Alternative to NCL

[CanadianKLM]

We have done a few cruises in the past with both NCL and Disney and were happy with both lines. We travel with our teenage kids, who are fairly easy to please. The thing we liked about NCL is the freestyle dining and the drinks package (even though we're not huge drinkers we both like to have wine with dinner, etc and don't want to worry about the bill in the end). My ONLY complaint about disney is the current price. 

 

I am starting to look at cruises for March 2025, which will be my daughter's senior trip before grad. I'd like to do a few days at Universal and then cruise out of a port in Florida, but didn't love the NCL choices for about 5 - 7 days. Itinerary is less important as we haven't visited a lot of ports, and those we did we would be fine to revisit, or stay on the ship.

 

However, I am overwhelmed at the different cruise line options. I'm happy to do research, but I was wondering if someone could give me a quick rundown of lines that may be in the same class as NCL. We don't mind spending a bit more if it's a much better product.

 

Priorities would be flexible dining times, half decent pool deck, good food, nice cabins, and some teen friendly activities. We don't care much about the big mainstage offerings (we'll attend, but if it's not great we'll just be amused). 

 

Any direction would be appreciated - or even warnings of other lines to avoid.

 

Thanks.

[smokeykat]

Look at MSC and Royal Caribbean. Either one would work for you. MSC also offers included drink packages and free wifi per person.

Royal you would need to purchase these. Pricing is better with MSC.

[Two Wheels Only]

41 minutes ago, CanadianKLM said:

Priorities would be flexible dining times, half decent pool deck, good food, nice cabins, and some teen friendly activities.

 

With MSC, flexible dining times can vary depending on which "experience" is booked. The least expensive option (Bella) has set dining time and set dining location for dinner. The higher/more expensive options (Aurea and Yacht Club) have "freestyle" dining as far as times the same way that NCL does. 

 

41 minutes ago, CanadianKLM said:

We don't mind spending a bit more if it's a much better product.

 

In that case, I would recommend MSC Yacht Club on one of the newer ships such as Sea**** (there are 4 of them). It's most similar to NCL Haven but is almost always less expensive. Drinks package and Wi-Fi package are included with Yacht Club at no additional cost so you can select the least expensive pricing option and still get them.

 

Aurea experience is also a good option. There's a dedicated restaurant and dedicated sundeck with the newer ships. 

 

41 minutes ago, CanadianKLM said:

I'd like to do a few days at Universal and then cruise out of a port in Florida...

 

MSC is sailing out of Port Canaveral which is less than an hour drive from Universal Studios. 

 

41 minutes ago, CanadianKLM said:

Any direction would be appreciated - or even warnings of other lines to avoid.

 

MSC's off-ship customer service isn't exactly.....stellar. You're much better off having your questions answered here on CC. Before doing anything with MSC customer service, check here (or the MSC forum) for the best course of action. 

Edited September 27, 2023 by Two Wheels Only

[cruiser2015]

1 hour ago, CanadianKLM said:

We have done a few cruises in the past with both NCL and Disney and were happy with both lines. We travel with our teenage kids, who are fairly easy to please. The thing we liked about NCL is the freestyle dining and the drinks package (even though we're not huge drinkers we both like to have wine with dinner, etc and don't want to worry about the bill in the end). My ONLY complaint about disney is the current price. 

 

I am starting to look at cruises for March 2025, which will be my daughter's senior trip before grad. I'd like to do a few days at Universal and then cruise out of a port in Florida, but didn't love the NCL choices for about 5 - 7 days. Itinerary is less important as we haven't visited a lot of ports, and those we did we would be fine to revisit, or stay on the ship.

 

However, I am overwhelmed at the different cruise line options. I'm happy to do research, but I was wondering if someone could give me a quick rundown of lines that may be in the same class as NCL. We don't mind spending a bit more if it's a much better product.

 

Priorities would be flexible dining times, half decent pool deck, good food, nice cabins, and some teen friendly activities. We don't care much about the big mainstage offerings (we'll attend, but if it's not great we'll just be amused). 

 

Any direction would be appreciated - or even warnings of other lines to avoid.

 

Thanks.

I like NCL. I love Royal Caribbean. Their ships, especially the larger ones, have so many activities it's dazzling. And the entertainment is usually great. Surf simulators, sky dive simulators, ice rinks, sky high observation bubbles (varies, depending on ship class). Broadway shows, shows on ice.

 

I have no idea what may be scheduled for your target, but if you want longer itineraries, check out Panama Canal. If you don't want to go too long, or to the opposite coast, look for a partial transit, where most cruises return to port of origin.

[Guindalf]

Another option to consider is Celebrity. It's considered slightly upmarket from the others, but has stellar entertainment (especially on the Edge class ships), non-smoking casinos (which can affect the whole ship) and also offers an 'all-inclusive package, If you book before October 4th, that includes OBC and gratuities.

 

The one down side is that deposits are non-refundable unless you pay a higher rate.

[RedRover96]

Don't forget to consider Tampa on the west coast, might be a "further" drive, however from Orlando easy.

 

RedRover

[Honolulu Blue]

17 hours ago, CanadianKLM said:

We have done a few cruises in the past with both NCL and Disney and were happy with both lines. We travel with our teenage kids, who are fairly easy to please. The thing we liked about NCL is the freestyle dining and the drinks package (even though we're not huge drinkers we both like to have wine with dinner, etc and don't want to worry about the bill in the end). My ONLY complaint about disney is the current price. 

 

I am starting to look at cruises for March 2025, which will be my daughter's senior trip before grad. I'd like to do a few days at Universal and then cruise out of a port in Florida, but didn't love the NCL choices for about 5 - 7 days. Itinerary is less important as we haven't visited a lot of ports, and those we did we would be fine to revisit, or stay on the ship.

