Hesitant About NCL, Can You Ease My Mind?

[boatseller]

I'm in charge of planning a family vacation (~20 people).

 

What's the age mix? Also, realize that you'll be blamed for any problem, not matter how trivial, :) That's how families love each other.

 

The balconies aren't noticeably smaller in general and there are some very large balconies available. Adjacent balconies can connect if you provide some incentive to your room Steward.

 

Yes, the pool area on Getaway is unusually small for that size ship. Yes, that means it feels crowded. I don't ever use the pool so it doesn't matter to me.

 

Smoke does not 'billow' from the casino. Just don't take an outside table at Le Bistro and you'll be fine.

 

The water on the ship is perfectly safe.

 

Getaway and Escape are very lively after dinner. The Atrium, Spice H2O, the Casino, Bliss/Sky, Headliners are all packed with something going on.

[stickey_mouse]

What's the age mix? Also, realize that you'll be blamed for any problem, not matter how trivial, :) That's how families love each other.

So true about families! :)

 

Our ages will range from 30-65, with several in between. Most are young at heart, all enjoy a good meal (hence our upgrading to 7 nights of specialty dining), and most enjoy, ahem, a few adult beverages.

[stickey_mouse]

Another irritating thing I'm noticing about NCL.

 

When I first looked into the Getaway, I thought, how cool! The Grammy Experience sounds like such an interesting partnership and venue. The Cake Boss' presence onboard is also a nice touch, and the dinner show idea of Illusionarium intrigued me as well.

 

It now appears all three are gone (I'm not even including the Nickelodeon tie-in within the children's activity venues, as that would have little impact on me, or the fireworks, which were already long gone). Now please don't chime in and say that any of these concepts were bad, as that is not my point. I'm concerned with the short lifespan of these concepts, and how NCL is willing to turn on a dime and drop any said activity from its roster. Our cruise might only be 6 months away, but how can I be confident that it won't change something significant between now and then? I am very much looking forward to Million Dollar Quartet (mainly because I think my parents and the older members of my family will enjoy it), but is it safe? How about Harvest Caye (it's already been delayed once!)? There seems to be so many moving parts to NCL, and not in a good way. The one change I've heard that I like is the addition of dividers in the casino to sequester the smokers from the open air, but there is no indication that this will be done soon, if ever.

[helen haywood]

We are Elite Plus on Celebrity and Diamond on Royal. We cruised Getaway as our first ever NCL cruise and loved her!! The Waterfront area!! I don't want to sunbathe (already had one melanoma removed) and the Waterfront was never crowded...comfortable chairs and sofas to sit in the shade (even protected from a passing shower and the crew washing upper balconies!) and gaze at the beautiful ocean. And to be able to dine al fresco. We loved having a MDR be open for lunch on embarkation day. We loved having a coffee machine in the cabin. We loved that you could get a hamburger cooked to order 24/7 at O'Sheehans (nothing like that on X or Royal.)

 

And then Million Dollar Quartet which we thought was hands down the best show we'd ever seen!! You will love Getaway!!

[helen haywood]

I think it unlikely that MDQ will leave Getaway before you sail. I believe the reason it was moved from Escape to Getaway is that it is a popular show that will be more interesting to European cruisers when she moves across the pond.

 

That being said, it sounds like you have a lot of worries about NCL and perhaps it isn't a fit for you. No point in spending the next six months being unhappy.

[NLH Arizona]

Another irritating thing I'm noticing about NCL.

 

When I first looked into the Getaway, I thought, how cool! The Grammy Experience sounds like such an interesting partnership and venue. The Cake Boss' presence onboard is also a nice touch, and the dinner show idea of Illusionarium intrigued me as well.

