Would like an honest comparison between Carnival and Norwegian

CCL's cabins are a bit larger, but I like the NCL bathroom layouts better.

Plenty of storage on both lines.

The food is about equal. We love freestyle dining & like the choices of the specialty restaurants, & love, love love the Blue Lagoon. Liked the buffet on the Breeze best of all the ships. Haven't tried the Breakaway yet, but I will soon:)

The entertainment & shipboard activities are far superior on NCL. I was expecting the Breeze to have super activities and entertainment. Instead it was recycled stuff from our 1997 cruise, shows that were better 2 years previously on NCL (British Invasion), and it was all too loud! No place on CCL to sit and listen to music, have a drink & some conversation. By the end of the 12 days, I really needed a Gatsby's or Red Lion pub with Bernie Martini or Kenny the Human Jukebox.

Great staff on both lines for the most part. We liked the Dawn & Star on NCL. The decor on the Breeze is lovely & I'm hoping I will like the Breakaway as much.

...The decor on the Breeze is lovely & I'm hoping I will like the Breakaway as much.

Methinks you'll like it MORE! :D

Tom

:)

Carnival's seems to be..no movement or changes. On our last CCL sailing, we had rough seas...shows cancelled and no plan B. Considering we were in the Pacific where rough seas are totally the norm, there should very well have been a plan B.

I felt the same way back on our Triumph cruise. We couldn't tender into Grand Cayman and it seemed like forever before a new Funtimes came out. Even then, all they did was throw in some trivia and stuff like that. It seemed like this was the first time to not get into a port and they had to scramble. I thought Stuart Dunn was a good cruise director except for not having a plan B. It was after this cruise that I found out about cruise critic.

I think NCL anytime dining is much better than CCL, on CCL it seems like they just move the tables a little apart but you might as well be eating with those next to you since they are so close. NCL you get a bit more privacy.

Agree with rooms bigger on CCL

However, if you spring for a suite on NCL you will never go back, the perks are so much more above CCL. But the suite cost is a lot more also.

I say go with the one closest to you for your mother's sake, she won't want to drive all those hours and won't probably know or care about the differences. Either way, have a great cruise!

Doesn't get much more honest than that. What does your nephew do on POA? If he is still there in 2015, and we remember, we can say hi to him.:D

I have been saqying for years that CCL, NCL and RCCL are more alike than different. With NCL's and Royal's newer ships that might not be the case. I don't know because we haven't been on one yet. We would love to try Epic or Breakawy and Oasis or Allure one of these days.

He works in Utilities, he (james) is on his second contract and he has mixed feelings on if he'll make it a third. He really wants to go on other ships but once he leaves POA he can never go back to that ship, plus he'll be taking a pay cut.. : (

I have to say.. I LOVE NCL! They have always treated us like we were celebrities even with an inside cabin. I think the perks of NCL out weigh Carnival by quite a bit. I have been on a mega ship with carnival and one of the smallest ships on NCL and still come back to NCL. I will say this.. I am 28 and not a huge drinker and that is what I noticed a ton of on carnival is DRUNK people! I know they are on NCL too but I didn't notice them as much.. I like the time we spend in the ports as well which usually is longer. I know you are sailing to no where but if you do stick with NCL look at the itineraries and you will notice that NCL sometimes has extra stops that other cruise lines do not offer.. Case in point the western carr. that offers one extra stop for its cruisers. The staff have pretty much always blown us away. Just try it.. You will be hooked! :)

I will say that while they don't have a 'Formal' on NCL, I was refused entry to the dining room one night simply because I wasn't thinking when I left my cabin and had on my rubber pool flip flops. (I was wearing them because I don't go barefoot in the cabins) The lady at the door politely looked down and told me that they had a dress code. It was embarrassing to say the least. I'm pretty sure on Carnival that they wouldn't have said anything. That can be good or bad depending on your point of view.

Although NCL touts their freestyle dining, they repeatedly asked us to sit with others.

Overall, I prefered the food on Carnival. I had a great time on our NCL cruise, but I always have a great time because to me it's about the people I'm with and the overall trip, ports etc. It also seems like there are more options on CCL for dining that are already included in the fare.

