Carnival or NCL?

[CozGurl]

We want to do a 7 day western Caribbean cruise. NCL has free drinking on basically the same cruise as Carnival. It would save us about $130 to do NCL plus would save us air money since we could drive to New Orleans and not to Miami.

 

I know nothing about NCL or the ship Norwegian Dawn.

 

Anyone have an opinion on which would be better?

 

Does Carnival ever include the "free booze" package on their cruises?

[cruizinator]

We want to do a 7 day western Caribbean cruise. NCL has free drinking on basically the same cruise as Carnival. It would save us about $130 to do NCL plus would save us air money since we could drive to New Orleans and not to Miami.

 

I know nothing about NCL or the ship Norwegian Dawn.

 

Anyone have an opinion on which would be better?

 

Does Carnival ever include the "free booze" package on their cruises?

 

Nope...Carnival doesn't have a "free booze" package.

I've been on NCL a few times...in a lot of ways it's similar to Carnival. I enjoyed my cruises on NCL....nothing wrong with giving them a try!

Edited July 8, 2016 by cruizinator

[k2excursion]

NCL stirred things up recently with their new policy of no carry-on soda/water, but it looks like that won't be much of a factor for you. The Dawn is an older ship, if you call 2002 old. It still looks like a nice ship to me, just not as nice as their newer ships. It doesn't have any waterslides. Their entertainment will be better than on Carnival. Whether it's worth the extra money to go on Carnival depends on what Carnival ship you're looking at. But for me, I would probably pick NCL based on the savings.

[miataman19]

Sailing on NCL in January on Epic. Staying in a Studio cabin. No single supplement. Wish Carnival would, at least, not punish me monetarily for sailing on their ships because I'm a single. Yes, I know Blah,Blah, Blah it's an empty bed they need to make up that income.

[Cruiser_89]

You're asking this on a Carnival board? SMH

[CeleBrat]

Have sailed both--and would vote HANDS DOWN for Carnival. NCL has become very nickel-and-dime, charging for so many extras.

 

Also, be aware that their "free drinks promotion still require you to pay taxes/tips for each day, so there's still a sizable out-of-pocket fee for those "free drinks."

 

CeleBrat

[mizLORInj]

What Carnival ship?

 

NCL's beverage package is not totally $0--you are responsible for the gratuities on it and taxes while in a US port (like day of embarkation until you're in the open sea). Not sure what that comes to these days with their new CEO hiking up costs for everything. For our 10 nighter on NCL Gem in April the gratuities came to about $115 per person that had to be prepaid at time of final payment. So factor that cost in too. And their bev pkg does not include bottled water if that's important to you. That said, Dawn is not my favorite NCL ship so that's why I'm asking which Carnival ship to compare it to. Read member reviews on Dawn on this site.

 

Assuming you're asking this on the NCL board too? You will get many different opinions. We have tried various cruiselines to see what they're like for ourselves to form our own opinions, and I'm glad we did.

Edited July 8, 2016 by mizLORInj

[sparks1093]

We'd likely go with CCL because we don't buy the drink package but even if we did CCL's package includes water, specialty coffees, milk shakes and drinks up to $50 (the 15 drink a day limit doesn't concern us). For us to choose NCL the fares would need to be just about the same.

[goldenk]

Was just looking up the Thanksgiving cruises for this year for Port Canaveral with balconies on the same date. Going nowhere special. These are the prices I found on CCL & NCL's pages:

 

Sunshine - $1,424

Epic - $1,099 Add the free drinks & three free specialty restaurants.

 

Yeah, time for me to check this line out for myself. Even Oasis of the Seas in PC was cheaper than the Sunshine. I think we're being hoodwinked.

[SkyMaster]

Have sailed both--and would vote HANDS DOWN for Carnival. NCL has become very nickel-and-dime, charging for so many extras.

 

Also, be aware that their "free drinks promotion still require you to pay taxes/tips for each day, so there's still a sizable out-of-pocket fee for those "free drinks."

 

CeleBrat

 

I Know That's Right! The lovely Mrs. Jones is doing "Epic" for the trans Atlantic, and she got the "FREE" beverage package. That FREE package is costing her $161. in Bev Service Charges. Not very "FREE" if you ask me!

