RCCL has got some stiff competition

[zqvol]

RCCL and NCL are my two favorite mass market cruise lines. RCCL has ship amenties in their Voyager, Freedom and coming Genesis class ships that I really like. NCL has Freestyle dining that I much prefer to traditional dining.

 

NCL has some great news and RCCL has got some still competition coming. Read all about it...

 

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20071219006036&newsLang=en

 

Read the article carefully. As I recall RCCL is already doing most of those things. NCL is trying to get up to the level of Carnival, though people on the NCL boards think they are trying to be like Oceania and Regent.

[kkorman]

I meant the threads to be merged not cruise lines. :D

 

NCL as part of RCL makes sense to me.

 

I have no problems with NCL. I really like the laid back atmosphere and freestyle/PC/open seating will be on every mainstream cruise line within a few years.

[madforcruising]

We were on the Dawn and the layout is so terrible, go up or down 2 floors to get to the other side, atruim claustrophobic, rooms smaller and less storage, pool deck a joke, hmmm and then there is freestyle which was awful only decent service was at lunch one day and at the paying venues. And the buffet was small, poorly laid out and food tolerable, but not good. At the shows they sold tickets for some silly game, felt like being at a circus.

We were with a large group who all had the same experience. Were we miserable? No, we were with friends and on a cruise, but it out of 10 cruises this ranked the lowest.On a scale of 1-10 this was a 3. But then again when someone prefers another line or product there is always a comparison. To me the feel of the ship is very important to my overall experience. You can hawk this line all you want, it will not change the perception of those of us who did not enjoy it.:rolleyes:

 

 

I couldn´t have described my experience on the Dawn better than you.

Only thing I would have to add is the loooooooooooooooong wait times at dinner time. And this was on every single day of the cruise.

[ron46936]

I couldn´t have described my experience on the Dawn better than you.

Only thing I would have to add is the loooooooooooooooong wait times at dinner time. And this was on every single day of the cruise.

 

We've done a lot of Freestyle cruises and seldom have had to wait any significant amount of time for dinner. The only time was on one of their older ships and we hit it at peak time.

 

There are ways to avoid long wait times that apply to any cruise line that offers optional dining times. Not surprising the same methods apply to land based restaurants. First if you have several people, make a reservation. Any place you go and request a table for 8 or 10 will take some time to set up. Second, avoid peak times. If you head to the dining rooms right after the early show lets out be prepared to wait. A lot of other people like to eat at that time also. Third, and this applies on any ship, be prepared to dine with strangers. If asked if you would like to join a larger table, take them up on it. This is a great way to meet new friends. Fourth, go early but not too much. Most dining opens up at 5:00 or 5:30. If you show up right at opening, it will take them a little time to seat the rush. Often at 6:00 you can walk right in.

 

On the newer NCL ships they have installed monitors on the main deck which show capacity and wait times for all the dining areas. That can save some time if you want to check out 8 different dining areas.

[qorc]

RCCL and NCL are my two favorite mass market cruise lines. RCCL has ship amenties in their Voyager, Freedom and coming Genesis class ships that I really like. NCL has Freestyle dining that I much prefer to traditional dining.

 

NCL has some great news and RCCL has got some still competition coming. Read all about it...

 

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20071219006036&newsLang=en

 

NCL is not competition for RCI. They are in such trouble. Their "free-style dining" has mostly backfired on them. They have some of the lowest ratings among both expert reviewers and cruisers, and now have a reputation for poor service, mediocre food and dated ships. They are bleeding money and are in serious bottom-line trouble.

 

RCI remains a cut above them. I never think of NCL as competition for RCI. NCL is really in competition with Carnival. RCI is more in competition with Princess than NCL

[RetireeWannabee]

On the newer NCL ships they have installed monitors on the main deck which show capacity and wait times for all the dining areas. That can save some time if you want to check out 8 different dining areas.

 

This is a great idea!!

 

You've given good advice for avoiding the crush at dinner time.

[qorc]

On the newer NCL ships they have installed monitors on the main deck which show capacity and wait times for all the dining areas. That can save some time if you want to check out 8 different dining areas.

 

so you need to install "traffic cams" in order to find out whether you can eat? And this is good?

 

How awful. thank God on RCI I can still stroll directly to my table and my wait staff without even breaking stride.

