Norwegian vs. Royal Caribbean

[emory2001]

I've cruised a few lines, mostly Royal Caribbean, and we are exploring Norwegian, particularly for the Hawaii cruise. If you have cruised both Royal and Norwegian, what is your personal breakdown of what's better on Royal and better on Norwegian? I don't care about loyalty benefits, exclusive ship areas, or drink packages (we only drink a little, not nearly enough to justify the cost of a package). I care more about ease of debarkation, food hits and misses, coffee quality (Royal Caribbean's is pretty awful except for Starbucks on board), ship layout and ease of getting around, customer service at guest services, wait time for elevators, shows and other entertainment/activities, storage space in staterooms, ease of muster drill (I mention that b/c muster was much more chaotic on Carnival than Royal Caribbean), and whatever else that stands out to you. 

[Tutone56]

My wife and I have cruised on the smaller ships NCL offers (Jewel, Pearl) 3 times and on RCL (Radiance of the Seas) once out of Tampa. We both felt more comfortable on NCL, thought the food was slightly better, and enjoyed the ship’s atmosphere more. I’m not sure if they were that different that we wouldn’t try RCL again. 

[CozGurl]

We loved the solarium area on Royal. Nothing like it on NCL unless you pay extra for it. The buffet food was better with Royal - way better in our opinion. Main dining room food about the same. 

 

We have a couple of months we can vacation during. So we choose our cruises first by month, then itinerary then cost. Lately NCL has been winning our business because of the Free at Sea promo. If we didn't purchase alcohol packages we'd probably stay with Royal. Even though NCL hikes their prices to include "free" stuff, they beat Royal on price for the sailings we look at. 

 

[bound4somewhere]

I've cruised on both lines and prefer NCL for the dining and entertainment options. 

[emory2001]

3 minutes ago, CozGurl said:

We loved the solarium area on Royal. Nothing like it on NCL unless you pay extra for it. The buffet food was better with Royal - way better in our opinion.

 

On the 3 lines I've cruised, Royal does have the best buffet.

 

That's good to know about no included solarium on NCL, which I guess is the one "exclusive" area I might care a little bit about. Can anyone pay for the private pool area on NCL or is that only with the exclusive suites?

[frankdp]

Cruising Hawaii on Norwegian Pride of America is excellent way to enjoy Hawaii, the destination.   When we did it a few years ago, we took the 4 day land offer pre cruise and enjoyed it.  

On the other hand if you are expecting a superior “cruise ship” experience, you will likely be disappointed.   Since the ship is flagged as an American ship, it is required to have a crew comprised of 80% American citizens.   These folks are good people but the service level is not comparable to a more traditionally crewed ship.

[BirdTravels]

We have done 4 RCCL and 3 NCL cruises in the last 18 months. 

 

Embarkation/disembarkation is similar. 

 

The ONLY Hawaii Cruise is on NCL. 7-nights. In a Hawaiian port every day. Two overnights. No time wasted crossing the pacific. 

 

Buffet food on NCL is better. Contrary to fellow posters, we find the Windjammer sad and lacking. 

 

MDR on NCL is better. They constantly adapt their menus to the contemporary cruiser. Yeah,,. People constantly grumble about the loss of chicken fingers,,, but those are so 1980’s. 

 

NCL emphasizes freestyle cruising. Being on vacation, not at a business meeting. 

 

At at the end of the day, it is a cruise. Both lines 

 

Edited June 15, 2019 by BirdTravels

[graphicguy]

Done the megaships on both Royal and NCL.  Not sure how the POA compares.

 

The general feeling on NCL ships is pushing passengers outside (The WaterFront), where Royal steers people inside the ship (inside neighborhoods).  I really love the WaterFront area that NCL offers).

 

I used to prefer the free dining venues on Royal vs NCL.  The last couple of years, I feel NCL has surpassed Royal’s food overall.

 

Hands down, NCL has the best entertainment at sea.

 

I prefer NCL the last few years over Royal.  

 

Neither will disappoint you, though.

