What Are The Biggest Differences We Will See

[lovetocruise75]

We are fairly seasoned cruisers but have always sailed with RCCL. We have another Royal cruise booked for next year but I snagged a great deal last minute aboard the Getaway. We leave in 2 weeks.

 

What are some of the differences we will notice? Any tips for a family used to the Royal Caribbean product now trying NCL?

 

Thanks!!

[thatjoeguy]

We are fairly seasoned cruisers but have always sailed with RCCL. We have another Royal cruise booked for next year but I snagged a great deal last minute aboard the Getaway. We leave in 2 weeks.

 

What are some of the differences we will notice? Any tips for a family used to the Royal Caribbean product now trying NCL?

 

Thanks!!

 

Freestyle dining - you pick when and where you want to eat.

 

Shows on the new NCL ships are comparable to the Royal shows.

[LrgPizza]

There is no need to ever dress up if you choose not to. Shorts are welcome everywhere at dinner except Tropicana Room and Le Bistro. In those, nice jeans or khakis are welcome.

[lovetocruise75]

There is no need to ever dress up if you choose not to. Shorts are welcome everywhere at dinner except Tropicana Room and Le Bistro. In those, nice jeans or khakis are welcome.

 

Excellent! Thank you

[ourfamilylovescruising]

the funny thing with us we were always hesitate to try NCL because we love traditional dining.

 

but we loved it!!

 

I only used have of the clothes I pack because we didn't need to change every night for dinner :D

 

go with an open mind that it will be different there is no prefect cruise line they all have good and bad but I have never been on a bad cruise some may be better then others ;)

[Tagsalong]

We two too are RCI loyalists who have fallen in love (well actually, really like) the NCL Getaway. We sailed her in March and have recently taken advantage of the current promotion to book her again for September. I mean, for $469 per person and the free UBP, who wouldn't book her if you have the time and a little change in the piggy bank.

 

We have over 100 cruises on Royal ships so our loyalty amenities/benefits are pretty substantial. In March we did just our second cruise on NCL and our first on the Getaway. We were blown away by great service, shows and food on the Getaway. Like RCI the officers are ever present and we had a nice conversation with the Hotel Director and the asst. Guest Services Manager. A bottle of wine was sent to our room in appreciation for our comments.

 

We ate every dinner in the Tropicana Restaurant and never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be seated, and we went at different times ranging from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you get a waiter on the first night that you particularly like, I suppose you could ask the hostess at the podium to sit at her/his table each time you arrive on subsequent nights. They seem eager to please on this ship.

 

In March we did miss all the free evening cocktails and wine that we get on Royal, but this coming September we will be drinking free (and freely) from the time we wake till - well let's just say all day and all night. We did have to pay the 18% gratuity, but we always tipped our bartenders/bar servers on Royal when we got our free drinks so it's close to a wash on this extra charge.

 

The outdoor promenade on deck 8 is a lot more comfy than Royal's. Used it as much as possible to watch the world/waves go by while reading a book or just contemplating life.

 

Don't miss the Grammy Experience, even though the chairs are very uncomfortable. As previously mentioned, the other comedy and production shows are comparable to Royal's, depending on ship.

 

The only negative is the pool area, which we did not use - very small and too crowded on sea days. Spice H2O is nice, but adults only and very little shade.

 

Watch for the daily specials in O'Sheehan's for lunch, dinner or late night snack. Some really good prime rib and BBQ. We did not do any of the extra charge restaurants so can't speak of them.

 

The slot machines will take your money just as fast as on Royal Caribbean, but they do have the newest fun machines so you will be better able to rationalize your losses.

 

The slides and ropes course are self explanatory.

 

If you booked a balcony cabin, be ready for the initial shock when you see the size of the balcony - really small. We do insides so don't care.

 

Lots of activities in the Atrium, all day on sea days and throughout the evenings.

 

We won't be trying to cruise our way up the loyalty ladder on NCL because their program sucks compared to Royal, but we certainly did enjoy ourselves on the Getaway, enough so to rebook it.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited July 11, 2015 by Tagsalong

[newmexicoNita]

We two too are RCI loyalists who have fallen in love (well actually, really like) the NCL Getaway. We sailed her in March and have recently taken advantage of the current promotion to book her again for September. I mean, for $469 per person and the free UBP, who wouldn't book her if you have the time and a little change in the piggy bank.

