Princess vs NCLA

[bonbob]

I would like to request some honest, objective answers. We have sailed exclusively on Princess because our first cruise was recommended by our TA, and we loved it. We think they are classy, but affordable. We have another cruise in just 9 weeks on the Crown, and can't wait.

 

We are also booked in the Spring on one of NCLA's ships for Hawaii. We chose it because of the itinerary, and fewer sea days. In 7 days we can see alot, whereas on Princess, it was much longer, and half the time was at sea. Does anyone have any experience, or know of anyone who has done NCLA. From reading the reviews and message boards, our fear is that we are going to be very disappointed. I know the service is definately less, as it is an American crew, and we could probably deal with that. But I'm hearing lots of other negative things too. Can anyone share any thoughts at all? We're torn about this, and have even thought of cancelling. I am going to post this onthat board as well. TIA.

[RubberCityRebel]

I don't have time for a long post but in brief,

 

NCLA is no Princess that's for sure!

 

Having said that, I would not cancel!

 

Was on the Pride of Aloha earlier this year, I went in with the mindset of expecting service like that of a local chain restaurant like Applebee's. In general that's what we got from the mostly young (20-25) american crew. Almost all of them are on their first or second contract. The turnover rate is extremely high. Most of the problems stem from management decisions both on the ship and at the home office.

 

Personally, I really want to see the American based cruiseline to do well, but they are definitely having their problems.

 

The major problem areas are:

Menu - Much more limited than Princess, but the seafood was always very good!

Dining Room Service - Slow, Understaffed, not very interested in going out of their way, even for small things

Buffet - Awful, not by cruise ship standards, by any standard, Hospital cafeterias all over the country do better than these guys

Cleanliness - So-So at best

Maintenance - Doubt they do much of it

 

But there were pluses:

Hawaii really is great!!! And NCLA is about the only game in town for a Hawaiian Cruise, unless you want a two week cruise with more sea days than days in Hawaii

The Entertainment I though was very good, I thought better than Princess (Very subjective of course)

 

I've got to run

If you'd like to discuss further, drop me an e-mail

[Sillyjilly]

I'm assuming NCLA is Norwegian Cruise lines?

 

I will NEVER go on an NCL cruise again. They don't even come close to the food and service on Princess. I am not exaggerating!!!! Don't do it. You'll live to regret it.

 

I was on Celebrity to Hawaii last year. EVERYONE coming off the NCL cruise ship in each port were VERY unhappy.

 

Jill

[karfest]

My experiences on NCL and Princess were very similar, almost interchangeable. However, NCLA is a totally different thing.

Given the reviews, I was very apprehensive but went on the Pride of America with an open mind.

 

The mostly American crew makes this cruise a completely different experience. I enjoyed being able to have a conversation with the crew, but it is very informal. There is no butt kissing and complainers need not bother- they really won't care about your gripes! I work with teens and twentysomethings and have a few of my own in that age group and find them fun but annoying:D

 

The islands and ship were beautiful, the food was fine, we never saw our room steward but the room was cleaned everyday. We had a great time, but you need to read some reviews and postings to really know what you are getting into. We didn't partake in any ship activities because the itinerary is really port intensive. It is a great way to sample Hawaii, but definitely not typical.

[RubberCityRebel]

Oops...Duplicate post

[2Ports]

Was on the Shame (oops, I mean Pride) of Aloha a couple months ago. :mad: Beautiful ship. Great itin. Mostly freindly crew - what there was of it. The food was a disgrace, the food service just as bad. "Freestyle" was a total failure - mainly (I hope) because the food service was understaffed by at least 50%. Our cabin steward was great; MIL didn't even have one. (And she was in a balcony vs our OV!) DON'T go expecting a positive cruise experience; Motel 6 if you're lucky! That said, I would love to see NCLA succeed; chances are slim if they don't get new management soon. It's not the crew's fault; they're simply doing what they're told. Unfortunately, if they're going to suceed, it'll be without MY $$$ - too many better options out there.

[Sillyjilly]

Was on the Shame (oops, I mean Pride) of Aloha a couple months ago. :mad: Beautiful ship. Great itin. Mostly freindly crew - what there was of it. The food was a disgrace, the food service just as bad. "Freestyle" was a total failure - mainly (I hope) because the food service was understaffed by at least 50%. Our cabin steward was great; MIL didn't even have one. (And she was in a balcony vs our OV!) DON'T go expecting a positive cruise experience; Motel 6 if you're lucky! That said, I would love to see NCLA succeed; chances are slim if they don't get new management soon. It's not the crew's fault; they're simply doing what they're told. Unfortunately, if they're going to suceed, it'll be without MY $$$ - too many better options out there.