 

It now appears all three are gone (I'm not even including the Nickelodeon tie-in within the children's activity venues, as that would have little impact on me, or the fireworks, which were already long gone). Now please don't chime in and say that any of these concepts were bad, as that is not my point. I'm concerned with the short lifespan of these concepts, and how NCL is willing to turn on a dime and drop any said activity from its roster. Our cruise might only be 6 months away, but how can I be confident that it won't change something significant between now and then? I am very much looking forward to Million Dollar Quartet (mainly because I think my parents and the older members of my family will enjoy it), but is it safe? How about Harvest Caye (it's already been delayed once!)? There seems to be so many moving parts to NCL, and not in a good way. The one change I've heard that I like is the addition of dividers in the casino to sequester the smokers from the open air, but there is no indication that this will be done soon, if ever.

Seems like there are too many negatives for you and that is why you should cancel and book on Celebrity. Why have the aggravation of worrying, when there is a simple solution.

 

BTW, you can see the Million Dollar Quartet in Las Vegas.

Edited July 23, 2016 by NLH Arizona

[stickey_mouse]

Seems like there are too many negatives for you and that is why you should cancel and book on Celebrity. Why have the aggravation of worrying, when there is a simple solution.

Don't interpret this to mean that NCL is currently ruining my life, far from it! I'm just spending 20 minutes a day on these boards and voicing my concerns. Besides, Celebrity does not have a 7-night itinerary I'm interested in for that time, so it's likely we will stick with NCL. Nobody else in my party knows any of the details, or is even knowledgeable of what shows are on the Getaway, so ignorance will be bliss for them.

[david_sobe]

Another irritating thing I'm noticing about NCL.

 

When I first looked into the Getaway, I thought, how cool! The Grammy Experience sounds like such an interesting partnership and venue. The Cake Boss' presence onboard is also a nice touch, and the dinner show idea of Illusionarium intrigued me as well.

 

It now appears all three are gone (I'm not even including the Nickelodeon tie-in within the children's activity venues, as that would have little impact on me, or the fireworks, which were already long gone). Now please don't chime in and say that any of these concepts were bad, as that is not my point. I'm concerned with the short lifespan of these concepts, and how NCL is willing to turn on a dime and drop any said activity from its roster. Our cruise might only be 6 months away, but how can I be confident that it won't change something significant between now and then? I am very much looking forward to Million Dollar Quartet (mainly because I think my parents and the older members of my family will enjoy it), but is it safe? How about Harvest Caye (it's already been delayed once!)? There seems to be so many moving parts to NCL, and not in a good way. The one change I've heard that I like is the addition of dividers in the casino to sequester the smokers from the open air, but there is no indication that this will be done soon, if ever.

Those are valid points. Its a different NCL and different Getaway that I sailed in February 2015.

[NLH Arizona]

Don't interpret this to mean that NCL is currently ruining my life, far from it! I'm just spending 20 minutes a day on these boards and voicing my concerns. Besides, Celebrity does not have a 7-night itinerary I'm interested in for that time, so it's likely we will stick with NCL. Nobody else in my party knows any of the details, or is even knowledgeable of what shows are on the Getaway, so ignorance will be bliss for them.

You asked for folks to ease your mind, but with all the negatives you have posted, it is really hard to do that with a clear conscience. As I said to someone else: I'm of the mindset that if one is hesitant about something, don't do it; just because others have a good experience, if you go in with the slightest hesitation looking for wrongs, your worst fears will appear.

[stickey_mouse]

You asked for folks to ease your mind, but with all the negatives you have posted, it is really hard to do that with a clear conscience. As I said to someone else: I'm of the mindset that if one is hesitant about something, don't do it; just because others have a good experience, if you go in with the slightest hesitation looking for wrongs, your worst fears will appear.

Well I'm the type to hesitate with every decision, unfortunately. :D

[Lady Arwen]

Why don't you post your question on the Celebrity board. Get some opinions from others, not just me, who have sailed both lines. It wouldn't hurt to get a different perspective than those on the NCL board. In the end, just go with your instincts and then make the most of it. Hoping that you have a fabulous time with your family.

[fshagan]

You asked for folks to ease your mind, but with all the negatives you have posted, it is really hard to do that with a clear conscience. As I said to someone else: I'm of the mindset that if one is hesitant about something, don't do it; just because others have a good experience, if you go in with the slightest hesitation looking for wrongs, your worst fears will appear.

