If you were going to cheat on NCL with another line...

[Travelling2Some]

22 hours ago, Liljo22 said:

I would do another Oasis class ship on Royal.  We did a winter cruise on the Oasis OTS and loved the ship. So much to do and I think Central Park is the best area on any cruise ship.  Its so nice to sit and have coffee in the morning there or sit and have a drink and listen to music at night.

 

 

The Oasis Class ships used to be our favorite.  We, too, loved the Central Park balconies for the same reasons.  However, the last time we were on Oasis the lovely Central Park atmosphere was absolutely shattered because they had moved the pool band onto the "bridge" the overlooks this area.  Lousy music played very loud all day long!  Now we would be reluctant to book what used to be our favorite cabins.  We actually found the whole ship overly loud.  (I think many entertainers believe that volume equals excitement.)  Also, agree that these ships absolutely do not feel crowded.

[Sailing12Away]

19 hours ago, Liljo22 said:

Agreed.  The size of the ship and the number of venues spreads the crowds out well.  I didn't feel it was any more crowded than any other size ship I have been on.  

It's not about the crowds on the ship. It's about the fact that when you get off at a port of call you have 5000+ other people getting off at the same time as you and invading these cities.

 

For us, it's 100% about the ports of call and being able to get a sense of how the locals live. Can't do that if half the town is dumb tourists, and those mega ships can't fit into any of the smaller nooks and crannies I'm interested in visiting.

[WarfRatWA]

On 1/28/2024 at 7:46 PM, Monica887 said:

What cruise line would you go? Which is your favorite of the mainstream commercial cruise lines, and why? And how do YOU think they compare to NCL when it comes to food and service etc? 

 

The more recent Carnival ones I did I didn't care for at all. Newer ships but I hated the layout. Didn't care for the service or food. Didn't like how over the top the cruise directors are. 

 

Only one recent one on Royal and it was an older ship. I would like to try one of their newer ships again but the service was excellent. The food was comparable to NCL (which I think is mediocre to good). 

 

Planning an extended family trip and trying to decide or see if there's anything I'm missing before I go back to NCL as my default. Youngest kid is 11 up to grandparents. Warm weather, easy to get to from the east coast. Christmas week. (We're stuck with school schedules...)

 

We've been running around with NCL's sister, Oceania.  She does things for us that NCL won't.  lol.  We are transitioning from a family of 4 to 2, and Oceania suits us as a couple.  Other than NCL, we have cruised RCCL, MSC, Celebrity, Oceania and Seabourn.

 

In regards to an extended family trip...NCL would be my choice, particularly on a BA/BA+ ship.  My subjective opinion is that NCL food is better than RCCL in general, but that is my personal opinion (not trying to start debate) That said, for the younger crowd, RCCL would also be a good choice.

[margo2011]

We usually cruise with celebrity but our last one in September 2023 was very lacklustre ,food ok entertainment poor .we are back with Azamara the entertainment is poor unless Eric is on board but the feel on board is just different .The passengers are different I don’t know how to describe them but there’s no look at me I’m whatever level .

Also the small ship enables you to embark without all waiting hours to be called .Maybe we have just been lucky to meet  such lovely people from around the world .The staff our faultless .

[KeepCalmBearOn]

For a multi-generational trip, stick with Disney or RCCI ships (Oasis and Quantum class) as alternatives to NCL.

[Joesantos]

First cruise 🚢 was Premier and I was in heaven old ship wooden but I was young and enjoyed eating and buffets. Then Carnival a lot then I was enticed by a celebrity ship 🚢 that had a basketball court loved their food and service but no fun activities. Did princess quite a bit because of Zumba for the wife. Then Ncl and RCL back at fourth but NCL now primarily because of the activities staff and all the dancing. Mojito bar with Latin band many theme parties that go late into the night. 
We are active people and on NCL we often get over 20,000 steps dancing each and every day. If and when we get old we’ll be back on Celebrity and HOA for oldtimers. So occasionally I can get my wife to do a RCL because diamond level and 8 free drinks as she doesn’t drink are a better option financially. Best cruise 🚢 ever was on Bliss and Getaway and Dawn and Gem.

