Princess cruiser thinking of trying NCL

[aquilegia]

We are regular Princess cruisers. Because we live in the UK and I don't like long haul flights, we generally take land vacations in the winter (to the Canaries or similar) because Princess and some other cruise lines have repositioned to the Caribbean. But I'm feeling like a cruise and I've seen a couple of itineraries on NCL.

 

The problem is, would we like it? The decor of the outside of their ships (hardly restrained!) makes me wonder if the ambience on board would be entirely different from Princess. If it helps, we don't care for production shows or loud music, but like movies, talks and piano bars. We always have Anytime Dining on Princess but use the buffet some evenings. We would book a balcony. Can any Princess cruisers who've sailed with NCL give their opinion, please?

[cruzsnooze]

I cruise both lines and find them more alike then different. The decor on NCL is rather gaudy but that doesn't stop me from enjoying my cruise. There freestyle dining works better then Princess because they have to fixed seating so all restaurants are "anytime". I think you would find either line satisfactory. NCL has much better suite amenities so that influences me toward NCL when I book a suite.

[grouchomarx]

I have sailed both lines. Princess was my first cruise experience and I fell in love immediately. I've sailed 5 times with them, on the Crown, Ruby, Island, Caribbean, and most recently, the Regal. I've sailed 3 times with NCL, twice on the Sky and most recently on the Breakaway. While the two lines are different in their overall style and clientele, they are both an excellent experience. Princess has a bit more formal, traditional feel to it with an overall air of elegance in both decor and service. Passengers are a more homogenous crowd, as I'm sure you know. NCL draws a much more diverse crowd both in age and ethnicity and personal style. Service is excellent on NCL, everywhere you go, same as Princess. I think NCL has the edge in terms of dining options, there will be many more to choose from (depending on what ship you choose, it will vary). Whereas Princess really only has 2-3 alternative venues. You won't really find that Princess piano bar atmosphere on NCL, like you would at Crooners, it's just not there. Not sure if they have a MUTS experience on NCL but I don't think so. Talks, I would not know about. You don't have to dress up on NCL which appeals to some. I think you should give it a try, I loved all my NCL cruises just as much as Princess and I would say they were a bit more lively with more going on at night. Decor will vary a lot by ship with NCL, overall I think Princess has the edge in that's it's more refined looking overall, whereas NCL is more colorful and energetic. Good luck and happy sailing.

[genealogygail]

We have done both companies and are happy with both, a little thing for us it is major, we like to have a couch in our room to sit and relax after shower before dinner or whenever and on Princess you have to get a mini suite or better on NCL, a balcony room a couch is included in the room. The buffets are equal, actually like NCL better. No complaints otherwise, love the casualness, not having to take dress up

[Sea Hag]

We've sailed on both, and I'd definitely go on NCL again. I've heard people here say that the food isn't good on NCL, but I'd disagree with that on an overall basis. I've had some of the best food on NCL that I've had on any cruise line. I've had some of the best dining room and cabin service on NCL. I've also had some of the worst dining room service, but on that cruise they were very cheerfully incompetent, and that went a long way with me since I like to see happy employees.

 

Seems to me that I remember movies in the afternoon in the theater on NCL, but that may have been another company.

[cynbar]

We usually sail Princess or Celebrity but have enjoyed our NCL cruises and wouldn't hesitate to take another. We love the lively atmosphere, good entertainment, and large choice of specialty restaurants where we just budget the cost ahead of time. I don't find the decor garish or tacky, like we found on our one Carnival cruise, but it is brighter than Princess. The biggest difference I think is the dress code ---- NCL essentially doesn't have one, you'll see some people who "clean up" for the evenings and some who wear the shorts they have had on all day ( a couple of the restaurants are no shorts but most allow them.) No formal nights, although they do have a dress up or not night (not many have dressed up on the NCL cruises we have been on, but that may vary.) Anyway, I would go ahead and give it a try, unless you're the type of cruiser who really enjoys the ambiance when a dress code is followed by most everyone.

[Skai]

Most of our cruises have been tropical itineraries, and having sailed 5 times w/ Princess and only 1 time with NCL, I can only give you my opinion on those experiences.

