NCL - frustrated with agents

Hello all! I'ts been a while since I obsessively planned my first cruise (on princess!) now we're thinking about going to hawaii. We're trying to compare a land vacation to an island cruise. While we loved the time on the ship the last time we cruised, I think four or five days in a row of sea days might be a bit much,s o we're looking at possibly NCL...the only one that just goes around the islands. Anyway, the pictures look lovely and travel agents keep pushing the "free style cruising--you don't have to eat at certain times, etc." Isn't that what Personal Choice dining was? Is that the only thing the ship has to offer?

Anyway, reviews of the ships have been mixed...I would like to know what it's like. Whether dining is up to par with personal choice, if the public areas/lounges etc. are as nice or as active.

You should probably post this on the NCL board so the seasoned cruisers of NCL can help you. Freestyle dining is a bit different than Personal Choice that Princess offers. Generally the Princess ships have at the most like the Diamond Princess 3 restaurants of anytime dining (Personal Choice) that serve the same food but each has 1 specialty dish. Freestyle dining is different food at each restaurant, but again posting your question on the NCL board would be more helpful to you since it doesn't appear you will be taking the Diamond Princess for your Hawaii vacation.

I have been on both NCL ships and the Caribbean Princess and I found them to be both the same in service, food, entertainment. NCL just has a younger more humble attitude. Both have helpful and horrible pre-cruise customer service.

The freesytle dining is the same as personal choice. Same two main diningrooms, choice of buffet, outdoor grills on both, usually one other casual venue, and then the pay extra restaurant.

That said, I have not been to Hawaii. My parents have with NCL...which they LOVE, yet they found that the service on the American staffed ship was distinctly bad, but they knew this in advance.....however the price could not be beat. Doing it this way allowed them to spend a few days in Hawaii before.

Hello all! I'ts been a while since I obsessively planned my first cruise (on princess!) now we're thinking about going to hawaii. We're trying to compare a land vacation to an island cruise. While we loved the time on the ship the last time we cruised, I think four or five days in a row of sea days might be a bit much,s o we're looking at possibly NCL...the only one that just goes around the islands. Anyway, the pictures look lovely and travel agents keep pushing the "free style cruising--you don't have to eat at certain times, etc." Isn't that what Personal Choice dining was? Is that the only thing the ship has to offer?

Anyway, reviews of the ships have been mixed...I would like to know what it's like. Whether dining is up to par with personal choice, if the public areas/lounges etc. are as nice or as active.

I did the NCL Star in Hawaii a few years ago..and did not care for the short stays at each port...I believe that NCL America is not much better except it dose not stop in Fanning Island like the Star did. I have also done the land vacation (2004) on Oahu and we rented a beach home for 10 days and loved it. I lived in Hawaii for two years and know that it can not be enjoyed in just a few hours...too many things to see and do. I know I will get some flax from the ship lovers...and I do love the ship...I just think its better to see Hawaii on a land vacation.

I agree about seeing it as a land vacation. I went to Hawaii for about two weeks a few years ago. Went to four islands and flew between them. It allowed us to spend much more time on the islands and really enjoyed that. I would never consider a cruise of the islands.

Perhaps you will have better luck than I did trying to get an answer out of the folks on the NCL board.

A while back I posted a thread on the NCL board asking them what was so great about freestyle cruising and the standard answer was that you get to eat when you want. And???? :confused::confused:

Thats pretty much anyone could come up with. If thats all NCL has going for it they need to rethink their advertising strategy.

If thats all NCL has going for it they need to rethink their advertising strategy.

Was on the Pride of America Oct 2006. Read allot of negatives about the American staff but didn't encounter anyone who was rude or incompetent. In fact once you engaged most of the waiters they were very nice and accommodating. We never saw our cabin steward (or stewardess) but our cabin was always cleaned or turned down when we left.