 

We have over 100 cruises on Royal ships so our loyalty amenities/benefits are pretty substantial. In March we did just our second cruise on NCL and our first on the Getaway. We were blown away by great service, shows and food on the Getaway. Like RCI the officers are ever present and we had a nice conversation with the Hotel Director and the asst. Guest Services Manager. A bottle of wine was sent to our room in appreciation for our comments.

 

We ate every dinner in the Tropicana Restaurant and never had to wait more than 5 minutes to be seated, and we went at different times ranging from 6 pm to 8 pm. If you get a waiter on the first night that you particularly like, I suppose you could ask the hostess at the podium to sit at her/his table each time you arrive on subsequent nights. They seem eager to please on this ship.

 

In March we did miss all the free evening cocktails and wine that we get on Royal, but this coming September we will be drinking free (and freely) from the time we wake till - well let's just say all day and all night. We did have to pay the 18% gratuity, but we always tipped our bartenders/bar servers on Royal when we got our free drinks so it's close to a wash on this extra charge.

 

The outdoor promenade on deck 8 is a lot more comfy than Royal's. Used it as much as possible to watch the world/waves go by while reading a book or just contemplating life.

 

Don't miss the Grammy Experience, even though the chairs are very uncomfortable. As previously mentioned, the other comedy and production shows are comparable to Royal's, depending on ship.

 

The only negative is the pool area, which we did not use - very small and too crowded on sea days. Spice H2O is nice, but adults only and very little shade.

 

Watch for the daily specials in O'Sheehan's for lunch, dinner or late night snack. Some really good prime rib and BBQ. We did not do any of the extra charge restaurants so can't speak of them.

 

The slot machines will take your money just as fast as on Royal Caribbean, but they do have the newest fun machines so you will be better able to rationalize your losses.

 

The slides and ropes course are self explanatory.

 

If you booked a balcony cabin, be ready for the initial shock when you see the size of the balcony - really small. We do insides so don't care.

 

Lots of activities in the Atrium, all day on sea days and throughout the evenings.

 

We won't be trying to cruise our way up the loyalty ladder on NCL because their program sucks compared to Royal, but we certainly did enjoy ourselves on the Getaway, enough so to rebook it.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Gee, we find the loyality program on NCL just as good or better than some other lines. What is it you find so much better on RCI? Even when it comes to the latitude party, NCL is far better what we have experienced on RCI. I can't imagine what one would get with 100 cruises. Of course the perks at that level would be overwhelming.

Edited July 11, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[newmexicoNita]

We are fairly seasoned cruisers but have always sailed with RCCL. We have another Royal cruise booked for next year but I snagged a great deal last minute aboard the Getaway. We leave in 2 weeks.

 

What are some of the differences we will notice? Any tips for a family used to the Royal Caribbean product now trying NCL?

 

Thanks!!

 

Depending what RCI ships you have cruised, I am guessing you are going to see very few differences except the freestyle dining. Most mass marketed lines are more alike than different, but each line has its own personality just like hotels and resorts. We now days do stick with NCL almost explusively because of the loyalty program. When you get used to the perks,regardless of the line, it is hard to give it up.

[CruisinHarvey]

I must admit, I have never cruised Royal. But, from what I've read there are a couple of differences you should note: BTW if I'm wrong on any of these, please let me know - experienced Royal cruisers.

 

 

freestyle - no dressing up. There are two nights( see your dailies) when they have "Dress up or not", for photo's and such( only if you like).

 

dining options - NCL has the most options of any cruise line. period. That being said a fair percentage have a cost. Most all of which are worth it.

 

Lastly, and this is one where I may be wrong. NCL's newer ships have really great water slides. From what I've read, Royal doesn't have them. If water slides are your thing, NCL is the best.