 

Ditto..........Ditto..............Ditto

 

You took the words right out of my mouth!

[SingerEsq]

I've never sailed NCLA, but I used to work for the preceeding company ... American Hawaii ..... why our country can't get this thing together, I don't know. We all worked so hard, both the entertainment staff and crew ... and it staggered along for several years until 9/11 ... now NCLA is trying to recreate it.

 

I do not know the NCL/NCLA product, but as with most things in this country, it's about money and until someone/some company is willing to step up and put out the capital necessary to really launch an American-flagged cruise/ship line ... well .....

 

If you're only into it for a week, I would way go for it with altered expecations based on previous posts. Hawaii cruises are about the desitnation and the entertainment on NCL/NCLA is provided by Jean Ann Ryan Productions, and she's about the best in the industry. However, we did the 15 day Princess (Island) roundtrip from LA and loved it (mind you, I've sailed around the islands about ... well 52 times). Our TA specifically talked us out of just doing the week on NCLA until they get their act together (and she knew my (probably forgiving) history) and convinced us to do 2 weeks (and we LOVED the sea days).

 

Good luck with your decision. Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy one of this country's best assets.

[Sillyjilly]

I've never sailed NCLA, but I used to work for the preceeding company ... American Hawaii ..... why our country can't get this thing together, I don't know. We all worked so hard, both the entertainment staff and crew ... and it staggered along for several years until 9/11 ... now NCLA is trying to recreate it.

 

I do not know the NCL/NCLA product, but as with most things in this country, it's about money and until someone/some company is willing to step up and put out the capital necessary to really launch an American-flagged cruise/ship line ... well .....

 

If you're only into it for a week, I would way go for it with altered expecations based on previous posts. Hawaii cruises are about the desitnation and the entertainment on NCL/NCLA is provided by Jean Ann Ryan Productions, and she's about the best in the industry. However, we did the 15 day Princess (Island) roundtrip from LA and loved it (mind you, I've sailed around the islands about ... well 52 times). Our TA specifically talked us out of just doing the week on NCLA until they get their act together (and she knew my (probably forgiving) history) and convinced us to do 2 weeks (and we LOVED the sea days).

 

Good luck with your decision. Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy one of this country's best assets.

 

Nooooooooooo, I did a week on NCL and it was a NIGHTMARE!! Lost 5 lbs.

How can you give advice on something where you have never been???"

 

Agree with you on the Island. Great ship.

 

But NO. Avoid NCL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[zydecocruiser]

I like NCL. and Carnival. and sometime even Princess. Even HAL. Windstar. and so on and so forth.

 

Have not tried NCLA - YET. But I'm sure I will.

 

This is from my last NCL voyage:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=252487

 

And a shameless plug for my soon to happen Valor voyage:

http://zydecocruiser.com/valor_2006.htm

[Jean-Michel]

Hello Tia, never been on NCLA but been on NCL twice. I actually am looking for Hawaii in 2007 with NCLA and perhaps Panama Canal on the Coral Princess as well. They’ll always be some people that love or hate a certain cruise line. Some hate the Freestyle cruising and other swear by it. Personally, I think it’s all about your expectation. It is better to know that NCLA had a rocky start, and knowing that the American staff will not serve you like other crew will. Knowing that, and not expecting these aspects of your cruise to be the perfect, can perhaps make you enjoy NCLA for its itinerary and fewer sea days. It’s all about expactation!:)

 

I’m sure you already visited this link; Is NCL America Past Its Rocky Start? àhttp://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=370190

 

Also, here’s a post from Elephant98 that summarised very well what I mean; “I sailed on the Pride of Aloha in January 2005, roughly 6 months after the ship began sailing its exclusive inter-island itinerary. I had such a wonderful time onboard that I have eagerly scheduled a sailing onboard the Pride of Hawaii in January 2007. Not coincidentally, my upcoming sailing is also at least 6 months after the new ship has had its inaugural cruise. This, I think, is an important factor that should not be overlooked. Given 6 months or so to iron out the kinks, I think that the POH will be able to provide me with a similar excellent experience.

