Any loyal Carnival cruisers tried NCL?

[Kristi Williamson]

That's probably the Cruise Critic cliche I disagree with the most....right up there with "the cruise lines are more similar than different." When I drop thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation, I expect it to be what they make of it, not me. If I have to make the vacation, then they failed somewhere.

 

 

I'm torn on this perspective. I do think the major discount lines are all more alike than not. RCI has a few ships that the others can't touch, but I like their food the least, so it balances out for me. Pretty ships don't compete with hunger most days. NCL has much more to choose from and I like their pay restaurants. To each their own. Carnival has the best steakhouse at sea, IMO, and I enjoy their food much more than RCI, but about equal to NCL. Food is subjective. It's just how it is.

 

 

With that being said, I DO expect the cruiselines to provide what I pay for and service is part of that. However, I don't expect them to make my vacation. Your attitude does play a part, a very big part, of that experience. People griping because they had to wait an hour to board is stupid. Life happens. You're on vacation. Chill. People griping because they had to sit for 2 hours in the MDR is stupid, IMO. You know that can happen, go eat in the Lido if 30 extra minutes is that big of a deal. People griping because every second wasn't a joy filled doughnut are the kind of people who will ALWAYS find something wrong, no matter what.

 

 

So, yes, in some respects vacation is what you make it. You can gripe about the little things and focus on them so heavily that it makes you and everyone around you miserable (misery is contagious, in my experience) or you can grab a drink, laugh with your friends, and enjoy your big, fat blessed life. (Obviously, I'm not talking about losing power for 2 days and having no running water while you float in the hot sun out at sea. That kind of thing is probably worthy of a little griping....and still, I'm going to bet there were even people on that ship who found a way to smile and be the best they could be in that situation while others were in the fetal position sobbing over their horrible, horrible life and why me?! attitude).

[vanislandcruisers]

We LOVE Carnival especially the Staff and the atmosphere but to a certain extent ‘Money Talks’ especially when it is ours and the Math has to work. We cruised exclusively with Carnival from January of 2008 – December of 2013. Since then we have taken 4 Carnival Cruises and 2 Celebrity Cruises and both of the Celebrity Cruises had the Unlimited Drink Package as one of the Perks.

 

We had a GREAT time with the Friends we were cruising with during both of our Celebrity Cruises however both Dee and I decided that Celebrity is not for us. ABSOLUTELY no complaints about the Food, the Service, the Ship nor the Crew - Celebrity is just not our Vibe right now.

 

During our October 2016 Cruise on the Carnival Miracle our cruising Group of Friends decided to plan our next Group Cruise for October of 2018 and we wanted to goto the Western Caribbean again. And a Drink package would be part of the Cruise whther it's Cheers on carnival or a Drink package on another Cruise Line.

 

It came down to the Carnival Breeze – departing Saturday, October 20th out of Port Canaveral – and the Norwegian Getaway – leaving Sunday, October 21st out of Miami – with both Cruises visiting Belize, Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel – virtually the same itinerary with the exception of where the Ships would stop in Belize and Roatan. We all agreed that we preferred the NCL stop in Belize – NCL’s Private Island, Harvest Caye, vs the Tender into Belize City with Carnival – and the Carnival stop in Roatan – Mahogany Bay vs Coxen Hole for Norwegian.

 

The Norwegian Getaway worked out to be $1110.28 US/person for a Balcony on Deck 8 including all Taxes, Fees and Port Charges. Included in this Pricing were 2 @Unlimited Beverage Packages and the 3-Night Specialty Dining Package for the both of us.

 

Now normally we would have to pay Service Charges of $99.54 US/person ($199.08 US for the 2 of us) on the Unlimited Drink Package and $12.42 US/person ($24.84 US for the 2 of us) on the Specialty Dining but those Charges would be included as a Group Amenity. This Group Amenity itself was worth far more than what we would have qualified for from Carnival.

 

The Carnival Breeze would cost us $1005.24 US including all Taxes, Fees and Port Charges for a Balcony Cabin on Deck 7 so the Breeze was cheaper by $105.04 US/person before Drinks. After adding on the Cheers Program the total would be $1407.34 US/person.

