NCL getaway/RCI Freedom/Carnival Breeze for Disney lover

[bfamily4]

Hi all. My family has only done 3 cruises (all on Disney). We Just returned from another fabulous cruise on the magic and really enjoy cruising and would like to try out other lines but...DH and I are a bit apprehensive b/c we don't know what to expect. About us-we have a DD5 and DS4 (will be 6 & 5 next year when we travel). We really love the entertainment on the disney ships. We enjoy broadway type shows/magicians. Not really into comedy. We don't gamble/rarely drink. We would be happy just sitting on a beach or on the lido deck. Kids like to swim so a good kiddie pool/splash area is important.We liked the activities on disney b/c we could do them as a family. KIds loved the clubs but only if they're together. Cleanliness/great customer services/friendliness is important to us. Right now they have a special on Ncl (3/4th passenger free) so we are considering booking with them. RCI and Carnival also great rates for the Eastern Caribbean cruise we are looking at for next year. For you disney lovers out there who have tried other lines, which ones would you recommend for my family? TIA

[Thecat3902]

I am booked on my first Disney cruise for this September but I have cruised quite a bit and my kids loved the carnival breeze. The water park is fabulous and the value for what you pay is great. The shows were good and the food. Service was also outstanding. I know a lot of people trash carnival but it really is a fun ship. Our kids were 2,5,6,11,14,&15 when we went on the breeze and all ages had something to do. I have looked at the getaway also and actually am booked on the escape for 2016 since this year we are doing the fantasy. That line looks good as well but Norwegian has a lot of additional charges. We only booked that for a year and a half from now since kids smile free and we got the free drink package. We love cruising and even cruises that haven't wowed us were still good hut when it comes to the kids having fun that is all that matters. Try to breeze I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[bfamily4]

I am booked on my first Disney cruise for this September but I have cruised quite a bit and my kids loved the carnival breeze. The water park is fabulous and the value for what you pay is great. The shows were good and the food. Service was also outstanding. I know a lot of people trash carnival but it really is a fun ship. Our kids were 2,5,6,11,14,&15 when we went on the breeze and all ages had something to do. I have looked at the getaway also and actually am booked on the escape for 2016 since this year we are doing the fantasy. That line looks good as well but Norwegian has a lot of additional charges. We only booked that for a year and a half from now since kids smile free and we got the free drink package. We love cruising and even cruises that haven't wowed us were still good hut when it comes to the kids having fun that is all that matters. Try to breeze I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

From the reviews I read that is one thing that's consistent with NCL-the additional charges. What charges might those be? On DCl, the only additional charges that we accrued were from Palo, occasional drinks and popcorn, extra gratuity, and excursions.

[Loonbeam]

We've done the Breakaway, same class as the Getaway.

 

I think, with the proper expectations, you would be fine on the Getaway.

 

Things to note - the kids clubs are not near the level of Disney in terms of features. The staff on our ship seemed just as engaged however.

 

The splash area was nice, we sailed in off season/cold weather so not in use much.

 

Entertainment was quite good, but the production shows are NOT necessarily family friendly (Rock of Ages on the Breakaway was WAY 18+). There were certainly less family based activities but that also may have been a function of the time of year/crowd, there were limited kids on board. I would suggest checking the NCL board for daily newsletters from recent cruises to get a feel for the activities available.]

 

 

We actually found the food to be better than Disney, but the restaurants did not have as nice an atmosphere.

 

And yes, there are many more ways to spend money, and you will pay for things included on Disney, but the overall reduction in cruise costs usually balances out.

 

With the exception of our last Cabin Attendant on the Dream (who was amazing) we found the staff on the Breakaway overall to be better and more responsive than Disney.

 

I will say I think the ship design caters a little more to pre-teens/teens than the post-toddler set, which might be a concern for a lot of sea days, but on port intensive runs I'd happily suggest that class of ship.

[darwinsrule]

Did Getaway last summer. Have it booked again for this August on that same sale special. Great ship.

