Not new to crusing, new to NCL

[Retiredmedic]

I have 9 cruises on CCL and my girlfriend has 6 cruises on CCL. Have a cruise on NCL booked May 2023 on the Escape going to Puerto Plata, St Thomas, Tortola and GCS. I am sure there are some on here that have cruised both lines and can tell me the difference between the two lines. 

[The Shrike]

I've been on CCL twice, one a seven-day, one a four-day booze cruise.  If you've only ever done the short booze cruises with CCL then the main difference is that on NCL you'll hardly see anyone vomiting in public places.  🤮😝😀

[Retiredmedic]

1 minute ago, The Shrike said:

I've been on CCL twice, one a seven-day, one a four-day booze cruise.  If you've only ever done the short booze cruises with CCL then the main difference is that on NCL you'll hardly see anyone vomiting in public places.  🤮😝😀

Only 4 day I have done was to Cozumel and back and it was a pretty tame cruise. 

[graphicguy]

16 minutes ago, Retiredmedic said:

I have 9 cruises on CCL and my girlfriend has 6 cruises on CCL. Have a cruise on NCL booked May 2023 on the Escape going to Puerto Plata, St Thomas, Tortola and GCS. I am sure there are some on here that have cruised both lines and can tell me the difference between the two lines. 

Escape is one of my favorite NCL ships.

 

It's been a while since I've cruised CCL (before COVID).  And, on that one, I actually stayed in a Havana cabin.  Kinda cool, except people kept falling over the outside fence/porch late night and early mornings.  Not amused.

 

Generally speaking, entertainment will be way better on the Escape.  I found service on NCL to be better, too.

 

Dining is subjective.  I found the Chef's Table on CCL to be the best meal I've ever had anywhere, on land or sea.  But, aside from that, dining was better on NCL.  MDR Manhattan Room is particularly nice. Specialty Restaurant favorites include Cagney's and Le Bistro.

 

Love.....LOVE....NCL's Waterfront. You can dine, drink, or just relax on the WATERFRONT (which is a walkway outside with bars, restaurants, couches, chairs all overlooking the water.  I much prefer that area than crowding around the already crowded outdoor area.

 

Spice H20 is an all adult bar pool area which is nice on NCL, too!

 

Some people like the look of CCL ships.  I can understand that.  I prefer the NCL ships design.

 

You'll enjoy it.  I'm sure.

[The Shrike]

13 minutes ago, Retiredmedic said:

Only 4 day I have done was to Cozumel and back and it was a pretty tame cruise. 

That's the one I was on, out of Tampa in January 2020.  We saw the staff at the pool have to react to upchucked drinks several times.  We started to call them the VRT - Vomit Response Team.

One thing I really liked on CCL was the Blue Iguana Taco Bar and Guy's Burger Joint.  I think those are better places to grab a quick lunch than the pool grill on NCL.  Other than that, graphicguy is spot on.  I've been on the Escape three times and enjoyed it every time.  

[billslowsky]

28 minutes ago, Retiredmedic said:

I have 9 cruises on CCL and my girlfriend has 6 cruises on CCL. Have a cruise on NCL booked May 2023 on the Escape going to Puerto Plata, St Thomas, Tortola and GCS. I am sure there are some on here that have cruised both lines and can tell me the difference between the two lines. 

My experiences are pre-covid.  I found the NCL entertainment better than carnival, with the exception of comedy shows which Carnival excels at. 

 

I liked the dining room food on ncl better than carnival, but the carnival's buffet better where you can always get a deli sandwich freshly made. Better comfort food in general.   O'Sheehan's on ncl is a big plus, pub food available day and night (never tried late night),

 

Ncl has nothing comparable to a ship on a stick...  but no one in a pirate costume will impose on your dinner either.

 

Carnival gets a younger partying crowd which, to me, translates to some serious people watching opportunities.  Overall NCL is a little quieter and likely to have more bells and whistles.

[Retiredmedic]

33 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Escape is one of my favorite NCL ships.

 

It's been a while since I've cruised CCL (before COVID).  And, on that one, I actually stayed in a Havana cabin.  Kinda cool, except people kept falling over the outside fence/porch late night and early mornings.  Not amused.