 

So Carnival worked out to be $297.06 US more per person for virtually the same itinerary when we factored in the Drink Packages. Now there are differences between the 2 Drink Programs but between the 2 of us we are not going to drink enough Bottled Water, Energy Drinks or non-alcoholic Specialty Coffees to justify the difference in cost…….and no limits on NCL.

 

Now had this Cruise just been the 2 of us and we would have had to pay the additional $111.96/person in Service Charges on the Drink and Dining Packages so we would have only been talking about a $185.10 US/person difference or in our case a Total of about $500.00 Cdn which would equate to the cost of 1 of our RT Flights to either Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando

 

The majority in our Group are Platinum on Carnival; several are Diamond, and we all knew what we would be giving up to ‘cheat’ on Carnival but the difference – in ourcase almost $1000.00 Cdn – was just too significant to justify going on the Carnival Breeze.

 

And we do think that O'Sheehan's will be perfect for our Group - we can see this being a GREAT Spot anytime Day or Night.

 

So our ‘Friends with Beverages’ Cruise on the NCLGetaway was born.

 

We know we'll have a GREAT time - we ALWAYS do - We will do our research beforehand and are very much looking forward to giving NCL a whirl.

[Bosrox]

We LOVE Carnival especially the Staff and the atmosphere but to a certain extent ‘Money Talks’ especially when it is ours and the Math has to work. We cruised exclusively with Carnival from January of 2008 – December of 2013. Since then we have taken 4 Carnival Cruises and 2 Celebrity Cruises and both of the Celebrity Cruises had the Unlimited Drink Package as one of the Perks.

 

We had a GREAT time with the Friends we were cruising with during both of our Celebrity Cruises however both Dee and I decided that Celebrity is not for us. ABSOLUTELY no complaints about the Food, the Service, the Ship nor the Crew - Celebrity is just not our Vibe right now.

 

During our October 2016 Cruise on the Carnival Miracle our cruising Group of Friends decided to plan our next Group Cruise for October of 2018 and we wanted to goto the Western Caribbean again. And a Drink package would be part of the Cruise whther it's Cheers on carnival or a Drink package on another Cruise Line.

 

It came down to the Carnival Breeze – departing Saturday, October 20th out of Port Canaveral – and the Norwegian Getaway – leaving Sunday, October 21st out of Miami – with both Cruises visiting Belize, Roatan, Costa Maya and Cozumel – virtually the same itinerary with the exception of where the Ships would stop in Belize and Roatan. We all agreed that we preferred the NCL stop in Belize – NCL’s Private Island, Harvest Caye, vs the Tender into Belize City with Carnival – and the Carnival stop in Roatan – Mahogany Bay vs Coxen Hole for Norwegian.

 

The Norwegian Getaway worked out to be $1110.28 US/person for a Balcony on Deck 8 including all Taxes, Fees and Port Charges. Included in this Pricing were 2 @Unlimited Beverage Packages and the 3-Night Specialty Dining Package for the both of us.

 

Now normally we would have to pay Service Charges of $99.54 US/person ($199.08 US for the 2 of us) on the Unlimited Drink Package and $12.42 US/person ($24.84 US for the 2 of us) on the Specialty Dining but those Charges would be included as a Group Amenity. This Group Amenity itself was worth far more than what we would have qualified for from Carnival.

 

The Carnival Breeze would cost us $1005.24 US including all Taxes, Fees and Port Charges for a Balcony Cabin on Deck 7 so the Breeze was cheaper by $105.04 US/person before Drinks. After adding on the Cheers Program the total would be $1407.34 US/person.

 

So Carnival worked out to be $297.06 US more per person for virtually the same itinerary when we factored in the Drink Packages. Now there are differences between the 2 Drink Programs but between the 2 of us we are not going to drink enough Bottled Water, Energy Drinks or non-alcoholic Specialty Coffees to justify the difference in cost…….and no limits on NCL.

 

Now had this Cruise just been the 2 of us and we would have had to pay the additional $111.96/person in Service Charges on the Drink and Dining Packages so we would have only been talking about a $185.10 US/person difference or in our case a Total of about $500.00 Cdn which would equate to the cost of 1 of our RT Flights to either Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando

 

The majority in our Group are Platinum on Carnival; several are Diamond, and we all knew what we would be giving up to ‘cheat’ on Carnival but the difference – in ourcase almost $1000.00 Cdn – was just too significant to justify going on the Carnival Breeze.

