NCL vs RCL

[VacayVik]

Hi All!

 

We have recently booked the Norwegian Escape for a cruise in May. We have only done RCL cruises, besides 1 Princess awhile ago. I have been on all sizes of RCL ships.... what are main differences and which do you prefer?? We wanted to change it up a bit and the ultimate beverage package came included, which is a huge cost saver! I just wanted to see everyone's opinion between the two.... thanks!

[pspercy]

We were on NCL Jade for our first with them. I'd say it's roughly equivalent to RCL Radiance class in size. Radiance class have glass everywhere to see outside from bars, restaurants and other lounges - like those down toward the stern where the self-levelling pool tables are:) Jade is not nearly so open.

 

We booked NCL because we wanted to try something new, cost was about the same but NCL threw in the UBP as an incentive. We took it!

 

Our favourite class so far has been Royal's Voyager class, especially for longer trips but we'd happily go NCL again too and in fact I bought a CruiseNext cert onboard.

 

Neither of us has much interest in anyone's megaships.

[mrobstad]

I'm almost diamond on RCCL, but travel mainly on NCL now due to solo pricing and perks. What I miss most on NCL are indoor pools, like the Solarium on Radiance class.

[Iluvcruising2]

I made some comparisons on this thread.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2139442

 

We tried NCL Jade for the first time in late 2014, after sailing many times with Royal. We sailed in a 2 bedroom penthouse suite and the experience was awesome. We didn't expect much from the MDR food, but that turned out to be pretty good too! I made a comprehensive video of the MDR food on the NCL Jade.

[YOUTUBE]xOimIZW3xEw[/YOUTUBE]

 

For the buffet dinner, we really liked the nutella crepes. See 5:12 of the video below.

[YOUTUBE]ic9vxaMs48M[/YOUTUBE]

[Jenjer]

We go back and forth between NCL and RCCL. The main difference is you have to book your dinners (and shows)ahead of time. On NCL the MDR is not up to RCCL level of food and service so we eat primarily in Specialty restaurants. The specialty options on Escape are wonderful.

 

If you don't have reservations you can easily get into the MRD but with so many packages of late getting into a specialty at prime time (IMO 6:30- 7:30)will have to be prebooked. or Booked right after you get onboard.

 

The Haven is far superior than anything offered on RCCL with a private pool and Hot tubs.

[bschmitt]

We go back and forth also. Totally agree with jenjer.

[pookeysmom]

There are a few things I prefer about RC. When I cruised RC last year, they allowed 1 person in cabin to buy ultimate beverage package, whereas NCL makes everyone in a cabin buy. And RC's package included specialty coffees. NCL does not.

I prefer RC for the adult pool Solarium. NCL has the pools together & they're not good about enforcing the adult pool rule.

Other than that, food was better on RC. They still have formal night/lobster night & escargot offered every night.

NCL has done away with lobster night & there was no escargot in MDRs.

Anytime dining is good on NCL. I don't like give restricted to a set time.

Also, on RC we were in a Jr suite & earned DOUBLE c&a points. NCL only gives 1 pt per night for mini suites.

Edited January 11, 2016 by pookeysmom

[Kdiamond55]

We go back and forth as well. The included beverage package is a real deal for sure.

 

I actually think the food is a little better on NCL, but we only eat specialty so I'm going by that.

 

Getaway doesn't feel nearly as big as Oasis but it is big enough and laid out well. Oasis you have to go in and out a lot, Escape you don't need to go outside to get places nearly as much. Most people complain about the (lack of) pool areas but it doesn't bother me. NCL went for the slides instead of more pool space. Since I have kids it actually works out better for me this way.

 

They are all great ships and you'll have fun on Escape.

Edited January 12, 2016 by Kdiamond55

[MoyCoy]

We go back and forth between NCL and RCCL. The main difference is you have to book your dinners (and shows)ahead of time. On NCL the MDR is not up to RCCL level of food and service so we eat primarily in Specialty restaurants. The specialty options on Escape are wonderful.

 

If you don't have reservations you can easily get into the MRD but with so many packages of late getting into a specialty at prime time (IMO 6:30- 7:30)will have to be prebooked. or Booked right after you get onboard.