 

I agree with this sentiment. The way we have handled the disappointment with NCL over changes is to not book anything that far in advance. We usually have to fly and flights generally are cheaper about 45 days prior to the flight, so that's our planning / booking window for cruises now. We used to book months in advance but NCL (and to a lesser extent other lines) have taught us that too much can change several months out.

 

That's probably not possible with a large family booking, so book with your family member's interests in mind, not yours. That's probably NCL.

 

Then book and completely ignore these boards and the price of the trip until you sail. Unless you like making yourself crazy. To me, it just isn't worth it to overthink these things once you have made a decision.

[stickey_mouse]

I agree with this sentiment. The way we have handled the disappointment with NCL over changes is to not book anything that far in advance. We usually have to fly and flights generally are cheaper about 45 days prior to the flight, so that's our planning / booking window for cruises now. We used to book months in advance but NCL (and to a lesser extent other lines) have taught us that too much can change several months out.

 

That's probably not possible with a large family booking, so book with your family member's interests in mind, not yours. That's probably NCL.

 

Then book and completely ignore these boards and the price of the trip until you sail. Unless you like making yourself crazy. To me, it just isn't worth it to overthink these things once you have made a decision.

Yes, unfortunately, if I didn't do the planning, it wouldn't get done (that includes upcoming dining and show reservations!). But like I said, I'm sure we will have a good time. This thread was only meant to harp on the negatives I've come across; there are plenty of things to look forward to as well. I am still a happy camper.

Edited July 23, 2016 by stickey_mouse

[beachys]

I've done both lines and there are definite positives and negatives to both. Celebrity gives the more upscale vibe, but the entertainment was less energetic. We found the crowd to be older.

 

On NCL we love the dining options, bars, entertainment and you can find something to do basically all hours.

 

I do agree that each person has their take on a cruise experience.

 

We just in general have more "fun" on NCL, but don't get the whole "spoiled" feeling.

[Barb Nahoumi]

We think the older ships are better than the newer ships. Especially the Gem, Jewel, Jade, and Pearl group of ships.

 

The balcony's are much larger, the casino is not connected to the atrium so smoke is rarely smelled outside of the casino. The pools are much larger and the ships hold half the number of people so the ship does not feel so crowded.

 

The downside to the older ships is that there are fewer venues and some do not have water slides so there are fewer on board activities than the Epic and newer ships.

 

Our favorite ship is the Gem. We were on the Spirit this year and like the rear terrace are. The rear terrace has been removed from the newer ships to make way for high price stern staterooms.

 

With all of the changes FDR is doing the biggest risk to booking with NCL is that the product may be significantly different come January.

 

I agree with this post. We have never cruised on a mega ship, and have no future plans to do so. The Gem, Dawn, and Pearl are perfect for us, and we always enjoyed our cruises on them. The Dawn sails out of Boston for Bermuda weekly, so we have no need to fly. The ship recently underwent a multi-million dollar dry dock, and we plan to be aboard next year.

 

We recently cruised on the Gem, and really enjoyed our experience. Our balcony cabin on deck 9 was OK, the food and entertainment were very good. The pool was adequate. I used it every day, and always found a lounger nearby.

 

The closest we came to a mega-ship was the Explorer of the Seas. We did notice a strong waft of cigarette smoke coming from the casino. The ship was much larger than NCL's older ships, but never seemed crowded. Our OV cabin seemed larger than counterparts on NCL, and they had some other featured which we enjoyed such as the skating rink and screening room for movies.

 

RCL still runs a "formal Night," but suits and gowns are not an absolute requirement. My husband wore dresspants, with a dressy shirt and tie. I wore a nice dress. NCL. does have an NCLs Night Out, but again, dressy wear is not required. Many passengers do dress up often, but most are wearing resort casual throughout the cruise.

 

We enjoy NCL, but do try other lines as well. It depends on who's going where, and at what price.

[Merriem]

We are Elite with Celebrity and love their product. We decided to try NCL Breakaway to Bermuda this past May instead of our usual Summit. The price was cheaper and we thought that we'd like to try a mega ship.