 

Generally speaking, entertainment will be way better on the Escape.  I found service on NCL to be better, too.

 

Dining is subjective.  I found the Chef's Table on CCL to be the best meal I've ever had anywhere, on land or sea.  But, aside from that, dining was better on NCL.  MDR Manhattan Room is particularly nice. Specialty Restaurant favorites include Cagney's and Le Bistro.

 

Love.....LOVE....NCL's Waterfront. You can dine, drink, or just relax on the WATERFRONT (which is a walkway outside with bars, restaurants, couches, chairs all overlooking the water.  I much prefer that area than crowding around the already crowded outdoor area.

 

Spice H20 is an all adult bar pool area which is nice on NCL, too!

 

Some people like the look of CCL ships.  I can understand that.  I prefer the NCL ships design.

 

You'll enjoy it.  I'm sure.

Thanks, I'm not much into shows, but my gf is and I will attend at least one with her to keep her happy.

[Retiredmedic]

22 minutes ago, billslowsky said:

My experiences are pre-covid.  I found the NCL entertainment better than carnival, with the exception of comedy shows which Carnival excels at. 

 

I liked the dining room food on ncl better than carnival, but the carnival's buffet better where you can always get a deli sandwich freshly made. Better comfort food in general.   O'Sheehan's on ncl is a big plus, pub food available day and night (never tried late night),

 

Ncl has nothing comparable to a ship on a stick...  but no one in a pirate costume will impose on your dinner either.

 

Carnival gets a younger partying crowd which, to me, translates to some serious people watching opportunities.  Overall NCL is a little quieter and likely to have more bells and whistles.

The deli on CCL no longer has fresh sandwiches, they are made elsewhere frozen and thawed on the ship. Broke a molar eating a Cuban sandwich.

[Retiredmedic]

27 minutes ago, The Shrike said:

That's the one I was on, out of Tampa in January 2020.  We saw the staff at the pool have to react to upchucked drinks several times.  We started to call them the VRT - Vomit Response Team.

One thing I really liked on CCL was the Blue Iguana Taco Bar and Guy's Burger Joint.  I think those are better places to grab a quick lunch than the pool grill on NCL.  Other than that, graphicguy is spot on.  I've been on the Escape three times and enjoyed it every time.  

Ours was out of Galveston, it was pretty tame, cruises out of Galveston not much of the party boat scene except during spring break.

[KKB]

47 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Escape is one of my favorite NCL ships.

 

It's been a while since I've cruised CCL (before COVID).  And, on that one, I actually stayed in a Havana cabin.  Kinda cool, except people kept falling over the outside fence/porch late night and early mornings.  Not amused.

 

Generally speaking, entertainment will be way better on the Escape.  I found service on NCL to be better, too.

 

Dining is subjective.  I found the Chef's Table on CCL to be the best meal I've ever had anywhere, on land or sea.  But, aside from that, dining was better on NCL.  MDR Manhattan Room is particularly nice. Specialty Restaurant favorites include Cagney's and Le Bistro.

 

Love.....LOVE....NCL's Waterfront. You can dine, drink, or just relax on the WATERFRONT (which is a walkway outside with bars, restaurants, couches, chairs all overlooking the water.  I much prefer that area than crowding around the already crowded outdoor area.

 

Spice H20 is an all adult bar pool area which is nice on NCL, too!

 

Some people like the look of CCL ships.  I can understand that.  I prefer the NCL ships design.

 

You'll enjoy it.  I'm sure.

@graphicguy Interesting perspective. (now I need a vs. Celebrity comparision...)

 

After DCL, RCCL, Princess & Celebrity we did NCL Getaway in 2019. 

We, too, LOVED LOVED LOVED the Waterfront & that ALONE draws us back to that NCL class.

We were offered a free Carnival Cruise via their Casino Match offer so picked the longest one offered--14 days. Will have to look into their Chef's Table!

[Retiredmedic]

1 hour ago, KKB said:

@graphicguy Interesting perspective. (now I need a vs. Celebrity comparision...)

