Alternatives to NCL?

[smplybcause]

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

Just an update, since I'm the OP of this thread. We have booked a sailing on the MSC Seaside for September, but the MSC customer service has been a nightmare so far and we are considering canceling.

 

First, the "rewards match" was a joke. I am Gold with NCL and that matched to literally ONE point with MSC Voyager's Club. To give you an idea of what that means, it takes THOUSANDS of points to upgrade in level on MSC. The next level up, Silver, requires 2200 points. They gave me ONE point! When I contacted them to try to rescind my one-time-only match and save it for when I reached a higher level with NCL, they wouldn't let me. So that turned out to be a complete waste.

  

Then, shortly after we booked our September sailing, MSC ran a promo for the launch of their newest ship, Bellissima. If you did their online virtual tour of the ship, you could receive a 10% off promo code for any future sailing. So I did that. I called and canceled our original booking and re-booked to get the 10% promo code applied. I received my confirmation and my new reservation PDF and all seemed good. Later that night, right before I went to bed, I received a new, revised reservation confirmation without the discount! I called customer service the next day (which by the way seems to be a minimum 20 minute hold time) and I was assured that the promo code would be reapplied to my booking within 5 business days. That was a month ago. The code has still not been reapplied. I have filled out the contact form requesting for MSC to call me (hoping to avoid hold times) on the website three times and have received no call back. So now I am going to have to suck it up and call them again. If they don't get it resolved this time, we are going to give up on MSC and cancel the sailing.

 

Regarding the match -- I wonder if the person was for sure using the NCL guidelines. Royal also uses similar names for their program, but Gold is their lowest level. I think they go Gold>Platinum>Emerald>Diamond>Diamond+>Pinnacle. I'd consider calling back and specifically tell them Latitudes NOT Crown & Anchor. I know my Platinum on Royal would give me higher than their first level at MSC so I just don't see how they're correctly doing NCL unless they've decided they hate NCL customers. 

[JustAllie]

On 1/30/2019 at 9:40 AM, JamieLogical said:

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I am not a fan of kids.

 

FYI, apparently Viking Ocean Cruises have no kids whatsoever.  You have to be 18 years old to sail with them.  

 

They also have no casino and the cruises cost an arm and a leg, but they have no kids on board.  

[JamieLogical]

1 hour ago, tallnthensome said:

The cruise on MSC Seaside is fantastic. The website, IT people, and customer service that is all not on the ship is where they fail miserably ..... Depends on how much you care bare, Jamie. 

 

It is truly absurd. I wonder how many customers they lose before they even set foot on a ship because of the terrible customer service and IT. No matter how great your product is, if you make getting info about it and the purchasing process impossible, then no one is going to buy it!

[Itchy&Scratchy]

On 2/1/2019 at 8:33 PM, Sailing12Away said:

I'm not sure I understand your math. You're saying that with RCC it would be $41/day. All my cruises with NCL so far have been $20/day with the "free" UBP perk. So I'm not understanding how the RCC drink package is better or even comparable. 

because you pay more for your fare on NCL to begin with, and THEN another 20% gratuity on top of that.

 

When we priced a cruise on NCL's Jade with a 3rd person free, it was more expensive to get the rate that included this perk than it was to pay the Sailaway guarantee rate for all three of us. In order to get any "free" perk, you first have to select a higher rate to begin with. So, don't for a second think that the drink package is only costing you $20 a day. There is also a hefty difference in price between the perk-free rate and perk-included-for-"free" rate.

[Sailing12Away]

6 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

because you pay more for your fare on NCL to begin with, and THEN another 20% gratuity on top of that.

 

When we priced a cruise on NCL's Jade with a 3rd person free, it was more expensive to get the rate that included this perk than it was to pay the Sailaway guarantee rate for all three of us. In order to get any "free" perk, you first have to select a higher rate to begin with. So, don't for a second think that the drink package is only costing you $20 a day. There is also a hefty difference in price between the perk-free rate and perk-included-for-"free" rate.

I really wish people would stop comparing the sailaway rates to the free at sea rates - as they are not comparable. The sailaway rate does not let you choose your own cabin. You have no say in which deck, cabin, side of the ship, etc you are on. Hence why it is cheaper. Not because they "raised the prices" on the "free" perk rates to compensate, causing them to no longer be "free". It's because you're paying extra for the perk of choosing your specific cabin - not because of the 'no-so free, free perks'. 