[mugtech]

Probably NCL is the best way to see Hawaii.  Royal Caribbean has better layouts and options on their larger ships.  I find RCI Voyager class ships to be very similar to my favorite Jewel class NCL ships.  We had great food on the Jewel 12 day Singapore to Hong Kong, but even with our platinum specialty dining we give the food advantage to RCI on all other cruises.  The entertainment varies by ship, but the music on RCI Anthem was the best we ever heard at sea.  The lines are very similar in many ways, lately we sail RCI because of ship, itinerary and price.  We must plan over a year out, often leaving fewer NCL choices while we are already booked for April 2021 on RCI.

[rtread]

I'll be tuned in to this thread....my wife and I are booked on POA late in August for the Hawaii cruise and on RCL Liberty of the Seas for birthday/Christmas cruise and I was definitely going to compare the two.

 

I have to admit I didn't realize POA didn't even have a casino until well after booking. My fault for not checking.....love my blackjack so I'll have to tough it out for that cruise. So I'm no counting that as a strike against it. 

 

I've been reading lots of pros and cons on both ships, both cruise lines. I realize there are those that would gripe about a free ham sandwich and there are blind loyalties....just gotta sift through it.

 

Hope you enjoy your POA cruise....when are you booked?

Edited June 15, 2019 by rtread
typo

[emory2001]

2 minutes ago, rtread said:

Hope you enjoy your POA cruise....when are you booked?

 

Not booked yet. Still deciding on cruise line and time of year.

[Sauer-kraut]

This is a unique cruise, not the same vibe as going to the Bahamas.  The ship is a floating hotel and usually people have rented cars in each port to do their own excursions.  Many have such intense days on shore that they are tired in the evening and not so lively.  Basically its "early to bed, early to rise"  everything else is secondary.

[mp2010]

My husband and I prefer NCL over RCI. We both thought the food was significantly better, we prefer the Freestyle, and it felt less party-like and more relaxed and enjoyable.

[zqvol]

2 hours ago, emory2001 said:

I've cruised a few lines, mostly Royal Caribbean, and we are exploring Norwegian, particularly for the Hawaii cruise. If you have cruised both Royal and Norwegian, what is your personal breakdown of what's better on Royal and better on Norwegian? I don't care about loyalty benefits, exclusive ship areas, or drink packages (we only drink a little, not nearly enough to justify the cost of a package). I care more about ease of debarkation, food hits and misses, coffee quality (Royal Caribbean's is pretty awful except for Starbucks on board), ship layout and ease of getting around, customer service at guest services, wait time for elevators, shows and other entertainment/activities, storage space in staterooms, ease of muster drill (I mention that b/c muster was much more chaotic on Carnival than Royal Caribbean), and whatever else that stands out to you. 

 

Comparing NCL Pride of America to anything else is not really a fair comparison. Pride of America is US flagged. A large % of the crew are US citizens, and it simply is not like the other NCL ships.

[rtread]

11 minutes ago, zqvol said:

 

 A large % of the crew are US citizens, and it simply is not like the other NCL ships.

 

Is the large % of the crew being US citizens a benefit or detriment? Just wondering.

[vpearlkc]

Using my maybe faulted logic I would guess that having a crew of mostly American citizens would lower the quality of service because working on a cruise ship would be low paying, hard, dead end job.

 

For someone from the Philippines, Indonesia etc the same job would be a sought after  opportunity to better the life of the crew members family.

 

27 minutes ago, rtread said:

 

Is the large % of the crew being US citizens a benefit or detriment? Just wondering.

 

[marrkid79]

NCL for the win....much better value with dining and drink packages.  Entertainment on the bigger ships is also better.  It feels like Royal nickles and dimes.

[rtread]

1 hour ago, vpearlkc said:

Using my maybe faulted logic I would guess that having a crew of mostly American citizens would lower the quality of service because working on a cruise ship would be low paying, hard, dead end job.

 

For someone from the Philippines, Indonesia etc the same job would be a sought after  opportunity to better the life of the crew members family.