Freestyle dining was fine with us because we liked the anytime dining on Princess. We went to all of the alternative restaurants and not all have a surcharge. If you make reservations for 6:00 or before the surcharge is 1/2 price. Once again the wait staff were very friendly and accommodating. Never had to wait longer than half an hour and we were always given a pager so we could walk around the ship or have a cocktail while waiting.

The entertainment wasn't very good and of course no casino or bingo but that's OK because we did so much during the day at each island. By the time we had dinner and took a lap around the promenade deck off to bed we went.

Loved the cruise and the loved all the islands. The best way to see which is your favorite island for a later land trip.

We cruised NCL last year on the Jewel and loved Freestyle. There were two dining rooms plus 2-3 other no-fee choices and then a couple of pay extra restaurants but the fees were less than they are on Princess and the food was excellent. The pluses, eat when you want, choose what you're in the mood for, mexican, italian, caribbean, dressy steak, etc. Our teen and preteen particularly liked choosing and it added variety. This said the Hawaiian ships have not had good reviews. But, I also read they are heavily traveled by natives who like to use this as a way to see more of their islands then they typically get to see. Guess it's like I live in FL but never really get around to going to the beach.

I believe with Freestyle you can also wear smart casual (or whatever term they use) every night. You can wear a formal on certain nights but you don't have to. Sorry, don't know the specifics...

Just want to add about doing Hawaii on a cruise....

I have done the cruise but on HA, I've also been to Hawaii 26 times as I use to be a sales rep for a Hawaiian Tour company.

Keep in mind with this cruise...that there is a VERY high chance of missing Kauai because of tidal conditions.

The big island is that for a reason and a minimum of 3 days would be needed if not more.

Each island has sooo much to offer, that you will not even scratch the surface being on a cruise.

Interisland flights are cheap and so are packages..

this is one of those times that I think a land vacation is a better way to go.... just in my IMHO

I appreciate the comments! I've been reading a little bit more about NCL, but we're still torn about cruise vs. land in Hawaii. We definitely love cruising, and there are other cruises we want to go on (eastern Carib.), but I think the next trip we are leaning towards Hawaii. We were there very briefly for our honeymoon, but we didn't do or see a lot :) . We're going to try to go during whale season, which is the big draw.

Thanks for the things to think about!

If that's all NCL has going for it, why have so many cruise lines (like Princess) copied the concept? It must be worth more than you give it credit for.

I think you are missing my point. NCL is advertising Freestyle freestyle freestyle. But they fail to mention what it really means.

Perhaps you could explain a little better for us. Please be specific. Other than eating when you want and wearing what you want. That was my point.

Lady...

I would suggest that you go into a bookstore and look at the picture books of Hawaii and see what grabs your interest...

For example if you see on the Big Island...the you want to visit Volcanoes National Park and the City of Refuge,

maybe snorkel with turtles at Kahaluu beach or a night snorkel with the Manta Rays, stroll Kona town,

visit the historic summer palace or the Painted Church

you will NOT be able to do that in 1 port day...

On Maui...there the world famous Old Lahaina Luau that is the most authentic on all islands, Molokini Snorkel, Whaling Museum,

the historic walking tour of Lahaina, the drive to Hana and one of the most romantic restaurants in Paia called Mama's Fish House

you will not be able to do that in 1 port day

On Oahu...the history room in the Sheraton Moana Surfrider, Pearl Harbor Behind the Scenes tour, Arizona Memorial,

Shaved Ice is Haliewa after a burger or sandwich at Aina Burger, watching waves break on the North Shore, the Polynesian Cultural Center,

Aquarium and just a scenic drive around the island that is so much more than Waikiki, visit the only royal palace on United States soil.

you will not be able to do that in 1 port day

and then theres Kauai...but I think you are getting the picture...

BTW, guess where Latitude 22 runs through... :D

Live Aloha (or at least try as much as possible)

Two comments.

1. For many of us, the Hawaiian cruise is great because to many of us, the cruise means spending time on the ship, with many sea days, as well as getting a taste of the Islands. And it's especially great if one is a white knuckle flyer such as me.