 

A few differences that stood out the most....

 

Princess is a little more reserved than casual NCL. The Lido deck/main pool area on Princess is often quieter and more relaxed during the day, while on NCL it is a louder, raucous party atmosphere. NCL dress in the dining venues is also more relaxed -- (ie.) Shorts are accepted and there are no formal nights.

 

The (complimentary)food on NCL is not up to par wih that on Princess. In fact, some of it is downright unappetizing -- And that is coming from a person who is not picky at all and likes to eat just about anything. One may find the desire to skip the complimentary venues on NCL, and go to the speciality restaurants almost every evening to get a decent meal(as we did). The speciality restaurants on NCL can be hit-or-miss. We enjoyed some, and thought others weren't really worth the upcharge. We liked the Italian restaurant(2x), but found the Asian(fusion?) Bamboo restaurant to be the most bland Chinese food we've ever experienced. Teppanyaki and the Brazilian steakhouse were decent, but nothing to write home about.

 

What NCL does have going for them (over Princess) is the entertainment. While many of the theater shows on Princess are often era-themed production song and dance shows etc., NCL mixes up a wide variety of entertaining Cirque-du-Soleil, improv comedy, magic, and acrobatics along with the usual song and dance productions. We found ourselves attending many of the theater shows on NCL, whereas on Princess, we've usually opted for the Explorer's Lounge or MUTS for our evening entertainment choices.

 

Overall, we decided that we prefer Princess (after our only crusie with)NCL, however we would sail again with NCL for an itinerary that appealed to us. We are looking at booking an East Med. sailing (w/ Venice on the itin.) and the Princess' itineraries seem to be limited and/or lacking here. So we're likely looking to sail with another line. NCL, HAL and Celebrity are on the short list.

[ellie1145]

In my opinion it's chalk and cheese. But of course that is just my opinion. Others beg to differ.

 

We have travelled extensively on Princess and find the food on Princess, especially on the new ships such as Royal to be considerably better and more elegantly presented than on NCL. The buffet on Royal was superb, whilst on Escape it was very limited and always cold, as was the food in each of the 3 main dining rooms.

 

Freestyle dining was a complete joke on Escape. On the first two nights the queues were horrendous. People were being turned away and there was a lot of disatisfaction. On our final night we did get a table easily at 6.45 but trying to fight our way out of the dining room at 8.45 was bedlam. We had to be escorted by one of the supervisors who literally pushed her way through the angry crowd. The entrance was packed and queues extended as far as the elevators. People were so angry at the huge lines that they were close to losing their tempers. This sort of behaviour is something we have never experienced on Princess, and we've never had a problem with anytime dining.

 

Whilst we found Norwegian Escape modern and beautiful, the interior of ships such as Norwegian Jade is definitely gaudy. Princess offers a more elegant and understated decor.

 

As far as service is concerned Princess is superior in every way, from the service in the dining rooms to the constant and very efficient clearing of the buffet areas not to mention the number of staff ready and willing to assist you.

 

I have to say that the entertainment on Jade was outstanding, but on

Escape the two shows we saw were awful. People were walking out. Nothing like the wonderful and exciting shows we experienced on Jade. I have to say that Princess entertainment is, in our opinion, sadly lacking.

 

But honestly, only you can decide if NCL is for you. Our opinions are just that. It depends what you expectations are.

[faeriedust101]

In my opinion it's chalk and cheese. But of course that is just my opinion. Others beg to differ.

 

We have travelled extensively on Princess and find the food on Princess, especially on the new ships such as Royal to be considerably better and more elegantly presented than on NCL. The buffet on Royal was superb, whilst on Escape it was very limited and always cold, as was the food in each of the 3 main dining rooms.

 

Freestyle dining was a complete joke on Escape. On the first two nights the queues were horrendous. People were being turned away and there was a lot of disatisfaction. On our final night we did get a table easily at 6.45 but trying to fight our way out of the dining room at 8.45 was bedlam. We had to be escorted by one of the supervisors who literally pushed her way through the angry crowd. The entrance was packed and queues extended as far as the elevators. People were so angry at the huge lines that they were close to losing their tempers. This sort of behaviour is something we have never experienced on Princess, and we've never had a problem with anytime dining.

