Norwegian or Celebrity

This is my first time posting on Norwegian. Maybe this has been covered on past threads. My question is we have sailed Celebrity but never on Norwegian. We would like to try them. What is the difference between the two cruise lines and will I be dissappointed? We are easy going people but can someone help us out with the differences regarding drink packages, shows, specialty dining and so on?Every cruise line has its issues with one thing or another but Ive heard it takes forever to get a drink.

Any help would be appreciated.

Well I will let you know when I get back from 13 days on the Epic in November. That said I like trying different cruise lines that fit my general wish list. Casual dining, lots of options, I am not sure about guest speakers like Celebrity and RCCL had on their TAs and I will probably miss that but who knows?

I have sailed both lines and it really is a matter of what you are looking for in a cruise. In my opinion Celebrity is good for people who like to dress up, have a quiet atmosphere and look for things like high tea in the afternoon. I like these things but my traveling companion disliked it. So we switched to NCL. You can dress anyway you like, afternoon tea is replaced by poolside bbq's and it can get loud and be a party atmosphere. The butler on Celebrity was more what people think of as a butler and I kept telling him he didn't need to pick out our clothes for us. The butlers on NCL mainly stock your room with the extras and arrange for private dining, etc. Both are solid experiences.

I am going on Epic March '18. Looking forward to it but already know I will miss the specialty coffees included on Celebrity drink package.

Celebrity loyalist for years until they bored me into switching. Drink packages? Celebrity wins. Biggest difference, unless X has changed, is that NCL doesn't include bottled water or cans of soda. They also charge an 18% gratuity on their "free at sea" drink package which is about $100. Also, a small point, but while in Miami, you will see nonsense charges for taxes on each free drink you get. X must build it into their cost cause I never saw that.

Shows and entertainment in general? No contest. NCL. The shows are basically broadway quality productions, they have nightly deck parties where hundreds show up, the comedians are great, Howl at the Moon is a good time, the casino is big, there's places to do karaoke, a couple of ships have Escape rooms and, while it's an extra charge, a couple of them also have cirque de soleil shows. The nightlife on NCL is incredible. Where X becomes a ghost ship after 9 or 10 at night, NCL is still rocking. It is the single reason I left Celebrity and put up with the nonsense like charging a fee for the free drink package.

Food? X wins for the buffet, and easily. NCL's buffet is set up like a school cafeteria. Overall, the complimentary dining goes to X. I'd say the specialty also goes to Celeb quality and taste wise but, pricing? Well you know Celeb is insane. What's Murano? $55 each now? The thing about NCL is they seem to actually consider the amount you've paid with your fare and they subsidize the pricing in their a la carte specialties. But they're still only moderately above average imo. The Italian restaurant on NCL is a floating Olive Garden....on their best day. Cagneys the steakhouse, is solid as is Le Bistro but nothing outstanding. But if you include it as a free at sea, you only pay like $20 and you get to go to 3 of them. For that, it's worth it.

I never had one problem getting a drink anywhere on NCL. And if you're worried, you can also go for Vibe passes where the bartender will know your name within an hour and you get personalized service. $99 for the week and it's like The Amazing Race to get them, but well worth it.

One final thing. The pool situation is simply awful on NCL. Horrible. Indescribably bad when compared to Celebrity. There is basically one pool for 4,000 people if you choose a newer ship. Their solarium equivalent is Spice H2O without the pool or peace.

But I end with this. NCL is a really good time. If you're looking for fun and quality entertainment options, it's a no brainer. I'm not returning to X until they do something about the lack/sad quality of the entertainment and get something that resembles a night life. I was soooooo hesitant to leave Celebrity and try NCL and now, I'm solidly with Norwegian for the foreseeable future.

We go back and forth between the two. They are more alike then different. We like NCL for the price and what they offer.

Thanks so much for info and will be waiting for more responses.

I see after starting to book there are no perks for sailaway catagorys and they have a additional charge amounting to $100+ pp for some convience fee or whatever.

Not sure what that is for?

As much as I like Celebrity we may have to bail on them and try NCL. Celebrity is just over priced.

Has anyone tryed the GTY rooms with any success?

Thanks again..

You could always try booking via Europe or UK on the premium all inclusive where everything is included.