2. Just to clarify: I know I'm being picky, but I believe when people use "Personal Choice" and "Anytime" as interchangeable, it can be confusing. Personal Choice refers to the many options that one has for dinner time dining: traditional (the fixed time and table assignment for the whole cruise, which many of us prefer as we have waiters who get to know our preferences) and anytime (you go to one of the anytime dining rooms when ready for dinner; sometimes you can make reservations for a specific time). In addition to the choice you make at the time of booking your cruise, you can also choose to eat a night or two at one of the specialty restaurants (with a cover charge), eat in the casual buffet (Horizon Court for many of the ships), or even get room service.

Perhaps you could explain a little better for us. Please be specific. Other than eating when you want and wearing what you want. That was my point.

To step into NCL's shoes, but to reduce it to the bare bones: You also get to eat where you want, from your choice of rather more places than on more conventional cruise ships.

But, as I say, other cruise lines have been busy copying the concept, so the distinction is less marked than it used to be.

Let me see if I can give you more information. NCL America has three US Flagged ships. There is no casino and no duty free shopping. You also only do the Hawaiian Islands with a port intensive itinerary. Each of the ships has about 10 restaurants. 3 main dining rooms you can go to with out a reservations for a meal(i.e any time). 3 additional free restaurants that you need to make reservations for and 3 additional pay reservations restaurants plus a buffet and a blue lagoon diner type that is open 24 hours for made to order fast food(i.e hamburgers chicken wings fish and chips chili etc). Also there is no dress code(other than no jeans-which I think is waived in Hawaii and no shorts which also be relaxed but I am not sure). There is an optional formal night that a portion of the passengers do dress up for.

You don't have to eat with others or you can request to share. You can arrange to eat at the same table every night sometimes through the Maitre D.

Finally free style also means you can stay in your room when disembarking until your color is called. Much more civilized than being kicked out to a public area(in my opinion of course)

Other than that its a ship how different can it be?

DH and I are enthusiastic cruisers and really feel it is the best style of vacation for us. But with that being said, Hawaii is one of those places that can be experienced best via a land vacation, so that you can really soak up the ambiance that is only in Hawaii. We have been twice, and I wouldn't trade the chance to watch the sun rise and set, eat in the local restaurants, wander around in a leisurely way, and watch the staff light the tiki torches at twilight. Maui is our favorite, and you can't possible do justice to it in just a few hours. Maui Revealed is a fantastic guidebook, and I think they have them for some of the other islands too. Also, I would have some serious doubts re booking a NCL America cruise, the reviews have been so negative even from those who were prepared for questionable service that I would be afraid it might ruin our trip. We have enjoyed our NCL cruises, but NCL America is a separate company and not exactly the same.

NCL does not offer the same experience and NCLA. NCLA is a mess and we avoid them at all cost. Every client who has gone on NCLA has enjoyed Hawaii, but hated the ship, the food and the service.

Princess is a better value and you will have a much better trip. My company (major corporate and individual travel provider) recently put out an announcement to steer clients away from NCL and NCLA.

RCL, Princess, Celebrity, HAL, Carnival anyone but NCL and especially NCLA.

My husband and I did a land vacation - 8 days in Maui last June, and we loved it!!! There was not enough time to do all of the things that we wanted to do. We both had separately been to Oahu, and I have been to the Big Island of Hawaii. There is so much to see/do, that I would definitely do a land vacation!

My parents are doing a NCL Hawaiian cruise, and they will be stopping at most of the Islands. Some days they stay overnight in port and have over 24 hours. My husband and I were trying to tell them all of the fun things they could do on Maui - too many for the 2 days / 1 night they will be there. (BTW - I agree with cynbar - Maui Revealed is the best travel guide - so much info - Road to Hana, Beaches, etc...Warren and Annabelle's is the BEST night-time entertainment in Lahaina, Maui!!!! We thought it would be hokey - a magic show, how lame - but it was FANTASTIC - FYI)

So, the question is, do you want to sample the islands and have a cruise experience, or do you want to immerse yourself in 1-2 Islands and really experience the Islands you choose?