[MrPete]

 

There are ways to avoid long wait times that apply to any cruise line that offers optional dining times. Not surprising the same methods apply to land based restaurants. First if you have several people, make a reservation. Any place you go and request a table for 8 or 10 will take some time to set up. Second, avoid peak times. If you head to the dining rooms right after the early show lets out be prepared to wait. A lot of other people like to eat at that time also. Third, and this applies on any ship, be prepared to dine with strangers. If asked if you would like to join a larger table, take them up on it. This is a great way to meet new friends. Fourth, go early but not too much. Most dining opens up at 5:00 or 5:30. If you show up right at opening, it will take them a little time to seat the rush. Often at 6:00 you can walk right in.

 

 

Sounds WAY too complicated, and nothing like any time dining. Actually, it sounds like just having ealy seating.

 

I'm with Lurch. Walk straight to my table......no hassle. One of the things I like about cruising.

[cruzeluvr]

There are ways to avoid long wait times that apply to any cruise line that offers optional dining times. Not surprising the same methods apply to land based restaurants. First if you have several people, make a reservation. Any place you go and request a table for 8 or 10 will take some time to set up.

So you have to know in advance what time you will want to eat dinner? How far in advance do you have to make a reservation? Suppose there is nothing available at your preferred time? Do you then have to rethink your plans for the evening?

 

Second, avoid peak times. If you head to the dining rooms right after the early show lets out be prepared to wait. A lot of other people like to eat at that time also.

So it's not really when you want to eat but when it's more convenient for the restaurant/ding room to accomodate you?

 

Third, and this applies on any ship, be prepared to dine with strangers. If asked if you would like to join a larger table, take them up on it. This is a great way to meet new friends.

In other words, be prepared to compromise what you might really prefer or be prepared to wait?

 

Fourth, go early but not too much. Most dining opens up at 5:00 or 5:30. If you show up right at opening, it will take them a little time to seat the rush. Often at 6:00 you can walk right in.

IMHO, This is beginning to sound more like being tied to a schedule than "freestyle"

On the newer NCL ships they have installed monitors on the main deck which show capacity and wait times for all the dining areas. That can save some time if you want to check out 8 different dining areas.

Still sounds like having to wait.

I think I'll stick with the traditional dining on RCCL. My table will be waiting for me instead of the other way around, and I can plan my evening activities around a definite dining time. YMMV

[madforcruising]

We've done a lot of Freestyle cruises and seldom have had to wait any significant amount of time for dinner. The only time was on one of their older ships and we hit it at peak time.

 

There are ways to avoid long wait times that apply to any cruise line that offers optional dining times. Not surprising the same methods apply to land based restaurants. First if you have several people, make a reservation. Any place you go and request a table for 8 or 10 will take some time to set up. Second, avoid peak times. If you head to the dining rooms right after the early show lets out be prepared to wait. A lot of other people like to eat at that time also. Third, and this applies on any ship, be prepared to dine with strangers. If asked if you would like to join a larger table, take them up on it. This is a great way to meet new friends. Fourth, go early but not too much. Most dining opens up at 5:00 or 5:30. If you show up right at opening, it will take them a little time to seat the rush. Often at 6:00 you can walk right in.

 

On the newer NCL ships they have installed monitors on the main deck which show capacity and wait times for all the dining areas. That can save some time if you want to check out 8 different dining areas.

 

Well my NCL cruise was on the NCL Dawn (a ship according to NCL´s advertising especially designed for Freestyle Dining). Sorry but making reservations is just not what I think Freestyle is about, then you can give me fixed Dining times and all is good.

 

We´ve not been a large party, just two of us and yes we´ve been open for any table size, be it just a table for two or sharing a table with others. It didn´t make any difference in waiting time and especially didn´t change the wait time until you´ve been at the head of the loooong line to talk to the Maitre D´ about table size anyway:rolleyes:

 

Sorry but there´s no way I´m going to eat at 5:30 or 6:00.

 

I know I went during peak times (even I could tell that from the lines at the entrance from any of the restaurants:rolleyes: ) but hey I thought that´s what all the Freestyle is about. I´m free to go whenever I it fits my personal schedule. If they can´t accomodate this and I can even understand that they can´t, they shouldn´t advertise it.

 

And regarding the monitors, sorry but I don´t want to have to check monitors first and then make my decision when and where to dine.

Give me my assigned table at a traditional seating and I´m happy. I don´t need all this BS freestyle crap.

[Ocean Boy]

NCL had to do something to survive. They have had record losses while the other lines have had record losses. Look at their balance sheet, its bad.

 

NCL puts out a bad product.

 

The changes sound positive. NCL cant seem to do much right, so it should be a wait and see.

 

They can't even figure out which color that they want to paint their ship's hulls.... so they use them all!:D

[Desertbelle]

Though our cruise on the NCL Sun wasn't horrible, it left a lot to be desired.

