I think we're going to give NCL a 2nd chance

[SuzieQ123]

We're Loyal to RCCL, we cruised on the Gem in Feb 2008 from NYC. We enjoyed it but it was our 1st NCL cruise and didn't realize it would be so totally different. I think we are "broken in" now and know what to expect. NCL Jewel from NYC 4/24/2010 is a steal, $499 for a OV. Can't go wrong. My husband likes parking the car next to the ship, hopping on and off to sea. And he likes not dressing up.

[trish1c]

The Gem is a gem especially when you are usually home before 1. No hassles with the AP. Check the costs of a car service to NYC; it may be cheaper than parking at the port. If you have never sailed a big ship past the Statue of Liberty you are in for a treat!

[silkhair1]

The not dressing up gets us everytime!!!!!!

[jp2001]

We're Loyal to RCCL, we cruised on the Gem in Feb 2008 from NYC. We enjoyed it but it was our 1st NCL cruise and didn't realize it would be so totally different. I think we are "broken in" now and know what to expect. NCL Jewel from NYC 4/24/2010 is a steal, $499 for a OV. Can't go wrong. My husband likes parking the car next to the ship, hopping on and off to sea. And he likes not dressing up.

 

NCL usually has the best deals out of NYC and it's one of the reasons I like cruising with NCL but I also like Freestyle Cruising (for the most part anyway).

 

Since you now know what to expect, I think you'll have a great time on the Jewel (the Jewel also seems much more subdued than the Gem from the pictures).

[cruisecrazyk]

I went on Carnival this year and had a great time, but personally I do not like sitting with the same people or table every night. I really like freestyle dining the best. I know there are people out there that disagree, but that is why they cruise other lines. NCL has a different niche in that area and appeals to folks that do not want to dress up etc. I like both lines, but my next cruise will also be NCL.:)

[Mjasp]

I'm looking forward to my first NCL cruise. I wish I could travel when the prices are low, but for now we need to go during school breaks

[Philly Steve]

We like RCI too but our last two cruises have been aboard NCL ships and we loved it.

 

I'm looking forward to my first NCL cruise. I wish I could travel when the prices are low, but for now we need to go during school breaks

 

I know what you mean about cruising when prices are low. We'd like to return to the Caribbean over the summer, but can't justify the higher prices amid the sweltering heat. It's all about vacation time demand. :cool:

[jlyn1216]

My dh and I went on RCCL this year and just did not like it. Wanted to try something new and the price was great, but from now on will go on NCL.Jamie

[STARFISH*4]

i LOVE the FREESTYLE...my last 5 ...6 coming up next month have been with NCL right now they are giving us the BEST DEALs and thats important too!!

[CruisinMaterial]

Great to have you back! :D Will be on the Jewel next week and I can't wait! She's a beauty. I've sailed on her before and FreeStyle is the ONLY way to go! No more dressing up! :D

[Don Haynes]

The major main cruise lines are more alike than different, although there are some differences. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your cruise. Its what one does makes or breaks a cruise in my opinion on any line...

[crisp1]

Is the menu in the mdr the same every night on all NCL ships now? if so, I won't come back. I, too will jump on a low price ( as long as the itinerary grabs me), I'm now looking more into CCL and X out of Baltimore- I know they both have it all over NCL as far as food in the mdr

[jackiel3290]

We just returned from a Christmas Cruise on NCL Spirit. Our family group of 11 were pretty disappointed in the service, activies, and food. We have cruised with this whole group on RCL and like the structure of a set dinner time, table and waiter for an entire cruise. We would do whatever we wanted during the day, but dinner was "family time". This was very difficult with free-style, as they wouldn't let us make a reservation for Windows except at 5:00 5:30 or 8:30. We were interested in 7:00, so we went down and had a 30 minute wait the first night. The 2nd night, we sent someone down early, were told a 30 minute wait, but it was only 5. We had to frantically call everyone to get them all down. It was different every night. The service was also very slow; it took us over 2 hours to eat dinner every night. We were opposed to going to the "extra charge" restaurants, as good food and service should be standard and not require an extra fee. We had our children, ages 18-32 with us and they were bored most nights. The only place they had Karaoke was out-doors (50 degrees, windy). The best activity was the Pub Crawl which was a lot of fun, we met people, played silly games, got great drinks and casino coupons. There weren't many things to do that didn't involve a charge. I grew weary of the begging. Our cabin steward was very good, but our children were on another hall and got poor service, had to beg for beach towels, didn't get their dailies, no towel animals, etc. The best entertainment was 2nd City, the rest of the shows were barely 30 minutes and average. I am a music teacher, and the cocktail pianist was not good. He played a lot of wrong chords and missed melody notes. He was worse as a singer. He only played in Windows 2 nights. On Christmas Eve, another music teacher sat at the piano in Windows and played Christmas songs, she was great. We had some great family bonding time, had good shore excursions, but will not go on NCL again unless it is the only option. I wish we had sprung the extra $250 to do RCI out of Galveston instead.