I miss NCL

[PhillyTravelBug]

Despite all the complaining we all do with NCL, I’m on my first Disney cruise, and I do miss NCL overall. It’s my first cruise in ten years that hasn’t been with them and I’m learning there are pluses and minuses compared to the two.

 

Disney does have the upper hand with their production shows. We just saw their beauty and the beast musical and it beat out any of the Broadway shows NCL used to have. Even their Golden Mickeys was up there with the NCL shows.

 

Their housekeeping staff is top notch as well. I didn’t realize how much I do miss the turn down service. Our housekeeper also made sure I had enough blankets, asked how my mom was doing since she didn’t see her that day, and if there is anything else we needed. 
 

A major bit I love about NCL is their anytime dining. God I miss it this week. We have set dinner times, a buffet that is closed for dinner, and only two specialty restaurants. NCL has me spoiled. I don’t want to eat in a dining room every night for table service. Some nights i just want to be casual.  They also had a formal night. It seemed very dated, but the people enjoyed it. 
 

The NCL cabins are overall more functional and enjoyable. 
 

if anyone wants to read my live blog, here’s the link:

Disney Live blog British Isles

 

We have a few more days left of our sailing.

[complawyer]

and aren't cruises with disney, considerably more expensive, with less choices for itineraries?

 

remember, if it ain't broke "dont fix it"

 

after 14 years and 30 cruises on ncl, im happy as a clam or a pig in whatever makes a pig being happy in, and after checking the fares, ports of call and most other amenities, i am more than happy to stay with NCL, and as yet have found no real incentive to cruise with any other line

[Anoynmous Phoenix]

NCL serves our purpose really well.   Ships; Officers & crew, Dining; Cabin all great.

[kitkat343]

59 minutes ago, complawyer said:

and aren't cruises with disney, considerably more expensive, with less choices for itineraries?

 

I've found the published itineraries on Disney to be weaker than competing lines, which is why even with small kids I haven't sailed them yet (I am booked on my first Disney cruise soon).   NCL absolutely has stronger published itineraries than Disney, but the issue becomes whether NCL will actually follow the published itineraries or if  ports will be cancelled for their environmental sustainability efforts.   

Edited September 11 by kitkat343

[mjkacmom]

Our first cruise (10 year anniversary, left kids home) was NCL. Next was DCL with kids. Number one issue was dining. Five kids, ranging from 4 - 10. We’d have an excursion, get back, kids are starving, get them a snack, get all of us ready for early dining, no one was even hungry. Plus they all hated the kids clubs. Went back to NCL, asked the kids, they preferred NCL.

[JSar]

I haven't done a lot of cruises.... just a couple... so I don't have much of anything to compare. That said... I am so grateful I picked NCL for their "freestyle dining" alone.... I would go insane having assigned dining times and/or shared tables with the same people the entire cruise. I was comparing post cruise notes with a friend, and the stories she shared confirmed that I made the right choice! And while you could always find SOMETHING to complain about regarding food no matter where you go.... I have enjoyed a majority of the meals on NCL. If I don't like what the MDR is serving... there is always something on the buffet I will eat. 

[ChiefMateJRK]

3 minutes ago, JSar said:

I would go insane having assigned dining times and/or shared tables with the same people the entire cruise.

Amen.  I'm easily irritated by people, especially the ones who talk too much (usually about themselves).  The odds of having at least one of those at a table of 8 - 10 people is just too great a risk.

 

I was just guessing.  How many people do have to sit together on those archaic cruises with assigned dinner seating?

[julig22]

22 minutes ago, JSar said:

If I don't like what the MDR is serving... there is always something on the buffet I will eat. 

I've found some of the specials at O'Sheehans/local are so much better than the MDR. But they don't always advertise them well so sometimes I have to search the ship to find out what they are serving - sometimes it's not even posted at the restaurant LOL. Service tends to be faster, especially if you are ordering the special. I've learned to go there for breakfast - much easier than waiting in the buffet for an omelet and then trying to find a table.

[gzmtlock]

38 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Amen.  I'm easily irritated by people, especially the ones who talk too much (usually about themselves).  The odds of having at least one of those at a table of 8 - 10 people is just too great a risk.

 

I was just guessing.  How many people do have to sit together on those archaic cruises with assigned dinner seating?

I used to cruise Disney a fair amount.  Dining times are set, but seating is more flexible than some folks realize.  On some cruises, with our family of 4, we were seated with another family of 3-4, with kids about the same age as ours.  My husband and son are very social, and they enjoyed the interactions.  My daughter and myself (both introverts) didn't chat a lot, and that was fine.  Other times, we requested a four-top, which was granted. When just daughter and I cruised, we requested a table for 2, and that was granted.  When I sailed solo, I requested to dine alone, and that was granted.  While dining seating requests (made prior to sailing) are not guaranteed, I never had one denied.

I loved the service and the ships with Disney.  Not the itineraries nor the cost.  Thus our move to NCL.