Edited July 11, 2015 by CruisinHarvey
I can't speel, LOL

[coffeebean]

We are Diamond on RCCL with cruise away from Diamond Plus and are at the highest level (can't remember the name of the level) on NCL. I don't have the lists in front of me right now but I do think RCCL has better benefits than NCL. We concentrated on getting to Diamond Plus on RCCL simply because the benefits are better than what are offered on the highest level on NCL.

 

One of the best benefits on RCCL is the evening cocktails that are offered between 5PM and 8PM. We can go to any bar on board, including the theater, and have up to three free cocktails. We certainly do take advantage of that benefit.

Edited July 11, 2015 by coffeebean

[Tagsalong]

Gee, we find the loyality program on NCL just as good or better than some other lines. What is it you find so much better on RCI? Even when it comes to the latitude party, NCL is far better what we have experienced on RCI. I can't imagine what one would get with 100 cruises. Of course the perks at that level would be overwhelming.

 

Let's just consider a 7 night cruise to keep it simple. We get three bottles of wine - any combination of our choice of several red and whites, delivered to our room on the first, third and fifth day of the cruise.

 

We get $250 discount on any balcony cabin.

 

We get free unlimited internet.

 

We get free cocktails every night from 5 pm to 8:30pm. On Oasis, Allure and Harmony we get a specialty restaurant with made to order breakfast, lunch and dinner with beer and wine available from 11:00 am on.

 

All other ships, we get specialty restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

We get a Concierge Lounge 24/7 with expresso/cappuccino machine, comfy couches/chairs, snacks and concierge to fawn over us.

 

We get to eat at the Captains Table once each cruise, though only occasionally with the Captain, more often the HD.

 

We get a special top tier party with entertainment and cocktails. Sometimes at 11am in the morning, sometimes in the evening - ships vary.

 

We get special bath room amenities, robes and slippers, ie suite amenities even when in an inside cabin.

 

Priority boarding;

escorted first-off disembarkation;

reserved seats in theater and pool;

free picture/photo;

lots of (almost worthless) coupons loaded on our seapass card;

invitation to a Bridge Tour, Behind the Scenes Tour and Galley Tour;

an acrylic crystal block with a picture of the ship (every 10th cruise);

a meal (usually lunch) with an officer;

single supplement of 150% instead of 200%;

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points;

first opportunity for upgrades (no charge) if available;

a special reservation agent;

and a Private departure lounge with continental breakfast.

 

That's about it. Many of these benefits, but not all, are available to Diamond Plus, also. D+ takes about 24 cruises, though double points for suites and solos can get you there faster.

 

What does NCL's top level entail?

Edited July 11, 2015 by Tagsalong

[newmexicoNita]

We are Diamond on RCCL with cruise away from Diamond Plus and are at the highest level (can't remember the name of the level) on NCL. I don't have the lists in front of me right now but I do think RCCL has better benefits than NCL. We concentrated on getting to Diamond Plus on RCCL simply because the benefits are better than what are offered on the highest level on NCL.

 

One of the best benefits on RCCL is the evening cocktails that are offered between 5PM and 8PM. We can go to any bar on board, including the theater, and have up to three free cocktails. We certainly do take advantage of that benefit.

 

T would be a big plus (the cocktail thing) for those who are toward the top of the loyalty program and no, NCL doesn't have that feature. When I hear cruisers compare the perks on one versus another I think there might be a difference based on how many levels the line has. NCL really only has 3 levels: (if you don't count bronze) they have silver, gold and Platinum. My understanding is some lines have a higher level. If that is the case, no wonder some think RCI has a better program. We have heard NCL is going to add another tier.

[newmexicoNita]

Let's just stay with a 7 night cruise. We get three bottles of wine - any combination of our choice of several red and whites, delivered to our room on the first, third and fifth day of the cruise.

 

We get $250 discount on any balcony cabin.

 

We get free unlimited internet.

 

We get free cocktails every night from 5 pm to 8:30pm. On Oasis, Allure and Harmony we get a specialty restaurant with made to order breakfast, lunch and dinner with beer and wine available from 11:00 am on.

 

All other ships, we get specialty restaurant for breakfast and lunch.

 

We get a Concierge Lounge 24/7 with expresso/cappuccino machine, comfy couches/chairs, snacks and concierge to fawn over us.

