npsh

I enjoy being naked on my balcony. I do it a lot. But I try to make sure my neighbors are not out on their balcony. I've never had anyone peak around, even when clothed. I enjoy it mostly in the early morning and late evening, after dark. And I don't stand up by the rail. At least not for long anyway!! One ship I was on, don't remember which one, had small extenders that stick out from the divider over the railing about 4 inches. That seemed to prevent the neigbors from stealing a glance around the divider.

 

Enjoy!!!

I would suggest that most if not all are likeminded like myself in that what people do in the privacy of their stateroom/balcony is their own business and very few(if any) are interested in stealing a glance over in the next room

We've done over 20 cruises on various lines but RCL or Celebrity is usually our first choice. We've never tried NCL, mainly because we're not sure about the freestyle dining but are looking for a cruise in Europe for this winter and have spotted some great deals on NCL Jade sailing from Barcelona or Malaga. RCL/X are out of the question as they have little choice in Europe to suit our dates.

I'd really appreciate some opinions from people who've sailed both lines. We're looking at a balcony or minisuite which is not much more expensive, does this compare to a JS?

We have a 17 year old who loves the teen club, so would like to hear how that is.

Also would like to know about food and how the dining works in practice, and anything else you think might be of interest.

 

 

 

I'll post on RCL board too.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Julie

On NCL I can/did wear my clean levis and a t-shirt/golf/polo shirt in all venues any time of day/night. I am not required/asked/suggested that I wear a shirt/tie/suit to any dining times because there are no formal dressing nights on NCL. It's the beauty of freestyle.

I plan to wear my casual attire at all times no matter where so Celebrity isn't the place for me. No shirt/tie /suit for me at all - just jeans/tshirt/sandals and on occasion shorts. NCL is my line..........

Happy ks..........

probably right in that I am thinking way too much on casualness on other lines. The thoughts of a suit/shirt/tie while I vacation, just gives me the shudders, even talking about it. Only thing is, I don't like to be restricted in what I can wear( within reason and good taste - I would never think of trying to get into a formal setting in my jeans/t-shirt) I just want to wander in all venues at any time whenever I feel like it in my very casual attire.

No apologies are neccessary and I believe everyone is entitled to thier own personal opinions. I do find it interesting that you think NCL is so much more casual than other lines. Perhaps on formal nights, yes, but from most other cruises we've been on, it's all just normal, every day people, no fashionistas at all at other times, even casual night dinners.

 

Other lines have similar programs for dining just like NCL, My Time Dining on RCI or Anytime Dining on Princess, where you have no set dinner time. The big difference (to me) is that the food is so much better on other lines.

 

Higher end lines like Oceania and Azamara don't have formal nights...wish I could afford those lines :o I'm probably the opposite of you, though. While formal night isn't all that impressive to me any longer (really semi-formal at its best), I like to dress nicely for dinner. I could wear cocktail dresses every night on a cruise. I doubt though that I could get my husband in a sportscoat and tie every single night. But he dresses nicely as well, he doesn't mind nice slacks and a silk shirt at all, finds it very comfortable.

Thanks for your commentary. No doubt you are correct in your assessment on other cruise lines and their flexibility. I consider a cruise a vacation and as a consequence, we like to dress in our vacation attire – jeans/t-shirt and sandals. What NCL allows us is the flexibility to dress as such in all of their dining facilities any time we feel in each and every day we are on their ships. We also have the flexibility of dining when we want, not at the standard traditional times of 6.30 or 8.30 and as well, we don`t have to sit at the same table with the same people. I don`t think other cruise lines like RCCL and Celebrity offer this degree of cruise style. Food is subjective (to us) and I have read and indeed heard in conversation from those who cruised with the more traditional lines and with NCL, the traditional lines are more upscale and the quality is higher. I suspect this statement is true. As vacationers, dining to us is not the reason we cruise, although it is certainly an important aspect. There were times on our Dawn trip we were happy with a good ole cheeseburger, washing it down with a tall Stella-Artois on the main deck of the ship. Of course, a couple of evening dinners at Cagney`s complimented with a Chassagne-Montrachet (I couldn`t get one) or a Barolo (which I did get) was one of the highlights of our entire Dawn cruise. An after dinner single malt (pinch of water, ice is a no-no) for me and a Disaronno on ice for her Both MDRs were satisfactory as well in our opinion. No shirt and tie or suit and evening cocktail dress required at any time thorought………….

Thanks folks.......... all good commentary from individuals with more cruising experience than me.

We decided to stick with we are quite comfortable with and enjoy the most - a relaxed atmosphere as provided by NCL and their freestyle concept. A shirt/tie/suit is not a requirement nor is it even discussed.

I shouldn't have brought this topic up and apologies for doing so.

Cheers

NPSH

:o

First of all we are dedicated NCL cruisers due mainly to the freestyle concept. Recently, close friends asked if we would be interested in joining them for a 7 day Caribbean trip this coming fall and I do believe it will be with Celebrity or RCCL, not sure. Suit/shirt/tie is not on for me during a vacation; don’t care where/who/what on – bar none, end of story. I don’t want to touch off a rant on formal nights/dress on the RCCL or Celebrity sites so I am not going over there. If one wore a nice pair of dress slacks and a dress shirt would that get me by at this formal stuff, do many dress as such, would I be in a small minority? I have been reading that formal nights are getting a little more relaxed(ie no jacket and a tie) Our friends are into the dress stuff and can’t understand me but too bad for them. Cruise NCL I advise, that’s where I want to be.