Why do you cruise with NCL?

[Mountainveiw]

My DH and I are newer to cruising and would like some opinions on NCL. We did a 21 day Panama with Holland, but are open minded and want to try other cruise lines. My Travel Agent described NCL as a contempory line. The cost of the NCL cruises seem very reasonable versus Holland so is there really a big difference between service, food and decor? Thanks for any advise, tips etc...:)

[newmexicoNita]

My DH and I are newer to cruising and would like some opinions on NCL. We did a 21 day Panama with Holland, but are open minded and want to try other cruise lines. My Travel Agent described NCL as a contempory line. The cost of the NCL cruises seem very reasonable versus Holland so is there really a big difference between service, food and decor? Thanks for any advise, tips etc...:)

Of course you are going to get a million answers and some will probably be very negative; that is what happens when you ask this type of question.

 

Let me tell you my view on the two lines, which btw are my favorites for totally different reasons.

 

HAL larger cabins

better food

more elite overall experience (I can't think of a better word)

more subdued

better lunch buffet

outstanding library

elegant formal nights

 

NCL: better entertainment

more dining choices

much more energy

more relaxed crew

more fun casinos and much looser slots (if any on ships are loose)

formal nights are optional with few men in tuxes and not even many in

dark suits, Gals will wear long skirts or cute after 5 dresses but you

won't see any formals.

If you want the eletist affect and don't mind finding your own entertainment plus enjoy cruising with a much older crowd, do HAL again. If you want a relaxed experience with lots of things to choose from and really fun crew go with NCL> Thought the food isn't as good in my opinion, on NCL, it certainly isn't bad. I like the word your travel agent used to discribe NCL. I think I am going to steal that from her.

 

Nita

[mncruiser66]

mostly we like the freestyle dining and we like the smaller ships - we also enjoy all of the activities and entertainment - and we love the pampering - we always have received excellent treatment :)

[retiredonthesea]

We love the Freestyle-meaning you don't have a set time for dinner, you can eat early, late or anytime inbetween and with whomever you choose. Dress-up or not, one restaurant is dedicated to formal dinners. Casual is the norm. The staff we find very friendly and helpfull. Love the itineries. Very good and lots of restaurants. We splurge and usally have concierge and Butler Service, we enjoy the larger cabins as DH likes the balcony and does'nt spend much time by pool. We like room service. I could go on & on.

 

We also have cruised two other lines and always come back to NCL!:D

 

Retiredonthesea

[CanadianTwosome]

We'll be going on my second NCL cruise in January, and it will be my sixth cruise. Two of my cruises were taken as a child, two as a twentysomething single, and the two NCL cruises are as a married parent. My first cruise (I'm not telling how long ago it was! ha ha) was on Carnival, my second on Costa, the next two on Bahama Lines, and now, of course, NCL.

 

My opinion is that there are no 'bad' cruises. I did a little jaunt over to the Bahamas one time on a small cruise ship that was just a day ride, and I even enjoyed that! ha ha Basically, I get on a cruise ship and I know I'm going to have a nice, relaxing vacation. I don't have to cook, clean, drive, or be stressed about anything. I have the opportunity to wear dressy clothing, which I love. The food is always good. Sure, plenty of people complain about it... but I'm not sure what they're expecting... Considering how much we pay (at any level) for our accommodation, transportation, and meals, compared to a land holiday, not much goes to food, so the variety and quality I've found on all of the cruises I've been on is always impressive. I've even a bit of a picky eater sometimes, and there is always something for me to enjoy.

 

So... why NCL? Well, lately, when I've gone looking for cruises at the times we've been able to travel, to the places we're interested in, NCL has had both appealing itineraries and appealing fares. The freestyle concept is really what sets it apart the most from other lines, and with a child along, that flexibility is nice. The Kid's Crew doesn't hurt either, although I know there are similar programs on all lines these days. Having experienced the scheduled dining and more formal atmosphere on other ships in the past, I would be happy with either, so I'm not sure I really have a preference.

 

The bottom line for me is that I'm damned happy to be on vacation, and cruising is by far my favorite way to go. I didn't pick NCL because it was NCL for our last two cruises (last year and upcoming), I picked it because it was the one going where, when and for how much we wanted to go. I think my husband and daughter have definitely acquired my taste for it, though, so hopefully I'll be able to add a lot more lines to my resume... or not... I'd be just as happy sticking with NCL.

 

I'm not sure I answered your question... but that's my contribution. I think what it really comes down to is that if you're looking for something specific - or trying to avoid something else - do some research and find the line that is most appropriate. If you're like me and you just want to get away, lose your responsibilities for a while, and relax... just book based on itinerary, sailing date and fare.

 

Have a good trip!