[realjd]

On 1/30/2024 at 6:49 PM, SoonerDog said:

Have you been on Carnival recently?  My very first cruise some 20 odd years ago was a 4 day affair on the old Carnival Fantasy and it was not a very pleasant experience.  In fact, that trip has caused me to avoid Carnival ever since.  Am I being unfair?  Have their cruises & ships improved?  I do like some of the itineraries they offer, but have been leery of giving them another chance.  

OMG Yes. They don’t even sail the Fantasy anymore, and they dropped the gaudy over the top Vegas aesthetic on their new ships years ago. Carnival in particular has the best free quick serve food options of the cruise lines IMO. What were your complaints before?

 

We just booked our first NCL cruise in like 20 years on the Sun. We’re excited! Our last one was on the Sky and we had a good time. 

[clcizme]

On 1/31/2024 at 10:38 AM, gymbomb said:

 

We don't even get the "free" drink package on NCL because we don't drink enough to come out ahead paying the gratuities on the package, so this is definitely not a problem for us 🙂

I only quoted you because I wanted to ask a question about your NCL trip with a toddler.  I am wondering about the pack and play situation. Did it have a mattress in it?  Some posts said they didn’t.  Also, anything you can share about traveling on NCL with a toddler would be super helpful. We are having a hard time getting any information. I tried to message you but that feature wasn’t disabled. Thanks for your responses.  

[Smitheroo]

I would choose a TA on the Cunard liner Queen Mary 2.  What I like is what most people hate-  they care about how people dress for on their voyages. Yes, passengers can dress casually and eat in the Kings Court buffet, but they are strict about attire after a certain hour. It does make a difference (for some)   What I dont like (I'm assuming its still the same, I last sailed with Cunard in 2013) is the set dinner time with the same people.  I know that Breakfast and Lunch were open but dinner was a set time (early or late) at the same table. Things might have changed with covid and never returned, I dont know.  I love NCL's free style dining.   I also liked Cunard's entertainment which included their "Insights" program with lectures on various topics by experts in the field (where I first learned about Mr. Ocean Liner Bill Miller)  and daily movies in the theater. As well as the Best Ballroom on the Ocean.   

[Smitheroo]

On 1/29/2024 at 9:35 AM, Sailing12Away said:

You just need to research your ships a bit more for NCL if having an adult only area is important to you. If you can swing the price of Haven, their upper sun deck areas are adults only and have hot tubs. The Haven pools are not large, but decent for a soak and to cool off. Children are allowed in them, but I've personally never seen any in them except once on Epic. So they're allowed, but it tends to be a much quieter environment, no splashing or jumping or running around so they don't bother me at all like on the main pool decks.

 

Ships that have a Vibe beach club are also adult only areas with hot tubs, but they have an extra cost. And then there are ships with Spice H2O - that is an adult only pool on several ships (Epic, Escape, Joy.... help me out guys, which other ships?). Free - and adult only pool. 

 

So they do exist, you just need to look around at the deck plans to find the right ship for your needs/wants/wishes. This thread may help you: 

 

Getaway has a Spice H20

[Smitheroo]

On 1/30/2024 at 8:58 PM, scottca075 said:

 

I am thinking a lot of people did not read your entire post, or else I don't think they'd have recommended HAL or Virgin.

 

I'd start by looking at Disney, yes expensive, but worth every penny to us. We've taken the grand kids on Royal, NCL, Disney and Princess. Disney was the favorite, Princess the least, NCL ships like the Bliss are so close to the RCCL ships like the Oasis and Symphony, it is hard to distinguish between them; same level of food and service and entertainment. Even the RCCl Navigator or Quantum ships would be good.

 

If it was just adults, I'd say Celebrity and Princess, then HAL.

 

I wish everyone could do a Cunard transatlantic cruise at least once. The only thing cooler than a picture of your teen sons dressed in a tuxedo for dinner is a picture of your teen grandsons dressed in a tuxedo for dinner.