For me - Since 2014 we have cruised on Epic, Jade, Sky (immediately following 2 weeks on Equinox to the partyship was a bit of a giggle hah) , Getaway, Solstice and as mentioned Equinox. All time favourite - hands down = Getaway. We are booked on Epic for our next three but wish it was Getaway that worked for us - Epic is a close second though. Solstice I preferred to Equinox - just had a better vibe.

Celebrity are sneaking in the charges too. World Class bar drinks were extra - and on port days there was no free sit down service lunch available whereas on NCL you have at least one MDR every day as well as O'Sheehans on top of the buffet.

Entertainment - again - hands down to NCL -

I got fed up with the bartenders being the stars of the show on Celebrity martini bar - as for waiting for a drink - found that was probably one of the worst.

Aquaclass Persian Gardens V NCL thermal suites - HUGE win for NCL - I was sorely disappointed in Celebrity's spa area although we were in Aquaclass and BLU would be one of the key reasons we would cruise with X again WHEN we are older.

Not for now.

NCL do have a lot of wee add ons. However - the base price is very reasonable - and then its all choices. Dining packages are immense value and although Le Bistro doesn't quite match Murano - the Italian on NCL we found was way better than the Italian on Celebrity.

Each has its own pluses - and like you we were long time Celebrity cruisers.

I think the main reason is choice - never bored on NCL - and there is always something for everyone. Too much FabbaAbba for me on X - LOVED Solstice for our Alaska cruise and wouldn't have had it any other way. For a port intensive cold weather trip we felt Solstice was perfect. For anything else, no, our first choice would be Norwegian.

Hope you get the deal you are looking for -

Which ship are you thinking of?

I am going on Epic March '18. Looking forward to it but already know I will miss the specialty coffees included on Celebrity drink package.

With the cost difference between NCL and Celebrity, you can buy plenty of specialty coffee on NCL. :D

With the cost difference between NCL and Celebrity, you can buy plenty of specialty coffee on NCL. :D

OR - I used to just ask the barman at the atrium bar for two glasses, one with a large brandy, the other whipped cream - and make a coffee nightcap in our cabin -

Easy :)

I booked a GTY inside with NCL and got a mid ship inside on deck 9.

Thanks so much for info and will be waiting for more responses.

I see after starting to book there are no perks for sailaway catagorys and they have a additional charge amounting to $100+ pp for some convience fee or whatever.

Not sure what that is for?

As much as I like Celebrity we may have to bail on them and try NCL. Celebrity is just over priced.

Has anyone tryed the GTY rooms with any success?

Thanks again..

I booked a GTY last year when free at sea perks were still offered on that class. I wouldn't do that again. 1) The few hundred in price difference will be easily made up if you drink anything other than the standard free stuff, and certainly if you drink alcohol. Drinks add up quick and I swear they're priced to encourage people to have the package. 2) I was assigned a cabin that was 3 or 4 from the front and unlike Celebrity, there are only 2 elevator bays. I was logging miles a day which worked out but there were certainly nights when I didn't feel like making the journey of Natty Gann to get to my bed.

Guarantees are just that, you are guaranteed to have a cabin, location can be anywhere. I'm not picky, so my two times going with the GTY were fine: Inside forward on the Gem and Inside aft on deck 12 on the Breakaway.

I haven't been on Celebrity in 10 years, but my memory is generally older crowd (60+), entertainment that didn't really fit my taste (opera singers, solo vocalists, etc). Terrific food, no nightlife outside the casino. Specialty dining was just starting back then, so not much experience there. Never have had the drink package so can't comment. Drinks in general are good, but that's subjective.

NCL has good to very good food, plenty of choices, passengers of all ages, great shows, hit or miss Second City comedy troupe with many shows, party atmosphere in the evening at several venues, hit or miss cabin stewards. Ships can feel crowded in certain venues on the megaships.

Personally, I would only go on Celebrity for the itinerary and price combo. Otherwise NCL is a good choice from my experience. I also have sailed with Princess and certain Carnival ships in the past few years.

Celebrity loyalist for years until they bored me into switching. Drink packages? Celebrity wins. Biggest difference, unless X has changed, is that NCL doesn't include bottled water or cans of soda. They also charge an 18% gratuity on their "free at sea" drink package which is about $100. Also, a small point, but while in Miami, you will see nonsense charges for taxes on each free drink you get. X must build it into their cost cause I never saw that.