 

Part of it depends upon your kids. Ours were 10 and 6. DD10 is really shy and hates the kids programs on NCL. We are on the Wonder in a few weeks and we won't be able to get her out of the clubs. The ropes course, water slides, pool area were awesome however. We would do the pools & slides after dinner when it was quiet. Entertainment was better for older kids, unless Dora and Spongebob are your thing. Avoid tge pajama ja, breakfast. Worst meal on a ship I have ever had.

[coanjo6176]

I'm mostly interested in just following this thread for the feedback, but I do have a bit to add as well:

 

My DD4 just returned from the Carnival Sunshine with her grandparents. She had fun, but didn't like the kids club at all. From the sounds of it (we weren't invited on the trip! LOL!), they had little parties planned, but not really anything planned past the event. For example, they had a Prince and Princesses Party, but the kids didn't do any activities at all. DD got pretty bored of it. Whereas, I've heard phenomenal things about the Oceaneer's Club on DCL. I guess it depends how often you plan on catching a break while they're at the club?

[Dismomx5]

Can anyone tell me what exactly are all the 'extra charges' with NCL that are mentioned ^^? Yes, I realize soda needs to be paid for, but to be honest, when DH and I sailed on HAL last summer, the soda charges really didn't add up astronomically, since there were other choices (lemonade for example). There are upcharge restaurants, but you don't have to use them (just like you don't have to go to Palo or Remy). I'm just a little confused, and I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

[Ex techie]

Kid wise:

GROUP SITTING SERVICES

 

Sometimes you just want some adult or grown-up time together. For kids 3 - 12, Port Play (when ship is in port) and Late Night Fun Zone* (nightly) are located at the Kids Centre, supervised by our youth staff and designed so that you can have some fun. And your kids, too.

PORT PLAY

 

LATE NIGHT FUN ZONE

 

 

Port Play

Want some alone time while in port? Then drop off your kids at Port Play. (Small fee during applies.)

 

Late Night Fun Zone

Planning a romantic dinner for two? Then leave your kids with us at Late Night Fun Zone, which is open every night. (For a small fee.)

 

* Hours: 10:30pm - 1:30am. If no children are signed up or dropped off by 11:30pm, the centre will close for the evening.

* Sign up: By 8pm the day before for either group sitting service.

 

A FREE APP, EXCLUSIVELY ON SELECTED NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE SHIPS*

Now Norwegians can unwind, unplug and still stay connected. Our Norwegian iConcierge app keeps you informed about everything going on, lets you make reservations for Shore Excursions and more. You can plan your playtime with just one hand - which is great because your other hand will probably be holding an umbrella drink.

You can access on-demand information and real-time services, including:

Shore Excursions Previews and Bookings

Restaurant Information with Menus and Bookings

Folio Review

General Information, such as Onboard Services, Spa Services, and Shopping Daily Activities Highlights

Cruise Rewards Information

Messenger / Phone Features with Other Guests during your cruise (Nominal One-Time Fee During Cruise - price can be requested on board)

Phone Calling with Family and Friends Back Home from the ship (Nominal Per Minute Fee During Cruise - price can be requested on board)

 

Once you are onboard, access the Norwegian iConcierge app for step-by-step instructions on how to connect onboard.

[bfamily4]

Can anyone tell me what exactly are all the 'extra charges' with NCL that are mentioned ^^? Yes, I realize soda needs to be paid for, but to be honest, when DH and I sailed on HAL last summer, the soda charges really didn't add up astronomically, since there were other choices (lemonade for example). There are upcharge restaurants, but you don't have to use them (just like you don't have to go to Palo or Remy). I'm just a little confused, and I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

 

yes, I would like to know as well. Only DH drinks soda, so that's not a problem for us. But if ice cream, regular coffee/tea, apple juice, chicken fingers/fries are extras then we are in trouble!

[Ex techie]

Sorry, but if you cannot tell those cruising how much a group child sitter is or how much a nominal fee for using a "FREE" app on the ship costs, then they are likely to fleece you once onboard IMO or cannot be bothered to actually state the nominal charge on the website, that raises questions for me.