 

Putting aside that my whole family got sick with what appeared to be food poisoning, the service was lacking, the food mediocre and the ship wasn't very attractive. It took a couple of days to get comfortable with the blue, green, gold and orange decor in the stateroom.....a little jarring for my senses. The itinerary was great, so we managed to have a good time.

 

NCL needs a makeover!

[rolloman]

NCL is not competition for RCI. They are in such trouble. Their "free-style dining" has mostly backfired on them. They have some of the lowest ratings among both expert reviewers and cruisers, and now have a reputation for poor service, mediocre food and dated ships. They are bleeding money and are in serious bottom-line trouble.

 

RCI remains a cut above them. I never think of NCL as competition for RCI. NCL is really in competition with Carnival. RCI is more in competition with Princess than NCL

 

You sounded somewhat believable until you got to the point of they have dated ships. FYI, they currently have the youngest Fleet. I am not sure how many NCL ships you have been on (if any) but I can assure you the new "Jewel" class ships can hold their own with any line. Some of the best food I have eaten was on the NCL Pearl earlier this year.

[RME]

I am happy to see that a few in my age group like both Princess and Royal Caribbean. Our experience has been primarily on Princess and we have loved every cruise. We tried Carnival once, but felt it was not for us. We will be on Royal Caribbean Mariner in just over two weeks and I cannot wait. We decided to try Royal Caribbean this time because our daughters who are in their 20's will be with us for their first cruises and we felt this might be better for them. Sounds like it will be great for all of us.

[OhJoy]

48 oz Porterhouse!

That's not a steak, that's a roast:eek:

 

:D Patt

[smeyer418]

The Government probably wouldn't allow either RC or Carnival to purchase NCL. When Carnival purchased Princess one of the reasons they were allowed to was the independence of NCL. Apollo looks like its starting its own Cruise conglomerate with the out right purchase of Oceania and Regents Seven Seas and the investment in NCL. It is interesting that Apollo excluded NCLA for at least a year. Apollo execs were at the christening of the Gem this week.

 

Its interesting that someone said that freestyle has been a disaster as others are now experimenting with it. Imitation is the highest form of flattery.

 

Except for the NCL America division NCL is profitable, although not as profitable as it should be. But it is not because of failure to invest money in it.

 

As for NCL America, its been a rough time. First the ship being constructed sinks at the dock in Germany. Then they have more trouble than expected in getting the ships fully crewed with US eligible people. Remember they have to compete without either a Casino or duty free shopping....and many of the Foreign flagged vessels which have both then cheated on the required foreign stops. Remember competition should be fair and clearly the American flagged vessels have other problems than the crew...

 

I like freestyle and on the 9 cruises on NCL I have been have had to wait less time then the mob scene to get into dining room when it opens on some of the RC cruises I have been on but what is nice about the different lines is that they are different!

[Host Kewlguy]

You sounded somewhat believable until you got to the point of they have dated ships. FYI, they currently have the youngest Fleet. I am not sure how many NCL ships you have been on (if any) but I can assure you the new "Jewel" class ships can hold their own with any line. Some of the best food I have eaten was on the NCL Pearl earlier this year.

 

Royal is our favorite cruise line but after cruising on the NCL Jewel we found the cruise experience very comparable to Royal. We had no complaints with the service we received on the NCL Jewel. We'll continue to cruise with both cruise lines in the future.

[bubbie617]

We are cruising with good friends on Jewel of the Seas in January. It is their first cruise on RCCL; they usually cruise NCL and love it. We have never been on NCL, but I've heard so many negatives from other people that I am not in a hurry to try it.

 

It will be very interesting to hear their comments about Jewel Of The Seas. It's one of our favorite ships. They love Freestyle Dining but are willing to do the "traditional thing" with us. Frankly, I don't expect them to love it like we do. NCL is their first love, as RCCL is our first love. I hope they are approaching the trip with an open mind, but I'm going to wear flameproof underwear just in case. :eek: :p

 

I'll try to remember to post their impressions as to how RCCL compares with NCL in their estimation.

[jaxon41]

RCCL and NCL are my two favorite mass market cruise lines. RCCL has ship amenties in their Voyager, Freedom and coming Genesis class ships that I really like. NCL has Freestyle dining that I much prefer to traditional dining.

 

NCL has some great news and RCCL has got some still competition coming. Read all about it...