 

"SKY"

[Cruisegirl6]

We went on the Breakaway about four years ago, those new ships are built so horribly that we always found ourselves in traffic jams. The Hallways were way too narrow when somebody in a scooter or wheelchair had to get by, we had to literally maneuver ourselves in a doorway so they can get by, and trust me I am thin. The staff is the most unfriendly staff I ever encountered on any cruise lines, we actually thought there was a NCL rule that the staff was not allowed to socialize with the passengers, but after the cruise, we found out this is not the case. The buffet lunch only had a meat carving the first day, we never saw one again during lunch time. We had reservations at the specialty restaurants which we normally do on all cruise lines, only to find ourselves in long waits to get in the restaurants. I was not able to use my blowdryer because the electric kept shutting off on me when doing so, I was forced to use the one their provide, which was decent, only it was securely plugged in under the desk, and I was unable to stand blow drying my hair, I literally had to sit on the stool there and bend over my head to dry it, I am only 5'6" tall too! When you go to the show, you have to pass through the casino and exit the same way, creating huge long crowds in the casino upon exiting. The pools are very very tiny, and when you look for an area to sit out on deck, you will find the layout to contain multiple "cubby holes" you do not get a deck that is wide open to the sea, well, the list goes on why we never would said NCL again, but I thought I just give you some examples.

 

Although our favorite cruise line is RC, and our favorite ships are from that cruise line, we always come back to Carnival and always have a wonderful cruise. The staff is the most friendliest out of all cruise lines and the Steakhouse is far our most favorite out of all specialty restaurants at sea. If you choose the newer larger ships they are our favorite and offer much more but the older smaller ships are more limited on things. We also enjoy listening to the live bands during the evening and Carnival still has them!

 

As for the drink package, I am not thrilled about needing to count my drinks as there is a maximum amount of 15 per day and if you are a beer drinker it is not worth getting the drink package (my opinion) but we never reached the 15 maximum and yes, we always get the drink package to find we saved $$ in having it.

 

NCL can't get me to cruise on their ships for the "free drink package" or the "free dining package" its just not worth it, but to be honest, trust me, they are making it up somewhere, you are still paying for it in another way. Also, NCL nickels and dime everything as another poster has mentioned, it is very true.

 

Carnival be our choice and never again NCL (we have cruises NCL other times only to find ourselves saying never again, but after a few years later we figured perhaps they change and the Breakaway is our last NCL cruise).

[Luvtoeat]

Have been on NCL twice and

[cruzeluver]

Have been on NCL twice and

 

 

Well........don't leave us in suspense! :D

[Luvtoeat]

Have been on NCL twice and Carnival 8-9 times. Breakfast buffet and lunch buffet on NCL much better. Had the free drink deal last year before with tips already included. Dont like the many new changes on NCL but purchased 2 future cruiuse deposits last year and have 3 years to use them. Hope I can find some cruises that have good prices so will need to keep checking. We will be on the Valor in Sept. so really looking forward to that.

[jakesnana]

To compare the two cruise lines you need to figure out what is important to you. If you are going to get the beverage pkg., you are going to pre-pay almost $100 in service chgs for that pkg. per person.

 

If you are going to do the dining pkg., you are going to pay just over $12 for the service chgs. for that per person.

 

If you enjoy ordering room service NCL now charges $7.95 per order for a room service delivery chg. with the exception of a VERY LIMITED continental breakfast. While Carnival DOES have an upcharge for some items on the room service menu, they still offer many items for free.

 

NCL just implemented a policy of not allowing you to bring any beverages onboard their ships at any port. Additionally, their charge for bottled water is highway robbery. SO, if you like to drink bottled water or are not a Pepsi drinker (assuming you drink soda), you will be out of luck.

 

As I said, you need to weigh out what is important to you and decide which ship will provide the better vacation experience.

Edited July 8, 2016 by jakesnana

[tallyho8]

I've been on both NCL and Carnival an equal number of times. They have some minor differences and both are good and bad in some ways but generally they are very much the same overall.

 

Some ships of both brands are better than others but what would influence my decision the most is cost and itinerary.

[dacsmom]

I am giving NCL a try for the specials they offered, and the solo cabin. A day on any ship is wonderful. For me it would be helpful to know which Carnival ship you are looking at. I switch back and forth between RCI and Carnival. It will be nice to see what NCL is like.

[Tapi]

 

Yeah, time for me to check this line out for myself. Even Oasis of the Seas in PC was cheaper than the Sunshine. I think we're being hoodwinked.

 

 

Sunshine is also pricing more expensive than the Anthem of the Seas and the Norwegian Breakaway out of NYC.

[Micahs Grandad]

Sunshine is also pricing more expensive than the Anthem of the Seas and the Norwegian Breakaway out of NYC.

 

So strange they can sell cabins for more when the competition has such newer ships.

[Viesczy]

I've been on both NCL and Carnival an equal number of times. They have some minor differences and both are good and bad in some ways but generally they are very much the same overall.

 

Some ships of both brands are better than others but what would influence my decision the most is cost and itinerary.

 

Tally's tale is the same as ours with experience and opinion.

 

Both offer a strong product, each with its unique strengths/weaknesses.

 

I'd decide which line based on the true total cost and where did we "need" to go rather than opinions of those who've been "branded".

