New to NCL

[julielovestocruise]

I recently booked my first cruise on the Norwegian Pearl. I am starting to notice some differences already about the booking and the ship that is different from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess, such as how transfers are added, formal nights, and staterooms. Can anyone tell me what differences they have encountered with NCL?

[ColeThornton]

Julie, I would suggest that you start off with NCL's Frequently Asked Questions, if you haven't already. That might give you a good start and then be able to ask more specific questions.

[mbruck]

My wife an I are ncl regulars (just hit platinum) but recently took 2 Royal Caribbean cruises ( had a seminar - had a cabin issue, got a credit, went again). The "no set dining " time for the main restaurants are the main difference, but for those of us who "gamble" and look forward to it as an exciting part of the cruising experience, I think NCL'S staff is superior in the casino - many people can't tell the difference, but I think it's noticeable - largest example is if you are at a full table for a bit, you can almost always call the pit boss over to ask for a complimentary round of anything on them - plus a much more knowledgeable and engaging staff. Also, a slightly more receptive attitude to cigar and cigarette smokers - some others may disagree on this last bit, bur my sense is ncl likes the gambling type and likes to have a Vegas experience in their casinos (especially the Epic )

 

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[easyboy]

Julie, I would suggest that you start off with NCL's Frequently Asked Questions, if you haven't already. That might give you a good start and then be able to ask more specific questions.

 

 

I agree. FAQs is usually my first point of reference.

 

 

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[Cruisermom2nick]

I recently booked my first cruise on the Norwegian Pearl. I am starting to notice some differences already about the booking and the ship that is different from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess, such as how transfers are added, formal nights, and staterooms. Can anyone tell me what differences they have encountered with NCL?

 

NCL is unique with the freestyle approach! :) Check out my blog- I reviewed the Pearl, as well as differences between NCL and Carnival!

 

 

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-norwegian-pearl-post-dry-dock.html

 

http://thecheerfulcruiser.blogspot.com/2016/05/comparing-norwegian-and-carnival-cruise.html

[julielovestocruise]

Thanks for the great responses. I loved the reviews, nicely done.

[newmexicoNita]

probably more similar than you might think, but there are still some differences; each line, as you know has a slightly different personality. I think the biggest difference might be the demographics. Princess attracts older cruisers, Carnival still a younger crowd and NCL with RCI being more about mixed ages. That is why so many professionals think NCL is the perfect line for family cruises. I think the entertainment is better on NCL as well. If you like formality NCL might be lacking for you; if you prefer a relaxed atmosphere you will be very happy.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

The mass market cruise lines are more similar than they are different. This question gets asked on about a weekly basis. If you type the name of one of the other cruise lines in the search box on the NCL board, you'll find numerous threads comparing the two lines. :)

[lab_love123]

The mass market cruise lines are more similar than they are different.

 

This ^^, 100%. I recently went on my first NCL cruise. I've been on Carnival and Celebrity, as well. Celebrity definitely had a more mature demographic (less families), but I found Carnival and NCL to be similar. The only real difference IMO, is the freestyle dining and the lack of a formal night. I was on the Sky, which as I understand is more casual than the rest of NCL's fleet (read: plenty of people in denim shorts and tshirts at dinner).

[mdsgu]

They are similar. But you'll probably find that Royal Caribbean is a bit more traditional, and the service is a bit better. Of course, you pay for that because RC is more expensive than NCL.