 

However, I am overwhelmed at the different cruise line options. I'm happy to do research, but I was wondering if someone could give me a quick rundown of lines that may be in the same class as NCL. We don't mind spending a bit more if it's a much better product.

 

Priorities would be flexible dining times, half decent pool deck, good food, nice cabins, and some teen friendly activities. We don't care much about the big mainstage offerings (we'll attend, but if it's not great we'll just be amused). 

 

Any direction would be appreciated - or even warnings of other lines to avoid.

 

Thanks.

A few notes:

 

• Your family might be well served with a consultation with a good, experienced travel agent.  To say more risks trouble from the mods, so good luck finding one. 🙏
• The closest direct comparison to NCL is Royal
• Most of the mainstream lines offer some sort of flexible dining in the MDR.  They all offer buffets, which offer some flexible dining.  Many offer casual dining outlets in various locations with various hours.
• I don't have much to say about MSC that hasn't already been said.  The reviews say that while they have their assets, they have some definite liabilities.  I haven't sailed on them and I'm not hurrying to book with them.  This little nugget may or may not be helpful.
• Disney is on its own island as a cruise line.  There aren't any real comparisons to them as a complete experience, though all the mainstream cruise lines have kids' clubs, and many have tie-ins to other kid-friendly content creators.  
• I'll put in a good word for Carnival, since no one else has so far.  They have a lot to do for all ages, lots of food choices (especially the newer, larger ships), especially friendly fellow cruisers, and some nice cabins.  One thing I'll note is that Carnival likes to have lots of activity by their main pools, which may not be what you want.
• March is the middle of spring break time, which means a fair number of families and lots more college students than usual.  This may be what you want, or it may be something that needs to be planned around.
• I assume your daughter will be 18 at the time of this trip.  18 to 20 are tricky ages for all cruise lines to handle - they're too old for the teen clubs, yet most adults-only activities onboard aren't built for them. 

 

I hope my ramblings have been of help to you in some way.  Either way, I hope you and your family have a wonderful trip. 👍

[Essiesmom]

I am also going to put in plugs for Carnival and MSC.  I have sailed Carnival extensively, although not on their newest, largest ships.  But I think a 7 day cruise on the largest sailing from Pt. Canaveral ( urgently Mardi Gras) would suit.  But currently I am sailing MSC, only six times thus far, but I have 10 days booked for December.  An Aurea experience balcony would probably suit you, with My Choice dining and some spa perks.  All of their cruises visit their private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.  They have taken an island in the Bahamas that was a manufacturing area with a lot of refuse and restored it back to a beach lovers paradise.  At least six beaches.  Water in the Bahamas may be a bit cool in March, but as you are from Nova Scotia it might feel good to you…

Give both some consideration.  EM

[mnocket]

23 hours ago, Guindalf said:

Another option to consider is Celebrity. It's considered slightly upmarket from the others, but has stellar entertainment (especially on the Edge class ships), non-smoking casinos (which can affect the whole ship) and also offers an 'all-inclusive package, If you book before October 4th, that includes OBC and gratuities.

 

The one down side is that deposits are non-refundable unless you pay a higher rate.

Another downside for the OP to consider is that Celebrity really lacks activities for teenagers and there won't be very many other teens for them to interact with.

[Joebucks]

Honestly, I'd check out Royal or Carnival. 

 

I don't think teenage kids are going to enjoy MSC or Celebrity. 

[Aquahound]

Go Royal Caribbean!  Their new, large ships are quite spectacular, and the entertainment is the best at sea.  You mentioned pool decks....the sprawling pool decks of the Oasis Class are amazing.  

[cruiseaholic777]

I have cruised with 3 teens and I would pick Royal Caribbean. Do some research ad I think you will agree.

[Oceans 818]

On 9/28/2023 at 8:47 AM, Essiesmom said:

I am also going to put in plugs for Carnival and MSC.  I have sailed Carnival extensively, although not on their newest, largest ships.  But I think a 7 day cruise on the largest sailing from Pt. Canaveral ( urgently Mardi Gras) would suit.  But currently I am sailing MSC, only six times thus far, but I have 10 days booked for December.  An Aurea experience balcony would probably suit you, with My Choice dining and some spa perks.  All of their cruises visit their private island, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve.  They have taken an island in the Bahamas that was a manufacturing area with a lot of refuse and restored it back to a beach lovers paradise.  At least six beaches.  Water in the Bahamas may be a bit cool in March, but as you are from Nova Scotia it might feel good to you…

Give both some consideration.  EM

Just to note, should you choose MSC, prior to booking your cruise, go online and register for a status match on their website. Use whichever company you have the highesst status at. It's simple and will give you a discount and depending on which level they match you to, an OBC as well. You can look at it on their website, it's called Voyager's Club and lists all the companies that they'll match, but many are not Canadian, but many are included that have Canadian affiliates.

Some complain that MSC you have to pay extra for the zip line on Seaside or the formula simutators or arcade games that RCL may include, but when the cost is thousands less sometimes per person, you can buy a lot of simutlator time with the savings and still come out ahead. Carnival has a roller coaster on a ship but it'll set you back about $15-$20 a ride that lasts about a minute. MSC as another poster mentioned has an All In package for drinks and wi-fi, that is much less expensive than any other that I've looked at. Yacht Club is a great way to travel if you can.

[Heatherco]

For that age I would definitely do Royal!  The ships are beautiful no soooo much for everyone.  I would suggest Freedom class ship or larger.  I have 3 kids who are now in the 20’s and they LOVE Royal ships.  
 

Have fun whatever ship/line you choose!

[runner15km]

With teens Carnival would be a good choice and their Port Carnival terminal is closest to Orlando.