 

After DCL, RCCL, Princess & Celebrity we did NCL Getaway in 2019. 

We, too, LOVED LOVED LOVED the Waterfront & that ALONE draws us back to that NCL class.

We were offered a free Carnival Cruise via their Casino Match offer so picked the longest one offered--14 days. Will have to look into their Chef's Table!

I have no desire for the Chef's Table as it takes 3 hours or so. I worked EMS my entire life. My motto is eat as much as you can as fast as you can cuz you never know when your next meal will be. But I don't know anyone for going to it.

[billslowsky]

Be prepared at least daily to hear some derisive "joke" about Carnival, usually by someone who's never sailed with them.  Gets old fast.

[The Shrike]

1 hour ago, billslowsky said:

Be prepared at least daily to hear some derisive "joke" about Carnival, usually by someone who's never sailed with them.  Gets old fast.

My first CCL cruise was a seven day Caribbean with my wife and three other family members.  We all loved it and had no complaints.  It wasn't until a few years later that we heard some of the jibes about CCL and were puzzled by them.  Then we did the four day and saw where the jokes came from.  😜

[Biffire]

Most of my cruises have been with NCL, one with CCL, and one with RCL.

I have always thought they were mostly the same. NCL  does not seat you with others and you eat whenever you want. My CCL cruise was a 7day to Canada in September, and was not a wild booze cruise. I have to admit that the cruises and ships run together in my mind and I can't really recall too many specifics.

[graphicguy]

6 hours ago, KKB said:

@graphicguy Interesting perspective. (now I need a vs. Celebrity comparision...)

 

After DCL, RCCL, Princess & Celebrity we did NCL Getaway in 2019. 

We, too, LOVED LOVED LOVED the Waterfront & that ALONE draws us back to that NCL class.

We were offered a free Carnival Cruise via their Casino Match offer so picked the longest one offered--14 days. Will have to look into their Chef's Table!

Let me give that some thought!

[Two Wheels Only]

12 hours ago, billslowsky said:

Be prepared at least daily to hear some derisive "joke" about Carnival, usually by someone who's never sailed with them.  Gets old fast.

 

That happens on nearly every cruise line forum whenever a "foreign" cruise line is mentioned.

[graphicguy]

22 hours ago, KKB said:

@graphicguy Interesting perspective. (now I need a vs. Celebrity comparision...)

 

After DCL, RCCL, Princess & Celebrity we did NCL Getaway in 2019. 

We, too, LOVED LOVED LOVED the Waterfront & that ALONE draws us back to that NCL class.

We were offered a free Carnival Cruise via their Casino Match offer so picked the longest one offered--14 days. Will have to look into their Chef's Table!

OK...after pondering this for a day or so, I think I've come up with some worthwhile Celebrity vs NCL comparisons.

 

Trying to give impressions I've had of both over the last year, sailing both lines' best ships.  Little bit of background as there have been many changes cruising now vs 3 years ago.

 

This will probably get long.

 

This time last year, there were outstanding fares going on for those cruise lines who had a rock solid plan to sail again.

 

While Royal and Carnival were futzing around with some guests having to wear masks, some guests not wearing masks, some venues open for vaccinated guests, that weren't open for unvaccinated guests....NCL and Celebrity were cut and dry.  No crazy "you can go here, but not go there", or "if you're unvaccinated you can only go to certain places on board", etc.

 

NCL came straight out and said..."you want to sail with us?  You have to be fully vaccinated". No masks required on board as a result.  Plain and simple.  I appreciated that.  Usually when you try to be all things to all people, you satisfy none.  

 

Celebrity put the same stake in the ground at the same time.  Everyone who can be fully vaccinated, will be fully vaccinated to sail on a Celebrity ship.  Only exceptions were for kids.  And, given not many kids sail Celebrity to begin with, very few were on the sailings.  Matter of fact, on the sailings I did with Celebrity, I'd say there were maybe less than a dozen unvaccinated kids on each, and they were required to wear masks.  

 

Those policies had me looking at both NCL and Celebrity.