[BNBR]

1 minute ago, Sailing12Away said:

I really wish people would stop comparing the sailaway rates to the free at sea rates - as they are not comparable. The sailaway rate does not let you choose your own cabin. You have no say in which deck, cabin, side of the ship, etc you are on. Hence why it is cheaper. Not because they "raised the prices" on the "free" perk rates to compensate, causing them to no longer be "free". It's because you're paying extra for the perk of choosing your specific cabin - not because of the 'no-so free, free perks'. 

 

Those marketing folks sure got you! You can't call perks "free" and have 2 different rates with only perks being the difference. Something else has to be different. Hence guarantee cabin.

[Sailing12Away]

18 hours ago, BNBR said:

 

Those marketing folks sure got you! You can't call perks "free" and have 2 different rates with only perks being the difference. Something else has to be different. Hence guarantee cabin.

There is something different. Picking a specific cabin, verses letting NCL put you wherever they want.

[BNBR]

3 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

There is something different. Picking a specific cabin, verses letting NCL put you wherever they want.

Yeah, that's exactly what I said....

 

Other lines have a $50 - $100 difference to pick your own cabin.  NCL has a $500 difference.  You are paying for the perks.  It's why the sailaway rate is similar to the regular rate of other cruise lines.  Then you pay $500 to "select your cabin" and get the "free" perks.  That's how this works.

 

Sometimes you come out ahead on NCL in comparison, sometimes you don't.  But they clearly charge for the "free" perks.

Edited April 19, 2019 by BNBR

[CILCIANRQTS]

On 4/18/2019 at 10:42 AM, JustAllie said:

 

FYI, apparently Viking Ocean Cruises have no kids whatsoever.  You have to be 18 years old to sail with them.  

 

They also have no casino and the cruises cost an arm and a leg, but they have no kids on board.  

 

And no photographers, and no art auctions, and only 930 pax on all ships, and one free excursion each port, and free WiFi, and no art auctions, and no charge for beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and no charge for alternate restaurants, and free laundry rooms onboard, and no entrance fee for the spa, and no inside staterooms, and no formal nights, and no junk sales blocking the halls and atrium, and a $20/ day drink package - including tips.

Other than that, pretty much the same as all the other lines...😉😊👍

Edited April 23, 2019 by CILCIANRQTS

[lanceholt]

9 minutes ago, CILCIANRQTS said:

 

And no photographers, and no art auctions, and only 930 pax on all ships, and one free excursion each port, and free WiFi, and no art auctions, and no charge for beer and wine at lunch and dinner, and no charge for alternate restaurants, and free laundry rooms onboard, and no entrance fee for the spa, and no inside staterooms, and no formal nights, and no junk sales blocking the halls and atrium, and a $20/ day drink package - including tips.

Other than that, pretty much the same as all the other lines...😉😊👍

Aren't they more expensive?  

 

[CILCIANRQTS]

3 minutes ago, lanceholt said:

Aren't they more expensive?  

 

 

Than what??

We consider them a great value and a wonderful new concept in cruising.

[lanceholt]

Just now, CILCIANRQTS said:

 

Than what??

We consider them a great value and a wonderful new concept in cruising.

Will have to do a comparison for ourselves and what we use/do on a usual cruise...we cruise more often than not in suites.  

[Tatka]

On 4/18/2019 at 6:02 PM, Sailing12Away said:

I really wish people would stop comparing the sailaway rates to the free at sea rates - as they are not comparable. The sailaway rate does not let you choose your own cabin. You have no say in which deck, cabin, side of the ship, etc you are on. Hence why it is cheaper. Not because they "raised the prices" on the "free" perk rates to compensate, causing them to no longer be "free". It's because you're paying extra for the perk of choosing your specific cabin - not because of the 'no-so free, free perks'. 

 

Why? Guarantee cabin is a concept not exclusive to NCL.

What does drink package has to do with it?

[Tatka]

On 4/16/2019 at 10:02 PM, CruisingNole said:

 

Agreed. NCL is lightyears behind Royal. Just the fact that NCL actually charges for Internet by the minute like AOL did in the 1990s is laughable.

 

 

Correction here... NCL internet is slower than RCCL yes, and much more expansive. However they do have unlimited packages.

2 weeks ago for two week cruise we paid $360. It is $34.99 per day, but for longer cruises there are discounts.

 

WiFi on Gem for browsing purpose was close to older RCCL ships (Grandeur for example), but streaming was not possible except for Youtube, even though we paid for Premium Package. (Browsing package was $294 for 2 weeks)

[Homosassa]

On 4/18/2019 at 10:42 AM, JustAllie said:

 

FYI, apparently Viking Ocean Cruises have no kids whatsoever.  You have to be 18 years old to sail with them.  

 

They also have no casino and the cruises cost an arm and a leg, but they have no kids on board.  