 

For us, it was not a pleasant cruise, to say the least. We did find the smell of smoke, apparent in many different areas, to be an issue. We could smell smoke on our balcony at all hours of the day (we were in an aft cabin with a huge balcony). We reported it, but nothing was every done, so we gave up.

 

You will find a big difference in the decor of Celebrity ships and NCL. The Breakaway looked very cheap in comparison. We found the food to be okay, but certainly not as good as Celebrity.....in our opinion, of course. Service was really mediocre. The specialty restaurants were really the same quality as what you would get in a Celebrity MDR. Cagney's was just awful, though. Every table complained the night were there, so we cancelled our second night.

 

Yes, NCL is much more casual, but to a fault. Baseball caps and shorts at dinner were not unusual. Dinner in the MDR never felt like a dining experience, rather just a "show up and eat and leave." It really felt more like a Carnival cruise to us, which is fine if that's the

type of cruise experience you prefer.

 

The entertainment was okay, but nothing to rave about. The casino was filled with smoke and overflowing ashtrays were everywhere, including the no smoking section.

 

If you like Celebrity, but want to try something different, may I suggest RCI. You carry over your Celebrity status with you (Elite on Celebrity is Diamond on RCI). Much nicer ships and a more upscale experience. Lots and lots of activities and attractions for kids, too.

 

Of course, lots of folks love the NCL product and will strongly disagree with me. That's the beauty of cruising......something for everyone! Wishing you a wonderful cruise with whichever ship you choose.

 

As a fan of Celebrity, which we are..............you would notice a difference. They are not the same, and the big ships are very crowded

[stickey_mouse]

Is it safe to assume that NCL ships, like those of most cruise lines, almost always sail at capacity? It seems there are many unoccupied cabins on our sailing, but I anticipate NCl's releasing incentives to fill as many cabins as they can (a typical cruise industry practice).

[kjmvacation]

I'm in charge of planning a family vacation (~20 people). We previously sailed on Celebrity and liked it very much. I convinced them to switch to the Norwegian Getaway for a 7-night sailing this January. However, I'm hesitant about the switch, as I feel personally responsible for the group.

 

Some things that have me concerned about the Getaway and/or NCL in general: small balconies, non-connectable balconies, crowded ships (especially the pool deck), cigarette smoke billowing (if you believe some posters) from the casino, smaller cabins, more children onboard, and no bottled water included in the drink package.

 

However, I am looking forward to the following: more entertainment options, less formal attire, a more lively ship late at night, and a plethora of dining options as opposed to staying in one MDR.

 

I keep telling myself that it will be a blast. Even in the worst case scenario (if we hate the ship), we will be in port 4 days out of 6.

 

Any words of encouragement are welcome; or if you'd like to tell me to cut and run why I have the chance, that's fine too :) .

 

My concern, if you are planning for that big of a group, would be the same. The biggest problem these days with NCL is not the specifics but with how they implement changes. You could tell your whole family about this feature, or that, make plans for this, or get all excited about that- and boom, everything could change.

 

Our last NCL cruise this happened in a few areas- room service charges for one- no earth shaking changes, but annoying to step on board thinking one thing from the promotion pieces and web site at time of purchase, only to find out "that changed" and guest services said they had the "right" to change. Nothing they could/would do. Look at these boards- NCL is in the midst of wholesale changes, and thats all good- but you nor the staff will have any idea about what to expect until you step foot onboard.

 

We booked NCL again, after our last experience. Tried to make the best of the changes, but it comes down to a trust issue for us. With more recent changes now, we just cancelled and switched over to Celebrity. Sounds like they Celebrity is moving toward a more casual atmosphere, and their "anytime/anyone" dining is getting more like on NCL, especially with "Evening Chic"... which is the same dress code as NCL's dinner/evening code. We like that option- and the better reputation for implementing changes.

 

I'm not against change- just changes after final payment is due, and no warning. Makes it hard when you are the one responsible, or pushing others toward this cruise line... Who would want to risk being the "one" who suggested NCL to a bunch of people who have previously been on celebrity? Not me.