 

And we do think that O'Sheehan's will be perfect for our Group - we can see this being a GREAT Spot anytime Day or Night.

 

So our ‘Friends with Beverages’ Cruise on the NCLGetaway was born.

 

We know we'll have a GREAT time - we ALWAYS do - We will do our research beforehand and are very much looking forward to giving NCL a whirl.

 

We are so excited to be joining you guys on this Friends with Beverages cruise. As newbies, it's comforting to have you guys with experience do the planning and organizing, itmakes us feel like we will definitely get the most out of our trip.

[vanislandcruisers]

We are so excited to be joining you guys on this Friends with Beverages cruise. As newbies, it's comforting to have you guys with experience do the planning and organizing, itmakes us feel like we will definitely get the most out of our trip.

 

It will be a BLAST!!!!

[jimbo5544]

Can you explain why you think carnival is your go to? Specifics please

1.FUN ships - different than other cruise lines

2.The most friendly staff in the industry.

3.Biggest cabins (way bigger than NCL), on Carnival the bathroom sink is actually in the bathroom....

4.Still a true cruise line (MDR experience, daily cruise experience)

5.The value leader...and not just in price

6.Carnival Steakhouse

7.Guys

8.Red Frog

9.Havana Cabanas

10.No nickel and dining going on

11.don't need misleading sales to entice cruisers

12.no amusement parks

For starters...enough?

[CruisingUS]

1.FUN ships - different than other cruise lines

2.The most friendly staff in the industry.

3.Biggest cabins (way bigger than NCL), on Carnival the bathroom sink is actually in the bathroom....

4.Still a true cruise line (MDR experience, daily cruise experience)

5.The value leader...and not just in price

6.Carnival Steakhouse

7.Guys

8.Red Frog

9.Havana Cabanas

10.No nickel and dining going on

11.don't need misleading sales to entice cruisers

12.no amusement parks

For starters...enough?

Yea. It is hard to understand why people like what the like without actually asking.

 

I do agree CCL has some VERY fun ships. However I do like the amusement parks. And I think every CL nickels and dimes me. But I accept that being on vacation.

[trvlgirlmq]

I have only cruised on Carnival so far but we are tentatively planning a Europe cruise in 2019 and I know we will have to be on another line (unless we get a big ole surprise which I am not counting on!). So NCL is probably the front-runner right now based on their 2017/2018 itineraries and prices. I'm not worried about the food or entertainment. Yes, the smaller cabins are a concern but we will make it work. I'm looking forward to trying something new.

[jimbo5544]

I have only cruised on Carnival so far but we are tentatively planning a Europe cruise in 2019 and I know we will have to be on another line (unless we get a big ole surprise which I am not counting on!). So NCL is probably the front-runner right now based on their 2017/2018 itineraries and prices. I'm not worried about the food or entertainment. Yes, the smaller cabins are a concern but we will make it work. I'm looking forward to trying something new.

 

 

 

There are lots of options for summertime in Europe, even if Carnival does not participate. Options are a good thing, when you are ready, see what they are and select what best fits you.

 

 

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[beerman2]

That's probably the Cruise Critic cliche I disagree with the most....right up there with "the cruise lines are more similar than different." When I drop thousands of dollars on a cruise vacation, I expect it to be what they make of it, not me. If I have to make the vacation, then they failed somewhere.

 

OK all cruiselines provide entertainment some better than others again subjective.

 

Cruiseline food is really subjective.

 

They all have pools, hot tubs, various venues to entertain us.

 

They all have smokey casino's.

 

They all have multiple places to drink.

 

They all provide shows!

 

They all have buffets.

 

Doesn't that make them more similar than different?

 

Value is what is perceived by one's self and I've yet to feel what the cruiselines haven't done that. I'm pretty easy to please.

[CruisingUS]

OK all cruiselines provide entertainment some better than others again subjective.

 

Cruiseline food is really subjective.

 

They all have pools, hot tubs, various venues to entertain us.

 

They all have smokey casino's.

 

They all have multiple places to drink.

 

They all provide shows!

 

They all have buffets.

 

Doesn't that make them more similar than different?