 

As a devoted cruise critic member who has learned much valuable insight from these boards in the past, I payed careful attention to all the member reviews and topics about the POA before going on my cruise. Unforunately, the POA experienced some serious quality and service problems that were directly related to having an inexperienced, all-American crew. However, I ultimately decided to go on the cruise because the member reviews consistently got better and better, and the issues onboard the POA gradually lessened as my cruise neared. I also looked at some of the consistent complaints (i.e., small buffet with long lines, average food quality in main dining room, service issues with room stewards, smaller cabins) and simply decided that it was something that I could live with and that I wouldn't let it bug me. For my part, I made sure that we arrived for breakfast early, dined almost exclusively in well reviewed specialty restaurants and gave our room steward some slack. Some people might suggest that I was just lowering my expectations and that I shouldn't have to do that. I cannot disagree with that opinion; however, I prefer to view it as making an informed decision and taking precautions to avoid situations that would otherwise bug the heck out me. And it worked.

 

When all was said and done, the POA was the best cruise that I have ever had. The ship was beautiful. The staff was very good overall. The nightly entertainment was some of the best I had ever seen. The exclusive inter-island itinerary avoided the necessity of wasting time going to/from a foreign port and gave me the most island time of any cruise out there. And, as it turned out, an unintended consequence was that I absolutely fell in love with eating in specialty restaurants. So much so, that I have since sailed on NCL ships 3 times mostly because I love freestyle cruising and all the different food choices!

 

Because of the exclusive itinerary and the freestyle experience onboard the Pride of Hawaii (steakhouse, french, italian, tepanyaki, etc.), I would most certainly sail onboard NCLA over any other cruise line at this point, notwithstanding any potential service/quality issues that may still exist".

[virgenia]

Sailed on Pride of Aloha her first year out. This was when they refurbed the old Norweigan Sky really quickly due to swamping of the Pride of America (which is what we had booked) while it was being built. We sailed in late August, first voyage of POA was in July of 2004. Read horrible, scathing reports of the first few voyages, most attributed to lack of help. NCL clearly did not anticipate the problems of hiring and retaining an American crew. We went, did not let those things detract from a wonderful itinerary. The food was mediocre at best, horrible in the buffet. Serving times were at least 2 hours for every meal.

 

Now this was in 2004. Two years later they have added two ships to that area and are trying to staff three ships now with American crews. That appears to be a huge problem and one that may not go away.

 

So--you need to decide whether those deficiencies are enough to spoil your cruise. They did not spoil ours, but we are not really picky eaters. The itinerary and the fact that you got to overnight on two islands far outweighed the food and service problems.

[spingal]

I have exclusively sailed Princess so no experience with NCL. I did the 15 night Hawaii cruise on the Island last year and LOVED IT! :D The sea days are spectacular. You get time to de-stress and relax while you sail to Hawaii. Then 5 wonderful days sailing the islands. Then 5 days back (you stop in Ensenada on the last day) to recover from your port days. It was one of the best cruises I have taken and I am booked on the Diamond next October to do Hawaii again with my entire family.

 

Just JMHO and food for thought if you are even considering the Princess cruise from LA.

[SingerEsq]

How can you give advice on something where you have never been???

 

Because if the OP only has a week, there are virtually no other choices for inter-Island cruising. And you'll note, I did say go with altered expectations. As another poster above said, it's all about expectations.

[WCAB]

Have been on Princess and NCL many times. We did the Hawaii to Encenada trip and loved the sea days. If you are short on time then NCL is the way to go. I do enjoy spending a little time in the ship casino and you will not have that but then not everyone cares about that. Entertainment on NCL is great.

Service in the dining room can be very slow. Overall, feel you will have a great trip. The ports make the trip.

 

Carol

[platterb]

I think the decision to be made is whether your vacation plans are to go on a cruise or to go to Hawaii. If it's a cruise, then 9 days at sea and 5 days (50 hours) in port may be your thing and you should select Princess. If you're more interested in vacationing in Hawaii and using the Ship as your transportation, then NCL should be your choice. Six full days and 90+ hours would give you an opportunity to see more of Hawaii.

 

I have sailed on NCL many times. I've always found it to appeal somewhat to a different type of clientale. It's very casual, laid-back and geared to more active people. Although many put the cruise line down, everyone owes them for the innovations that most other cruise lines later copy. Examples: they were the first with a private out-island, snorkeling/diving programs, production show entertainment, free-style cruising and expanding departure ports beyond traditional Florida cities. More recently, all the other cruise lines said departing from NYC would never work. Now, how many lines have ships assigned there. Then of course, becoming the first Cruise line to fly the American flag in 50 years.