 

The Haven is far superior than anything offered on RCCL with a private pool and Hot tubs.

 

We are RCL loyal But have been trying NCL due to extended family who prefer freestyle dining. We are trying out a Haven for the first time on the Breakaway in 9 months. Do u feel the Haven still is a better product when compared to RCL new suite class?

[MoyCoy]

We go back and forth as well. The included beverage package is a real deal for sure.

 

I actually think the food is a little better on NCL, but we only eat specialty so I'm going by that.

 

Getaway doesn't feel nearly as big as Oasis but it is big enough and laid out well. Oasis you have to go in and out a lot, Escape you don't need to go outside to get places nearly as much. Most people complain about the (lack of) pool areas but it doesn't bother me. NCL went for the slides instead of more pool space. Since I have kids it actually works out better for me this way.

 

They are all great ships and you'll have fun on Escape.

 

I sailed Escape Dec 2015, and agree with your comments. It was my first NCL cruise and MDR was meh. We are sailing with UDP and will not touch the MDR this time around. I am hoping the Haven restaurant is as good as Celebrity new suite class restaurant. We were truly pampered on the Eclipse last December. .yummm

 

I loved the NCL atmosphere and entertainment. I hated the smoke in the open air casino. Yuck!

Edited January 12, 2016 by MoyCoy

[jpcello]

We did our first NCL cruise in August, after several on RCI and X. The one thing we really missed about RCI was the ability to find a quiet, air conditioned place to sit and read during the day. On Breakaway there was absolutely nowhere to go except our cabin for someplace quiet. Even the library on Breakaway was awful, since it was right next to the Atrium. On RCI, we would go to the Viking Crown Lounge - large, comfortable space where you had a nice view, bar service, and quiet.

 

I can only compare the big ships - Oasis/Allure vs Breakaway. Hands down Oasis/Allure win out. The public spaces on Oasis/Allure were wonderful. The public spaces on Breakaway really don't exist. Oasis/Allure Promenade is magnificent (plus Central Park and Boardwalk), and the shopping was much better.

 

On Breakaway we had the UDP and the only meal that was truly memorable was Ocean Blue - and that meal was comped by Guest Services. The other UDP restaurants were mediocre with one exception -- La Bistro was good. On Oasis/Allure we only ate at the free restaurants and the food was very good both cruises. I'll give the buffet to NCL.

 

Can't talk about cabin comparisons - we're always in a handicapped accessible cabin (balcony) so the cabins are comparable.

[PaulMCO]

We did our first NCL cruise in August, after several on RCI and X. The one thing we really missed about RCI was the ability to find a quiet, air conditioned place to sit and read during the day. On Breakaway there was absolutely nowhere to go except our cabin for someplace quiet. Even the library on Breakaway was awful, since it was right next to the Atrium. On RCI, we would go to the Viking Crown Lounge - large, comfortable space where you had a nice view, bar service, and quiet.

 

I can only compare the big ships - Oasis/Allure vs Breakaway. Hands down Oasis/Allure win out. The public spaces on Oasis/Allure were wonderful. The public spaces on Breakaway really don't exist. Oasis/Allure Promenade is magnificent (plus Central Park and Boardwalk), and the shopping was much better.

 

On Breakaway we had the UDP and the only meal that was truly memorable was Ocean Blue - and that meal was comped by Guest Services. The other UDP restaurants were mediocre with one exception -- La Bistro was good. On Oasis/Allure we only ate at the free restaurants and the food was very good both cruises. I'll give the buffet to NCL.

 

Can't talk about cabin comparisons - we're always in a handicapped accessible cabin (balcony) so the cabins are comparable.

 

Wow -- a person of similar mind.

Just off the Getaway -- have not been on NCL for a while. Could not believe how crowded the ship felt. Spend all sea day time on our Haven aft deck. Even the haven pool area was small and crowded.

 

Food -- best was Ocean Blue. Worst was La Cuchina where the brought the appetizer and soups out as the same time.

 

If sailing on a NCL big ship (Getaway, Escape, Breakaway) versus Allure/Oasis -- RCI wins hands down...

Edited January 12, 2016 by PaulMCO