 

Whilst we found Norwegian Escape modern and beautiful, the interior of ships such as Norwegian Jade is definitely gaudy. Princess offers a more elegant and understated decor.

 

As far as service is concerned Princess is superior in every way, from the service in the dining rooms to the constant and very efficient clearing of the buffet areas not to mention the number of staff ready and willing to assist you.

 

I have to say that the entertainment on Jade was outstanding, but on

Escape the two shows we saw were awful. People were walking out. Nothing like the wonderful and exciting shows we experienced on Jade. I have to say that Princess entertainment is, in our opinion, sadly lacking.

 

But honestly, only you can decide if NCL is for you. Our opinions are just that. It depends what you expectations are.

 

It sounds like you were on one of the 1st sailing for the Escape. I would guess most of the staff is new on there which might explain your experience. I wouldn't judge a whole cruise line based on a 1st sailing of a new ship.

 

I haven't cruise on Princess yet, but I really enjoy NCL. The food is good and I like the decor on the ships. Give it a try, only you will be able to determine if you enjoy it or not.

[scott4020]

In my opinion it's chalk and cheese.

 

Never heard this before, a UK thing?

[cruisequeen4ever]

Never heard this before, a UK thing?

 

 

Lol I've never heard this expression either and have no idea what it means other than it sounding absolutely disgusting! (Not making fun of the person who posted this, just having a good chuckle at the expression)

[Skai]

"Chalk & Cheese" is akin to "Apples & Oranges", "Day & Night/Night & Day" etc...

Edited November 1, 2015 by Skai

[West Coast Gal]

The grown kids wanted to go on NCL because it was cheaper, so we went along, there was a group of 10 of us. We had a very nice time, but we normally don't cruise with a group of people so these are the things to consider. NCL service is not as crisp as Princess, from room stewards to waiters. We did not find movies except on TV and there didn't seem to be as many activities to pick from. NCLs meet and greet was far better than any Princess meet and greet, the entire heads of all crew and the captain were there. Didn't know that they took reservations for dinner and had missed out on the time our table of 10 needed . . guess what, got fixed during the meet and greet. As long as your expectations are not "Princess quality" as just a little less, I feel you should have a very good time on NCL.

[sassyredhat]

I pretty much agree with the others.

 

We have only sailed with NCL twice, and both times we were in a suite. NCL has an outstanding suite package. Love it !

 

I have such a small annoyance, hardly worth mentioning. We are huge cookie lovers, and the International Café on PCL is a big bonus for us. On NCL, they didn't put out cookies until 9 pm. Lucky for us, our butlers brought a plate of cookies every day.

 

The other thing, which wouldn't affect you, is their inside cabins are tiny. Our adult DS and DIL had one. DS is a big guy, and he took up the whole cabin. :D

 

I would sail NCL again for sure.

 

Patti

[jasbo49]

This thread has been a blast to read. The OP certainly got his/her money's worth.

 

Here's what I come up with after five Princess cruises and two with NCL:

 

While Princess tries to beige you to death, NCL clobbers you with orange and blue (tacky, tacky). But more important, Princess's furniture, in both public and private spaces, is round and soft and comfortable. Norwegian's furniture is often square and hard and Ikea-looking. When I get up early on an NCL ship and go looking for somewhere comfortable to sit and read, there's nowhere. On Princess there are a dozen places.

 

Food overall might be a toss-up, but we found the buffet on NCL to be better, while Princess had a better MDR experience. If you want to go into the extra-charge venues, Princess is $25, while NCL is all over the map.

 

The only clear edge for NCL, and it is a huge one for us, is entertainment. We were in awe of the great acts they've signed: Music, magic, hypnotists. I think this is where they spend the money they save on crummy furniture.

 

Unfortunately (for them) we will never sail NCL again. They stuck us with a toilet that wouldn't flush for seven days and had an attitude about fixing it, so now we despise NCL.