 

Regardless which you pick, you'll be on the blue!

[asalligo]

Now that Norwegian is known as NCL and dime, I see no reason to try them. I knew they were off my list as soon as they started charging for room service and banning food from the buffet in the cabins.

 

Worst of all though, doesn't NCL serve Pepsi! I personally leave restaurants over Pepsi.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

I'd say go for NCL - and we've sailed both lines (especially Carnival!) many times.

 

Having said that - I don't really care for any NCL ship older than the Epic. We've been on the Sunshine twice and had a very good time.

 

I also can't see why Carnival prices some of their ships like they do. I think they count on both those who are blindly loyal and those who will just assume that Carnival has the better deal. I learned long ago not to assume anything about the fares on any ship/line! One sailing several years ago we took our son and 3 friends on a 7-night cruise. It was LESS EXPENSIVE for us to sail on the (Celebrity) Solstice with them in a balcony cabin than it would have been for an inside cabin on Carnival... amazing !

 

Tom

[sunnydaygirl]

I've sailed on over 10 Carnival, booked on Conquest and Vista. I've sailed on several NCL and have my second Escape booked. Here's my opinion, for what it's worth.

On CARNIVAL Breeze, I love that ship. Feel it's very comparable to The Getaway. I prefer the pool areas on the Breeze even tho the aft pool is not adult only:( from what I've read, the Vista will compare favorably to the Escape also. I hated the closed in feel of the ncl Lido deck.

Food, sports deck and entertainment goes to NCL.

As far as the"free ubp and udp" costing you tip and taxes, you will also have to pay tip and taxes in the Carnival drink pkg total.

 

My best advice to anyone trying to pick a cruise line is to make a list of things you think are the most important.

Here's why I choose between the two. If budget is the issue and love to relax around a pool IN THE SUN,(many of NCL chairs are in covered areas) want good food, decent shows, great music and great social staff, I choose Carnival. I do not buy the drink pkg. Maybe the soda package.

 

If I'm traveling with people where food, wine, drinks and spectacular entertainment are more important and ship amenities I choose NCL, Escape. Inside, outside, balcony, whatever I can afford. Would I choose NCL without their offer. Yes, on the Escape, maybe not the other ships. I'm kind of a ship snob. I like the big, multi restaurant choice ships.

Oasis( never been on Allure) Celebrity Reflection Escape, Breeze and I'm sure the Vista. My last word. If you're a sun worshipper, choose Carnival. Lido had a much more open resort feel and great fast food at your fingertips. Hope this helps.

 

Ps. Have never had a small child on any but NCL. 4 yr old girl begged her parents to take her to the kids club. And the kids rope course. She loved it. She loved their kiddy pool area too.(escape) 2 yr old loved the kids ropes course but not a huge fan of kiddy pool. Things were broken and big kids not policed. Needs refurbished on the Getaway.(a year ago, hopes it's been done)

Edited July 8, 2016 by sunnydaygirl

[Liljo22]

We want to do a 7 day western Caribbean cruise. NCL has free drinking on basically the same cruise as Carnival. It would save us about $130 to do NCL plus would save us air money since we could drive to New Orleans and not to Miami.

 

I know nothing about NCL or the ship Norwegian Dawn.

 

Anyone have an opinion on which would be better?

 

Does Carnival ever include the "free booze" package on their cruises?

 

We were on the Norwegian Dawn in March. We had an amazing time. It is an older ship but just came off a complete refurb a couple of weeks ago so it looks new.

 

When are you looking to cruise? Starting in November, NCL is opening up its own private island in Belize. Will be a huge upgrade over Belize City. Also, the Dawn goes to Costa Maya which I thought was a great port. They have everything right off the dock. If you have kids, the Lost Kingdom Water Park was a lot of fun.

 

The Dawn is not going to have all the bells and whistles of other ships. There are no waterslides, pool side theater, ropes course but its a really elegant ship.

 

The drink package is well worth it. Everyone likes to throw around the service charge but it still is worth it. 7 Days is about $99 per person. Drinks are about $7-$8 each so it comes out to a breakeven of about 2 drinks a day. No one is forcing anyone to get the drink package. If you don't want it, get one of the deals that do not have a service charge or the rack rate. I am booked on the Vista next year and trying to decide if the $340/pp is worth it for the drink package.

[dave_k58]

Have sailed both--and would vote HANDS DOWN for Carnival. NCL has become very nickel-and-dime, charging for so many extras.

 

Also, be aware that their "free drinks promotion still require you to pay taxes/tips for each day, so there's still a sizable out-of-pocket fee for those "free drinks."

 

CeleBrat

 

When I checked the NCL free drink package - it looked like it cost more than $300 for 2 as a special service charge or something