[wxtrix]

we've never cruised before, but members of my extended family swear by NCL and my parents tried a cruise on NCL with them a few years ago and loved it. we're looking for something as flexible as possible, and don't want a stuffy atmosphere, so we quickly found NCL was going to the best line for us to try for our first cruise. also the fact we could sail a brand new ship was a big draw too.

 

we sail in November and can't wait.

[Mountainveiw]

Thank you everyone for your helpful and quick responces. You have helped me make up my mind and that I have made a good choice with NCL. Canadiantwosome...I love your attitude! Reading other boards I can't beleive the little things that have ruined peoples vacations. I know at home every night I don't get a choice of a 4 - 5 course meal. We had such a great time on our 1st cruise that we decided this is the way to travel. I think we will be suited for NCL, we are in our early 40's. Now the big decision is what Itinerary to go on.

Thanks for your help.:D

[Mountainveiw]

Thank you everyone for your helpful and quick responces. You have helped me make up my mind and that I have made a good choice with NCL. Canadiantwosome...I love your attitude! Reading other boards I can't beleive the little things that have ruined peoples vacations. I know at home every night I don't get a choice of a 4 - 5 course meal. We had such a great time on our 1st cruise that we decided this is the way to travel. I think we will be suited for NCL, we are in our early 40's. Now the big decision is what Itinerary to go on.

Thanks for your help.:D

[dragonfly08]

I took my first NCL cruise last week (my second cruise overall, but the first was almost 20 years ago so I don't count it!).

 

The reasons I chose NCL were the itinerary, reasonable price, and Freestyle dining...we wanted the ability to eat when we wanted and to not have to share our table if we didn't feel like it.

 

The reasons I would cruise NCL again would be itinerary, price, Freestyle dining and, now that I've been onboard, the friendliness of the crew. Service was overall very good, with only a few problems (waiting in line for dinner as early as 5:45, poor quality of desserts, limited room service menu for lower cabin classes, timing of shows often conflicted with being able to eat dinner beforehand). None of them would keep me off NCL, I'm low maintenance enough that the pros far outweighed the cons for me.

[Zeno]

I love the flexibility and freedom of Freestyle dining, dress code and disembarkation.

Freestyle Dining - no set dining times or dining partners

Freestyle Dress Code - no compulsory formal nights and very few rules

Freestyle Disembarkation: Being able to stay in my cabin until my colour is called. (Many of the other lines make you wait in an over-crowded public lounge - I hate that.)

I also love the friendly, professional attitude of the crew.

[newmexicoNita]

I took my first NCL cruise last week (my second cruise overall, but the first was almost 20 years ago so I don't count it!).

 

The reasons I chose NCL were the itinerary, reasonable price, and Freestyle dining...we wanted the ability to eat when we wanted and to not have to share our table if we didn't feel like it.

 

The reasons I would cruise NCL again would be itinerary, price, Freestyle dining and, now that I've been onboard, the friendliness of the crew. Service was overall very good, with only a few problems (waiting in line for dinner as early as 5:45, poor quality of desserts, limited room service menu for lower cabin classes, timing of shows often conflicted with being able to eat dinner beforehand). None of them would keep me off NCL, I'm low maintenance enough that the pros far outweighed the cons for me.

I think the only decent room service menu is offered to the suite passengers and I agree. of course I do not order room service often, but I do wish we could get a decent breakfast once in awhile.

 

Nita

[dagtoking1]

Freestyle Dining. I hate having to eat with strangers at an appointed time. It's just not my thing. Plus, I like the Jean Ann Ryan shows and the chocolate buffet. :D

[CanadianTwosome]

The room service was fantastic for my daughter last December and I'm sure she'll be using it again in January.

 

As for getting a decent room service breakfast, Nita, that's easy!! The first thing you do is make a call to the correct department... you know, the guy lying beside you? It goes something like this:

 

Wake up... Wake up, is this room service? Yes, thank you... I'll have a waffle with maple syrup and two sausages please. Oh... and don't forget your key; I don't want to have to get out of bed yet...'

 

Hee hee hee :p

[newmexicoNita]

The room service was fantastic for my daughter last December and I'm sure she'll be using it again in January.

 

As for getting a decent room service breakfast, Nita, that's easy!! The first thing you do is make a call to the correct department... you know, the guy lying beside you? It goes something like this:

 

Wake up... Wake up, is this room service? Yes, thank you... I'll have a waffle with maple syrup and two sausages please. Oh... and don't forget your key; I don't want to have to get out of bed yet...'

 

Hee hee hee :p

but what if that guy is actually laying in the single bed next to you and is your favorite cousin?

 

Nita

[Dolphins]

They were the first to offer year round cruises out of New York (we hate to fly).

 

Freestyle Dining and a friendly, helpful staff.

 

Excellent musicians in the various lounges and great ballroom dancing options.