[JSar]

1 hour ago, julig22 said:

I've found some of the specials at O'Sheehans/local are so much better than the MDR. But they don't always advertise them well so sometimes I have to search the ship to find out what they are serving - sometimes it's not even posted at the restaurant LOL. Service tends to be faster, especially if you are ordering the special. I've learned to go there for breakfast - much easier than waiting in the buffet for an omelet and then trying to find a table.

I don't really care for O'Sheehans myself. I will go there for a change in menu, but so far it is my least favorite restaurant. Breakfast is OK... 

 

I do like Orchid Garden for a change of menu though

[wncretired]

8 hours ago, PhillyTravelBug said:

 

A major bit I love about NCL is their anytime dining. God I miss it this week. We have set dinner times, a buffet that is closed for dinner, and only two specialty restaurants. NCL has me spoiled. I don’t want to eat in a dining room every night for table service. Some nights i just want to be casual.  They also had a formal night. It seemed very dated, but the people enjoyed it. 
 

The NCL cabins are overall more functional and enjoyable. 
 

if anyone wants to read my live blog, here’s the link:

Disney Live blog British Isles

 

We have a few more days left of our sailing.

You are “spot on” with this assessment. I have sailed for over 40 years and sailed nearly every major cruise line out there, most more than once. Only started sailing NCL about 5 years ago and have never looked back. I would NEVER sail again on a ship that has fixed time dining. That’s not to say I wouldn’t sail with another cruise line, but only if it has “anytime “ dining! 

[PhillyTravelBug]

8 hours ago, complawyer said:

and aren't cruises with disney, considerably more expensive, with less choices for itineraries?

 

remember, if it ain't broke "dont fix it"

 

after 14 years and 30 cruises on ncl, im happy as a clam or a pig in whatever makes a pig being happy in, and after checking the fares, ports of call and most other amenities, i am more than happy to stay with NCL, and as yet have found no real incentive to cruise with any other line

yes. We are trying Celebrity next year and this Disney cruise is just a little more expensive than that one.

[PhillyTravelBug]

5 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

Amen.  I'm easily irritated by people, especially the ones who talk too much (usually about themselves).  The odds of having at least one of those at a table of 8 - 10 people is just too great a risk.

 

I was just guessing.  How many people do have to sit together on those archaic cruises with assigned dinner seating?

I believe I requested my mom and I sit alone if possible when filling out the forum. We are at a table for 6 with another couple that speaks very little English. It’s been awkward conversation filled with non verbal communication. Smiles, hello, and goodbye.

[ChiefMateJRK]

54 minutes ago, PhillyTravelBug said:

It’s been awkward conversation filled with non verbal communication.

This would always be my "problem."  Regardless of the specifics, a forced social situation would always be awkward for me.  It wouldn't matter who I was forced to dine with.  That's not what I am wanting on a cruise.

[ocdb8r]

7 hours ago, wncretired said:

You are “spot on” with this assessment. I have sailed for over 40 years and sailed nearly every major cruise line out there, most more than once. Only started sailing NCL about 5 years ago and have never looked back. I would NEVER sail again on a ship that has fixed time dining. That’s not to say I wouldn’t sail with another cruise line, but only if it has “anytime “ dining! 

Just beware other lines that offer "anytime" type dining that really isn't.  We like RCCL and NCL for different reasons and so we cruise them both.  RCCL's "My Time Dining" is supposed to work like anytime dining, but all our cruises over the past three years we feel pressured to pick and book a time for the whole cruise on day 1.  You can of course refuse, but RCCL seems totally unable to manage actual "walk-ups" looking to dine any time, so you end up waiting for 20-30 minutes for a table (and no beeper so you can roam and do something else while you wait).  Definitely appreciate the way NCL has this set up.

[Laszlo]

6 hours ago, PhillyTravelBug said:

I believe I requested my mom and I sit alone if possible when filling out the forum. We are at a table for 6 with another couple that speaks very little English. It’s been awkward conversation filled with non verbal communication. Smiles, hello, and goodbye.

Not Apples to Apples.... but my wife and I were on the BA on a 14 day cruise in 2018. Twice we went to the main dining room and were basically told we had to eat with another couple. They did not have anymore tables for two. Their were a handful of couples standing off to the side waiting to be seat. We are called and we are introduced with the couple we are having dinner with. I rolled my eyes at my wife and said these people are older than my parents, this is not going to be fun. Turns out we had a freaking blast with these two. Steven and Abigail from England. They were 92 and 94. Both in great shape for their age. We ended up sitting there for almost three hours talking with them, mostly listening to their stories. On that same cruise we had dinner with another couple. Donna and Steve from Montreal, just feel in love with them. Over the year we have gone on two other cruises with them, they have been to our home in PA for a visit and they spent a week with us in the Outer Banks. 

