Norwegian Getaway From A Carnival Cruiser's Perspective

[coffeebean]

The Cruise I'm set for in November still says ultimate dining package, but I booked it like a year ago lol

That is nice that NCL is still honoring the UDP on cruises already booked. This past cruise on Getaway a couple of weeks ago, the UDP was not listed at all on the NCL website......just the SDP (specialty dining package).

[mpcaruth]

That is nice that NCL is still honoring the UDP on cruises already booked. This past cruise on Getaway a couple of weeks ago, the UDP was not listed at all on the NCL website......just the SDP (specialty dining package).

They are honoring the UBP without added gratuities if you booked before they changed the "free" perk too. Now you have to pay 18% for the UBP. We booked in January and will not have to pay the 18%.

[GoAndHaveFun]

In the past 8 years or so, I think we have only had one time our cabin steward didn't know and call us by name. That was our first cruise on the Spirit. Years ago, it wasn't unusual at all not to see the stewards often.

 

BTW, OP, you didn't review things like the casino, the entertainment, activites, etc. Did you take part in any of them, what did you think?

 

Ohhh nice!! For me, it has been the complete opposite. Unless we stayed in the Haven or a non-Haven Penthouse Suite, the cabin steward might ask for our names on the 1st day but then we never see him again or we see our cabin steward couple times throughout the cruise but he never asked for our names. Looking back on it, I don't think any of our previous balcony or mini-suite cabin stewards ever addressed us by our names as they most like didn't know our names lol.

 

OP actually briefly talked about ropes course and how his wife had a lot of fun on it while he couldn't go on it cuz he didn't have closed-toe shoes. I like that the rec staffers are strict with ropes course and waterslide rules and I can imagine if an accident happens, NCL is getting sued big time for negligence.

[electro]

The on-board credit couldn't be used for so many things, that it ended up being used for a picture book.

 

As far a I understand, the only thing the OBC can't be used for is the DSC.

This has been my experience on previous cruises, including the Epic in May when I can $350 OBC.

 

OP, what other thinks were you told you couldn't use it for?

I have OBC on my next 3 cruises so I like to know if there are other restrictions.

 

thanks

 

Lois

[Squirty27]

Regarding same wait staff. When we went to the dining rooms (non-specialty), we asked for the same wait staff at each and it was no problem. So we did get to know them, which was very nice. They got to know our favorite drinks to the extent that we didn't have to order, they remembered.

 

We were on the Breakaway.

[legion3]

If I understand what you are saying I disagree: you are saying NCL prices are higher: I just checked on 2 cruises; one out of Miami after thanksgiving on NCL and Carnival: both cases NCL was about $100 difference, for an inside of outside cabin. The other out of NOLA early Dec. same thing: $100 difference. Now these are not on the newer NCL ships, nor the newere Carnival ships.I have no idea the pricing on them, but I have to say, I do not see where NCl is high.

 

Check the big ships, price the NCL Escape and Carnival Magic for the same week:

 

Here is a simple quick look at the last cruise in April 2016

 

An inside on the 7 day Escape is pricing for 4 people at $3266

 

A Spa balcony (with spa access) cabin on the 7 day Magic for 4 people is at $3298

 

The Magic inside is $2248 ($1000 difference)

 

Sure I imagine I could find close fares but not like I used too. And the Magic's ports are better too.

[Medtech2]

Interesting that you felt your review was negative. I didn't read it that way at all. So far the worst service from a steward I have experienced was on CCL Fantasy. Sometimes I think it is just luck of the draw. The only thing you wrote about that would really get to me was the hair all over. Eegads!

 

On another note, your wife gets sick sometimes because YOU DON'T WASH YOUR HANDS, not in spite of her washing hers! Wash those hands for her sake!

Hehehe...

[newmexicoNita]

Regarding same wait staff. When we went to the dining rooms (non-specialty), we asked for the same wait staff at each and it was no problem. So we did get to know them, which was very nice. They got to know our favorite drinks to the extent that we didn't have to order, they remembered.

 

We were on the Breakaway.

 

I have heard that is another way to get to know your servers. We may try that this next week. we will be doing 2 specialty dining rooms and Chin Chins once but the other 4 night we will be using the MDR and always eat at about the same time.

[newmexicoNita]

Check the big ships, price the NCL Escape and Carnival Magic for the same week:

 

Here is a simple quick look at the last cruise in April 2016

 

An inside on the 7 day Escape is pricing for 4 people at $3266

 

A Spa balcony (with spa access) cabin on the 7 day Magic for 4 people is at $3298

 

The Magic inside is $2248 ($1000 difference)

 

Sure I imagine I could find close fares but not like I used too. And the Magic's ports are better too.

 

I don't want to get into a I know better than you or No you don't arguement and as for better ports isn't that simply a matter of opinion? More ports is a different matter. In fact the ports can make a difference in pricing because of port charges and tax.

 

I didn't bother to check a bunch of dates or ships: I simply checked a couple of particular weeks. I am sure we can find itineraries that are cheaper on one line than another, regardless. I am simply pointing out: overall NCL prices have not gone out of sight as some may think. I also was simply pricing per person, not for 4 in a cabin. Yes, the Escape is going to be higher; it is a brand new ship.. The same as the older Carnival ships are going to be lower.

[newmexicoNita]

Interesting that you felt your review was negative. I didn't read it that way at all. So far the worst service from a steward I have experienced was on CCL Fantasy. Sometimes I think it is just luck of the draw. The only thing you wrote about that would really get to me was the hair all over. Eegads!

 

On another note, your wife gets sick sometimes because YOU DON'T WASH YOUR HANDS, not in spite of her washing hers! Wash those hands for her sake!

Hehehe...

 

Nor did I find it negative. I think op did a great job of comparing the lines as he saw it. This is what I like to see on Cruise Critic even when some of us disagree.