Help! NCL vs. Carnival....

[klfhngr]

why should I switch to NCL? I've been on Carnival approx. 10 times, the latest was last month. I've had it with them.. I've also tried Princess and RCCL. Can you convince me why I should try NCL?? Thinking of doing the Star. Please help, I will take all your feedback into consideration. Also, I plan on taking a large group, I don't want to disappoint them.

Thanks in advance!

[Planer's Edge]

Firstly, why have you had it with Carnival??? We enjoyed our one cruise on Carnival.

 

The thing we like the most about NCL is the staff. They seem to genuinely welcome us into their home for a week at a time. The other advantage (IMHO) to NCL is freestyle. The dining options on the newer ships are wonderful. Not being tied to a set schedule is perfect for our tastes.

 

 

I will answer any specific questions you have. As will many others.

 

PE

[klfhngr]

Same cuisine, service was so-so, same thing.. time to move on/up!

a) Food compared to Carnival?

b) You answered the service

c) Atmosphere? Toned down, party, or half n half?

d) Cleanliness of ship

e) OVERALL satisfaction.. NCL vs Carnival.

If someone offered you a FREE cruise and you had to pick one over the other, which would you choose? Assume that Carnival had freestyle dining...

Thanks again!

[Retired not Expired]

Knowing what went wrong with the other lines might help us on whether NCL would be better or not for you. Most of these lines are about the same but have different options that appeal to some people and not to others.

 

Free style dining with it's more resort casual dress code is a plus for many of us and hated by the more formal desiring crowd is just one example.

 

What do you want and like in a cruise line?

[klfhngr]

a) GREAT food, not just good in ALL areas

b) Great service

c) Fun crowd, not to rowdy but not dead either

d) Affordable, i.e., the cruise itself and once onboard

e) Quality of drinks!

f) Activities...

[Don Haynes]

I don't think any cruise line can live up to your high expectations. While you're likely to enjoy the great food and service at an Norwegian Le Bistro restaurant, you'll probably not like paying the extra fees.

 

When it comes to food on cruise ships in the main dining rooms, you get continental dining, not an American grill. Because the ships are so large and have to feed so many, much of the food in the main dining rooms are pre-cooked and prepared.

 

During the summer months NCL is a lively crowd, but during the winter months with the older cruisers all cruise ships are somewhat unlively. And its my opinion all cruise ships are cleaner than your homes.

 

But I have enjoyed my four cruises on NCL, I like the freestyle dining, being able to choose when and where and with whom I wish to dine with. I also don't want to pack a suit, resort casual is me....

[Planer's Edge]

Same cuisine, service was so-so, same thing.. time to move on/up!

 

I understand...time to try something new. :cool:

 

 

a) Food compared to Carnival?

 

I thought the food on Carnival was terrific...not what I was expecting. I think you could put Carnival and NCL on an even par when it comes to food. NCL's presentation is a little better, but that just enhances the experience not the food. Although Carnival's pizza is better!!

 

b) You answered the service

 

We did have a not so good experience on Carnival when it comes to service. Our Waiter, in the diningroom was one of the main "TABLE" dancers during the festivities. He seemed more interested in protecting his dancing position than serving food. Other than that the service we experienced on Carnival was great. I just feel a little more welcome on NCL ships, like going to good friends house.

 

c) Atmosphere? Toned down, party, or half n half?

 

I would have to say it is about half and half. But, then again it depends on who we meet up with. If my wife and I take a cruise to be with just us, it is very toned down because we tend to dance (ballroom) a lot and turn in relatively early. If we meet up with some fun people things can approach the party hardy levels. One group tends to not intrude on the other and coexist very well.

 

This is a lot of words to say that you can find any one of the above three.

 

d) Cleanliness of ship

 

I find NCL ships to be very clean and well maintained, as was the Pride. We have been on both new and old ships in the NCL fleet and have not found anything that we would consider filth. Sure some of the older ships show wear and tear but, so do the new ones after a while. To this day our favorite cruise was on the Norway which is arguably the oldest cruise ship sailing. The day to day maintenance just slows the process of wear and tear.

 

e) OVERALL satisfaction.. NCL vs Carnival.