This was personally a fun thread to read...brought me back to the days that I was in Maui not so long ago!!!

Aloha!

OK.

 

To step into NCL's shoes, but to reduce it to the bare bones: You also get to eat where you want, from your choice of rather more places than on more conventional cruise ships.

 

But, as I say, other cruise lines have been busy copying the concept, so the distinction is less marked than it used to be.

Well thats not much more than I already know. LOL.

So to clarify freestyle means you get to eat when and where you want and wear what you want.

If I left anything out let me know. :D

Well thats not much more than I already know. LOL.

 

So to clarify freestyle means you get to eat when and where you want and wear what you want.

 

If I left anything out let me know. :D

NCL's innovations, which form the basis of Freestyle:

- country club casual all day everyday

- Freestyle disembarkation (stay in your room until they call your color, then disembark)

- 10 restaurants, no fixed seating times.

- $10/day service charge (eliminating tip envelopes)

Now, NCLA is different than NCL in these ways:

- In order to have the exclusive right to JUST cruise American Ports (the islands), without having to also visit a distant foreign port (Fanning Island), NCLA had to make a couple of concessions:

- No casinos onboard

- They had to hire AMERICAN workers.

- They have to pay at least minimum wage, overtime, and vacation pay (none of which other cruiselines pay)

- They are restricted from hiring outside the US. Most cruiselines have employees from over 60 countries (the Phillipines is particularly popular...because culturally they seem very service-oriented). The meagre amounts staff earn are still respectable in the Phillipines, and these staff consider a cruiseship job to be a good one which will provide for their families.

- The American workers earn about as much as they would at McDonalds, but are expected to be very service-oriented...and unfortunately it's not a forte of American culture.

THAT is the basis for the difficulty at NCLA. The American workers have OPTIONS and can leave to work on land...and they do...at the drop of a hat. This leads to significant turnover, and a constant need for new staff...who aren't accustomed to cruising, and who may be inexperienced at their jobs.

I think that either the company has to invest a money-losing year into overpaying people so that they get used to the job...OR they'll have to raise the fares in order to pay higher than minimums.

If I left anything out let me know. :D

You can dissect the functional elements of any product, and ultimately come down to the fact that you're on a ship that moves from place to place, and you get to eat and sleep on board and do a few other things. No cruise is different from any other if you get down to that level. It doesn't mean that the companies won't or shouldn't do their best to point out what's different about their product, even if you don't care for what's being offered.

The only thing I did not care for on NCL was the freestyle dining. We (DW) and I both like traditional dining and meeting new people at dinner. We took the Island Princess to Hawaii and liked the sea days before and after viviting the islands. Granted, it would have been nice to spend more time on the islands as a land based vacation but we would not have been able to see all the islands that we did and get a feel of each island's beauty. The five days coming back were nice just for relaxing after being on the go visiting as much as we can while there. I also love sea days.:)

In all seriousness, you have left out "more options, more choice". And while you may pooh-pooh dining arrangements, many cruisers do think that they're of paramount importance. So others may value what NCL has to offer more highly than you do.

 

You can dissect the functional elements of any product, and ultimately come down to the fact that you're on a ship that moves from place to place, and you get to eat and sleep on board and do a few other things. No cruise is different from any other if you get down to that level. It doesn't mean that the companies won't or shouldn't do their best to point out what's different about their product, even if you don't care for what's being offered.

I have no problems with the dining arrangements. I am just trying to get a clear answer about freestyle on NCL. Aside from the anytime/anywhere dining and wearing resort clothes all day what else is there to freestlye?

Have I missed something in the replies to my question?

Other than anytime dining and wearing what you want, whats different from other cruiselines? Thats all I want to know and nobody can come up with an answer. :confused: