Constellation vs NCL Dawn

[Bobgaffney]

I am hoping for some help deciding between a 12 night Constellation cruise vs 11 night NCL Dawn cruise. Both are to Caribbean leaving March 26th from NYC. Family of 4, ages: adults 43ish and kids 8ish.

 

Constellation would be an inside room for about $750/person (no room assignment) and Dawn would be mini suite w/balcony for $925/person (guaranteed suite assignment).....so cost wise similar but room wise Dawn is bigger.

 

Is Celebrity a MUCH better cruiseline than NCL? I don't mind dressing up for dinner at all, but with the kids freestyle crusing sounds appealling. But I also don't want to see people in souvenir T Shirts at dinner.

 

Has anyone cruised on both ships? I really want to hear responses based on experience.

[pokersweet]

DH & I cruised on NCL, Never again!...Service & Food was very bad,,.You will be making a much better choice if you book Celeb. We cruise often & love RCL. Good luck & Have Fun!:)

[espmass]

I haven't been on the Dawn but have heard both good and bad reviews. I have been on the Constellation and will be on her again next Thursday. I thought it was the best ship I have ever been on. What a terrific experience! I can't think of anything negative to say about the Constellation if that helps.

[Guest THE EDS]

The Constellation HANDS DOWN. DH and I have sailed both Dawn and Constellation there is no comparison. NCL is a tacky operation while Celebrity treats their guests wonderfully. Sailed the Constellation to New England last year and will be sailng her in March to the Southern Caribbean. Sailed the Dawn this year and the Crown will never sail NCL again. Only my opinion but hope I have given you some insight. Either way a DAY SAILING IS BETTER THAN ANY DAY ON LAND

 

THE EDS

[Bobgaffney]

OK beggining to get the big picture here. Celebrity sounds like a much more upscale experience than NCL. Is that right?

 

What about kid's programs on Celebrity?

Formal nights? Do people dress up for them?

 

We sailed on the QM2 last year out of NYC and really liked that. My wife is a tad concerned about an inside stateroom though.

[espmass]

I have found Celebrity a more upscale than the others but I'm sure there are those who would disagree with me. There is something about Celebrity that seems to give that extra touch. On formal nights I have always found a wide variety of dress from simple to elegant. People do dress formally but there are varying degrees of the formality. There is usually an even amount of men in tuxes as there are in dark suits. Sorry I'm not familiar with the kids programs other than to say the kids I have seen on cruises seem happy.

[Bobgaffney]

What about size of inside stateroom on Celebrity vs mini suite on Dawn? Mini suite is 55 more square feet PLUS the balcony. Don't want to go stir crazy, but what good is a larger room. Are the ships about the same or is Constellation Yards better?

[claud925]

OK beggining to get the big picture here. Celebrity sounds like a much more upscale experience than NCL. Is that right?

 

Yes.

 

Formal nights? Do people dress up for them?

 

Yes; hence, the term "formal" . . . you won't see souvenir T-shirts here.

[Airb330]

I'd go for the Dawn at that price. You posted this in the X forum, do you think you're going to get an impartial response ;) My mom cruised NCL and really enjoyed it. I think they seem to get a bad wrap on CC.

[cruiseacecat]

I must agree with Airb330. Was on the Dawn in Sep. of 04. Went with low expectations after reading many posts. Had a mini-suite and loved the ship. Food and service were better than many posters experience seems to be. Also liked freestyle dining. That said, if it's a more formal experience you want, go with Celebrity.

[Bobgaffney]

I am not looking for a formal experience per se. We have 2 boys close to 8 when we cruise. What I am looking for is for the boys to have fun and my dear wife to get to relax and have fun. As long as those 2 goals are met then I am happy.

 

Remember happy wife=happy life.

[Gypsea]

I absolutely looove the Dawn. She is a beautiful ship that I have sailed twice from NYC. For your kids the experience will be fabulous. I brought my twin boys on their first cruise aboard the NCL Majesty and their second on the Dawn, they were 12 at the time. Then I brought my daughter at 15. They are still talking about it two years later. this month. Remember, freestyle dining will leave you free to eat dinner in any of the 11 dining choices when you are ready. There is no traditional dining schedule. When you have the boys farmed out to the staff some night go to Le Bistro (extra charge) with your sweetie and dine with the masterpieces. There hangs Renoir's "The Bather" among several other beauties. Absolutely breathtaking $32 million art collection. Do not suffer your whole family in an inside cabin when you can sail on this ship with a balcony. The problem is I am quite certain you can only have three in a standard balcony on the Dawn unless there has been a change.

