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Trying NCL again 10 years later. Will I be impressed?


SwimCarrie
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Hi cruising fans!

 

Here's some background: I love cruising and am not necessarily tied to any particular cruise line, though I have traveled the most on Princess because we like the demographic and can hop on cruises within driving distance. We are a family of 4, Hubby and I are in our early 40's, and 2 kids, ages 7 & 8. We've sailed on Princess (loved it), Disney (didn't love it, but liked it---gasp!), Carnival (great for the kids as long as you stay away from the bars), Royal (before kids), Holland (our family's favorite, if you can believe it!), and finally one bad experience on NCL.

 

We *think* the NCL cruise was bad for two reasons. #1: They had just come out with anytime dining and it was a total fiasco. (Back in 2007). I had to wake up at 6am to get dinner reservations at ANY restaurant. #2: It was Hawaii, so an American crew. Now, for the record, I'm not saying that American's are lazy, but I've had service from people from other countries whose families depended on the money they made, not some kid with a bad attitude who wanted to travel. In our experience, on that one sailing, there were many unenthusiastic Americans.

 

So here we are 10 years later and willing to give them another chance. Surely, the anytime dining has worked out the kinks. Also, we are sailing to Mexico, so not a full American staff. All good things.

 

I haven't looked at the NCL page in years. Why bother when there are so many other cruise lines. So, I booked the cruise and started doing some research. I know many of you are going to lose your minds when I say this, but is this Nickel and Dime Cruise Lines? Did I read right that soda for my family will be $242? And if we want unlimited alcohol, it's $1728??? Hahahaha. One thousand seven hundred and twenty eight dollars??? Not Pesos??? Wow. Is NCL for the rich? (Well, yes, but they're in the Haven rooms, right?) How is the food in the complimentary restaurants? Buffet? I know, I know, food is subjective. Scratch that. Do they really want me to pay over $100 a meal for specialty dining? And you have to pay more for finger sandwiches at high tea? And there's a "convenience fee" for room service???

 

I just don't get it. Help me understand. Why is everything so expensive? How is it worth so much more than other lines doing the same itinerary? Someone please help me out here. I'm not trying to be snarky, honestly, but $7.95 for room service? :o LOL.

 

Thanks in advance,

A *possible* NCL lover :hearteyes:

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I've only ever cruised with RCL but next month is our first with NCL. I can't attest to the food quality yet, but will post a review post-cruise. We are picky picky eaters AND vegetarians and enjoyed the food on Royal... so it will be interesting to compare. What I can tell you that it's not necessary to pay $242 for soda and $1728 for boozy bevvies... NCL seemingly always has promos where you get these included (you just pay the gratuities charge of 18%). When we booked we got free soda / alcoholic drinks included as well as 3 dinners at the specialty restaurants. I think the current promo is even better where you also get free wifi and credit towards excursions. Hope that helps :)

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Yep, you sound miserable. Find another line.

 

Okay, bad jokes out the way. ;p

 

NCL is no more of a nickel and dime venture than any other cruise line. To me that term is coined by people who don't do their research to find out the costs associated with packages and the overall cruise. Others will disagree with that definition, but that's okay.

 

Few people actually buy the dining or alcohol packages these days with all the promos that are available. Make sure you read the promo T/C's though because you will have to pay gratuities on packages.

 

The larger ships with all the bells and whistles have great programs for kids with plenty of things to do. In my opinion, entertainment is fantastic with plenty of quality shows to fill up a week. Specialty dining gives you plenty of choices for eating, some better than others, but as you said...food is very subjective. Trust me though, you and the family will not go hungry. I can count on one hand the number of unfriendly staff I have encountered on my many cruises.

 

Is it a perfect line? No. Are some things expensive, you betcha but can't that be said for all lines.

 

NCL is MUCH better than it was back in '07. Just like any other vacation, if you go with an open mind and roll with the punches you should have a memorable vacation.

 

Hope that helps.

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Hi cruising fans!

 

Here's some background: I love cruising and am not necessarily tied to any particular cruise line, though I have traveled the most on Princess because we like the demographic and can hop on cruises within driving distance. We are a family of 4, Hubby and I are in our early 40's, and 2 kids, ages 7 & 8. We've sailed on Princess (loved it), Disney (didn't love it, but liked it---gasp!), Carnival (great for the kids as long as you stay away from the bars), Royal (before kids), Holland (our family's favorite, if you can believe it!), and finally one bad experience on NCL.