 

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20071219006036&newsLang=en

 

Thanks for the link. Sounds like competition, to be sure. I know they have had problems with their American flagged ships because of the American crews, but the feds have allowed more foreign crew members, so those seem to be working out. I have only sailed NCL in the Med., and the ship was as nice as X or RCCL, except more gawdy. I don't care for freestyle, or the lack of lounges to accomodate all the restaurants, but the right itinerary at the right price given they didn't skewer their pax like RCI, would bring me back for another try. If they got their reservation system worked out -- one of the things on the enhancement list -- it would make a big difference for me. I thought the entertainment on the Jewel was the best stage production I have ever seen on any ship, and entertainment is a major consideration for me.

[dagadget]

DH and I recently cruised on NCL Pearl. The ship is stunning, the crew is wonderful, the food was good in the included restaruants and the food was superb in the specialty restaurants. The service we received was very good to top notch in all the restaurants. IMHO, their "action stations" buffet venue beats out all other buffets on any cruise ship I have been on. We just completed our 21th cruise on RCCL Enchantment of the Seas and we have cruised on RCCL Voyager class ships, Princess, Carnival, Celebrity and HAL.

 

NCL has impressed us in the past and I have a feeling we are going to be bowled over in April 2008 when we sail on their newest ship, the Gem.

 

Happy cruising!!! :)

 

What actually makes a cruise bad? Noro Virus can make a cruise bad but that can happen to anyone(cruiselines). Ok bad staff on a ship? Maybe you will encounter a few bad staff but that is an exception. Bad food? that can happen anywhere. All cruise lines have to have a few differences to make them unique. Even the worst cruise has to be better than working. I would go on any cruise especially if someone had made the payments for it. I am adaptable and will try anything. All cruise lines even the worst still have many good points. if not they would be out of business. RCI and Celebrity are great lines. Princess has a loyal following and there are others that can say the same. Carnival, well even they can be a good time. It all depends on what you want. My moto is a cruise is what you make of it. You decide what you want and most of the time you will have a great time :)

[mammy]

You sounded somewhat believable until you got to the point of they have dated ships. FYI, they currently have the youngest Fleet. I am not sure how many NCL ships you have been on (if any) but I can assure you the new "Jewel" class ships can hold their own with any line. Some of the best food I have eaten was on the NCL Pearl earlier this year.

 

You seem to have done many cruises on lots of different lines......just out of curiosity, which ones did you like best and why?,We were looking into Ncl but some of these comments are kind of steering me away. We would like to try Ncl at least once, which ship??? Thanks:D

[Host Kewlguy]

You seem to have done many cruises on lots of different lines......just out of curiosity, which ones did you like best and why?,We were looking into Ncl but some of these comments are kind of steering me away. We would like to try Ncl at least once, which ship??? Thanks:D

 

As of right now the best/newest ships in NCL's fleet are the Gem, Pearl, and Jewel.

[iheartbda]

Royal is our favorite cruise line but after cruising on the NCL Jewel we found the cruise experience very comparable to Royal. We had no complaints with the service we received on the NCL Jewel. We'll continue to cruise with both cruise lines in the future.

 

kewlguy:cool:

Since you have cruised both lines and will continue to do so, plus the fact that you always maintain a level of decorum with your answers, would you please give your "take" on freestyle dining versus traditional? There's just too many people trading barbs about one or the other because they're SO loyal to their cruise line and can't seem to get beyond that loyalty. One group seems to be a bit more vocal and rude in response to people who don't care for their way...that group shall remain anonymous.;)

[sagiv666]

Not just competition from other lines. I have been on other vacations just as enjoyable as cruises, without the surcharges, cutbacks, announced without concern for faithful cruisers.:mad:

[Host Kewlguy]

kewlguy:cool:

Since you have cruised both lines and will continue to do so, plus the fact that you always maintain a level of decorum with your answers, would you please give your "take" on freestyle dining versus traditional? There's just too many people trading barbs about one or the other because they're SO loyal to their cruise line and can't seem to get beyond that loyalty. One group seems to be a bit more vocal and rude in response to people who don't care for their way...that group shall remain anonymous.;)

 

We tried "Freestyle" once on NCL Jewel back in October, 2005. Previous to that we had always cruised on cruise lines which offered traditional dining. I will admit it was an adjustment at first but after a few days we got used to it and found it a nice change of pace. We also don't like sitting with strangers for dinner so it was nice not having to request a table for two from the maitre 'd for a change. We enjoyed being able to eat in so many different restaurants of our choice each night. At the time we felt the food on NCL was comparable to Royal although we did feel the portions were somewhat smaller.

Maybe that's changed now, we'll find out in February which will be our next NCL cruise. I think people should try other cruise lines before making a judgment. Remember the more competition we have between the cruiselines the better it will be for the customers. Having three healthy mass market companies will only benefit us.