 

Overall satisfaction with both lines was very good because we went into Carnival with a certain set of expectations and were extremely satisfied. Just check my signature line to see how satified we are with NCL. :rolleyes:

 

If someone offered you a FREE cruise and you had to pick one over the other, which would you choose? Assume that Carnival had freestyle dining...

 

I would still probably take the NCL cruise because Carnival is just a little to Party Hardy for my tastes. Plus the Carnival ships are just a little to gaudy in their decorations for me.

 

But, if somebody offered me a free cruise on Carnival I would not turn it down because.......A bad day at sea is better than a good day at work.

 

Thanks again!

 

You very welcome....I hope this helps. :cool:

 

PE

[Retired not Expired]

a) GREAT food, not just good in ALL areas

b) Great service

c) Fun crowd, not to rowdy but not dead either

d) Affordable, i.e., the cruise itself and once onboard

e) Quality of drinks!

f) Activities...

 

I have to agree with Don on this one. Most main stream cruise lines has done a good job making cruising affordable, but in doing so sacrificed some on your A & B. Food and service are good but not like the old days. If you want great food and service, you will have to pay for it and go to the top lines. But in doing that, you will have to lose out on the fun crowds, affordability, and many activities.

 

It boils down to whether you want the formal dining and dress or the freestyle and resort casual. Service and especially food can be subjective so only each individual can answer which line gives them the best. IMO, NCL has very good food and a great selection and the service is, to be truthful, more than meets my needs, but I'm fairly easy to please and don't like someone hovering over me.

 

My advice, you've tried the others so try NCL and decide for yourself.

[mbisson]

a) GREAT food, not just good in ALL areas

b) Great service

c) Fun crowd, not to rowdy but not dead either

d) Affordable, i.e., the cruise itself and once onboard

e) Quality of drinks!

f) Activities...

 

I'm still looking for the line that has ALL of this, and I'm not sure any mass market line does.

 

-Monte

[klfhngr]

Planer's Edge, thank you very much for breaking it down to me, everything you said make perfect sense!

Retired, you made a great point, I've tried the rest now it's time to find out for myself.. I think you made a valid point.

Don, great points regarding food and casual atmosphere.

 

Thank you all again, I think you helped me make up my mind..

 

Norwegian Star, see you in May or in Oct.!!

 

KLFHNGR

 

Carnival Tropicale

Commodore ??

Jubilee

Sensation

Jubilee

Elation

Jubilee

Explorer of the Seas

Princess Star

Carnival Spirit

Carnival Valor

Norwegian Star??!!!

[Mekamax]

I've been on Carnival 11 times and just got off my first NCL cruise in many years - NCL Sun. Hubby wanted something different than Carnival. Liked Carnival but same layout and food and wanted something different.

 

NCL is WAY different. The ship seems a lot more cut up but it makes it quieter and a lot less crowded. Deffinately seemed more elegant. Hallways and cabins are smaller but have such a comfortable feeling. Usually I want a sailaway drink right when i get on board to take the edge off of being somewhere new. Didn't need it. Comfortable feeling right when you walk on board. I haven't been on a cleaner ship. Very nice. Crew were not intrusive at all but if you talk to them they liven up and are very happy to tell you about their families.

 

The alternate dining was wonderful. Some you didnt' have to pay for like the appitizers at Las Rambas (jalepeno poppers YUM!) and some you did like Sushi which is free on Carnival. The sushi was great and they had a lot more variety than CCL and for $2 a serving I don't mind paying at all - 6 or 8 in a serving so we were very full on $6. We also tried the Tempura - shrimp and vegitable for $4. Prices were very cheap I thought and the food restaurant quality back home.

 

Freestyle dining is awesome!!!! We met up with others on this board and we ended up with a group of 10 of us that stayed together and we had dinner together most nights either part of the group or the whole group which would not be possible with traditional dining since we had not ever met before. I had dinner with someone from another message board too the first night. We really enjoyed dining when and where we wanted. Also when you walk in the dining room it is quiet and not crowded at all - much more like a romantic restaurant back home. Refridgerators in all rooms on the NCL SUn was very nice!

 

We really had a great time - the regular buffet food is a lot like any other cruise line - some things different and great - others the same but all mass market buffet stuff. I think the diing room food was a little better than CCL but it is all about the same. The alternate dining was much better that you paid for that we tried.