 

There is something more formal about Celebrity it's true and I loved Millenium but for the whole family, try NCL. You will be glad you did.

[Bobgaffney]

We have a "Mini Suite" reserved on the Dawn. We have actually put down the deposit and then I saw the Constellation Cruise out of NJ. I like the ports of call better on the Dawn. I think after reading all the posts the best we can do is no matter what cruise we do is to have a certain level of expectations and a positive attitude.

 

Thanks for everyone's honest opinions. As I said before if the kids are happy then my wife is happy. I don't know how I ever booked a vacation before the internet. I am very appreciative of everyone who takes their time to post here.

[Gypsea]

Perfect. Enjoy!

[awatt]

We have sailed both Millennium and the Dawn. Actually 3 times on the Dawn. We loved both!

 

Some differences- X has a little better food, and more formal dining room service, although we did thing the Dawn's food was great. Got me hooked on souffles! X has a little more upscale atmosphere/decor and they have some elegant touches like the pastry cafe, T-pool, sorbet parade. Dawn has a more energetic atmosphere, better entertainment and they seem to have CD's that know how to make everyone laugh. More activities during the day on the Dawn.

 

Regarding the kids club, our girls have been on 7 or 8 cruises now and liked all the kids clubs. But when asked they tell us the Dawn is their favorite. Lots of activities and really nice counselors.

 

X has traditional dining. We like same table/waiter, and have always easily arranged this on teh Dawn. Great service was our experience. On the other hand, with kids, freestyle can be a more relaxed experience. I have never seen souvenir T shirts, or any T shirts in the dining room for dinner. I am starting to enjoy the ease of resort casual.

 

You might want tp pose your question on the NCL board as well.

 

Enjoy your cruise. You can't go wrong whatever you choose. It is afterall a cruise!

[jff50]

I have been on the Dawn and on Celebrity (but not the Constellation). Like both about equally, for different reasons. I would think that the Dawn would be better with kids. We were very impressed with the counselors for our daughter. I think that the ships are about the same size, but I think you'll find the Dawn to be brighter/more colorful.

 

I like the freestyle dining option with kids. We have had occasions where we wanted to have a dinner without our daughter. If you have assigned seating, you have the choice of early seating (that usually starts before the kids program opens) or late seating (it may be difficult to eat that late with your kids). Freestyle dining (or Princess' anytime dining) gives you the option of eating with or without your kids on any given night. Assigned dining seems to mean that you either have to eat with them every night (early seating) or eat without them every night (late seating).

[Tatka]

I just hope Spirit is as great as Dawn (just a little smaller ;) ).. Then I can give comparisson of Spirit vs Century class ships. :)

[Bobgaffney]

Thanks for all your help. I let the Celebrity reservation expire and stayed with our already booked Dawn cruise. Figured the extra room and Balcony and the freestyle cruising would offset the seemingly minor differences in quality between the 2 lines. I would love to try Celebrity on our (hopefully) next cruise.

[cruisebunny32]

I would pick Celebrity hands down. I haven't been on NCL for 10 years, and I as on the Dreamward, now the Dream. I have heard that the childrens programs are not that great, in a small room etc, whereas on the Celebrity ships the rooms are very grand. My son had a blast and actually wanted to spend more time there then with us (he was 4). I will have to say that you will be very crowded in the Celebrity room, so the suite might be the best option for you room wise.

 

Like someone said....a cruise is a cruise. You can't go wrong. Enjoy!

[jff50]

I would pick Celebrity hands down. I haven't been on NCL for 10 years, and I as on the Dreamward, now the Dream. I have heard that the childrens programs are not that great, in a small room etc, whereas on the Celebrity ships the rooms are very grand.

 

The Dawn is a much newer ship, and the children's program/room is very nice. Much better than what you will find on almost any older ship.

[Dawnarama]

I have cruised Princess (Dawn and Grand), NCL (Dawn) and will be taking a Celebrity (Constellation) cruise for the first time Christmas week 2005.

 

I cruised the NCL Dawn in May '05 with three wonderful ladies. We were split in terms of preference for sun vs casino, dress up vs casual, traditional dining vs specialty restaurants etc. - yet all 4 of us had a blast!!!!! Something for everyone on the NCL Dawn and the diversity works....on a scale of 1-10 it was a 15! And we each tried things we normally might not have and loved it! Everone was happy, happy, happy! (PS if they have the Martini Clinic - leave the kids with counselors and go!)