 

Shows and entertainment in general? No contest. NCL. The shows are basically broadway quality productions, they have nightly deck parties where hundreds show up, the comedians are great, Howl at the Moon is a good time, the casino is big, there's places to do karaoke, a couple of ships have Escape rooms and, while it's an extra charge, a couple of them also have cirque de soleil shows. The nightlife on NCL is incredible. Where X becomes a ghost ship after 9 or 10 at night, NCL is still rocking. It is the single reason I left Celebrity and put up with the nonsense like charging a fee for the free drink package.

 

Food? X wins for the buffet, and easily. NCL's buffet is set up like a school cafeteria. Overall, the complimentary dining goes to X. I'd say the specialty also goes to Celeb quality and taste wise but, pricing? Well you know Celeb is insane. What's Murano? $55 each now? The thing about NCL is they seem to actually consider the amount you've paid with your fare and they subsidize the pricing in their a la carte specialties. But they're still only moderately above average imo. The Italian restaurant on NCL is a floating Olive Garden....on their best day. Cagneys the steakhouse, is solid as is Le Bistro but nothing outstanding. But if you include it as a free at sea, you only pay like $20 and you get to go to 3 of them. For that, it's worth it.

 

I never had one problem getting a drink anywhere on NCL. And if you're worried, you can also go for Vibe passes where the bartender will know your name within an hour and you get personalized service. $99 for the week and it's like The Amazing Race to get them, but well worth it.

 

One final thing. The pool situation is simply awful on NCL. Horrible. Indescribably bad when compared to Celebrity. There is basically one pool for 4,000 people if you choose a newer ship. Their solarium equivalent is Spice H2O without the pool or peace.

 

But I end with this. NCL is a really good time. If you're looking for fun and quality entertainment options, it's a no brainer. I'm not returning to X until they do something about the lack/sad quality of the entertainment and get something that resembles a night life. I was soooooo hesitant to leave Celebrity and try NCL and now, I'm solidly with Norwegian for the foreseeable future.

I agree with all the above!

You could always try booking via Europe or UK on the premium all inclusive where everything is included.

For me - Since 2014 we have cruised on Epic, Jade, Sky (immediately following 2 weeks on Equinox to the partyship was a bit of a giggle hah) , Getaway, Solstice and as mentioned Equinox. All time favourite - hands down = Getaway. We are booked on Epic for our next three but wish it was Getaway that worked for us - Epic is a close second though. Solstice I preferred to Equinox - just had a better vibe.

Celebrity are sneaking in the charges too. World Class bar drinks were extra - and on port days there was no free sit down service lunch available whereas on NCL you have at least one MDR every day as well as O'Sheehans on top of the buffet.

Entertainment - again - hands down to NCL -

I got fed up with the bartenders being the stars of the show on Celebrity martini bar - as for waiting for a drink - found that was probably one of the worst.

Aquaclass Persian Gardens V NCL thermal suites - HUGE win for NCL - I was sorely disappointed in Celebrity's spa area although we were in Aquaclass and BLU would be one of the key reasons we would cruise with X again WHEN we are older.

Not for now.

NCL do have a lot of wee add ons. However - the base price is very reasonable - and then its all choices. Dining packages are immense value and although Le Bistro doesn't quite match Murano - the Italian on NCL we found was way better than the Italian on Celebrity.

Each has its own pluses - and like you we were long time Celebrity cruisers.

I think the main reason is choice - never bored on NCL - and there is always something for everyone. Too much FabbaAbba for me on X - LOVED Solstice for our Alaska cruise and wouldn't have had it any other way. For a port intensive cold weather trip we felt Solstice was perfect. For anything else, no, our first choice would be Norwegian.

Hope you get the deal you are looking for -

Which ship are you thinking of?

The above is a very thorough comparison. I am Platinum on NCL and Elite on X so have cruised both and most recently on extended cruises on both.

X has been our favorite but they have begun to price themselves out of that spot for me. I love the casual atmosphere on both. Don't need a tie or sport coat on either.

Loved X's drink package perk because they don't charge the silly tax and it includes water, canned soda and specialty coffee. I think NCL naming their drinks package "Ultimate" is absurd when it excludes these things. On the up side for NCL they still offer the drinks perk even on repositioning cruises. X stopped doing that.

