New to NCL-Which ship?

[QTBabyNurse]

We are seasoned cruisers but never cruised on NCL. Which ship would be the best one for us to take for our first NCL cruise?

 

We will sail the Caribbean. We enjoy great music and lots of things to do. We don’t travel with children. Looking to be WOW’ed! 
 

Thanks in advance! 

[Two Wheels Only]

NCL's newest ships (Prima and Viva) are probably the best options for "wow factor". Prima is brand new and Viva is still under construction. 

 

Next would be the Breakaway Plus ships (Escape, Joy, Bliss, Encore). They are all very similar with subtle differences between the last 3. 

 

You can have a great cruise whether in the Haven or not but for "wow factor", you're probably better off in the Haven 

Edited September 2, 2022 by Two Wheels Only

[BirdTravels]

48 minutes ago, QTBabyNurse said:

We are seasoned cruisers but never cruised on NCL. Which ship would be the best one for us to take for our first NCL cruise? We will sail the Caribbean. We enjoy great music and lots of things to do. We don’t travel with children. Looking to be WOW’ed!  Thanks in advance! 

Escape, Encore, Bliss, Joy would be good ships to start with. Escape has more physical activities like ropes courses and sports courts. Encore, Bliss and Joy are more things like go karts, laser tag, and virtual reality pavilions. The Prima is the newest ship (has not sailed with paying customers yet). It will spend some time out of Port Canaveral this year, then transit to Europe. Then back next year for some spring cruises out of Texas. (New ship = $$$)

Edited September 2, 2022 by BirdTravels

[sail_ORN]

It looks like the Prima is going to have several wow factors. I know I’m really looking forward to my December cruise! 

[ChiefMateJRK]

2 hours ago, BirdTravels said:

Escape, Encore, Bliss, Joy would be good ships to start with.

I think this is good advice.

[KLC1993]

Escape, Encore for Caribbean.   Bliss and Joy were designed for Alaska and other seasonal climates in mind.  In my experience they aren't so different but someone putting that fine a point on it might see it differently.

 

As for (non-haven) wow factors, my list includes Spice H20 (with the grotto, not the giant hot tub on the Joy), the go kart track, the Broadway based shows, Howl at the Moon, Cagney's Steakhouse, Food Republic, and the suite we had on the Joy.  SC category - Cabin #14756 for those scoring at home.  Teppanyaki is always fun even if the menu/show is the same.

 

The one thing to avoid is the NY Strip on the Main dining room everyday menu.  It's been a frozen reheated puck of alleged meat for going on three years now.  Order anything else.

[ChiefMateJRK]

12 minutes ago, KLC1993 said:

The one thing to avoid is the NY Strip on the Main dining room everyday menu.  It's been a frozen reheated puck of alleged meat for going on three years now. 

I think one of those slipped into Cagney's my last cruise. 🤬

[KLC1993]

Cagney's has always been a highlight, though I've never ordered the NY strip.