OP would not be a good fit on Viking.

 

According to her preferences listed in her first post, she prefers to be in jeans and sneakers at all times, want a large ship, and likes sailing out of NYC.

 

It is also difficult, if not impossible, to fare churn on Viking.

 

The cruise she has booked on MSC will be a real eye opener for her when she experiences a very different style and experiencing experience than NCL.

Edited April 23, 2019 by Homosassa

[BNBR]

21 minutes ago, Tatka said:

 

Correction here... NCL internet is slower than RCCL yes, and much more expansive. However they do have unlimited packages.

2 weeks ago for two week cruise we paid $360. It is $34.99 per day, but for longer cruises there are discounts.

 

WiFi on Gem for browsing purpose was close to older RCCL ships (Grandeur for example), but streaming was not possible except for Youtube, even though we paid for Premium Package. (Browsing package was $294 for 2 weeks)

 

I don't remember exactly what we paid, but I do remember it was more expensive to upgrade the "free" perk on NCL to unlimited internet than it was to flat out buy the better internet on Royal.  NCL is a joke.

[JamieLogical]

17 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

OP would not be a good fit on Viking.

 

According to her preferences listed in her first post, she prefers to be in jeans and sneakers at all times, want a large ship, and likes sailing out of NYC.

 

It is also difficult, if not impossible, to fare churn on Viking.

 

The cruise she has booked on MSC will be a real eye opener for her when she experiences a very different style and experiencing experience than NCL.

 

I agree about not being a good fit with Viking. As much as I love the fact there are no kids on board, I think my perception of the formality of Viking (I could be wrong and they could be more casual than I think) plus the likely older/more subdued clientele wouldn't work well for me.

 

As for my upcoming MSC sailing, it is almost certain we are going to cancel. Not because of any concerns with the cruise or the ship itself, but because of the horrendous experience we have had with MSC's customer service. It has really turned us off to the whole line and I feel more and more every day that they just don't deserve our money. We are now looking to sail on the Breakaway in September instead. Giving MSC to the end of this week to resolve our issues and other wise we are going to go with Plan B.

[graphicguy]

I’ve looked at Viking several times.  I think the LEAST expensive cruise and cabin with them I priced out was $11K for two.  

 

I was on the Escape in February this year.  I “pinged” the internet speeds between 17mbps-20mbps download, and a consistent 20mbps upload.  Not sure what NCL has done, but their internet speeds have increased dramatically over the last 12 months or so.

[Homosassa]

5 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

I agree about not being a good fit with Viking. As much as I love the fact there are no kids on board, I think my perception of the formality of Viking (I could be wrong and they could be more casual than I think) plus the likely older/more subdued clientele wouldn't work well for me.

 

As for my upcoming MSC sailing, it is almost certain we are going to cancel. Not because of any concerns with the cruise or the ship itself, but because of the horrendous experience we have had with MSC's customer service. It has really turned us off to the whole line and I feel more and more every day that they just don't deserve our money. We are now looking to sail on the Breakaway in September instead. Giving MSC to the end of this week to resolve our issues and other wise we are going to go with Plan B.

I don't think older/more subdued is the correct description. Instead, the clientele are experienced travelers who enjoy new experiences and excellent food (the excellent food is definitely not  an NCL offering). To that end. my thirty something daughter, son-in-law, and niece are looking forward to Viking this summer.

 

Dress is certainly more adult but by no means formal. Here is the Viking dress suggestions:

 

"During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. The evening dress excludes World Café where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM."

 

Too bad you plan to give up on MSC. Their cruise experience is cosmopolitan, and their food is excellent. The ships have a very different vibe than NCL.

 

[JamieLogical]

14 minutes ago, Homosassa said:

I don't think older/more subdued is the correct description. Instead, the clientele are experienced travelers who enjoy new experiences and excellent food (the excellent food is definitely not  an NCL offering). To that end. my thirty something daughter, son-in-law, and niece are looking forward to Viking this summer.

 

Dress is certainly more adult but by no means formal. Here is the Viking dress suggestions:

 

"During the day, dress is casual including shorts (if the season is warm), slacks or jeans and comfortable shoes for walking tours. Swimsuits, brief shorts, cover-ups and exercise attire should be reserved for the Fitness Center, pool areas and Sports Deck. There are no “formal nights” in the evening; evening dress is “elegant casual” for all dining venues, performances and special events. On these occasions, required attire for ladies includes a dress, skirt or slacks with a sweater or blouse; for gentlemen, trousers and a collared shirt. A tie and jacket are optional; jeans are not permitted. The evening dress excludes World Café where the dress remains casual after 6:00 PM."