As mentioned above X's specialty dining is outrageously priced.I would never consider purchasing theirs. NCL's UDP is a good deal and better yet if its a perk. But for those pesky taxes they charge again.

Lots more activities on NCL and we do partake when on NCL. When on X we do more reading.

NCL's loyalty club offers more things we actually value, free bag of laundry, free minutes of internet, free specialty dining. X only offers some internet minutes and bag of laundry.

We leave in a few weeks for a 22 day TA on NCL Star and will sample their drink package for the first time. From everything I have read I will be please except for having to buy my specialty coffee.

In my view, both are fine experiences but their are these subtle differences.

Celebrity loyalist for years until they bored me into switching. Drink packages? Celebrity wins. Biggest difference, unless X has changed, is that NCL doesn't include bottled water or cans of soda. They also charge an 18% gratuity on their "free at sea" drink package which is about $100. Also, a small point, but while in Miami, you will see nonsense charges for taxes on each free drink you get. X must build it into their cost cause I never saw that.

 

Shows and entertainment in general? No contest. NCL. The shows are basically broadway quality productions, they have nightly deck parties where hundreds show up, the comedians are great, Howl at the Moon is a good time, the casino is big, there's places to do karaoke, a couple of ships have Escape rooms and, while it's an extra charge, a couple of them also have cirque de soleil shows. The nightlife on NCL is incredible. Where X becomes a ghost ship after 9 or 10 at night, NCL is still rocking. It is the single reason I left Celebrity and put up with the nonsense like charging a fee for the free drink package.

 

Food? X wins for the buffet, and easily. NCL's buffet is set up like a school cafeteria. Overall, the complimentary dining goes to X. I'd say the specialty also goes to Celeb quality and taste wise but, pricing? Well you know Celeb is insane. What's Murano? $55 each now? The thing about NCL is they seem to actually consider the amount you've paid with your fare and they subsidize the pricing in their a la carte specialties. But they're still only moderately above average imo. The Italian restaurant on NCL is a floating Olive Garden....on their best day. Cagneys the steakhouse, is solid as is Le Bistro but nothing outstanding. But if you include it as a free at sea, you only pay like $20 and you get to go to 3 of them. For that, it's worth it.

 

I never had one problem getting a drink anywhere on NCL. And if you're worried, you can also go for Vibe passes where the bartender will know your name within an hour and you get personalized service. $99 for the week and it's like The Amazing Race to get them, but well worth it.

 

One final thing. The pool situation is simply awful on NCL. Horrible. Indescribably bad when compared to Celebrity. There is basically one pool for 4,000 people if you choose a newer ship. Their solarium equivalent is Spice H2O without the pool or peace.

 

But I end with this. NCL is a really good time. If you're looking for fun and quality entertainment options, it's a no brainer. I'm not returning to X until they do something about the lack/sad quality of the entertainment and get something that resembles a night life. I was soooooo hesitant to leave Celebrity and try NCL and now, I'm solidly with Norwegian for the foreseeable future.

You could always try booking via Europe or UK on the premium all inclusive where everything is included.

For me - Since 2014 we have cruised on Epic, Jade, Sky (immediately following 2 weeks on Equinox to the partyship was a bit of a giggle hah) , Getaway, Solstice and as mentioned Equinox. All time favourite - hands down = Getaway. We are booked on Epic for our next three but wish it was Getaway that worked for us - Epic is a close second though. Solstice I preferred to Equinox - just had a better vibe.

Celebrity are sneaking in the charges too. World Class bar drinks were extra - and on port days there was no free sit down service lunch available whereas on NCL you have at least one MDR every day as well as O'Sheehans on top of the buffet.

Entertainment - again - hands down to NCL -

I got fed up with the bartenders being the stars of the show on Celebrity martini bar - as for waiting for a drink - found that was probably one of the worst.

Aquaclass Persian Gardens V NCL thermal suites - HUGE win for NCL - I was sorely disappointed in Celebrity's spa area although we were in Aquaclass and BLU would be one of the key reasons we would cruise with X again WHEN we are older.

Not for now.

NCL do have a lot of wee add ons. However - the base price is very reasonable - and then its all choices. Dining packages are immense value and although Le Bistro doesn't quite match Murano - the Italian on NCL we found was way better than the Italian on Celebrity.