I agree with you about the cool grandson in a tux at dinner but...... I just want to point out to anyone contemplating trying Cunard.  Men do NOT have to wear tuxes at dinner. It is optional, jacket and tie is fine. (at least it was in 2013)  At the table I was at, a group of singles, two young showed up in tuxes the first night, the other men wore jackets and ties. The women wore cocktail style dresses or even just dressier dresses, knee length.   Woman do not need to wear a ball gown.   My go-to apparel was a long black velvet skirt (January voyage)

[Smitheroo]

On 2/1/2024 at 4:04 PM, Sailing12Away said:

Again - barking up the wrong tree. I would jump overboard if I was at sea for 7 days straight. Not sure I see us ever doing a trans anything and intentionally pick trips that are port intensive. The ship is just transportation and a floating hotel for us. So long as we have a nice bar, and a sunny spot for me and shady spot for hubby, that's all we need until we get to our next port of call.

I could spend 3 weeks at sea and still want more..... good thing there is something for everyone although its a bit tougher for those of us who love sea days.  Read, drink, relax, watch the ocean......

[KeepCalmBearOn]

3 hours ago, Smitheroo said:

I just want to point out to anyone contemplating trying Cunard.  Men do NOT have to wear tuxes at dinner. It is optional, jacket and tie is fine. (at least it was in 2013) 

 

No you don't have to wear a tux and you can also wear "national dress", as in a kilt and coat, and military dress uniform.

 

3 hours ago, Smitheroo said:

My go-to apparel was a long black velvet skirt

 

My legs are too hairy for a black velvet skirt.

[Smitheroo]

18 minutes ago, scottca075 said:

 

No you don't have to wear a tux and you can also wear "national dress", as in a kilt and coat, and military dress uniform.

 

 

My legs are too hairy for a black velvet skirt.

Many people do believe that you must wear a tux. As you point out, not true.  You wouldnt see your hairy legs with a black velvet skirt on! Didnt I say "long?"

[Smitheroo]

5 minutes ago, Smitheroo said:

Many people do believe that you must wear a tux. As you point out, not true.  You wouldnt see your hairy legs with a black velvet skirt on! Didnt I say "long?"

and you *would* see your hairy legs with a kilt on  (and I would love to see the men wearing kilts)

[IAcruising]

On 2/1/2024 at 3:04 PM, Sailing12Away said:

 I would jump overboard if I was at sea for 7 days straight.

 

I would be in Heaven. Give me the open sea in all directions, a Blue Moon, and Mrs. IA. I would die a happy man. 🐀

 

[Smitheroo]

On 1/31/2024 at 11:52 AM, scottca075 said:

 

I am a born and bred beach boy, raised on the beaches of Hawaii and So Cal. I hate wearing suits, which I do every day for work, and I am not all that fond of socks, let alone shoes. When i am not working, I am in shorts every day, even in Winter, such as it is here in So Cal. I like being casual, but I do like to dress, when appropriate.

 

I raised three boys at the beach in So Cal and now have five grandsons being raised at the beach. Seeing them in something besides a wetsuit and bathing suits is a more joyous event then I ever imagined. More important, having them understand that there is a time and place to abandon wetsuits and bathing suits and dress-up is a lesson well learned. My DW was very happy none of our boys got married in bathing suits, but chose traditional.

 

If you've never done a transatlantic with seven days at sea, dressing up is something great to break-up the day and seeing everyone in their finest is nice.

and it isnt even very hard, at least not for females.  I agree that packing suits must be a pain.

[Mike B Landlubber]

Actually, I am cheating on my main squeeze HAL when I sail on NCL! 😉 I am mostly driven by itinerary and price, but I really try to be faithful to HAL. I strayed to NCL for the first time when I took a cheap TA fling with MSC and wanted a quick trashy affair with one of those stylish European trips before I flew home. NCL had a port-packed Baltic cruise that was inexpensive if I used an inside cabin, which I did. I recently signed up with NCL again, not for a cheap thrill this time, but for a rather pricey cruise from South Africa to Portugal. An itinerary I lusted after for some time… 🙂 I generally prefer dining on HAL, but really enjoy the Pub food on NCL.

[DominicAUS]

The only line that has me interested in cheating is Virgin Voyages, they look heaps fun and innovative. They’re here for the Aussie summer so would try them over the Spirit that NCL sends down. 

