First-time NCL Questions

[RandomIam]

We are loyal DCL cruisers, but are considering trying a short NCL cruise thanks to the kids sail free promo and great prices. We are looking at the Sun out of Port Canaveral, or the Star out of Tampa for us, DD (3) and DS (5). Had a few questions I hope some of you can help me with?

 

1. Pools--Are they saltwater or "fresh" water? Are they open while the ship is in port?

 

2. What are some 'extras' we will have to pay for? Other than tips, drinks, shore excursions, shopping, bingo, casino.

 

3. Kids clubs--are they any good? Is there a charge?

[garycarla]

Going from DCL, which many would rate higher than NCL in general, and then doing a short cruise on an older NCL ship.... you might not be happy.

 

Just saying.

[terrymtex01]

We are loyal DCL cruisers, but are considering trying a short NCL cruise thanks to the kids sail free promo and great prices. We are looking at the Sun out of Port Canaveral, or the Star out of Tampa for us, DD (3) and DS (5). Had a few questions I hope some of you can help me with?

 

1. Pools--Are they saltwater or "fresh" water? Are they open while the ship is in port?

 

2. What are some 'extras' we will have to pay for? Other than tips, drinks, shore excursions, shopping, bingo, casino.

 

3. Kids clubs--are they any good? Is there a charge?

 

I'm going to have to agree with GC as far as going from DCL to NCL. I just can't imagine it will be as "special" for your kids as DCL. Plus, please also keep in mind that DCL and NCL really are not in the same class of cruise lines. DCL is a little bit of a higher end cruise line.

 

Of course we have no kids, but I have read a lot on CC about the Kids Club and almost all seem to say their kids loved it. Again though, I'm just not for sure how it will compare to DCL's kids activies.

 

The pools are saltwater as the water for the pools is taken straight from the sea. I'm not for sure if they are treated with anything or in any way, but I do know they pump it in right from the sea.

 

As far as the extras you will pay for, really you won't find any more extra's than you are already used to. The only thing that comes to mind for me is that I believe on DCL soda's are included but on NCL they are not. Other than that, I really believe you will encounter the same extra charges on NCL that you do on DCL, HAL, etc etc.

 

I will be interested to see how you feel NCL compares to the other cruise lines you have sailed on so I really hope you come back and share your vacation with us all. Remember to just keep an open mind and realize the cruise line you have booked, and you should have a great time.

[Sauer-kraut]

You might find that the freestyle dining is actually more enjoyable as you don't have an assigned dining time. Makes it a lot easier with children and no need to rush back from a port call to make it to your mealtime. You will not have the same waitstaff, it is like going to a landbased restaurant.

 

As for the SUN she doesn't have any waterslides, or other bells and whistles. There is a small children's pool and hot tub. There are four small hot tubs on the pool deck and 2 pools as well. One pool is more for laps than the other.

 

NCL has a great assortment of musicians on board, there was always something going on somewhere. The kids club must have been good as we really never saw any running around wild. One day we saw them in some kind of parade but that was it.

 

The SUN is small, but easy to navigate. There are several surcharge dining options, so if you choose to eat at such a venue then you need to figure that into your budget. I loved the aft outdoor dining area call "The Great Outdoors" it is a buffet line type place but the deck is covered and it is a great place to just sit and watch the wake for breakfast or lunch. There is the "Sports Bar" which serves wings, fish & chips, meatloaf and other type things from 5 pm to 5 am with no extra charge. Room service is nice and no charge and there are great things on the main buffet if you choose that venue. I had no complaints about the food.

 

I can imagine that the fare savings is outstanding with the current promotion going on. Also another thing to think about is that the size of the cabins will be a bit smaller than you are used to on DCL.

 

Enjoy yourself and go with an open mind and you won't be disappointed. :)

[cynbar]

We sail several cruise lines and have yet to find one that is perfect in every way. That said, some we like more than others, but we go into every cruise looking for the positives on that ship and line. NCL is different from DCL in several ways, and not just the absence of Disney characters! The atmosphere is more loose and casual overall --- no set dining times (unless you reserve the specialty restaurants), no required formal nights and basically no dress code at all . Once you get over your surprise at this, it does have its advantages. We find the food in the MDRs to be not quite as good as the other lines we sail, but we love the choices of the specialty restaurants and don't mind the surcharges. You may enjoy feeding your kids early a night or two, dropping them at the kids club then having dinner by yourselves in one of the more formal restaurants. We find NCL ships clean and well maintained, service is friendly, and entertainment is excellent. Kids clubs get very good reviews. I agree with the other posters that you may want to coinsider one of the newer ships since the older ones are smaller with fewer amenities, but if you and your kids go into it with a positive outlook, I think you'll have a great time. We enjoy trying new lines, it gets a little boring to always go with the same menus and decor and entertainment you get when you limit yourselves to one.