 

ex techie

[Ex techie]

Can anyone tell me what exactly are all the 'extra charges' with NCL that are mentioned ^^? Yes, I realize soda needs to be paid for, but to be honest, when DH and I sailed on HAL last summer, the soda charges really didn't add up astronomically, since there were other choices (lemonade for example). There are upcharge restaurants, but you don't have to use them (just like you don't have to go to Palo or Remy). I'm just a little confused, and I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

 

Dismomx5,

 

You will most likely find your best answers to what costs more in your guest party situation here on the NCL part of the CC board:

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107

 

ex techie

[bfamily4]

do other cruiselines' private island work like castaway cay? Ie: free food/entertainment on the island and free use of the beach?

[Ex techie]

do other cruiselines' private island work like castaway cay? Ie: free food/entertainment on the island and free use of the beach?

 

Yes, most cruise lines include the use of the beach and some food on "their" island as part of the cruise fare.

Be aware that ONLY DCL and RCI offer a pier so the ship dock's at the island.

Castaway Cay (DCL) and Labedee (RCI).

Other lines may require you to "tender" to their island, Carnival and NCL being one of them, so you have to go from the ship into a small boat, also a life boat in many cases to get to and from "their" island. Not ideal.

 

Also, "their" island may not be as it seems.

It may be shared by other cruise lines owned by that cruise line corporation, or in the case of Labadee (owned by RCI, it's not a privately owned island, but a privately owned beach on the Island of Haiti that has a chain link fence around the area and private armed security guards to keep the local islanders out).

 

It is true that other lines have some more active things to do on their islands than DCL, like zip lining etc, but that's your choice.

 

DCL have complete control within Bahamian law and lease contract of their island and are the only line that ports there.

 

ex techie

[Thecat3902]

From what I have read on Ncl you have a lot of up charge restaurants which of course you can opt out of but they also charge for some shows. I am going on the escape in 2016 and really want to see the dear John Hughes show and it will most likely be a $39 dollar charge. I hate that we'll have to pay to see it and that is only if my kids stay in the kids camp which my younger ones like to stay more with us.

Edited February 18, 2015 by Thecat3902

[Loonbeam]

The main differences charge wise are:

 

Many dining venues have a small upcharge - not just the high end (on the Breakaway it was about 5 locations

 

As noted, some shows charge (headliners, main show, and some of comedy shows typically do not - Cirque Dreams is a paid dinner show for example).

 

After hours child care is a fee

 

Soda is a fee (you can purchase a soda card for longer cruises)

 

Video Arcade has prizes and tickets and can easily suck down cash.

 

Not a fee difference but there is a casino you pass through a lot.

 

 

There is more 'selling' - sales, people walking around etc.

[cyclenut]

In our experience, the most simliar to DCL, while still offering it's own unique cruise experience, is RCCL. As mentioned above, Labadee has it's own dock. They have a buffet available that is included. They have a dragon coaster and zip lines that DCL does not have. They also offer Cabanas at half the price, some of which are literally over the water.

 

The RCCL ships are different but very amazing in their own right. They feature a centrum lobby that spans most decks of the ship. They have a central Promenade as well that makes it much easier to get from one end of the ship to to the other, without going onto the open decks. They have Dreamworks characters and offer many activities that appeal to families as well as adults.

 

RCCL ships have broadway style shows that rival those that Disney puts on that are also family appropriate, but they also offer shows such as Chicago, which may not be suitable for the youngest children. The quality of the shows is top notch though.

 

The larger ships include an ice skating rink on board as well, where they feature an ice show that I thought was pretty amazing.

 

RCCL will push you to buy merchandise and you do need to pay extra for soda. However, if you buy their soda card, you can have unlimited refills and they have a Coke Freestyle machine on board.

 

There are also more food choices that are extra charge like a Ben and Jerry's ice cream and a 50s burger joint (name escapes me ... it's a national chain). They have burgers and ice cream available for no charge, but you pay extra for those places.

 

RCCL has differnet policies around the ship that can make the cruise feel a bit less convenient (e.g. checking in your pool towels), but in all, you will find cruising with RCCL to be a very good experience. At least that is my view of the world.

