Norwegian Newbie Question

[elvisillusions]

Do 7 day cruises have a talent show? also, is there anyone on this side of the board who has sailed both Carnival and Norwegian who could give me a comparison?? Planning to book w/in the next 30 days and cruise in November, and a little afraid to try a new cruise line... any help sure would be appreciated!

 

Kim

[jp2001]

On my cruise on the Dawn, there was a talent show. Sometimes, there is also a talent show for kids/teens. I think it depends how many are onboard for the latter.

Never cruised Carnival (though my next cruise will be on the Valor), I can't compare them. The biggest difference is Freestyle with its MANY (over 10) dinning options, and only 1 OPTIONAL formal night.

[elvisillusions]

I have heard of "Freestyle" but have no idea what it is, can you please explain? Thanks!

[ZLAretired98]

Kim,

 

Here's a quick description of Freestyle Cruising in NCLs own words... (cut & paste direct from the NCL site complete with a little sales hype!)

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

"Dining - The choice is yours. With Freestyle Cruising, you travel a world of dining options all in one week. From elegant French bistros and Italian trattorias to sushi and tapas bars, and more, there’s a different dining option for almost every night of your cruise. With up to 10 different restaurants, each featuring a diverse an ever-changing menu, you’ll always find exactly what you’re in the mood for. And there are no fixed seatings. Imagine restaurants open from 5:30 pm to midnight so that you can choose from an early dinner before the show or a later romantic dinner for the two of you. And of course there’s always the option of 24-hour room service. You’re free to dine where, when and with whom you choose. Just as it should be on your vacation."

 

"Attire - Wear what you want. Dress according to your mood. It is your vacation. “Resort casual” attire is as dressy as you’ll ever have to get for dinner. But if it’s elegance you’re dreaming of, we invite you to indulge. Many of our restaurants offer formal options. If you prefer more casual dress, that’s fine, too. How you dress is up to you."

 

* * * * * * * * * *

 

Once my wife found we didn't have to dress for a formal nite, there was no turning back!

[yellownovawife]

I have cruised Carnival and Norweigian. I would say that the food may be a little better on Carnival but the entertainment was better on Norweigian. We much preferred freestyle so we could eat at the times we wanted and eat at different times each day. Carnival's traditional regimen makes it harder to relax. I will cruise both of these cruise lines again because they both have their merits. I also felt that the staterooms on NCL were much more nicely appointed. Good Luck!

[elvisillusions]

Wow, that's absolutely fantastic! Thanks again...

[elvisillusions]

Can anyone tell me what is included in the price of the cruise??

[yellownovawife]

It seems to me that Norwegian includes all the same things as Carnival: food, room service, entertainment, etc...

[Big Al B.]

They were doing a passenger talent show in which first prize was a chance to possibly get a contract with NCL. Because of this you had to audition first. I'm not sure if they are still doing that or not. Charges on Norwegian do include what yellownovawife said. In addition they will add $10 per person per day for tips. You pay for drinks other than coffee, tea, iced tea, milk and a 15% gratuity is added to your cost automatically. If you're a big soda drinker you can get a special sticker for your sign and sail card for about $28 which gives you unlimited sodas (not canned).

[Tomct]

We've been on the Dawn twice, and both times they had a talent show. The first one in June/02, was outstanding. I think there were 12 contestants, and 11 were excellent or better. some in fact were professionals, including one or two of the comedians. In my opinion, about 6 of them were capable of winning, and actually they went with a sax player over several quality singers, comdians, piano player, etc.

 

This past April was disappointing, as I had our guests all keyed up and there were only two performers, who were awful. They also had a staff person sing a couple of songs. He was on the housekeeping staff, and had actually performed in the staff talent show that took place on our first Dawn cruise. That show was also in the outstanding category, as the staff perfomed son and dance numbers that represented their respective countriies. I have not heard anyone else ever mention such a show, but I was told they do it once a month on the Dawn.

 

By the way, both passenger shows were part of the NCL contest for a potential future cruise and performance.

 

All shows on our three NCL cruises have been very entertaining.

[zimmerjulie]

NCL has a passenger talent show program called "Star Seekers". They regularly hold the shows on their ships and winners from each sailing compete for a spot as a featured entertainer on an NCL cruise.

 

Here is a good article about the program:

http://www.cruise411.com/cruise_buzz/feature_article.asp?article_ID=300

 

On our most recent cruise aboard the Star, my impression was, "It must be summer break on Broadway, and all the performers came on this cruise". It was so good. There was a choral group on board, so I think our share of musically talented may have been a bit higher than usual. There was a great blues guitarist, a great pianist, and a good number of FANTASTIC vocalists singing everything from "I lost my heart in San Francisco" to numbers from Les Miserable. I did not envy the judges!

 

We have really enjoyed our 4 NCL cruises.

[KVR]

Have sailed Carnival twice and didn't care for either cruise. Main reason was overcrowding. People were elbow to elbow with no space in any of the public areas. Also our last cruise they were hosting 3 seperate singles groups, which was quite annoying. Didn't like the "party" atmosphere. Also didn't like the traditional dining with the formal nights or eating with other passengers.

 

Though we haven't saild on NCL yet, we are booked for the May, 2005 cruise to Alaksa on the Spirit. The free style dining choice is what persuaded us. We booked a suite this time also. The balcony cabin we had on the Carnival Victory was so tiny.

[phoenixlady]

Yes, the Spirit has 7 day cruises with talent shows. Freestyle meals mean you can go to any restaurant at any time you want, whereas on other "styles" you have an assigned time to eat at an assigned table with assigned people. We liked freestyle better. We hooked up with a couple of couples on a couple of nights, but for the most part, my husband and I ate alone and liked it. Hope this helps.

[jeannep]

We have been on NCL 3 times and Carnival 1 time. We loved all the cruises.

NCL had great food but Carnival food was absolutely outstanding.

 

NCL had better entertainment and activities.

 

Freestyle on NCL is terrific.

 

Being put with other people on Carnival is also fine.

 

Whatever line you pick I am sure you will have a great time. Just relax and don't sweat the small stuff.

 

Enjoy

Jeanne

[cwpsy]

I posted on the Carnival thread you started. NCL cruiser people being more help now? Notice you don't get the bashing, nasty opinions here that you get from the carnival thread....I think there is a really strong brand loyaty (fanatical) with Carnival. I still recommend the NCL Dawn....

[natalunia]

I've sailed both Carnival and NCL. Carnival and NCL have about the same quality of food (I sailed Carnival in 2002, NCL 2003-2004). The decor on NCL is more classy (less neon and glitz). Service was about the same, maybe slightly better on NCL. You'll see less party animals on NCL and more kids (when school is out). The age groups really range, but you'll see more 30-40 year olds on NCL. I couldn't comment on any of the entertainment or casinos on either as we don't gamble and we don't go to the shows. The art auctions are better on NCL (more original or hand signed pieces, less posters).

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask us.

 

Natalie

[grfennell]

My wife and I have only cruised NCL. Every time we decide to go on a cruise I research all the other lines for price and ports of call and we always end up with NCL. Really like NCL. Going in January on the Sun.