Going to depend on the ship, I think. Just got back from our second trip on the NCL Spirit, and never again. Talking to some folks in the airport on the way back, just off the Jade, they agreed about the Spirit, but two so so cruises have soured me on NCL. The food was unimpressive (well except for stray plastic in it twice on boarding day, which was impressive, but not the way you would hope), I had some of the worst mixed drinks I have ever had (including my college days and 'swamp juice'), and the service levels were abysmal. Thankfully the itinerary was fabulous, as we're the excursions.

56 days to my third Carnival trip. Been pleased both previous ones - garish decor, crazy antics by the waiters, and guitarists who couldn't sing on key notwithstanding... I should write these up some time - the adventures in cruising.... Food was better on Carnival, service better, activities quite varied but tacky.

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As you can tell by my signature, we have sailed more with NCL than Carnival. We love the Freestyle Cruising concept, and the more low key decor of NCL (But we were pleasantly surprised with the Breeze two weeks ago)....We also like the dining options on NCL....

Average age of guests will be pretty similar...Longer trips will be slightly older than the weekend trips...Lots of families on both...

You'll enjoy it!

Have done both I would say it is fair to note that the M.D. food on N.C.L. is a little below Carnival . However the sell-up venues are very cheap unlike other lines . We did not think that we would care for N.C.L. (booked for the ports)but found they innovate in small and large ways . I would give Carnival the edge D.W. would give N.C.L. the edge that makes it a push.It is more than likely not fair to compare the Epic to there other ships

I agree with you 100%. MDR food is better on Carnival.

My first taste of NCL was a cruise to nowhere on the Dawn from NYC years ago. And I've been back many times!

I think NCL's food is among the best at sea, but as you know, people's tastes vary.

Yes, Carnival's cabins are larger in similar categories.

You'll only know if you go and try it for yourself! :D

My first taste of NCL was a cruise to nowhere on the Dawn from NYC years ago. And I've been back many times!

 

I think NCL's food is among the best at sea, but as you know, people's tastes vary.

 

Yes, Carnival's cabins are larger in similar categories.

 

You'll only know if you go and try it for yourself! :D

I've only sailed NCL Epic once versus 15+ CCL cruises, and the comparision may not be accurate since the Epic was newer than any CCL ship. That said, the Epic simply blew away CCL. The entertainment on Epic, from Blue Man Group to the dinner Cirque of Dreams, 2nd City Comedy and dueling piano bar(with maybe 250 people in the room) was totally above the CCL experience. I sailed solo, had a studio cabin and paid less than I could have on a CCL cruise. Food was much better in the MDR, there were no lines, and the specialty restaurants were outstanding. I only wish I could have won in their casino.

We have done both. I thought NCL was geared more toward the older crowd. Nod goes to:

Shows: NCL

Food: carnival

We chose this time to go with Carnival simply due to the fact of Carnival seems to be more hopping and keeps you busy. NCL was definitely a relaxing vacation though.

We have been on 4 NCL cruises and one on Carnival Liberty about to do our 5th NCL. In my opinion there is no comparison. The attitude of the staff on Carnival was not very friendly and most of them did not speak English. They seemed as though it was really a chore to wait on us. They entertainment did not even compare. I will say their cabins were larger and more comfortable. The age group of the passengers on Carnival I would say was an average of 60ish, all though they did like their booze.

I enjoyed everything about my NCL cruise (2 weeks on the Spirit to NE and Canada) except for the food. The food at the Blue Lagoon was good, and breakfast in the buffet was pretty good, but hated everything else food wise. Food is always so subjective though. I definitely preferred Carnival's food. All crews I have encountered have been great on all the cruise lines I have traveled. We're very low maintenance, but I have been happy with them all. We may try a NCL cruise again in the future (coastal Pacific), and we are booked on another Carnival cruise for June. Either cruise line is fine.

I've been reading about other lines especially NCL and RCI whose entertainment does not seem like the usual song and dance shows. On NCL they have Blue Man Group which I know we won't like. I also read that you need reservations for them. We like to not have to plan every night out. I've already seen the old shows on Broadway that are on Royal Caribbean. I didn't really like Hairspray the first time I saw it. Get some more traditional romantic Broadway musicals.

I read about NCL's dining and it seems like for their "anytime dining" that you need to get up early and make reservations every day or you have to pay a surcharge for various style restauants that have food that is included on Carnival somewhere within the week. Again that is not our style.