 

If it's important to you, one other aspect NCL can claim, they've never had a Nonovirus outbreak. So we can all say how great the Princess ships are, but they have had this problem before and currently there is another outbreak right now.

 

One last thought you may want to consider..NCL does have another option to the 7-day sailings. Their 10/11 day roundtrip from Honolulu doesn't cruise under NCL America. As such, it doesn't have the American crew; only four days at sea, and still has about 50% more time in port than Princess.

[2Ports]

Agree with most of what I've seen here - to see the Islands, go NCLA. If you want a cruise, book any other cruise line. I had a wonderful time in Hawaii; even enjoyed the Aloha. Never said my trip was ruined - just don't expect a "cruise" experience. But it's all about the Islands.

[SingerEsq]

Then of course, becoming the first Cruise line to fly the American flag in 50 years.

 

Just a small correction, American-Hawaii had 2 US flagged ships in the 80s-90s ... both of which were actually built in the U.S. The Constitution and the Independence. NCLA formed by buying the Indy, and the S.S. United States ... both of which are laid up, and the hulls of what were to be American-Hawaii's new builds (which were to be built in the US, but were not). But after 9/11, A-H went belly-up and their hulls became NCLA's 2 newest ships.

[corkpopr]

we have been on 2 ncl and 4 princess. four different princess ships and two different ncl ships. we do not like freestyle and like fixed dining and dress codes.

the ncl wind, the worst ship i have ever been on hands down. terrible service, small cabins, uninteresting food. loved the sea and ocean princess and the golden and grand are ok. last ncl cruise was on the star and loved it! there were 10 different restaurant choices (4 with small fees) and the casino was the best of any of the 19 cruises i have been on.

we have no interest in ship entertainment so we never go to shows. we would do princess to hawaii because there are nine sea days and as far as i am concerned a 14 day cruise that goes out to sea for 7 and then back with no stops would be perfect. on the star the cabins and the service was on par with princess.

[bonbob]

Thanks to all who responded - lots of information to think about. We'll probably go NCLA for Island experiance, and save the "cruise" itinerary for other stops like Alaska, Caribbean, and the like. Happy cruising!:D

[jad7984]

I'm assuming NCLA is Norwegian Cruise lines?

 

I will NEVER go on an NCL cruise again. They don't even come close to the food and service on Princess. I am not exaggerating!!!! Don't do it. You'll live to regret it.

 

I was on Celebrity to Hawaii last year. EVERYONE coming off the NCL cruise ship in each port were VERY unhappy.

 

Jill

 

AGREED. My NCL cruise was the worst ever! Service, food and entertainment all get a big fat ZERO. I wasted a lot of money on a vacation that was worse than being home!

[mississauga]

I've never sailed NCLA, but I used to work for the preceeding company ... American Hawaii .....

 

 

 

Just a small correction, American-Hawaii had 2 US flagged ships in the 80s-90s ... both of which were actually built in the U.S. The Constitution and the Independence.

 

You named the Constitution and the Independence, wasn't the m.s. Patroit part of their fleet too? We were on the m.s. Patroit in April of 2001 for our 25th anniversary and had an amazing cruise. The entertainers were the best we have ever had in our 11 cruises. On most other ships, the production shows have lead singers, some good, some not so good and of course, the dancers lip sinc. On the m.s. Patroit, all singers and dancers were talented in their own right because they also had one man/lady shows in the night clubs. If you were one of them, I applaud you because we saw a lot of talent on that cruise.

[meowann]

We sailed Pride Of America in May. It was a wonderful way to see the Islands BUT luckily Iam not a big eater :) The food was not even so-so and the desserts were unrecognizeable. I think our steward was mute as he never spoke to us.

Don't waste money in the spa. I got a manicure and they sent me away with wet nails (in the hot sun)........

One thing I have never seen mentioned was how cold this ship was. I know certain lounges and areas of any ship are cold but this was ridiculous.......my husband who is never cold could not get warm and this was in May.

We did not get close enough to see the volcano because it was a windy night and the captain didn't keep us informed as on the Princess cruises.

As I said.......it was a great way to see the island. If I ever go back I will just stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (again) and mak day trips.

Happy sailing whatever you do

C.