NCL for those that loved it years ago

[graphicguy]

20 years of differences....hmmmmmm!

 

Overall, I don't want to go back to 20 years go.

 

-Smoking allowed just about everywhere

-had to bring a suit (and sometimes a tux) which I hated

-set dining times....I haven't dined at a specific time and table since I lived with my parents.  Don't want to go back to that.

-I don't recall entertainment being all that good...usually poor imitations of Vegas dancing revues....not my cup of tea

 

I'll see if I can dig up old invoices, but I think dollar for dollar, given inflation, it's cheaper to cruise today than it was 20 years ago.

[roddy good boy]

49 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

20 years of differences....hmmmmmm!

 

Overall, I don't want to go back to 20 years go.

 

-Smoking allowed just about everywhere

-had to bring a suit (and sometimes a tux) which I hated

-set dining times....I haven't dined at a specific time and table since I lived with my parents.  Don't want to go back to that.

-I don't recall entertainment being all that good...usually poor imitations of Vegas dancing revues....not my cup of tea

 

I'll see if I can dig up old invoices, but I think dollar for dollar, given inflation, it's cheaper to cruise today than it was 20 years ago.

I agree with everything you said (except in my instance I’m relieved not to bring evening gowns and torturous sandals)! 
 

The only thing I miss is the food selection.  I know my husband misses the tomahawk!

[graphicguy]

23 minutes ago, roddy good boy said:

I agree with everything you said (except in my instance I’m relieved not to bring evening gowns and torturous sandals)! 
 

The only thing I miss is the food selection.  I know my husband misses the tomahawk!

I get it.

 

I was thinking about food selection.  For all intents and purposes, there was ONE MDR.  There was a buffet....and that's about it.  No Specialty dining (of course, that's extra cost) 20 years ago, but they did have the Midnight Buffet.

 

That said, I REALLY like Indulge Food Hall on the new NCL ships, where the choices are many, and all are free.

[mking8288]

On 6/7/2024 at 2:17 AM, www3traveler said:

... Spirit will be sailing out of Japan, Australia and New Zealand in 2024 and 2025.

... My guess would be that if She returns to the US, it would be for Alaskan cruises and not out of Florida. 

Good morning ... your guess is likely spot on and if booking is solid & sailing full - almost certain during Asian holidays (i.e. Lunar New Year) as a matter of smarter & strategic marketing (which I said 7 or 8 years ago when NCL Asia plunged into the China market doing just short 3, 4 and 5 days loops)  I don't see the 3 smaller ships returning to the Americas with the new Prima/+ and other bigger ships eventually get christened at the shipyard.  As a matter of fact, we are looking at those north Asia itinerary but comparing very closer to what other lines on my short list, are offering ... Seeing various Japanese coastal cities via a cruise ship is convenient and easy but not the best way, high speed trains & rails with overnight stays are better as one can see & do more, or else missing out the colorful, scenic night life.  Ditto for Taipei/Taiwan as it's easy enough to travel by train or go around the island, again overnight stays; even for South Korea - places that we've been to and plan to go back again as we are comfortable to get around ourselves and/or do local premium bilingual/multi-lingual escorted motorcoach tours.  

 

Back in 2010, we're in Shanghai, China and Royal Caribbean had already long established their steady presence in the region ... NCL is now nearly 15 years behind, the Joy "adventure" aside, re-establishing themselves in Asia.  

 

We had Alaska on our radar last year and indeed, we are doing a 10 days out of YVR in late August, amazing last minute balcony deal that we just cannot say no.  Going to be very different and interesting onboard experience for sure, fixed early dining for 6 of us and afternoon high tea, and 3 themed evenings, etc.   Dropped another NCL cruise booked on the Sun, moved the bundled deal for 4 of us to a different but similar itinerary in 2025.  NCL isn't offering anything of interest to us from the Northeast this winter ... if we see a fair & reasonable last minute deal, will pull the rollerboard, book & go - the competition is dancing and doing circles around our "preferred" line, not just MSC.  

 

Best regards & wishes - Henry 

[www3traveler]

Henry,

If you have paid attention to the news coming out of Alaska in the last few weeks, I would not be surprised within the next few years to see ONLY the Jewel class and smaller ships being able to sail in Alaskan waters.  Lots of proposed limits on the number of daily passengers in specific ports.  Will be interesting to see how it all works out.

 

Mandy