We also don't want to be nickel and dimed with tons of "choices" for dinner that you have to pay extra for. Please just give us the dinner that we paid for with our cruise. I loved Carnival's anytime dining. It worked perfectly for us. We didn't mind the tables being close together. We just kept to ourselves and chose not to socialize at meals. There are other venues to meet people.

What I don't want to happen at Carnival is to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a seat at the included dinner at a reasonable time. I don't want to have to pay extra for dinner on a cruise. I'd rather take a beeper, go buy a drink and sit at a bar while waiting and get my table for 2 even if it's close to others. Please correct me if I have the wrong idea about these other lines. I am looking elsewhere for options.

I found a nice deal on a 2 day cruise to nowhere on the Norwegian Dawn out of my home port in Tampa. It leaves on a Friday afternoon and comes back on Sunday, so minimal vacation days are needed for me to do this. I have booked it for that reason and to try out another line. I am very satisfied with Carnival so far, but I do like to test the waters.

 

What differences can I expect?

 

Thanks!

Besides what i might say i still really enjoy cruising carnival as the stops are more important than the ships and carnival gets me where i want to go for the least amount of cash. I cruised the norwegian epic and the experience was the best overall cruise experience i have had to date.

From the fresh buffet food followed by the dozen hand made ice creams, to all the shows(blue man, circus oley, etx) to the osheehans bar surving food 24 7, the decor of the ship was top notch. Carnival does have better steakhouse and definitely has a little more of a fun and party atmosphere. The epics rooms where smaller but i cant speak for all norwegian ships. Both lines definitely keep clean ships. I like the carnival comedy clubs better, cant speak for comedians.

I've been reading about other lines especially NCL and RCI whose entertainment does not seem like the usual song and dance shows. On NCL they have Blue Man Group which I know we won't like. I also read that you need reservations for them. We like to not have to plan every night out. I've already seen the old shows on Broadway that are on Royal Caribbean. I didn't really like Hairspray the first time I saw it. Get some more traditional romantic Broadway musicals.

 

 

I read about NCL's dining and it seems like for their "anytime dining" that you need to get up early and make reservations every day or you have to pay a surcharge for various style restauants that have food that is included on Carnival somewhere within the week. Again that is not our style.

 

 

We also don't want to be nickel and dimed with tons of "choices" for dinner that you have to pay extra for. Please just give us the dinner that we paid for with our cruise. I loved Carnival's anytime dining. It worked perfectly for us. We didn't mind the tables being close together. We just kept to ourselves and chose not to socialize at meals. There are other venues to meet people.

 

 

What I don't want to happen at Carnival is to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a seat at the included dinner at a reasonable time. I don't want to have to pay extra for dinner on a cruise. I'd rather take a beeper, go buy a drink and sit at a bar while waiting and get my table for 2 even if it's close to others. Please correct me if I have the wrong idea about these other lines. I am looking elsewhere for options.

Anytime dining on NCL is simply that. You don't need to call in the morning and there have been at least 3 sit down restaurants on each ship we've been on. No more than 15 minute wait ever even in prime dining hours. We took a beeper and sat in a bar. Buffet was great. We didn't go to any for fee restaurants our last cruise and our experience was awesome. A cruise line us simply as good as you want it to be IMO.

I've been reading about other lines especially NCL and RCI whose entertainment does not seem like the usual song and dance shows. On NCL they have Blue Man Group which I know we won't like. I also read that you need reservations for them. We like to not have to plan every night out. I've already seen the old shows on Broadway that are on Royal Caribbean. I didn't really like Hairspray the first time I saw it. Get some more traditional romantic Broadway musicals.

 

 

I read about NCL's dining and it seems like for their "anytime dining" that you need to get up early and make reservations every day or you have to pay a surcharge for various style restauants that have food that is included on Carnival somewhere within the week. Again that is not our style.

 

 

We also don't want to be nickel and dimed with tons of "choices" for dinner that you have to pay extra for. Please just give us the dinner that we paid for with our cruise. I loved Carnival's anytime dining. It worked perfectly for us. We didn't mind the tables being close together. We just kept to ourselves and chose not to socialize at meals. There are other venues to meet people.

 

 

What I don't want to happen at Carnival is to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a seat at the included dinner at a reasonable time. I don't want to have to pay extra for dinner on a cruise. I'd rather take a beeper, go buy a drink and sit at a bar while waiting and get my table for 2 even if it's close to others. Please correct me if I have the wrong idea about these other lines. I am looking elsewhere for options.