Each has its own pluses - and like you we were long time Celebrity cruisers.

I think the main reason is choice - never bored on NCL - and there is always something for everyone. Too much FabbaAbba for me on X - LOVED Solstice for our Alaska cruise and wouldn't have had it any other way. For a port intensive cold weather trip we felt Solstice was perfect. For anything else, no, our first choice would be Norwegian.

Hope you get the deal you are looking for -

Which ship are you thinking of?

I haven't tried X yet....and you guys are almost starting to make me regret my decision....almost...

the charges for port day lunches in the MDR should be criminal...lame shows on X? I already don't think NCL's shows are all that great (they look good with great lighting, costume, set pieces, and etc. and are flashy, but the actual acting/singing is eh...). I also heard a lot of their events on X require a fee. :rolleyes:

My experience and I have to admit I haven't sailed Celebrity for several years: it is more upscale, more formal and less active. The food, is slightly better in the dining room, but otherwise I don't see it is much different than NCL or RCI for that matter. We have always enjoyed the entertainment on NCL and the over all experience is: NCL just has more engergy as a friend once put it to me.

Someone mentioned the tax charged on drinks while still in port on NCL. First of all it so little and secondly it is a law.They are required to charge it. If other lines do not, that is their choice. Certainly cruise lines themselves do not make money of taxes.

I haven't tried X yet....and you guys are almost starting to make me regret my decision....almost...

 

the charges for port day lunches in the MDR should be criminal...lame shows on X? I already don't think NCL's shows are all that great (they look good with great lighting, costume, set pieces, and etc. and are flashy, but the actual acting/singing is eh...). I also heard a lot of their events on X require a fee. :rolleyes:

I am not sure why they said there is a MDR charge, the MDR, in our experience, the MDR is not open for lunch on port days, just breakfast.

As for fees for "events", I am not sure what events you speak of. There are ships tours on sea days (kitchen (galley)with demonstrations, entire ship...engine room , bridge etc) that are extra. There are wine tastings, cooking classes, painting, art, and other classes that are extra but they are all extra on every cruise we have been on.

I am not sure why they said there is a MDR charge, the MDR, in our experience, the MDR is not open for lunch on port days, just breakfast.

As for fees for "events", I am not sure what events you speak of. There are ships tours on sea days (kitchen (galley)with demonstrations, entire ship...engine room , bridge etc) that are extra. There are wine tastings, cooking classes, painting, art, and other classes that are extra but they are all extra on every cruise we have been on.

This is just what others say on the X board. I haven't been on it so IDK.

the charges for port day lunches in the MDR should be criminal

For a long time we were loyal to NCL, now we have our third X cruise coming up. We couldn't pass up the deal, even though it's primetime for hurricanes.

We enjoy both lines. Entertainment on NCL has always been top notch. Specialty dining on X is spotty. Certainly their Asian restaurants are way below what NCL offers.

Cabin size is much better on X.

This is just what others say on the X board. I haven't been on it so IDK.

Not accusing you of anything, just stating as I know it from recent cruises on Celebrity. Just trying to correct an incorrect assumption :)

We are "spreading our wings" and trying other lines now and find the forums getting very defensive of their lines if questioned. Far more than before. :).

Our NCL cruise is still upcoming and so far, the "Ultimate" Drink Package that is so far from "ultimate" is the most discouraging thing for us.

Celebrity loyalist for years until they bored me into switching. Drink packages? Celebrity wins. Biggest difference, unless X has changed, is that NCL doesn't include bottled water or cans of soda. They also charge an 18% gratuity on their "free at sea" drink package which is about $100. Also, a small point, but while in Miami, you will see nonsense charges for taxes on each free drink you get. X must build it into their cost cause I never saw that.

 

Shows and entertainment in general? No contest. NCL. The shows are basically broadway quality productions, they have nightly deck parties where hundreds show up, the comedians are great, Howl at the Moon is a good time, the casino is big, there's places to do karaoke, a couple of ships have Escape rooms and, while it's an extra charge, a couple of them also have cirque de soleil shows. The nightlife on NCL is incredible. Where X becomes a ghost ship after 9 or 10 at night, NCL is still rocking. It is the single reason I left Celebrity and put up with the nonsense like charging a fee for the free drink package.

