle' dining concept with NCL so that took us a bit to get used to. We found you would get stuck waiting in line for a table if you went to dinner at a busy time (or didn't reserve a table ahead of time). We wound up going to dinner around 5-5:30 when the dining room opened. We were seated immediately and were able to request a table by the window (I love to sit by the window). If we got hungry later, we went to the Blue Lagoon Cafe which served meals 24 hours a day. They were a small sit down place and we loved it. I prefer that very much over the pizza bar on Carnival.

 

NCL has hand dipped ice cream at the buffet. We loved this. Carnival only has the soft serve. Not something worth basing a cruise decision off but it was a nice touch.

 

Carnival seems to have more activities. We felt like we were a little bored at times on NCL. We wound up playing shuffle board A LOT. That's a game I hadn't learned prior to sailing NCL (I realize carnival has shuffleboards too). I've grown to love shuffleboard. :)

 

Overall the NCL ship was extremely clean. Everywhere I looked they were constantly cleaning. Wiping down rails, cleaning walls, scrubbing floors. It was a constant thing. Ironically, our room wasn't always clean. I felt our stateroom attendant wasn't as 'attentive' as the ones we've had on carnival. I believe this can be hit or miss with any cruise so I wasn't all that worried about it.

 

I felt the food on NCL was better than Carnival's. We didn't do any of the specialty restaurants. We ate in the MDR for breakfast and dinner each day. We did the lido deck. I always felt the food was great and they had these pretzel rolls at the buffet that were AMAZING! We loved those. The desserts are better on Carnival. I love my chocolate melting cake. :D

 

I felt like the lay out of carnival ships are more user friendly. I got lost a few times and found myself getting in places that were dead ends. I hadn't experienced that before on Carnival.

 

Anyhow, there's my anecdotal advice for both the lines. Ultimately, I would cruise either line again. As a matter of fact, we're planning an Alaska cruise next Summer with NCL. So far, I'm not partial to any line. I am trying to cruise on as many as I can, determine which one is my 'favorite' and build up my points from there.

 

Happy Cruising.

[swedish weave]

I have made over forty cruises on NCL ships and one cruise on Carnival, so my views may be distorted.

 

That said, I have enjoyed all my cruises and I don't try to compare cruise lines. Each ship can leave a different impression and that is not necessarily a representation of the cruise line.

 

We had a great cruise on the Carnival Splendor and if the price and itinerary were to my liking, I would not hesitate to book another Carnival cruise.

 

The NCL ships are all different, so you can't honestly compare the Getaway with the Star.

 

Service and entertainment are very good on both cruise lines and I feel you can't go wrong with either.

[mommiemudd]

NCL was our first cruise line-we loved it! Then because of schedules we tried Carnival and we loved it too! There was a break b/w our cruises and we were anxious to get back on NCL-it was great but comparable to carnival. I always thought NCL had better desserts but their menu had changed and they were only so so. There were some other little things that changed too. We haven't cruised on the NCL mega ships-just the Sun and Spirit. I'm sure the newer ones are fabulous. We tend to first pick a cruise based on ports then the cruiseline. Then I do the research and know what we might expect-the good, the bad and the ugly! And then I take it all and form my own opinion. We are brave enough to try the Sunshine even after bad reviews! Our expectations are low so hopefully we will be surprised :D

[fin]

Due to a fluke, I was placed unexpectedly on a VIP list on at least four NCL cruises, so my reaction should be basically suspect. If you ARE on a VIP NCL list, you will be treated very well indeed.

 

That said, I liked my Carnival cruise also. But major caution...It was now ten years ago that I cruised thru the Panama Canal, and from 90% of what I read here these days, my experience with Carnival will never be recreated.

[footballref]

Cruised on the NCL Getaway this past May 2014. Loved the ship, had a great time. But we are Carnival people and just booked the Glory for May 2015. Some differences:

1.) Bigger main pool area on Carnival; NCL tended to feel cramped.

2.) No rear pool on Getaway like on Carnival.

3.) NCL--newer, beautiful ship. Nice Cabins, cramped hallways.

4.) Main restaurants were smaller on NCL, but had many dining options (for a fee).

5.) Smaller, tighter casino area on NCL--made the smoke unpleasant (from the smokers).

6.) Carnival has a bigger on board shopping area.

7.) Food was great on both; however, lobster on NCL only served on the buffet one night--and they closed the one side of the buffet early making for longer lines on the only remaining open line--and this was at 7:00pm!!

8.) Running track on NCL was on the same deck as pool loungers; people slipping on wet track (from pool) and running into people.

hope this helps!

[ManyMore]

I have cruised 6 different lines and NCL is at the bottom of my list but to each their own.

[cruiser12]

Here are just a few I think the differences are : no set dinner seating - 5:30 - 10:00 two main dinning rooms - many specialty resturants -- Italian, French , Asian/ Chinese - Tappeneki - reservation and a charge -- Cagneys Steakhouse - on Ncl newer ships hot dog cart - Carlos Bakery - ( -The Cake Boss )

 

Cabins are larger on ( Ncl)

 

 

First cruise 1991 inside cabin -- worked our way up to the villa - Haven -- now I will be on #37 - in an inside on Carnival hoping for a upgrade --

 

I am very excited to be going on Carnival can not wait ! I needed a change !