[richg35]

I can only laugh about people who love NCL's "freestyle dining". AKA, make sure you make your specialty restaurant reservations well in advance if you actually want to dine at them at a time you want to. Or wait forever to be seated at a main dining room where you'll wait 30 minutes to order and receive completely mediocre food. I've found that "freestyle" cruising on NCL actually requires a lot of advance planning.

 

Aside from not having a casino, DCL outdoes NCL in every imaginable way - from ship design to the wonderfully creative dining rooms, etc. Disney cruises are a crafted experience from start to finish. NCL is not. And people can gripe about itineraries but for places like the Caribbean most people really don't care where they are going, they just want to get to a beach.

[PhillyTravelBug]

Respectfully disagree. This was a cruise my mother picked to celebrate her 60th, but if I want a Disney experience, I will go to one of the parks and plan a land vacation for the same price. The Dream is not quite as immersive as I was expecting, except for the Beaty and the beast show last night. That was the only time I felt that Disney magic.  I usually plan out my specialty restaurant meals on NCL and have no issue doing that. The other nights, I’m open to their main dining rooms, the local, or indulge(best dining experience when on the ships that have it).

[hoops71]

On 15 NCL cruises I have never waited longer than 5-10 minutes at the MDR.  Normally seated right away.

 

[gilboman]

18 hours ago, PhillyTravelBug said:

Despite all the complaining we all do with NCL, I’m on my first Disney cruise, and I do miss NCL overall. It’s my first cruise in ten years that hasn’t been with them and I’m learning there are pluses and minuses compared to the two.

 

Disney does have the upper hand with their production shows. We just saw their beauty and the beast musical and it beat out any of the Broadway shows NCL used to have. Even their Golden Mickeys was up there with the NCL shows.

 

Their housekeeping staff is top notch as well. I didn’t realize how much I do miss the turn down service. Our housekeeper also made sure I had enough blankets, asked how my mom was doing since she didn’t see her that day, and if there is anything else we needed. 
 

A major bit I love about NCL is their anytime dining. God I miss it this week. We have set dinner times, a buffet that is closed for dinner, and only two specialty restaurants. NCL has me spoiled. I don’t want to eat in a dining room every night for table service. Some nights i just want to be casual.  They also had a formal night. It seemed very dated, but the people enjoyed it. 
 

The NCL cabins are overall more functional and enjoyable. 
 

if anyone wants to read my live blog, here’s the link:

Disney Live blog British Isles

 

We have a few more days left of our sailing.

other than disney, pretty much every other cruise line has anytime dining

 

princess has the most functional rooms i find of the mainstream ones.  

[complawyer]

richg35. there are so many different Caribbean islands with different cultures and cuisines, that if you truly dont care where you are going, you may as well stay home and not spend the $$$.

 

Surprise, surprise! there are many people who arent "beach people"

if i feel the urge to go to the beach, santa monica, topanga, leo carrillo are all within an hour drive from my house.

 

we have lived in los angeles for over 50 years and the number of times we've been to any beach, locally, can be counted on 1 hand.

plus, you live in NYC, the beach is just as close to you.

 

with ports like GSC, i dont even bother to get off the ship, but in places like barbados,curacoa and cozumel, youre missing a bunch if you just want  to scurry off to the beach.

 

if that's the case, book a land vacation  to aruba or st maarten, you can "beach" all you like, and it's probably a whole lot cheaper than a disney cruise.

[mjkacmom]

1 hour ago, richg35 said:

I can only laugh about people who love NCL's "freestyle dining". AKA, make sure you make your specialty restaurant reservations well in advance if you actually want to dine at them at a time you want to. Or wait forever to be seated at a main dining room where you'll wait 30 minutes to order and receive completely mediocre food. I've found that "freestyle" cruising on NCL actually requires a lot of advance planning.

 

Aside from not having a casino, DCL outdoes NCL in every imaginable way - from ship design to the wonderfully creative dining rooms, etc. Disney cruises are a crafted experience from start to finish. NCL is not. And people can gripe about itineraries but for places like the Caribbean most people really don't care where they are going, they just want to get to a beach.

Our family of 7 has never made a MDR reservation, never even got a beeper. Never had any difficulty booking specialty restaurants. I hear it’s not easy on DCL! For the cost of a DCL cruise I’m opting for a more upscale line. I’m surprised they don’t open the buffet for dinner with so many families and kids.

[PhillyTravelBug]

Complawyer- this sailing ports in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Caribbean is too hot any time of the year.

[3CanadianBears]

We are going back to NCL later this month.  We have tried Celebrity but find the dining frustrating.  On port days, buffet or outdoor grill with just hamburgers and hotdogs are the only lunch options.   We missed O'Sheehans!   Our previous 5 sailings with NCL we have never waited more than 10 minutes for a table in the dining room, and have always requested and been accommodated with our request to not share a table. 

[complawyer]

hey, phillytravel,  richg35 used the caribbean as  an example. and i believe most people do care about the itinerary they choose.  if he would rather pay more money, and sit the entire cruise at a designated table, so be it. more power to him i say!