 

Food? X wins for the buffet, and easily. NCL's buffet is set up like a school cafeteria. Overall, the complimentary dining goes to X. I'd say the specialty also goes to Celeb quality and taste wise but, pricing? Well you know Celeb is insane. What's Murano? $55 each now? The thing about NCL is they seem to actually consider the amount you've paid with your fare and they subsidize the pricing in their a la carte specialties. But they're still only moderately above average imo. The Italian restaurant on NCL is a floating Olive Garden....on their best day. Cagneys the steakhouse, is solid as is Le Bistro but nothing outstanding. But if you include it as a free at sea, you only pay like $20 and you get to go to 3 of them. For that, it's worth it.

 

I never had one problem getting a drink anywhere on NCL. And if you're worried, you can also go for Vibe passes where the bartender will know your name within an hour and you get personalized service. $99 for the week and it's like The Amazing Race to get them, but well worth it.

 

One final thing. The pool situation is simply awful on NCL. Horrible. Indescribably bad when compared to Celebrity. There is basically one pool for 4,000 people if you choose a newer ship. Their solarium equivalent is Spice H2O without the pool or peace.

 

But I end with this. NCL is a really good time. If you're looking for fun and quality entertainment options, it's a no brainer. I'm not returning to X until they do something about the lack/sad quality of the entertainment and get something that resembles a night life. I was soooooo hesitant to leave Celebrity and try NCL and now, I'm solidly with Norwegian for the foreseeable future.

OP, this is pretty much it in a nutshell. We are platinum on NCL and elite on Celebrity and obviously enjoy cruising on both lines. Celebrity, I would add, has the Coke products I prefer and I could get my coveted cans of Diet Coke. The NCL beverage package has Pepsi products, no cans, and a gratuity. That said, we never had any problem getting drinks on NCL and I found some drinks included on the regular beverage package on NCL that were not on the Classic Celebrity package.The margaritas from Margaritaville on the Escape were the best I'd ever had. I can say we've had a good time on all our X cruises but have had an absolute blast on every NCL cruise. The difference is entertainment and atmosphere. There is little lounge entertainment on X and the stage shows are okay. I follow some of the NCL entertainers we've met on cruises on FB and look forward to being onboard with them again. Also on NCL we have never had a busybody in the elevator chew DH out over his dress for dinner on the first night (late luggage delivery).

I won't repeat much of what has been already posted.

We have done 9 Celebrity and 6 NCL cruises. We prefer Celebrity but choose our cruises based on itinerary and price.

Both cruise lines have gone the path of price bundling proms with bottom line prices. We don't care for this trend at all.

We are moderate drinkers and drink mainly wine. The drinks packages are not financially advantageous to us at all.

In particular, I don't like the wine choice on NCL's drinks package or having to pay a huge gratuity charge on top of it.

We are elite on Celebrity and enjoy the free happy hour, while we are Platinum on NCL, there is no free happy hour, but we get a free specialty restaurant meal and bottle of wine with the meal.

On both we get a free bag of laundry.

The food on Celebrity as wells service is consistently excellent. NCL has improved its food recently, but it still doesn't match Celebrity.

We actually booked two Royal Caribbean cruises out of Sydney nest year since the prices and itineraries were great.

The NZ cruise we booked was about half the Celebrity price (Celebrity's price included promos that we didn't want). NCL didn't have the cruises that we wanted, they are still trying to catch up with worldwide itineraries that Celebrity and Royal are great.

Not accusing you of anything, just stating as I know it from recent cruises on Celebrity. Just trying to correct an incorrect assumption :)

 

We are "spreading our wings" and trying other lines now and find the forums getting very defensive of their lines if questioned. Far more than before. :).

Our NCL cruise is still upcoming and so far, the "Ultimate" Drink Package that is so far from "ultimate" is the most discouraging thing for us.

I have zero brand loyalty. These are faceless companies to me. (Don't hate me plz. Just how I feel :D). X gave me a good price and I am willing to try out their product. I don't feel defensive, but I can understand others feeling so.

I freely admit I haven't been on X. But the X board said that X has a lot of fees for a lot of events. Personal friends who have been on NCL and tried X said that X was trying to nickel and dime them more so than NCL. To me, I don't get offended by these nickel and dime tactics. I just don't do the event and move on w/ my life. easy peasy