 

NCL really left me (and others) hanging high and dry with fares that were refundable.  They later rescinding that refund and imposed FCCs instead.  and canceling one particular cruise only days before embarkation, for no good reason any of us could figure.  I was plenty steamed about that.

 

But, I had FCC.  And, I certainly wasn't going to just let NCL have that money without letting me sail.

 

I was Platinum Latitudes, which is now Sapphire Latitudes.  Not sure if or what the differences are.  But, I get a few extra perks.  

 

So, given good fares, and FCC, I sailed the Encore to Alaska last Fall in a Balcony Cabin with my GF.  Wonderful cruise.  Great ship.  Service was superb.  Also, sailing at about 50% capacity.  Speaking of perks, NCL has "Free at Sea".  I get their marketing lingo, and treat that as such..."Lingo".  But, as they say, "nothing's totally free".  I paid the "service fees and tips" for the drinks and specialty dining venues.  $50 excursion credit really didn't met much as very little was open in Alaska at the time.  But, we did take some pretty tame tours as a result, at not charge.  Internet is also a "perk".  But, you'll use up the included minutes very quickly.  And, in Alaskan waters, internet speeds are dismal, at best.

 

Still, crew were glad to be on board, they went out of their way to take care of us.  And, there weren't enough guests on board to have crowds....anytime....anywhere.  Food was great.  Drinks were strong.  Everything was plentiful and super clean, even for a cruise ship where cleanliness is a top priority.

 

(Cont)

[tallnthensome]

With my recent experience NCL is now twice the price on all of my upcoming comparable cruises on Carnival. Used to love NCL , not anymore after their absurd pricing ....... biggest rip off around now. Even Celebrity, Princess, and Holland have better pricing. When the NCL CEO admits publicly that's he's going to squeeze every penny from you and won't discount his cruises like other lines it became laughable. My six cruises booked are now with Celebrity, MSC, and Carnival. 

[graphicguy]

Well...just had an entire 30 minute post disappear from CC.   No idea why.  This usually only happens if I'm posting live from a ship.  This time, it happened at home, using a wired internet connection.

 

Not feeling in the mood to retype it.

 

Except at the end of the post that disappeared, I gave my cruise line history ratings, in order....

 

1.  Celebrity

2.  NCL

3.  Royal

4.  MSC

5.  HAL

6.  Carnival

[KKB]

45 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

Well...just had an entire 30 minute post disappear from CC.   No idea why.  This usually only happens if I'm posting live from a ship.  This time, it happened at home, using a wired internet connection.

 

Not feeling in the mood to retype it.

 

Except at the end of the post that disappeared, I gave my cruise line history ratings, in order....

 

1.  Celebrity

2.  NCL

3.  Royal

4.  MSC

5.  HAL

6.  Carnival

Interesting! 

MSC offered us a free 7 day free cruise thru Urcomped & just didn't know...

 

Celebrity is our fav--SLIGHTLY. Better food & service. And LOVE LOVE LOVE E class ships.

 

Before Eclass we said RCCL was our fav & least fav cruises--LOVED Quantum & Allure; Mariner cruise not as much (may have been a CD issue reflecting back...)

 

NCL we have only done 1 but LOVED LOVED LOVED Waterfront & Syd Norman's.

 

Princess was 5 of our first 6 cruises, and helped us fall in love with cruising.. \

 

But I'm a sucker for a good deal & was lured to other lines.

 

Interestingly, we have 7 cruises booked in the next 7 months--4 Princess, 2 NCL & Carnvial. 

3 were incredible casino offers; Getaway was moved to Caribbean on late notice so great prices; the others were family or friends wanting particular cruises. 

 

Would sail all the ones we have sailed before again; Carnival shall be interesting. 

But we were offered MANY FREE ones...so we decided to take advantage & do 2 weeks to Hawaii.

 

All this being said, we find the lines we sail to be more alike than difference. 

Honestly we see more differences in ships than lines. Generally we do prefer a larger ship. 

 

And yes, sailing well below capacity was a DREAM.