 

Value is what is perceived by one's self and I've yet to feel what the cruiselines haven't done that. I'm pretty easy to please.

 

Same could be said about cars, but brands are VASTLY different

[S.S.Oceanlover]

1.FUN ships - different than other cruise lines

2.The most friendly staff in the industry.

3.Biggest cabins (way bigger than NCL), on Carnival the bathroom sink is actually in the bathroom....

4.Still a true cruise line (MDR experience, daily cruise experience)

5.The value leader...and not just in price

6.Carnival Steakhouse

7.Guys

8.Red Frog

9.Havana Cabanas

10.No nickel and dining going on

11.don't need misleading sales to entice cruisers

12.no amusement parks

For starters...enough?

 

#3. Other than the Epic what other NCL ship doesn't have a sink in the bathroom?

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

#3. Other than the Epic what other NCL ship doesn't have a sink in the bathroom?

 

 

 

Bill

 

 

 

How many do I have to name before I get a prize? For the record tho, the bathroom we had on Oasis did have a sink in the bathroom, I just had to step out to brush my teeth, but that's a different story.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

#3. Other than the Epic what other NCL ship doesn't have a sink in the bathroom?

 

 

 

Bill

 

 

 

While it is true, that they do have sinks in bathrooms in "most cabins" the single cabins not so much. How would you describe the size the cabins on NCL ships?

 

 

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[S.S.Oceanlover]

While it is true, that they do have sinks in bathrooms in "most cabins" the single cabins not so much. How would you describe the size the cabins on NCL ships?

 

 

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smaller.

[sparks1093]

Same could be said about cars, but brands are VASTLY different

 

But among the cars in the same price range there are usually not that many differences, especially the lower end models aimed at the average person.

[jimbo5544]

smaller.

I have always said you were a man with a way with words....;)

[cruizinrican]

NCL is wonderful and why we sailed them annual for 6 years straight. The perks they give away for free are what keeps us coming back year after year. And their ships are beautiful.

 

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[Cruzaholic41]

#3. Other than the Epic what other NCL ship doesn't have a sink in the bathroom?

 

Bill

 

It's only 1 ship - Epic. So it's a little ridiculous to paint the whole line for it.

 

By the way, I much prefer the slightly smaller rooms (barely noticeable) on NCL over the rooms on the majority of Carnival ships - which are painted in some hideous shade of orange or pink and have cheap Naugahyde couches.

[NCTribeFan]

I'll see whether I enjoy NCL next spring. I'm one of several on the boards that are doing B2B TAs - leg 1 is on NCL Star, 14-nights Miami-Barcelona; leg 2 is Carnival Horizon, 14-nights Barcelona-NYC.

 

I realize that a 14-night sailing on a not-new, smaller ship will probably be a rather different experience than a 14-night sailing on a brand new, large ship.

 

But I don't sail for the ship anyway. In fact, newer, bigger, more bells-and-whistles is not what I'm looking for in a cruise.

 

I'm solo in inside cabins on both. Price is about the same including the service charge for the drink package on NCL. Only one perk for an inside sailing. Not particularly a fan of the idea of having to pay an upcharge for so many dining venues, though. I'll probably purchase a dining package for 4 restaurants.

 

I expect to like O'Sheehan's.

 

I didn't care for the casino on Vista (inaugural sailing) as it was smoking allowed in the entire casino (maybe because we were in Europe and it seems like EVERYONE there still smokes) and with the bar in the middle, with smoking allowed, made it very uncomfortable. I know the smoke, plus the "new ship smell" (fumes from the new carpets and other materials) really aggravated the cold I picked up (probably on the flight over).

 

Anyway, I know there will be smoke in both casinos. I've heard that NCL casinos tend to be a little more generous than Carnival's. With a total of 28 nights at sea, I just hope to not be bankrupt by the time I return home!

[jimbo5544]

NCL is wonderful and why we sailed them annual for 6 years straight. The perks they give away for free are what keeps us coming back year after year. And their ships are beautiful.

 

Sent from my Z981 using Forums mobile app

Beautiful is not a word I would use for Epic.

[jimbo5544]

It's only 1 ship - Epic. So it's a little ridiculous to paint the whole line for it.

 

By the way, I much prefer the slightly smaller rooms (barely noticeable) on NCL over the rooms on the majority of Carnival ships - which are painted in some hideous shade of orange or pink and have cheap Naugahyde couches.