 

Deffinately worth a try. After all it is way different. Hubby was happy - I did good! :) Debbie

[klfhngr]

Debbie, thanks for the info.. I'm definately ready for CHANGE!! You all helped me make up my mind, thanks...

Additional comments are appreciated!

I haven't heard anything negative about NCL from those that have cruised on BOTH lines..... Must mean something!

[Retired not Expired]

Norwegian Star, see you in May or in Oct.!!

 

Make it August 13 and I'll buy you a drink.

[Cobra1365]

Our first NCL will be in Sept on the PoAM. But, as you can see from my sig line, we've cruised Carnival quite a bit. We find it hard to find a vacation that can compare with them. When we sailed the Mariner (RCCL), we went in with an open mind and tried hard not to do the "oh on carnival" bit. But we would be in line and hear others doing just that! Almost everyone we spoke with that sailed Carnival had the same thing to say. The food wasn't as good, the shows were NO WHERE near as good, and the service was not as good. The ship was absolutely beautiful and the adult only pool area forward was a great relaxation spot. But other than that, we headed straight back to Carnival.

 

We've often heard the "Carnival is more of a party atmosphere" line. But truthfully, we don't see it! My wife and I never have any problem finding a quiet place to relax (Except on the Pride//very noisy boat!). If we want to party, we head for one of the bars or discos. If not, we head up to the pool area or find a spot along the promenade deck and people watch or read.

 

I'd be really interested in WHY you've had enough of Carnival. You say it like the Pi$$ed you off.:confused:

[jeffinhburg]

That quest may never come to an end. I liked the food on NCL better than Carnival, but I don't think it is what you have in mind. I like it better than Carnival because there is an infinite amount of vegetarian food for me. As for your other criteria, fun and laid back crowd, price, and good drinks (the trick is to make friends with a server and bartender and tip well), I rate NCL higher in those. I think more of the staff is genuinely friendly on NCL, but have to admit, I did find some servers, entertainers, and room stewards I just loved on Carnival as well, just not as uniformly so.

 

I'll never understand, though, why NCL, while there are some ships with very talented musicians, cannot seem to create a piano bar that is as much fun as Carnival's.

 

I like the flexible eating times on NCL better.

 

What I really think is that you just need a temporary change of scene.

 

References:

Carnival - Ecstacy, Liberty

NCL - Dawn, Dream, Sun, Sea

[gcjstri]

:)

I have been on apx.7 NCL cruises. My first NCL cruise I was in my late 20's I am now in my late 40's and I still love NCL. What I like about NCL is the variety and the options. To dress up or not to dress up. To eat at a fancy pay restaurant or eat at a cafeteria or the dinning room. there is also a very good mix of age groups.

I have only been on one Carlival Cruise with my husband and teenage daughter about 10 years ago and will not ever go on one again.

I am not trying to offend anyone or sound uppity but I felt like I was in K-mart :eek:

 

minimom

[mbisson]

I'll never understand, though, why NCL, while there are some ships with very talented musicians, cannot seem to create a piano bar that is as much fun as Carnival's.

 

AGREED-I never had as much fun on a ship (with my clothes on) as in a Carnival piano bar

 

-Monte

[Retired not Expired]

Our first NCL will be in Sept on the PoAM. But, as you can see from my sig line, we've cruised Carnival quite a bit. We find it hard to find a vacation that can compare with them. When we sailed the Mariner (RCCL), we went in with an open mind and tried hard not to do the "oh on carnival" bit. But we would be in line and hear others doing just that! Almost everyone we spoke with that sailed Carnival had the same thing to say. The food wasn't as good, the shows were NO WHERE near as good, and the service was not as good. The ship was absolutely beautiful and the adult only pool area forward was a great relaxation spot. But other than that, we headed straight back to Carnival.

 

We've often heard the "Carnival is more of a party atmosphere" line. But truthfully, we don't see it! My wife and I never have any problem finding a quiet place to relax (Except on the Pride//very noisy boat!). If we want to party, we head for one of the bars or discos. If not, we head up to the pool area or find a spot along the promenade deck and people watch or read.

 

I'd be really interested in WHY you've had enough of Carnival. You say it like the Pi$$ed you off.:confused:

 

Two things. I spend a lot of time on the RCCL board because I will be cruising with them next month. Even over there, many say Carnival has better food than RCCL and even some of the loyal RCCL people are saying the quality of the food has gone down on that line.