 

Only Disney has that Disney feel, although we were quite happy with the crew and the service they offered. As for avoiding the smokey casino, we did find ourselves wandering through it a couple of times, but with the promenade, you can easily avoid it.

 

I recommend going with the Freedom class or newer though. Older ships will not have the same things I described above and, while cheaper, won't feel enough like Disney and could leave you soured on RCCL.

[darwinsrule]

Can anyone tell me what exactly are all the 'extra charges' with NCL that are mentioned ^^? Yes, I realize soda needs to be paid for, but to be honest, when DH and I sailed on HAL last summer, the soda charges really didn't add up astronomically, since there were other choices (lemonade for example). There are upcharge restaurants, but you don't have to use them (just like you don't have to go to Palo or Remy). I'm just a little confused, and I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

 

You are right. You don't have to do any of the extra things if you don't want to. We have done two NCL cruises (have two more booked over the next couple of years as well). We have done the steakhouse once and the italian place twice. Last summer it was $45 for the four of us at the italian - so less than we are going to spend on Palo in a few weeks (and yes Palo is so much better). The meals in the MDR were fine - consider them like any other chain restaurant.

 

As for soda, if you are going to drink so much that it makes a difference to your bill buy a case and bring it aboard with you. We stayed at the Holiday Inn at POM last summer before Getaway. There is a CVS just down the street. We grabbed a case of Coke for my wife (NCL is a Pepsi ship) for less than $4, slapped a luggage tag on it and gave it to the porter when we got to the port. It showed up in the room later that evening (NCL does check to make sure you aren't smuggling beer by opening up one end and taping it back up).

 

We honestly spent no more than we did on the Fantasy in 2013.

[Dismomx5]

Thank you for your responses. DH is happy with chain food, so MDRs will suit us fine. We will do an upcharge for Illusionarium, and maybe one show. We got the free beverage, so that is done. ;) Pretty sure we will enjoy NCL just fine.

[aquarianne11]

Hi all. My family has only done 3 cruises (all on Disney). We Just returned from another fabulous cruise on the magic and really enjoy cruising and would like to try out other lines but...DH and I are a bit apprehensive b/c we don't know what to expect. About us-we have a DD5 and DS4 (will be 6 & 5 next year when we travel). We really love the entertainment on the disney ships. We enjoy broadway type shows/magicians. Not really into comedy. We don't gamble/rarely drink. We would be happy just sitting on a beach or on the lido deck. Kids like to swim so a good kiddie pool/splash area is important.We liked the activities on disney b/c we could do them as a family. KIds loved the clubs but only if they're together. Cleanliness/great customer services/friendliness is important to us. Right now they have a special on Ncl (3/4th passenger free) so we are considering booking with them. RCI and Carnival also great rates for the Eastern Caribbean cruise we are looking at for next year. For you disney lovers out there who have tried other lines, which ones would you recommend for my family? TIA

 

We love Disney, DCL and WDW.

 

In the last few years we have really enjoyed NCL. What we have been doing for the past 3 years is cruising on NCL and visiting WDW. That way we get 2 vacations for the price of 1 DCL cruise.

 

For Dec 2015, we will be on the Escape and then we will spend the following week (Christmas week) at WDW. We got a really good price for the Escape cruise with my daughter sailing FREE! :D

 

We never paid extra for specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, casino etc. So many things are included in the cruise fare. We just pay extra for excursions and photos (sometimes). We paid extra for those things in DCL too...

 

We are still hoping to cruise DCL again, hoping to get a good deal for 2016 :)

[cigarboo]

Please be aware that NCL is VERY strict with age groups, so OP's 5 and 6 year olds will be in different age groups; Turtles 3-5yrs, Seals 6-9yrs. Some activities may be combined, but they still have to check in to their respective group. There are time slots that are designated "freeplay," so siblings can come in together, but that's only an hour or two each day.

 

http://www.ncl.com/why-cruise-norwegian/family-cruises/youth-programs/faq

 

After 6 Disney cruises, we tried NCL and love it, but I have an 11yo and 14yo.

[HomerGuy]

We've been on a couple of NCL Cruises, so I thought I would address the comment that there are a lot of "up charges".