[wolft927]

6 hours ago, DominicAUS said:

The only line that has me interested in cheating is Virgin Voyages, they look heaps fun and innovative. They’re here for the Aussie summer so would try them over the Spirit that NCL sends down. 

We are wanting to try VV but damn, not able to get a drink package is stopping us. The ships look amazing as we really dont care about the ports of call anymore. 

[Russiamomm]

43 minutes ago, wolft927 said:

We are wanting to try VV but damn, not able to get a drink package is stopping us. The ships look amazing as we really dont care about the ports of call anymore. 

I had the same concern before I tried it.  Most of their bookings come with a significant amount of OBC that can be used for drinks.  Also, soft drinks are included in the fare and the drinks are reasonably priced.  I wouldn’t let the lack of a drink package stop youu from trying it.

[kylenyc]

No cheating. If a good itinerary with a good price point from other mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal) and maybe a little bit higher (Celebrity, Princess) appears, I as a solo traveler am "loyal" to NCL so long as they continue to provide value such as Latitudes benefits and their service/quality is good compared to other lines.

 

There are certain areas where I would not consider NCL. I would not bring people with disabilities such as my parents on a cruise or their aging friends. Our last family cruise with them out of New York, we were neglected and mistreated. Embarkation was chaotic and lacked the "assistance" or consideration for the elderly or those in a wheelchair. Disembarkation was terrible and it was miracle they got from the ship to the taxi safely. NCL never followed up with my complaints with anything more than a form letter. If they can't assure that safety problems are fixed then they are not the right cruise line for my aging and disabled parents (and sometimes their retired friends). That's NCL's annual loss of two retired casino gamblers (and me to care for them). The last family cruise was two cabins costing $5100 alone before onboard expenses.

Edited February 16 by kylenyc

[Sailing12Away]

10 minutes ago, kylenyc said:

The last family cruise was two cabins costing $5100 alone before onboard expenses.

That's a cheap cruise for 2 cabins! Not to diminish your valid concerns, but NCL isn't going to be hurting from losing your folks as a loyal customer when there are folks sailing in the Haven paying double that for one cabin.

[kylenyc]

11 minutes ago, Sailing12Away said:

That's a cheap cruise for 2 cabins! Not to diminish your valid concerns, but NCL isn't going to be hurting from losing your folks as a loyal customer when there are folks sailing in the Haven paying double that for one cabin.

It was a 5 day if that makes any difference. That's $500 per day per cabin. I would not survive caring for my parents for more than that. 🤣

 

When stock performance is based on small percentages in profit and loss, a loss of a small percentage of revenue generating gambling customers and their family and friends does have an impact.

 

For every one person who experienced this and actually speaks up, you can bet there are many others who experienced the same thing on ours and other cruises and did not get the desired response from NCL. Some won't even bother to complain on social media. They will just switch cruise lines. PR 101.

Edited February 16 by kylenyc

[Sailing12Away]

30 minutes ago, kylenyc said:

It was a 5 day if that makes any difference. That's $500 per day per cabin. I would not survive caring for my parents for more than that. 🤣

 

When stock performance is based on small percentages in profit and loss, a loss of a small percentage of revenue generating gambling customers and their family and friends does have an impact.

 

For every one person who experienced this and actually speaks up, you can bet there are many others who experienced the same thing on ours and other cruises and did not get the desired response from NCL. Some won't even bother to complain on social media. They will just switch cruise lines. PR 101.

Yeah, we all say it (myself included) and eventually we all cave in anyway for the right itinerary, right price, or right combo of friends sailing together and peer pressure to tag along.

 

Our Prima cruise left a real sour taste in my mouth (4x what you paid for your cabin per day) and I said I was taking a break from NCL. I held out for about 2 months before being convinced to book a trip on Epic that leaves in about a week. Have a large group of friends from previous cruises all going, so we know it will be a fun trip regardless of the food, service, or ship. So long as they don't run out of liquor, we'll have a great time. Plus the fact that when we booked the price was much more favorable, we were able to swallow our pride, suck it up, and fork over the cash to return.