 

We get to eat at the Captains Table once each cruise, though only occasionally with the Captain.

 

We get a special top tier party with entertainment and cocktails. Sometimes at 11am in the morning, sometimes in the evening - ships vary.

 

We get special bath room amenities, robes and slippers, ie suite amenities even when in an inside cabin.

 

Priority boarding;

escorted first-off disembarkation;

reserved seats in theater and pool;

free picture/photo;

lots of (almost worthless) coupons loaded on our seapass card;

invitation to a Bridge Tour, Behind the Scenes Tour and Galley Tour;

an acrylic crystal block with a picture of the ship (every 10th cruise);

a meal (usually lunch) with an officer;

single supplement of 150% instead of 200%;

Hertz Gold Plus Rewards points;

first opportunity for upgrades (no charge) if available;

a special reservation agent;

and a Private departure lounge with continental breakfast.

 

That's about it.

 

What does NCL's top level entail?

 

As I just mentioned: it appears RCI has one level higher than NCL. When we used to cruise RCI they didn't have diamond plus.

NCL has: a bottle of wine in the cabin

dinner in specialty dining room with a bottle of wine.

discount on internet, but no, not free

laundry service free once during a cruise

and of course many of the features all lines offer:

 

special departure both in ports and at the end of the cruise, as well as priority boarding;

special cocktail reception for platinum members only as well as the reg coctail party for all latitude members.

yes, discounts on cruises, depending on the cruise.

 

As I said, and I don't think you need to be quite so defensive, you are talking about a level higher than NCLs highest level. I am talking about the level equivalent to NCLs. As i said earlier, I would assume anyone with 100 cruises would be entitled to a heck of a lot of perks. I really didn't mean to ruffle your feathers so much. I was basing my opinion on what was available when we used to cruise RCi.

Edited July 11, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[numberguy]

If you get a waiter on the first night that you particularly like, I suppose you could ask the hostess at the podium to sit at her/his table each time you arrive on subsequent nights. They seem eager to please on this ship.

 

NOTE: A particular waiter might serve in different restaurants on different nights. Therefore, if you REALLY want to follow a waiter, I'd suggest asking her/him before the end of your meal where they'll be serving the next night, so you can plan accordingly.

 

--Michael

[Tagsalong]

As I said, and I don't think you need to be quite so defensive, I really didn't mean to ruffle your feathers so much. I was basing my opinion on what was available when we used to cruise RCi.

 

How rude, you did not ruffle any feathers until now. You asked me a question and I gave you an answer. Seems to me that you don't need to be quite so defensive.

 

 

To stay with the facts and just the facts, I forgot the free laundry and dry cleaning.

[Tagsalong]

NOTE: A particular waiter might serve in different restaurants on different nights. Therefore, if you REALLY want to follow a waiter, I'd suggest asking her/him before the end of your meal where they'll be serving the next night, so you can plan accordingly.

 

--Michael

 

Didn't know this. Of course we had seven great waiters/wait-staff in the Tropicana on each night we were there.

[LrgPizza]

freestyle - no dressing up. There are two nights( see your dailies) when they have "Dress up or not", for photo's and such( only if you like).

 

The Getaway does not have any Dress Up or Not nights, although I've heard some smaller or older ships do. There will be one evening called Norwegians Night Out when a handful of people might choose to dress formally. We saw an equal number of people dressed up on any given night, and the number was very small.

[OCruisers]

NCL is equal to ... neither better nor worse than RCCL.

Freestyle dining is actually the only difference you'll notice.

[GoAndHaveFun]

The Getaway does not have any Dress Up or Not nights, although I've heard some smaller or older ships do. There will be one evening called Norwegians Night Out when a handful of people might choose to dress formally. We saw an equal number of people dressed up on any given night, and the number was very small.

 

I have noticed how although NCL advertises Norwegian's Night Out as a way to dress up and take pictures, some will dress up while some still dress casual. I think with Breakaway and Getaway, people are more likely to dress up cuz these ships have the Open to Deck below area with nice looking stairs and they make for a great spot for pictures.