 

 

 

Methinks your logic may be accurate.       MIKE ROWE: Are you out there??

[southsider]

We just got off an NCL ship (Epic) in Europe.  Without a doubt, its quality was far inferior to any of the three RCI ships we've been on.  Windjammer food was much better than Garden Cafe (the buffet on Epic).  The individual restaurants were great on Epic, though.  RCI had live musicians while Epic had canned music (but excellent singers/dancers).  We liked the Freestyle on NCL, especially being able to wear shorts in the Taste dining room.  We felt the workers on Epic were overworked and tired, so they didn't seem as friendly and fun as crew members we've met on RCI ships.  I've always heard that Epic isn't a normal example of an NCL ship (the awkward stateroom bathrooms, for example), so this opinion is maybe a bit of an unfair comparison.  Hands down, though, RCI ships offer the most beautiful ocean views from all public areas.  Epic was closed in and dark in its public areas.  

[want2go]

After 30 years, first NCL (Dawn) cruise a week ago after tons of Royal.
1. Liked NCL: choosing luggage tag for disembarkation instead of getting assigned one.
2. Liked NCL: casual sit down dining option, O'Sheehans with no surcharge... open 24 hours, menu not buffet. Nicer than Johnny Rockets on Royal that has a surcharge.

3. No lobster NCL on 7 night cruise. Not sure if that is a change for Royal yet. Used to be on all 7 nights or more.
4. to me food good on both.  Refreshing change to see different menus... too used to Royals.  I think Royal has better desserts.
5.  I like Royal ability to reserve table & time on freestyle basis.  NCL you get in line and get where they put you.  Always a different table... only 1 waiter was not attentive, maybe not feeling well??? If I find a great waiter, I like to keep them for the whole cruise.  They learn your preferences... your beverage request, etc. 

6. Liked NCL: if line was long at dinner, you got a buzzer and a coupon for free bubbly or soft drink while you wait.  Would be nicer to add house wine option.
7. Liked Royal cabins with phone by bed. Dawn was across the room.

8.  Thought Royal had more nooks for storage in cabin... corner cabinets in bathroom, at desk, etc.
9. Bigger shower NCL... bigger balcony Royal.  Of course depends on cabin/ship somewhat.
10. Weird art in both!
11. Edge to NCL on shows. Royal for activities for active people... and ice show can't be beat.
12. Purchased NCL because of sale price.  Worth giving up Royal status for a week.
13. NCL book on board, advance deposit option MUCH better than Royal.

Differences... yes.  But I would expect both to be a great cruise experience.  In the normal market, I'd consider age of ship... and remember shorter cruises can make a different feel onboard.

Agree with those saying Hawaii will not be the same, but it is the only option.  And easiest way to see the islands in a week.
 

[Bigbluegal]

We have cruised Royal 3 times--Freedom Eastern Itinerary (Balcony), Oasis Western Itinerary (Suite) and Freedom Southern Itinerary (Suite).  We have sailed NCL 2 times--Escape Western Itinerary (Haven) and Bliss Alaska Itinerary(Haven).  We love both lines but .......

 

Overall Ship layout---Royal wins when considering the areas outside the Haven.  Seems more open and the middle stack of elevators is welcoming.

Food--We liked Royal best here as well even when comparing the Haven with the exception of breakfast.  On Royal we chose My Time Dining and we liked having the same table each night as it is much more personal.  The waitstaff had our beverages ready without needing to ask.

Drink Pkgs--For us Royal wins again as we do not drink and Royal gave us the option of the refresh pkg which included non-alcoholic cocktails and fresh squeezed juice (while it is annoying to have to go to the juice station to obtain this)

Internet--Royal again...the pricing is much more clear and pkgs with individual logins can be purchased.  On NCL  when one of us was on...we kicked the other off.  I believe you can purchase extra user logins but it is not advertised clearly.

Entertainment---I believe this would be dependent on the ship chosen.  We enjoyed both...Jersey Boys on the Bliss was exceptional.