 

Jim

[lhall85917]

We are platinum on both lines, but have more NCL sailings than Princess - leaving tomorrow for our 6th Princess cruise and have 11 with NCL. (In case anyone wonders, one of our Princess cruises was a 28 day from Sydney to San Francisco earning Platinum quickly). Last fall we sailed with NCL to Canada/New England and it will be a very long time before we return with them.

 

We don't ask for much, but felt service was terrible. The first night in the dining room the waiter just walked up to us and asked what our order was. No introduction or even semblance of being hospitable. There were several similar instances throughout the cruise. We mentioned this to senior staff during the past passenger party and didn't receive any follow through.

 

In our opinion, Princess offers a much better product than NCL at this time - this includes decor, service, meals, and overall experience.

[riclop]

You may be disappointed in NCL as compared to Princess.

[Hockeylovinmom]

I cruise both lines and find them more alike then different. The decor on NCL is rather gaudy but that doesn't stop me from enjoying my cruise. There freestyle dining works better then Princess because they have to fixed seating so all restaurants are "anytime". I think you would find either line satisfactory. NCL has much better suite amenities so that influences me toward NCL when I book a suite.

I, too, enjoy both lines and find them more alike than different. [emoji316]

 

Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk

[nimiq]

Hello all,

We also have been on both lines more on Princess as we are Elite and 3 times with NCL.

A few years back like seven years ago we thought the NCL product had went down in quality.

This year we gave it an other shot with the NCL Getaway and wow what a surprise everything went perfectly and that made us change our minds again.

 

We think that both lines are pretty good but of course in some areas Princess is better and others NCL. All the comments above mentioned from other are pretty accurate so now you do need and give them a chance.

 

We gave them an other chance and very happy as if the price is right we will for sure be cruising with them again.

 

sea ya

Eric

[cruisequeen4ever]

Skai, thank you for explaining! That makes sense then. Sorry OP to deviate from your question. I haven't been on NCL, but it's intriguing to me to hear the comparison from fellow Princess pax.

[cruisingram1]

We will be sailing to Alaska with family (ages 1-80) in 2017. There will be about 30 of us. Our two previous family cruises were on Princess and Royal. Both lines were able to accommodate the bunch of us in traditional dining with large tables off to the side. Since everyone did their own things each day, dinner was the only time for everyone to get together and "visit". 2017 Alaska cruises are not out yet, but based on 2016 options it looks like we will be choosing from Celebrity, Royal, Princess and NCL. I have never cruised with NCL - have been scared away by Freestyle Dining (we like traditional dining- same time, same table, same waiter). But prices on NCL look pretty attractive this year and assume will be just as competitive next year. So the big question- can NCL accommodate a large group for dinner the same time each night without having to fight for tables each time? If they can't, it won't be much of a family cruise if everyone does their own thing for dinner every night. Also curious if the balcony dividers open on NCL ships so adjoining cabins can make one big balcony?

[jacketwatch]

I think you will be OK and here is a link to our first NCL cruise last May on the Getaway.

 

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=503435

 

NCL has improved a lot over the yrs. but as for customer service I think they are a notch below Princess but gaining.

[diane.in.ny]

New CEO coming to NCL who promises to make lots of changes. He previously headed Oceania and Regent.

 

Promising big redos on the ships, new menus, and 'spotlessly clean' ships.

 

Maybe I'll try NCL in about a year, after he has a chance to implement his ideas.

[ms.sunburn]

I've cruised once on Princess, once on NCL. I'd have to say I enjoyed NCL a bit more. Loved their smaller lounges (on Epic anyways) and thought they did a better job with anytime dining. Both were comperable, really, as are all lines catering to the masses. As others have already stated they're more the same than different.

[caribill]

We will be sailing to Alaska with family (ages 1-80) in 2017. There will be about 30 of us. Our two previous family cruises were on Princess and Royal. Both lines were able to accommodate the bunch of us in traditional dining with large tables off to the side. So the big question- can NCL accommodate a large group for dinner the same time each night without having to fight for tables each time?

 

A good place to ask this question is on the NCL board.