[dallas52]

only took one NCL, rooms smaller on NCL, oceanviews were 155 sq ft to 220 for Carnival, inside were 185 on Carnival and 155 on NCL, food was better on Carnival but entertainment was better on NCL. NCL has more pay for meals than Carnival and this food was good but you have to pay for it. both are good, would take another NCL if price is right.

[Warm Breezes]

Has anyone cruised with Norwegian? How do you feel the two lines compare? :confused:

 

We have sailed NCL 3x and CCL 6x and have enjoyed them both. The basics are the same and IMHO:

 

Balcony Rooms bigger and better on CCL.

MDR food similar.

Buffet food better on NCL.

Deserts better on CCL.

Service similar.

Shows better on NCL (especially newer, bigger ships).

NCL offers more specialty restaurants and the same or more included restaurants.

NCL is casual every night with 1 MDR and 1 specialty restaurant with a more formal dress code.

Bingo is cheaper on CCL and other activities are similar.

 

I give NCL a slight edge, DH would give CCL a slight edge. Both of us have enjoyed all of our cruises on both lines.

[Sauer-kraut]

Personally I'd book Norwegian over Carnival, BUT it also depends on itinerary and price. I like Norwegian's varied dining rooms, many are INCLUDED in the price besides the MDR and Buffet. I personally prefer opening dining (Freestyle) to Carnival's attempt (My Time Dining) or assigned dining times.

 

I like the vibe on Norwegian, but its a personal take.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

We would probably do a balconey. I guess I am just curious about general impressions from cruisers like ourselves who have primarily sailed with Carnival. I am not sure how we would like it.

 

I am platinum with CCL but have found lately that I like NCL much more. More venues to eat dinner. They have a minimal surcharge.

 

The free main dining rooms are just fine and the 24/7 Blue Lagoon or O Sheehans are the best. Love those chicken wings.

 

What really puts it over the top for me is the entertainment. So much better than CCL.

 

Since are drinkers or gamblers we place an emphass on the entertainment.

 

Bill

[Cruzaholic41]

Has anyone cruised with Norwegian? How do you feel the two lines compare? :confused:

 

I have cruised every major cruise line out there and frankly, I think NCL is the worst cruise line afloat. I do like their new ships, but everything older than Epic is crap. The worst service I've ever seen on a cruise has been on my NCL sailings, and it has been pretty consistent.

 

I used to love NCL - pre Freestyle. But now, this "do whatever you want" concept has made their ships feel like floating cafeterias. Without hesitation, I can tell you the worst cruises I have ever been on were the Norwegian Spirit and the Norwegian Dawn.

[travelerblue]

Wow! Two of the best cruises we have ever had have been on the NCL Spirit and Dawn. Our favorites are the Jewel class (Jewel, Pearl & Gem) but the family suites on deck 12 of the Star and Dawn are awesome! We have no interest in trying the Epic and the Breakaway was not our cup of tea. We prefer "freestyle" and having to book shows before we board the ship is not our version of freestyle. We are about to cruise on our first Carnival cruise and my DH is very apprehensive but we are going with friends and they picked this one. I am of the belief that it's a cruise...it has to be awesome!

[tkportersat]

I really enjoyed my NCL cruise on the Spirit and now that they are leaving out of Houston again I might try them again sooner than later. I really think RC, Carnival and NCL are more similar than different.

 

There are little things here and there that you will notice, but none were major for me. Personally I didn't enjoy the anytime dining on NCL, I like having the same waiters that get to know you throughout the week. Plus it seemed to take forever, when you have the same waiters every night they sometimes will already have your tea on the table or things they know you like. We had a 10 month old when we went in 2011 and there were times we left before dessert because it took so long...and I love dessert. Other than that we really enjoyed our cruise. Great food, great service and fun entertainment.

[isaiahsnana]

We would probably do a balconey. I guess I am just curious about general impressions from cruisers like ourselves who have primarily sailed with Carnival. I am not sure how we would like it.

 

My first cruise was with NCL and I loved it, the scenery in Alaska was great, weather was wonderful, food was phenomenal. Forward 12 years to being able to go on another cruise, this time on Carnival Magic - outstanding cruise, great ship, wonderful food, delightful staff. So wonderful in fact that I talked two friends into a repeat a few months later. So then I decided to take my daughter (who had been on the NCL before with me) and my three grandsons on the NCL Pearl to Alaska again. Hated the lack of open space that was not designated as a walkway or a for profit restaurant, staff seemed aloof, no fore available space to be out doors watching the scenery roll by, seemed very closed in everywhere, food was average to below average, service was so slow in the dining rooms that we ate most meals at the buffet which was many steps below Furr's Cafeteria. The only available other free dining spot for pub food was OK but very slow. Can't wait to return to Carnival in April. It will be a long wait for me to choose to go on NCL again.

[chuckvwinner]

What really puts it over the top for me is the entertainment. So much better than CCL.