Embark---Easy on both but exceptional on NCL as we were in the Haven so we had a lounge and received escorts to our rooms.  Getting on and off the ship at ports was easy as well as we were taken down a separate elevator.

Cabins--We have not been disappointed with any of our rooms albeit balcony, suite, or Haven.  Of course the Haven was the nicest but it comes at a price.

 

We will continue with both cruise lines and prefer the larger ships.

Edited June 16, 2019 by Bigbluegal
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[peteukmcr]

We’ve sailed over 20 times with RCI but have recently tried NCL (Epic & Breakaway) and soon will be on Escape. 

 

Overall I feel the 2 lines are very similar. However, the number and type of complimentary dining venues are a big draw to NCL for us. The number and variety of speciality restaurants too. 

 

Although we think there is a more limited choice in the buffets on NCL, the food quality is better (in our opinion the quality in RCI’s Windjammer has deteriorated hugely over the years). 

 

Food quality in the main dining rooms on NCL also give RCI a run for the money. 

 

Having a coffee maker in the cabin is a nice touch too instead of having to order room service every morning or slepping off to the nearest cafe on RCI. 

 

Already mentioned, but the process for disembarkation on the final day is far better on NCL. The deadline for vacating your cabin on the last morning is more generous on NCL compared to RCI which is great if you’re not in a rush. Also final breakfast in the MDR is far superior on NCL in that you are not forced to share a table as you are on RCI and the opening times are more reasonable. 

[bonvoyagie]

Have not cruised RCL but have done the POA - back in 06 when she was new and indeed they were having crew problems- to the point of them jumping ship mid cruise. NCLA started a US based training center to help get this all American crew better used to life on ship. Our experience was that most of the crew were very attentive - the room steward we had was not all that attentive to our room. But the rest of the staff was great. We enjoyed the idea of Island Hopping on a cruise ship and it did allow us to really visit the islands and see the diversity. As others have said, it is more like a floating hotel than a cruise - it was probably the only cruise where we did not attend any show. Considering all other cruise lines leave from SF or LA and take several sea days to reach the islands and perhaps see one to three ports in Hawaii, then back across the sea to a port in Mexico and then back to LA or SF. Another option for Hawaii is to take the Jewel as it transitions from AK to the South Pacific.

[newmexicoNita]

14 hours ago, emory2001 said:

I've cruised a few lines, mostly Royal Caribbean, and we are exploring Norwegian, particularly for the Hawaii cruise. If you have cruised both Royal and Norwegian, what is your personal breakdown of what's better on Royal and better on Norwegian? I don't care about loyalty benefits, exclusive ship areas, or drink packages (we only drink a little, not nearly enough to justify the cost of a package). I care more about ease of debarkation, food hits and misses, coffee quality (Royal Caribbean's is pretty awful except for Starbucks on board), ship layout and ease of getting around, customer service at guest services, wait time for elevators, shows and other entertainment/activities, storage space in staterooms, ease of muster drill (I mention that b/c muster was much more chaotic on Carnival than Royal Caribbean), and whatever else that stands out to you. 

We haven't sailed RCI for awhile so I am  probably not the best person to pop in but I will still give my opinion: take it for what it is or may not be. 

Shows, elevators etc are more a matter of what ship than what line you choose

debarkation has more to do with port authority than the ship itself. We have had good and horrible experiences with both. 

Coffee isn't great on NCL but I don't remember what it was like on RCI. 

Muster drill on NCL is a breeze. WE didn't have that experience on RCL

Over all we think the food on NCL is a little better than RCI. 

entertainment on NCL, for sure better on NCL.

Customer service: hit or miss on both lines.

Overall they are more similar than different,but a lot of what we experience is subjective, not to mention it has more to do wth the ship than the cruise line. 

[Georgia_Peaches]

14 hours ago, rtread said:

I have to admit I didn't realize POA didn't even have a casino until well after booking.

Jeez, glad you mentioned this.  No casino and no thermal suite are deal breakers for me.  I guess that eliminated the POA and Joy.