 

Yes you will have to pay for soda. My wife likes Diet Coke, so we brought a case of it on-board with us. I'm good with the free iced tea.

 

Yes there are a number of up charge restaurants if you choose to partake in them (steakhouse, Italian, french, teppanaki, etc). On one cruise we went to a number of the extra restaurants. The next one we ate every meal at one of the MDRs and were perfectly happy. Again your choice.

 

On some ships there is an extra charge show such as the Illusionarium. It included a dinner that in my opinion was just OK. The show itself was very cool in a small setting. Other than that the remainder of the shows are free.

 

Not trying to be an NCL cheerleader. Just trying to clear up some mis-conceptions.

 

Now that my wife and I added a little one to the family, I have been looking at DCL since it has a great reputation for kids. Holy moly are the costs so much higher than I am used to on NCL. There is certainly a premium price associated with DCL.

[bfamily4]

thank you for the different perspectives! I now have a better understanding of what's out there.

[ellasmomanddad]

I went on the breakaway in Oct and booked a dcl cruise pretty soon after I got back. I did not particularly care for the freestyle which seems to be taken over the industry. The only meal we enjoyed and told others about was the steak house we paid for. The Mdr food was on par with a hospital cafeteria in quality. After months of mullen over why I thought ncl was ridiculous with there extra fees while onboard, it wasn't what cost extra it was how much the extras cost. I think a tube on the private island was 50 paddle boards 100 maybe more.

It sounds like sour grapes but almost every night at the bar a group discussion happened Between strangers about how much you spend onboard. AND YES EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THIS OR THAT SO SAVE YOUR ENERGY. I'm sorry people say that way to much whether it's true or not

[bfamily4]

I went on the breakaway in Oct and booked a dcl cruise pretty soon after I got back. I did not particularly care for the freestyle which seems to be taken over the industry. The only meal we enjoyed and told others about was the steak house we paid for. The Mdr food was on par with a hospital cafeteria in quality. After months of mullen over why I thought ncl was ridiculous with there extra fees while onboard, it wasn't what cost extra it was how much the extras cost. I think a tube on the private island was 50 paddle boards 100 maybe more.

It sounds like sour grapes but almost every night at the bar a group discussion happened Between strangers about how much you spend onboard. AND YES EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY THIS OR THAT SO SAVE YOUR ENERGY. I'm sorry people say that way to much whether it's true or not

 

how much is the upcharge for the specialty restaurants? are kids allowed in there?

[TeeVeeTD]

Can anyone tell me what exactly are all the 'extra charges' with NCL that are mentioned ^^? Yes, I realize soda needs to be paid for, but to be honest, when DH and I sailed on HAL last summer, the soda charges really didn't add up astronomically, since there were other choices (lemonade for example). There are upcharge restaurants, but you don't have to use them (just like you don't have to go to Palo or Remy). I'm just a little confused, and I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

 

I sailed on a NCL ship out of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera. The experience that my DD then 10 was not great. She hated the kids club. Granted my child is spoiled by DCL.

 

NCL has the Freestyle dining. You don't have a scheduled time to eat. You go down to the free dining room and wait in line to get in. We waited for about 40 minutes once and sat down to discover that the dining room was not full. We finished our meal and discovered people still waiting in line. I was told that I could get reservations to eat in the free dining rooms. When I attempted to do so, I was told I could only get reservations for 5 people or more. It just wasn't very efficient. That being said, the food was pretty good.

 

You question is about fees. It was my impression that the waiting in line to eat would force us to go to the many up-charge restaurants. In looking at the menus for those restaurants, they seemed to be a basic 3 course meal. For a $35 per person up-charge he did not seem to worth the money. Particularly compared to Palos, then $15 charge. I don't drink soda, so that perk on DCL is irrelevant. I don't drink much alcohol so I cannot comment on drink prices.

 

I have talked to many people that have had good experiences on NCL. It could have been just a bad ship. The crew all seemed lackadaisical about working on the ship. That compared to the crew on DCL, where they all seem to be happy.

Edited February 23, 2015 by TeeVeeTD
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