 

We *think* the NCL cruise was bad for two reasons. #1: They had just come out with anytime dining and it was a total fiasco. (Back in 2007). I had to wake up at 6am to get dinner reservations at ANY restaurant. #2: It was Hawaii, so an American crew. Now, for the record, I'm not saying that American's are lazy, but I've had service from people from other countries whose families depended on the money they made, not some kid with a bad attitude who wanted to travel. In our experience, on that one sailing, there were many unenthusiastic Americans.

 

So here we are 10 years later and willing to give them another chance. Surely, the anytime dining has worked out the kinks. Also, we are sailing to Mexico, so not a full American staff. All good things.

 

I haven't looked at the NCL page in years. Why bother when there are so many other cruise lines. So, I booked the cruise and started doing some research. I know many of you are going to lose your minds when I say this, but is this Nickel and Dime Cruise Lines? Did I read right that soda for my family will be $242? And if we want unlimited alcohol, it's $1728??? Hahahaha. One thousand seven hundred and twenty eight dollars??? Not Pesos??? Wow. Is NCL for the rich? (Well, yes, but they're in the Haven rooms, right?) How is the food in the complimentary restaurants? Buffet? I know, I know, food is subjective. Scratch that. Do they really want me to pay over $100 a meal for specialty dining? And you have to pay more for finger sandwiches at high tea? And there's a "convenience fee" for room service???

 

I just don't get it. Help me understand. Why is everything so expensive? How is it worth so much more than other lines doing the same itinerary? Someone please help me out here. I'm not trying to be snarky, honestly, but $7.95 for room service? :o LOL.

 

Thanks in advance,

A *possible* NCL lover :hearteyes:

 

I am currently booked for a 16 day Norwegian cruise through Australia and New Zealand. This will be our 3rd Norwegian cruise out of 20 cruises we have been on. Personally, we like Carnival a little more. We felt the food was better in the main dining rooms on Carnival. We also liked the variety of entertainment such as nightly comedians and piano bars. We do like the unlimited beverage package and the buffet on Norwegian better. We didn't have any trouble eating whenever we wanted, although we do eat fairly early. Sometimes on the prime rib nights we would have to get a pager and wait 20 minutes. They had the itinerary we wanted for the last two years so we are sailing with them again in January.

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I'm not trying to be snarky, honestly, but $7.95 for room service? :o LOL.

 

I have to agree...based on what you've said, I too think that you'd be happier with Princess.

 

I really don't want to address each and every item in your post as, IMHO, there is simply a LOT of misunderstanding going on (For example, Freestyle Dining...Anytime Dining is a different line...started in 2001, not 2007). However I would like to address your comment above on room service.

 

 

It is NOT simply $7.95 for room service. There is a delivery fee, but it only applies to lunch, dinner, and middle-of-the-night service. Continental breakfast through room service is still 100% free.

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That makes sense. Our free offer was kids sail free. I forgot about that. (We only had one offer with an inside cabin). So, by virtue of bringing the kids, everything else is expensive! Darn kids! LOL.

 

 

Ahhhh yes only one offer with inside cabin, that explains it. We usually go inside cabin also but wanted to be fancy this time and got a balcony (joke... it's a far cry from Haven lol). I think they also give us a measly $100 on board credit. You may get some of that also.

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The bottom line is hubby and I don't like to spend extra money on food on ships when so much is available. We're definitely NOT foodies. So, it's a bummer to see charges for things like room service and tea when they've been included on all other lines. I'm trying not to let our one experience have an impact on this cruise, which is why I'm hoping you all will tell me how wonderful it is and how it's all worth it! ;p

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My comments have been strictly based on our experience. So I may not say the right term...anytime versus freestyle. I'm asking questions about this cruise, that's already booked. (No talking me out of it, just wanting to get perspective from people who love it.) I'm not asking if I *should* cruise NCL, I'm asking what the draw is! Get it?? Please put the pitchforks down!

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My comments have been strictly based on our experience. So I may not say the right term...anytime versus freestyle. I'm asking questions about this cruise, that's already booked. (No talking me out of it, just wanting to get perspective from people who love it.) I'm not asking if I *should* cruise NCL, I'm asking what the draw is! Get it?? Please put the pitchforks down!
For me the draw is specialty dining, aft penthouse suite, suite perks, great service, fantastic crew, Casino At Sea, price, five perks (beverage package, dining package, 250 internet minutes, free DSC, $50 shore excursion credit), no nickel and diming (at least to me), some really nice passengers and nice spa (I've hadn't had a hard sell in a couple of years). Edited by NLH Arizona
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Have only cruised on NCL so I can’t compare but I will say I’m not rich and I’ve been able to cruise NCL! It gets more expensive if you bring kids! The kids club is great I have to say when we brought ours. The younger one always wanted to go!