Lots of misconceptions on your part.

Blue Man group is only on 1 ship, the Epic.

The ships I have been on have regular shows like the 3-4 nights CCL has their shows. The only difference is that NCL has entertainment every night.

I don't consider The Hasbro Game, Love and Marriage or The Legends show entertainment.

As someone else already mentioned, there is no need to get up early to make any reservations, especiallly if you want to eat in the free MDR's.

Nobody is nickel and diming anybody. They are options.

I also thought the same as you and the reservations but after cruing on NCL I found that wasn't the case.

Also The Blue Lagoon is far and away better then the pizza option later in the evening on CCL.

Bill

Lots of misconceptions on your part.

 

Blue Man group is only on 1 ship, the Epic.

 

The ships I have been on have regular shows like the 3-4 nights CCL has their shows. The only difference is that NCL has entertainment every night.

 

I don't consider The Hasbro Game, Love and Marriage or The Legends show entertainment.

 

As someone else already mentioned, there is no need to get up early to make any reservations, especiallly if you want to eat in the free MDR's.

 

Nobody is nickel and diming anybody. They are options.

 

I also thought the same as you and the reservations but after cruing on NCL I found that wasn't the case.

 

Also The Blue Lagoon is far and away better then the pizza option later in the evening on CCL.

 

Bill

Well stated, I tend to agree. NCL is great ! Exception, need more departure ports .

We have been on 4 NCL cruises and one on Carnival Liberty about to do our 5th NCL. In my opinion there is no comparison. The attitude of the staff on Carnival was not very friendly and most of them did not speak English. They seemed as though it was really a chore to wait on us. They entertainment did not even compare. I will say their cabins were larger and more comfortable. The age group of the passengers on Carnival I would say was an average of 60ish, all though they did like their booze.

I tried NCL in August and there were a few things I liked better (wings and crepes) but I found the staff to be less friendly. My needs are few though and I would cruise again on NCL if the price was right.

Lots of misconceptions on your part.

 

Blue Man group is only on 1 ship, the Epic.

 

The ships I have been on have regular shows like the 3-4 nights CCL has their shows. The only difference is that NCL has entertainment every night.

 

I don't consider The Hasbro Game, Love and Marriage or The Legends show entertainment.

 

As someone else already mentioned, there is no need to get up early to make any reservations, especiallly if you want to eat in the free MDR's.

 

Nobody is nickel and diming anybody. They are options.

 

I also thought the same as you and the reservations but after cruing on NCL I found that wasn't the case.

 

Also The Blue Lagoon is far and away better then the pizza option later in the evening on CCL.

 

Bill

Agree 100%...TERRIBLE misconceptions

I thought the food on NCL was fabulous, much better than Carnival.

The entertainment on NCL was top notch, compared to the attempt at entertainment on Carnival.

NCL was a win-win in both food and entertainment. But I cruise for the itinerary, not the ship.

What I don't want to happen at Carnival is to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to get a seat at the included dinner at a reasonable time. I don't want to have to pay extra for dinner on a cruise. I'd rather take a beeper, go buy a drink and sit at a bar while waiting and get my table for 2 even if it's close to others. Please correct me if I have the wrong idea about these other lines. I am looking elsewhere for options.

But Carnival is turning into NCL wth the relaxed attire and adding more for fee restaurants

On NCL when they give you a beeper they buy you a glass of champagne

Personally I don't like the freestyle/anytime dining on a cruise I like to having the same waiter every night

Try NCL it is a good product and have great crepes in the buffet:o

Just my 2 cents. IMHO, you could ask 10 cruisers on the same ship and get 10 completely different reviews of that ship. Everyone's PERCEPTION is different. I've cruised the old NCL (alot) so I can't give an honest interpretation of the new "Freestyle Cruising". I can give my perception of CCL. They are are nice inexpensive vacation. If you never cruised before and a limited budget is a concern, try Carnival. Your perception of what you will receive for your dollar will make you say WOW, I get all of this for what I paid. I know what to expect on my upcoming cruise on Sunshine. Its not going to be the QE2, I know that. My perception. Each line is offering something different. Probably going to sail on Getaway next year after Sunshine so "Freestyle Cruising" here we come :D. Try a different line now and then, you might be surprised. :)