 

Too bad you plan to give up on MSC. Their cruise experience is cosmopolitan, and their food is excellent. The ships have a very different vibe than NCL.

 

 

Not sure I'd be comfortable with the dress requirements for evenings. On NCL, I will wear a dress when dining in the specialty restaurants (just because I want to, not because I have to), but for MDRs, theater shows, etc. I want to be able to wear jeans and not feel out of place. I wouldn't want to feel limited to the buffet on evenings when I don't feel like putting on a dress. It's definitely one of my favorite things about NCL. The whole "dress how you like" approach. I love seeing people in their tuxes and cocktail dresses if that's what they want to wear. And I am content seeing people in their shorts and flip-flops if that's their thing. The way other people dress never negatively impacts my experience unless it makes me feel under-dressed or self-conscious about what *I'm* wearing.

[BNBR]

9 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Not sure I'd be comfortable with the dress requirements for evenings. On NCL, I will wear a dress when dining in the specialty restaurants (just because I want to, not because I have to), but for MDRs, theater shows, etc. I want to be able to wear jeans and not feel out of place. I wouldn't want to feel limited to the buffet on evenings when I don't feel like putting on a dress. It's definitely one of my favorite things about NCL. The whole "dress how you like" approach. I love seeing people in their tuxes and cocktail dresses if that's what they want to wear. And I am content seeing people in their shorts and flip-flops if that's their thing. The way other people dress never negatively impacts my experience unless it makes me feel under-dressed or self-conscious about what *I'm* wearing.

 

For a slightly more elegant experience and not many kids, without more formality, I'd recommend Celebrity.  I wouldn't be interested in Viking, either.

[jimbob22]

We just finished our first celebrity, a 4 nighter on one of their oldest ships. We had our kids, but most are in school so not a lot of kids. IMO, mdr food was definitely a tad better than the other cruises we've done. Prime rib was excellent, rack of lamb on menu twice, I had it last night and it was excellent, we did have lobster one night.  Their mdr offerings were a bit more upscale than the others.  Definitely merits consideration if food and a "civilized" atmosphere are important.  It probably had more and the best Indian food at buffet vs others we've done.

[BNBR]

6 minutes ago, jimbob22 said:

We just finished our first celebrity, a 4 nighter on one of their oldest ships. We had our kids, but most are in school so not a lot of kids. IMO, mdr food was definitely a tad better than the other cruises we've done. Prime rib was excellent, rack of lamb on menu twice, I had it last night and it was excellent, we did have lobster one night.  Their mdr offerings were a bit more upscale than the others.  Definitely merits consideration if food and a "civilized" atmosphere are important.  It probably had more and the best Indian food at buffet vs others we've done.

 

I did Reflection a couple of months ago.  One of their newest and larger ships.  It was undeniably a "classier" experience.  But that isn't for everyone - especially if you kind of like water slides and a more "fun" atmosphere.  My wife would prefer Celebrity, me, not so much.

 

And yes, they do a great buffet and the Indian food was killer!

[Tatka]

10 hours ago, BNBR said:

 

I don't remember exactly what we paid, but I do remember it was more expensive to upgrade the "free" perk on NCL to unlimited internet than it was to flat out buy the better internet on Royal.  NCL is a joke.

 

Full price of unlimited surf and stream on RCCL is $19.99. Every time there is a sale. Usually $13.99-15.99 per day. 

 

We decided that that we will continue to cruise with NCL to Bermuda and Caribbean (from Boston) and maybe some odd European itin (we had amazing cruise in Star from Venice in August), but other 4 a year would be Royal or Celebrity.

 

We love Celebrity and Princess, but both - especially Princess - abandoned North East...

[BlueLineCowboy]

4 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

Not sure I'd be comfortable with the dress requirements for evenings. On NCL, I will wear a dress when dining in the specialty restaurants (just because I want to, not because I have to), but for MDRs, theater shows, etc. I want to be able to wear jeans and not feel out of place. I wouldn't want to feel limited to the buffet on evenings when I don't feel like putting on a dress. It's definitely one of my favorite things about NCL. The whole "dress how you like" approach. I love seeing people in their tuxes and cocktail dresses if that's what they want to wear. And I am content seeing people in their shorts and flip-flops if that's their thing. The way other people dress never negatively impacts my experience unless it makes me feel under-dressed or self-conscious about what *I'm* wearing.

 

Hi OP - 

Question about your experience on NCL New England/Canada cruise.  How was the activity on the ship while at sea? What was the average age on the ship? Dd the crew schedule enough activities at night? ie: karaoke, games and late night bars? TY.