 

 

 

 

[Jac199]

13 hours ago, graphicguy said:

Well...just had an entire 30 minute post disappear from CC.   No idea why.  This usually only happens if I'm posting live from a ship.  This time, it happened at home, using a wired internet connection.

 

Not feeling in the mood to retype it.

 

Except at the end of the post that disappeared, I gave my cruise line history ratings, in order....

 

1.  Celebrity

2.  NCL

3.  Royal

4.  MSC

5.  HAL

6.  Carnival

That's too bad. I understand why you wouldnt retype, but I was really enjoying your comparison. I have never considered a Celebrity cruise and probably won't for a while but you are a great storyteller. 🙂

[rxlowry]

The majority of my cruises have been on NCL but I just tried Carnival in April because our Escape cruise was cancelled.  We were on their newest ship, Mardi Gras.   
Our group thought the main dining was better on CCL but NCL is way better for specialty.  (Not counting Chef Table)   
Entertainment we preferred NCL.  
Better service on NCL. 
Cleanliness goes to NCL as well as this ship was the dirtiest I’ve ever been on.  It might have been due to the staff shortage plus the passengers who thought ok to place trash on stairs, elevators floors, etc.  

[graphicguy]

CC forums are acting pretty weird.  

 

Let me give this another shot.

 

This time last year, Celebrity was offering great fares for startup.  Given I had not sailed them in about a decade, I decided to take advantage.  Even better, I could sail in the Retreat in a Sky Suite for about the same price as I could in a Balcony Cabin on Royal.  To top that, those fares were for a sailing on one of their newest ships….the EDGE.

 

So, sailing on one of NCL’s newest and one of Celebrity’s newest gave me a like for like comparison.

 

Those who follow Celebrity, are familiar with Capt Kate.  She was at the helm on the EDGE sailings at the time (she’s now on Beyond).  Usually, I don’t care who the Capt is on any ship.  Just don’t run us aground, cap size us, hit any icebergs, and I’m all good.  I can’t tell you who they are, or if/when I’ve seen them for the most part.

 

In addition to Captaining the ship, Capt Kate was always out and about interfacing with guests and leading her crew to make the cruise memorable (in a very good way). I had the pleasure of chatting with her on more than one occasion.  She’s genuine, thoughtful and had total control of the ship and crew.  All of that was quite obvious.  She made our cruise memorable while sailing during the start up where no one was practiced in new procedures.  It all went off without a hitch.  Can’t stress this enough….she was a major reason the cruise was so good.

 

Particulars…..

 

Celebrity has multiple MDRs.  Each one is focused on a different geographic region.  One specializes in Italian food.  Another specializes in American food, etc, etc, etc.  The ones I ate in were excellent.  Having the Luminae at my disposal really negated any want to dine in a specialty restaurant.

 

But, I had a pretty big OBC given the big price decreases.  So, part of it I used for specialty restaurants.  One, Raw on 5 (seafood place on deck 5) was good.  But, it was no better than the MDRs.  The other, EDEN, was wonderful.  Creative menu that tasted great and presented beautifully.  Service in EDEN was impeccable.  Plus, you dine while overlooking the ship’s wake through large windows.  Loved it.  NCL has the Waterfront for al fresco dining, but the closest they come to that experience is in the Manhattan Room, which is their largest MDR.

 

Buffets in both are good.  Wouldn’t prefer one over the other.

 

Al Bacio, the EDGE’s coffee house, was always a meeting place.  Great coffees and pastries, as part of Celebrity’s “Included” package.  Was there daily, sometimes multiple times.

 

The biggest difference between Celebrity and NCL, Celebrity doesn’t have rock walls, or monster pool slides, or race tracks, etc.  NCL does, however.  I enjoyed the race track on the Encore.  Would I sail any cruise line for those attractions alone?  Nope.

 

Entertainment is good on both.  NCL’s entertainment is better.  No doubt.

 

This time last year, there was no smoking in the casinos on either line.  Not going to debate any of that issue, except to say it was wonderful not smelling smoke anywhere on either ship.  Don’t know if that’s true now, or not.  I hope that’s a permanent change.  Smoking in the casino on my last Royal cruise made playing in and around the casino pretty miserable. 