 

Second, just wanted to say that although they are similiar in many respects, NCL and NCLA, which owns the POAm, are two separate units (Legally, two separate companies). What you get on NCLA may not represent what you will find on mainstream NCL. I've sailed both and have had a good time on both but I could see a difference. I found the American crew to be friendly and helpful but others have had problems due to some turnover on the crew.

[hotspur]

This is quite likely the most thoughtful, substantive, insightful comparison of two cruise lines I've ever seen on Cruise Critic. Thank you, everyone.

[WaldosPepper]

This is quite likely the most thoughtful, substantive, insightful comparison of two cruise lines I've ever seen on Cruise Critic. Thank you, everyone.

 

I second that! :) What a refreshing treat!

 

Happy Holidays to all!

[logcabin]

We have sailed CCL (our first cruise) on the Triumph. My feeling about CCL was this: I always felt the staff was over worked. Our cabin stewart was great. But, he always looked as if he was going to drop at any time. He looked so exhusted that it became uncomfortable for us to ask for anything. We always felt crowded on the ship. On the pool deck was jammed during the day. Evey night for dinner the crowds lined up into the stair wells waiting to go in. You had to walk through the casino if you wanted to get from one end of the ship to the other. Although we enjoyed it at the time because we had nothing to compare it to, we now know the difference. We probably won't cruise CCL again.

 

Been on RCCL Nordic Empress. Small ship and good service. Still felt crowded at times.

 

Sailed NCL Dawn twice. Never ever felt crowded. Not sure why. Perhaps the design of the ship. Never waited to be seated for dinner. Ate when ever, where ever we wanted. Ship was spotless each time. Service was very good and staff was always smiling and offering a "good day" or asking if we needed anything. You don't have to walk through the smokie casino to get anyplace.

 

Overall, we prefer NCL to the others we have cruised with. Always had a great time with them and have booked a Spirit cruise for July.

 

As far as food, all lines seem to be the same to me in the standard places. However, you can't beat the food in NCL's Le Bistro or Cagney's.

[Maryfrei]

We cruised the Carnival Miracle in 2004, and the Norwegian Dawn in 2005. I can honestly say both trips were awesome, and I would do either one again. The biggest difference: Freestyle!

 

I would do traditional again, but I honestly don't think my husband would want to go back. Being able to dine wherever, whenever, is just wonderful.

[osiebosie]

I couldn't resist jumping in because of my experience with CCL.

 

We've had great cruises on Carnival. It can be a party ship, but at the right time of year, it is a more laid back atmosphere, and very enjoyable. The food was always good, and we never had bad service.

 

I was on the "cruise to nowhere" last year from Mobile on Carnival's Holiday over New Year's. It was the worst cruise I've ever been on. In fact, it was the only bad cruise I've ever been on. I won't go into the whole story, but the customer service from Carnival has left a very sour taste in my mouth, and my only reaction is to never sail on them again. (and be vocal about it.)

 

Having said that, we just got off of our first freestyle NCL, the Majesty. I've written my review. Overall, it was a great cruise. I'd like to try freestyle on one of the larger ships. Honestly, I liked CCL food/menu better. We had cruised NCL years ago, before freestyle. We've also cruised Celebrity.

 

I think you should try NCL; overall it is a good cruise line, I think. No line is perfect, and there will be likes and dislikes. I also suggest trying other lines. Why would you stay with just one cruise line all of the time? Add a little spice and variety! We always like different ships, ports, and lines if the itinerary takes us there.

 

Try NCL. If you don't like it, don't do it again.

 

Shay

[Mekamax]

To add to what I said earlier. Hubby and I missed the one hallway on Carnival at night. Verses many small areas to go at night on NCL. More people and more options close to each other we like at night and like others mentioned we really have had an excellent time in a piano bar on Carnival. Other Carnival cruises though it was too smokey to go in and too many crew taking over the place so it really depends on the cruise and the people on board I think.

 

NCL makes a great change from CCL and we will sail them again but all that said I will sail Carnival again too - still really like Carnival too. It will depend on price and ports. By the way the disembarking sold hubby on NCL for all time!! So easy - you just walk off - no long line early morning for customs. So very nice! Debbie:D

[klfhngr]

Make it August 13 and I'll buy you a drink.

 

 

LOL! I might take you up on that!