[stickey_mouse]

I totally agree, to implement major changes without advance warning is a classless, unfair practice.

[FM]

We are Elite with Celebrity and love their product. We decided to try NCL Breakaway to Bermuda this past May instead of our usual Summit. The price was cheaper and we thought that we'd like to try a mega ship.

 

For us, it was not a pleasant cruise, to say the least. We did find the smell of smoke, apparent in many different areas, to be an issue. We could smell smoke on our balcony at all hours of the day (we were in an aft cabin with a huge balcony). We reported it, but nothing was every done, so we gave up.

 

You will find a big difference in the decor of Celebrity ships and NCL. The Breakaway looked very cheap in comparison. We found the food to be okay, but certainly not as good as Celebrity.....in our opinion, of course. Service was really mediocre. The specialty restaurants were really the same quality as what you would get in a Celebrity MDR. Cagney's was just awful, though. Every table complained the night were there, so we cancelled our second night.

 

Yes, NCL is much more casual, but to a fault. Baseball caps and shorts at dinner were not unusual. Dinner in the MDR never felt like a dining experience, rather just a "show up and eat and leave." It really felt more like a Carnival cruise to us, which is fine if that's the

type of cruise experience you prefer.

 

The entertainment was okay, but nothing to rave about. The casino was filled with smoke and overflowing ashtrays were everywhere, including the no smoking section.

 

If you like Celebrity, but want to try something different, may I suggest RCI. You carry over your Celebrity status with you (Elite on Celebrity is Diamond on RCI). Much nicer ships and a more upscale experience. Lots and lots of activities and attractions for kids, too.

 

Of course, lots of folks love the NCL product and will strongly disagree with me. That's the beauty of cruising......something for everyone! Wishing you a wonderful cruise with whichever ship you choose.

 

We cruised aboard the Silhouette before and have a Haven Class Spa stateroom booked with NCL next year ... so it was informative to read your opinion. By the time we board the Breakaway next year, it will be 20 years since we've been on NCL - booked it more for the Haven Class stateroom than for the itinerary ... so it will give us a chance to see how NCL has changed - though their policy of smoking is one factor that almost made me decide against NCL - if we chose a regular stateroom, then we would NOT go NCL just due to that issue.

 

We loved the Silhouette - great décor, wonderful staterooms, fantastic service. Yes, it was a bit quiet at night ... but the overall cruise experience was first-rate. We had an Aqua-class stateroom and found that the dining experience in Blu was top-notch. We would return in an instant but got side-tracked by DCL (absolutely wonderful) and will be trying RCL for the 1st time also next year.

 

To the OP, the fact that it's a new line/ship that you are trying and that it's a port-intensive itinerary are all pluses. We haven't experienced "free-style" "anytime" dining before so you will have to carefully plan and book ahead as soon as you can re: reservations as I often read about how problematic it can be for large-group dining. Or try the Quantum class ships with RCL like we're doing for the first time next year - that's the fun thing about cruising ... so many opportunities to try something different :) - good luck!

[stickey_mouse]

I just want to thank everyone for the responses. I am very excited to try NCL and see what it has to offer. Our group is quite fun and would have a blast on any ship, so I just need to stop worrying so much and enjoy the ride. I'm sticking with NCL for the itinerary, and the rest will just be icing on the cake!

[BrandoMan13]

I just want to thank everyone for the responses. I am very excited to try NCL and see what it has to offer. Our group is quite fun and would have a blast on any ship, so I just need to stop worrying so much and enjoy the ride. I'm sticking with NCL for the itinerary, and the rest will just be icing on the cake!

 

In many cases a vacation is make or break not by the cruise ship or the resort, but the people you are with. If you have a fun group of people, im sure you'll find plenty of fun things to do. You're on vacation!

 

Obviously if you dont enjoy this particular ship or cruise line, you live and learn and try to find something better for the next time. I just find it very hard to believe that with a big group of people you won't be able to have a good time no matter where you go.