 

Food or subjective but it’s also been hit or miss for us as well. Have not encountered long waits for breakfast at the sit down restaurants but they can tend to be slow...and more leisurely. Dinner the lines can be a bit long but have never waited more than 15ish minutes for a table that I remember.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

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So, we're selling you on a cruise you already booked? Geez, I want my keyboard ink back.

 

Bahaha. I like your sense of humor. (Fingers crossed you're saying that tongue in cheek!)

 

Yes, you're selling me on a cruise I already booked. For fear of having buyers remorse (kidding), I would like to know what everyone likes about it because at first glance, I only see lots and lots of dollar signs. For me. On my sailing. In an inside cabin. With 2 kids. On a budget.

 

Let's say someone offers you a shiny new car. Of course you're going to take the shiny new car! It's a new car! Then you get in and you realize you don't fit right in the seat...you're too tall. It's still a shiny new car but it's just a little off. Then you realize the steering wheel is a little low. Not a huge deal but another thing that makes you question just how much you like your free car, but you want the shiny car just the same. I want to like my cruise. Really, I do. Don't let the shine wear off my shiny new ship! LOL.

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I'm absolutely joking around with you Carrie. I understand the whole being on a budget thing, been there..done that, but do yourself a favor and don't let that consume you. If you go a wee bit over, no big deal, you will survive. Memories like being on a cruise with your young 'uns is worth a zillion dollars. Enjoy, let go, and have a great time.

 

Have fun, we'll expect a trip report.

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I haven’t read all responses, just adding my 2 cents.

We just like you are cruising with just about all companies.

Our favorites are Princess and Celebrity (well we loved Cunard, but I don’t think we will become frequent cruisers with them) We don’t like Carnival and probably will never sail with them again, honestly tried trice, just not our thing.

 

During our first cruises with NCL in 2006 and 2008 we were very unimpressed with food. Especially in 2008 on Spirit. It became better with years. Last several times on Breakaway and Gem we actually enjoyed it. It doesn’t offer anything close to Princess buffets, but we always found something good. Loved Eggs Benedict available every morning. MDR food is also decent. IMHO definitely better than all MDR offerings we experienced on Carnival.

 

As for ships , many love newer larger ships , we prefer Jewel class. I feel they have better design. More adequate pool areas. Although we loved waterfront promenade on Breakaway.

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My last NCL cruise was in 2007 in Hawaii too. Pride of Aloha which was a super clunky ship. It was such a port intensive itinerary that I barely remember that we were on a ship. But I remember that we got much better service on Carnival. (My only reference point at the time, I’ve since been on 3 Disney cruises) I’m leaving on the Getaway on Sunday, but I’m in an aft balcony which means we got the beverage package which means I didn’t pay over a grand for drinks. I’ll let you know how it goes!

 

 

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I am seeing the nickle and dime on all cruise lines. I was MIA from sailing for 7 years. Man way tooo long. Anyway.. The promos that are offer help off set the various cost. For example. We are drinkers but not over the top. With my calculation the unlimited beverage/alcohol packages was a better deal. So that was a no brain decision. For the excursion credit, I got it when the cruise line had this take 5 promo. Its an ok perk. I won't get it again unless it is included. The dining package, I will know after my cruise. Our sailing have keep us in the MDR and we did get tired of the same 'staple' menu items. (7 day cruise).. So the dining package was of interest. Internet minutes.. go live without. I go on cruises and shut down all communication tool. Only expection now days will be the texting you can do while on board via your phone to other people sailing. Would be great for you with 2 kids.

 

Keep an eye on your cruise price. If it goes down you can call and they will give you an obc. Of course it has to be prior to final payment. NCL does have a submit a bid opportunity where you can upgrade your room for the amount you bid. I personally would suggest you move up in the 'chain'. You will not be happy with an inside cabin with 4 people. Way to small...If you stay with inside cabins please get two. One for hubby and you.. one for the kids. You will enjoy your cruise with the two rooms.

 

Regardless, go into the sailing with the attitude of I'm on vacation, I will do what I want when I want. No expectation, think of it as a new cruise.. Don't compare cruise lines. Each one is different. Princess is definitely not NCL.

 

fyi: I booked a cruise in Princess and will be canceling due to the dress attire.. Just to much dressing up for the hubby. Khaki pants and polo is his goto.

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