Are you sure it is only one ship? Barely noticeable smaller rooms LOL, speaking of a little ridiculous;p. When you have to inch around the bed to get to the other side, that is more than "barely noticeable". PLease don't make me go look up room sizes to make my point. Frankly, I am shocked that a Carnival supporter like you would disparage a Carnival ship to another line. Say it ain't so :rolleyes:

[jimbo5544]

I'll see whether I enjoy NCL next spring. I'm one of several on the boards that are doing B2B TAs - leg 1 is on NCL Star, 14-nights Miami-Barcelona; leg 2 is Carnival Horizon, 14-nights Barcelona-NYC.

 

I realize that a 14-night sailing on a not-new, smaller ship will probably be a rather different experience than a 14-night sailing on a brand new, large ship.

 

But I don't sail for the ship anyway. In fact, newer, bigger, more bells-and-whistles is not what I'm looking for in a cruise.

 

I'm solo in inside cabins on both. Price is about the same including the service charge for the drink package on NCL. Only one perk for an inside sailing. Not particularly a fan of the idea of having to pay an upcharge for so many dining venues, though. I'll probably purchase a dining package for 4 restaurants.

 

I expect to like O'Sheehan's.

 

I didn't care for the casino on Vista (inaugural sailing) as it was smoking allowed in the entire casino (maybe because we were in Europe and it seems like EVERYONE there still smokes) and with the bar in the middle, with smoking allowed, made it very uncomfortable. I know the smoke, plus the "new ship smell" (fumes from the new carpets and other materials) really aggravated the cold I picked up (probably on the flight over).

 

Anyway, I know there will be smoke in both casinos. I've heard that NCL casinos tend to be a little more generous than Carnival's. With a total of 28 nights at sea, I just hope to not be bankrupt by the time I return home!

 

WOW, back to back TA's, that is impressive.

[CruisingUS]

I'll see whether I enjoy NCL next spring. I'm one of several on the boards that are doing B2B TAs - leg 1 is on NCL Star, 14-nights Miami-Barcelona; leg 2 is Carnival Horizon, 14-nights Barcelona-NYC.

 

I realize that a 14-night sailing on a not-new, smaller ship will probably be a rather different experience than a 14-night sailing on a brand new, large ship.

 

But I don't sail for the ship anyway. In fact, newer, bigger, more bells-and-whistles is not what I'm looking for in a cruise.

 

I'm solo in inside cabins on both. Price is about the same including the service charge for the drink package on NCL. Only one perk for an inside sailing. Not particularly a fan of the idea of having to pay an upcharge for so many dining venues, though. I'll probably purchase a dining package for 4 restaurants.

 

I expect to like O'Sheehan's.

 

I didn't care for the casino on Vista (inaugural sailing) as it was smoking allowed in the entire casino (maybe because we were in Europe and it seems like EVERYONE there still smokes) and with the bar in the middle, with smoking allowed, made it very uncomfortable. I know the smoke, plus the "new ship smell" (fumes from the new carpets and other materials) really aggravated the cold I picked up (probably on the flight over).

 

Anyway, I know there will be smoke in both casinos. I've heard that NCL casinos tend to be a little more generous than Carnival's. With a total of 28 nights at sea, I just hope to not be bankrupt by the time I return home!

 

Enjoy. O'Sheehan's is good. The MDR suffices for me on NCL.

 

 

I won't comment on carnival seeing as you are a pro already.

 

 

Beautiful is not a word I would use for Epic.

I would. But I get it. People don't like the modern aesthetic. Some people like more traditional decorum.

 

 

[jimbo5544]

Enjoy. O'Sheehan's is good. The MDR suffices for me on NCL.

 

 

I won't comment on carnival seeing as you are a pro already.

 

 

 

I would. But I get it. People don't like the modern aesthetic. Some people like more traditional decorum.

 

 

I was really referring to the outside of the ship. But that is nice.

[bassmaster150]

We just tried NCL for the first time this past May on the Breakaway out of NY to Bermuda. We loved it. However, we will only sail he newer large ships in NCL fleet as we like all of the amenities of the newer ships (i.e. 28 restaurants on breakaway, really good shows, etc).