 

I’m not sure either of the lines are sailing at or near capacity, either.

 

The rest?  I don’t see how you’ll have a bad time on either.

 

All that said, there are some good prices on NCL fares depending on where you want to go right now.  So, I’m spying a cruise to take advantage.  I cruise last minute and NCL does drop prices the closer they get to sail dates.

 

[kdawg954]

I have good experience sailing on the big 4 (Carnival, NCL, Royal and Celebrity) and have spent a similar amount of days on sea with all of them as I'm not really loyal to the brand, but loyal to the itinerary during the time of year I want to cruise.  Me and DW are both 40 now so maybe our taste is starting to change but here is how I view them:

 

1.  Carnival is really good bang for your buck, and often have the cheapest prices.  Free food options have always been good.  The demographic skews younger than other lines (some of that is the pricing of course) but if you are looking to just get away for a week and party, they do the job well.  Where they lack from the other 3 is the sparkle of the big production shows and the amenities onboard.  I LOVE LOVE when they cruise from San Juan because the fares are dirt cheap, there is an island stop everyday and a party at night, so I don't need all the ship perks to fully enjoy the ship.  Also once you have done that itinerary once, you can stay on the ship certain days and really relax.

 

2.  We are just now getting into the NCL vibe as we get older and a bit better financially.  Always stayed away because the cost was often double or triple what it would cost to sail on Carnival.  That's a big deal.  Sure you get some extras but when I'm pricing my complete vacation on Carnival, with excursions, drinks and tips factored in, and I'm coming out under NCL without booking an excursion . . . that's an issue.  Once you get passed price tho, NCL is just better at this cruise thing.  The ships are nicer, the free food is a bit better than Carnival and the specialty restaurants options are significantly better.  The freestyle concept is how I want to cruise the Caribbean and NCL does it better than the rest.  Production shows are a big step up from Carnival and the NCL deck parties are the best at sea.  Its a slightly more mature party IMO, less of the cheap booze and 4 am club that Carnival gives you, but not the everything is over before 1 am like Celebrity does.  They have the ship perks (even race tracks on ships) as well and better options to relax if that's what you want to do.  The spa is nicer . . . its an upgraded Carnival cruise experience, and the cost reflects that.

 

I'll touch on the other 2:

 

3.  Celebrity definitely caters to the older demographic.  I've jumped on tremendous sales with them and I've had a good time, but after this most recent cruise in May, its not for me.  Best free food amongst the big 4 but it was a snooze fest, to the point where you couldn't even watch a show because people would show up 45 minutes early to get their seat.  How u can waste 45 minutes waiting for a show blows my mind . . . kind of leads to the point of there not being much to do except eat and drink.

 

4.  Royal has consistently had the worst free food, the worst service and the worst itineraries on my cruises.  They really want you to vacation on the ship, spend your money on their onboard amenities/private islands and enjoy yourself that way.  Just not how I want to cruise unfortunately.  I do want to give them another shot eventually as my last 7 day with them was on the Allure 6 years ago but it just didn't appeal to me.  I will say their 3 and 4 day cruises from Florida are preferable because they go to Coco Cay, instead of just Nassau like Carnival often does.

 

 

[KarimaJ]

Here's my take. I tried a 7 day carnival cruise on the Breeze after cruising with NCL, RC, Celebrity. My thoughts are in line with others. I didn't see any unruly people or vomiting on my Carnival cruise and was generally pleased with the people we met. It was a fun cruise.

I hated the carnival buffet, and food was so-so. Much better on other cruise lines. BUT I think Carnival has the better dining room desserts than RC and NCL. The brunch at sea on carnival was great, as was the tea time (with goodies) and lobster night. They don't have the lobster or tea time on NCL. Nothing like Guys Burgers or Blue Iguana on NCL. But buffet is better and there is always something out. Carnival pizza beats everyone else's. 

I find both NCL and Carnival to be a bit of a ***** show getting off at ports as far as crowd control. Celebrity was dreamy. We liked cabins on NCL and Celebrity better too, more modern. The shows on NCL are the best of the all.