 

What I liked about NCL Dawn was the energy of the crew, particularly the CD - Colin - I don't think he's on Dawn now but WOW! None of us had ever seen a crew have that much interaction with the passengeres - fully engaged! And we had regular OV cabins with obstructed view - nothing fancy but VERY comfy!

 

I think you made a wise choice traveling with family. The ladies and I are hoping to set sail on the NCL Jewel in 2006.

 

I chose the Constellation for the Holiday cruise this year because I like the opportunity to dress-up and have a little more elegant formal feel since I will be traveling with my husband to celebrate a milestone birthday (for me) as well as Christmas. So it's an extra special cruise.

 

Additionally, I understand the age group on X is not as senior as on Princess (which is lovely but tends to attract a much older crowd) which appealed to me and that service is tops. So for this one we splurged on CC Class w/veranda. Just want to have a pampered and romantic experience. (That's all I ask of Santa this year :-)

 

You'll have a blast! Happy sailing!:) :) :)

[newmexicoNita]

I am not looking for a formal experience per se. We have 2 boys close to 8 when we cruise. What I am looking for is for the boys to have fun and my dear wife to get to relax and have fun. As long as those 2 goals are met then I am happy.

 

Remember happy wife=happy life.

I have never heard of a kid who did not enjoy the kids krew on NCL, your wife can relax on either ship and the formal nights on both are that. The difference, Celebrity formals nights mean the cruisers stay dressed to the nines until they retire for the evening and dress to the nines they do. We have even seen little ones from 3 up in tuxes or dark suits and the young gals in formals. They all looked like ring bearers and flower girls, very cute I may add. On the Dawn you will see some of this. On an long cruise probably 75% will be dressed to kill, the rest in varies attire, but I have never seen anyone in T shirts on formal night. Of course I don't go to the buffet and check it out either. I will say those who cruise NCL are more likely to go back to the cabin after dinner and dress down some. To many that is why they choose NCL, is to experience a relaxing vacation away from the hussle, bussle of their everyday life. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

We have sailed both Millennium and the Dawn. Actually 3 times on the Dawn. We loved both!

 

Some differences- X has a little better food, and more formal dining room service, although we did thing the Dawn's food was great. Got me hooked on souffles! X has a little more upscale atmosphere/decor and they have some elegant touches like the pastry cafe, T-pool, sorbet parade. Dawn has a more energetic atmosphere, better entertainment and they seem to have CD's that know how to make everyone laugh. More activities during the day on the Dawn.

 

Regarding the kids club, our girls have been on 7 or 8 cruises now and liked all the kids clubs. But when asked they tell us the Dawn is their favorite. Lots of activities and really nice counselors.

 

X has traditional dining. We like same table/waiter, and have always easily arranged this on teh Dawn. Great service was our experience. On the other hand, with kids, freestyle can be a more relaxed experience. I have never seen souvenir T shirts, or any T shirts in the dining room for dinner. I am starting to enjoy the ease of resort casual.

 

You might want tp pose your question on the NCL board as well.

 

Enjoy your cruise. You can't go wrong whatever you choose. It is afterall a cruise!

My opinion almost to the tee.

[newmexicoNita]

I would pick Celebrity hands down. I haven't been on NCL for 10 years, and I as on the Dreamward, now the Dream. I have heard that the childrens programs are not that great, in a small room etc, whereas on the Celebrity ships the rooms are very grand. My son had a blast and actually wanted to spend more time there then with us (he was 4). I will have to say that you will be very crowded in the Celebrity room, so the suite might be the best option for you room wise.

 

Like someone said....a cruise is a cruise. You can't go wrong. Enjoy!

10 years and sailing the Dream isn't today's NCL. As for the kids programs, read the comments on here. The kids program on NCL is outstanding. this is not to say it isn't on Celebrity as well, but you really can't judge a 10 year old experience with today. Ships are changing, lines are changing and the world isn't what it was 10 years ago. Sad in some ways, good in others. I can remember when HAL and RCI (then RCL) were the top mass marketed cruise lines. Most would not put them at the top today. NMNIta

[Bobgaffney]

Thanks everyone. The more I read the more I realize I am lucky to go on any cruise....no matter what the line. I am really looking forward to it.