[HPINE1]

I travel solo so freestyle dining is great

[Carnac767]

We picked NCL because of the itinerary. We wanted to do a Baltic cruise and they had one that coincided with when we wanted to go. It was just luck of the draw. We had a great cruise and really enjoyed our experience aboard Norwegian Dream. The last time I'd cruised (not counting 24 years in the Navy flying off aircraft carriers) I was six years old crossing from Europe to the U.S., so I have nothing to compare NCL with. My wife had cruised on RCCL before, and though she'd enjoyed it, she said she liked NCL better, primarily for the free-style cruising concept. We liked dining whenever we wanted and sitting with different people each time. We met a lot of interesting folks from all over the globe that way and made many new friends. We liked our cruise so much that we booked another one while still onboard the Dream. Of course, we're pretty easing going and probably would have had fun with whatever cruise line we'd booked. Anything not painted gray is way more fun to cruise on.

[miami]

First was the freestyle dining and resort casual attire. Second was that it cruised out of NYC. I really didn't like the itinerary (Port Canaveral, Miami, Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau) but I chose the Dawn because she was a newer ship. Had a great time. I chose the NCL (again) Star for my Alaska cruise because of the freestyle dining and resort casual attire. I would have rather tried the Pearl but I needed a Saturday departure.

 

This time someone else has made the arrangements. I know I will have a good time but I am not crazy about the set dining times and formal nights. I have no desire to take up valuable suitcase space with dressy clothing, besides, I don't own any.

[Grandpaul]

I like cheeseburgers and fries and I only drink soda. Plus I like to eat when I want. So why pay extra for better food that I won't like and have to eat it when I don't want to?

[Ronni G]

My DH and I are newer to cruising and would like some opinions on NCL. We did a 21 day Panama with Holland, but are open minded and want to try other cruise lines. My Travel Agent described NCL as a contempory line. The cost of the NCL cruises seem very reasonable versus Holland so is there really a big difference between service, food and decor? Thanks for any advise, tips etc...:)

 

Have only cruised with NCL so have no basis for comparison. Can only tell you that we will be taking our third consecutive NCL cruise in a few weeks so obviously we are happy with the line. We love the freestyle dining and the freedom it gives you especially when you are in port. There's no hurrying back to clean up and get ready for a particular seating. You eat whenever and wherever you want. If you like your waiter you can request him/her each night; if you want a different waiter that is fine as well. Attire is casual; many people don't even care about the formal nights. We enjoyed the food - may even bypass the speciality restaurants (these charge a pp surcharge) this time around. The entertainment is very good and the staff courteous. Other than horrible weather coming back into NY last year, we have thoroughly enjoyed our NCL experiences.

[lhall85917]

All of the above reasons AND because of their credit card! Using the NCL credit card saves us lots of money each year allowing us to cruise more often!

[Tatka]

I am taking my first cruise with NCL next year after many cruises with other lines.. My DH though sailed on NCL Sun with MIL and our teenage son and liked experience.

 

He thinks that buffets are weaker than on the other lines as a food overall in free restaurants, but still a good food. Liked the ambience, decor of the ship, entertainment and service.

 

Our cruise is right out of NYC, so it is also very convenient for us not to fly to FLL. Price for 8 dayer during school vacation is also seems to be fair. :)

[newmexicoNita]

I am taking my first cruise with NCL next year after many cruises with other lines.. My DH though sailed on NCL Sun with MIL and our teenage son and liked experience.

 

He thinks that buffets are weaker than on the other lines as a food overall in free restaurants, but still a good food. Liked the ambience, decor of the ship, entertainment and service.

 

Our cruise is right out of NYC, so it is also very convenient for us not to fly to FLL. Price for 8 dayer during school vacation is also seems to be fair. :)

 

I have always thought NCLs weakest points are room service and the buffet although some say the buffets have improved. I will know this time next week.

 

Nita

[Tatka]

I have always thought NCLs weakest points are room service and the buffet although some say the buffets have improved. I will know this time next week.

 

Nita

 

We almost never use room service... Except for HAL choices usually are very limited (we don't eat subs and sandwiches), plus it's better to walk off weight we gain.. ;)

 

The buffets.. I don't know, DH said it wasn't bad, just not as varied as on the other lines.

 

Anyway, we are looking forward to our cruise on Spirit. We understand, that it's smaller ship with no bells and whistles as newer RCCL and Princess ships, but I read very nice reviews about her. :)

[cruznut1111]

is the answer I give my TA. (He really thinks I'm trying to drive him nuts.)

 

I get the same things I like in Oceania - no dress-up, no assigned meals, free espresso.

 

The food - it's a matter of percentages - on Oceania I found 90% of the foods "to my taste", on NCL I find @75% "to my taste." Both lines give me free substitutes when something doesn't suit. NCL is 1/2 the price, so it is a real bargain "to my taste".

 

Another plus is the shore excursions. On some of the more traditional ships I've been on, the more adventurous trips were cancelled for lack of participants. NCL has great excursions and I've never been cancelled.