 

 

I have only cruised NCL once and CCL twice, but I have to agree that the entertainment is much better on NCL. I think their final show is called elements, and it was great.

 

Also it seems like all of the staff on NCL are trying their absolute most to give you the best vacation possible. Chef Bolt on the Norwegian Star was awesome. My two daughters ran into him as soon as we got on board where he was greeting everyone. They asked him for strawberry soup for dinner (which was not on the menu.) He wrote their request down and asked us which dinning room we would be eating at. I asked the maître d' when we arrived at dinner and they had it ready for them.

 

Since I live in Texas, my major gripe with Norwegian is their lack of cruises from Galveston. CCL has two ships dedicated to Galveston all year. So they are super easy for me, and CCL offers great bang for your buck!

 

All that being said, the only person that can tell you which one is better is you. We all have our own individual preferences. So try all of the cruise lines and find out for yourself!

[fmrlkr]

17 cruises on Carnival, 4 on NCL, one booked on each for next year. We enjoy Carnival more. Generally the food has been better on Carnival especially room service. Le Bistro on NCL is well worth the extra charge and is better than any other restaurant on either line (in our opinion). Worst food ever was on a NCL TA cruise and you are kinda stuck. Carnival staff seems better trained and friendlier and yet the best cabin steward we ever had was on NCL. We don't go to the shows so I cannot comment. The rooms on Carnival are more comfortable but storage on NCL is better thought out. Six of one half dozen of the other. We choose based on itinerary.

[PCHENG]

I have cruised on both NCL and CCL. I stayed in premium balcony and ocean suite on CCL, and had a family suite last time I was on the NCL Dawn. Here are my two cents.

 

NCL suite beats CCL by a mile, there is just no comparison, from the room to the extra perks you get.

 

For balcony or lower category cabins, CCL is the better option. NCL cabins are noticeably smaller, as evidenced by the single sofa and minimal countertop space. That being said, NCL's split bathroom configuration is more user friendly.

 

Entertainment wise, NCL has better production shows than CCL. Pool games are identical on both lines.

 

Food wise, I find CCL dishes to have better flavor and variety. Food is obviously subjective, but there are days on NCL where I can't find anything interesting from the MDR dinner menu. I can't comment on breakfast and lunch because as a suite passenger, we do breakfast and lunch at Cagneys. It would not be fair to compare CCL's regular breakfast and lunch menu to the special menu for suite guests.

 

Both lines had friendly service, but NCL has nice little touches you won't find on CCL such as shaded seating areas near the gangway, cold towels and ice drinks for guests returning to ship after a day in port. Don't believe I had that on any of my CCL cruises.

 

In the end, I enjoyed my time with both lines. If I am on a budget, I will go CCL because it offers better bang for the buck. If I want to indulge myself, I will get a suite with NCL.

Edited September 18, 2014 by PCHENG

[topguy]

I have sailed both numerous times. I sail mainly Carnival, because I go with other friends who always sail Carnival. Personally, I like NCL better. On my last NCL Sun cruise, the staff (including the officiers) walked around passing out cupcakes to everyone on the Lido deck. Another day, they did it with ice cream. Little touches like that mean a lot. I like also that NCL has a lot of restaurant choices. Some of them do require a small stipend, but it is well worth it. The shows are much better also.

[beshears]

People who like NCL, will not be happy with what I have to say.

 

Years ago, we cruised on the NCL Star, which was a brand new ship then. I won't go into all the details, and hopefully things are better now than back then. They had very little to do on the ship, compared to Carnival, and to me, I called it the LAZY ship. I know a lot of people cruise to rest and relax, which is fine, but I want to have "activities" to choose from, if I choose to attend them. We never heard so many people "complaining" about the ship at the Pursers desk, and also on our flight back home. We decided then, we would never cruise NCL again.

 

As for Carnival, we are NOT party people, but we really like Carnival, and I'm sure if you want to party, you would find a way to do this. One of the things I really like about Carnival are their beds/bedding. Awesome. :)

 

We went on RCCL this year, and it was a good cruise, but I will say I think they are MORE expensive. :(

[topguy]

People who like NCL, will not be happy with what I have to say.

 

Years ago, we cruised on the NCL Star, which was a brand new ship then. I won't go into all the details, and hopefully things are better now than back then. They had very little to do on the ship, compared to Carnival, and to me, I called it the LAZY ship. I know a lot of people cruise to rest and relax, which is fine, but I want to have "activities" to choose from, if I choose to attend them. We never heard so many people "complaining" about the ship at the Pursers desk, and also on our flight back home. We decided then, we would never cruise NCL again.

 

As for Carnival, we are NOT party people, but we really like Carnival, and I'm sure if you want to party, you would find a way to do this. One of the things I really like about Carnival are their beds/bedding. Awesome. :)

 

We went on RCCL this year, and it was a good cruise, but I will say I think they are MORE expensive. :(

One thing that I have learned the hard way is to never use just one experience to flavor my judgment. I'm sure that every ship of every cruise line has had some issue, but I don't think that I would never cruise that line again just because of that one time with that one ship years ago.

Edited September 18, 2014 by topguy