Could You Compare NCL and RCCL Please ?

[fifty]

I am relocating to New Orleans later this year and see that NCL still sails from there. In the past, I have always cruised RCCL but would be willing to make the change if there is not too much of a difference in service.

 

Can anyone who has sailed both, compare the rooms, food, and service and anything else of importance?

 

It looks as though NCL has a lot of "pay" restaurants but I don't see how much they charge.

 

I'm not too terribly picky but I do like RCCL a lot - probably because I am familiar with them.

 

Thanks!

[Laoghaire]

Hello,

 

As you can see by my signature, DH and I have sailed both RCCL/RCI and NCL. We usually prefer RCI, but I think it is a matter of what one becomes used to. We cruised the NCL Sun in April/May on a 19 day Panama Canal cruise, and we were treated royally. I am sure it helped to have an AD suite, but we also enjoyed the food, entertainment, and general atmosphere of the Sun.

 

It is hard to compare the two because of Freestyle Cruising. We do enjoy traditional dining, because of having the same dining room tablemates and wait staff. But we also liked all the dining possibilities onboard NCL.

 

We will be on the Explorer OTS (RCI) in November and we are looking forward to comparing the two cruise lines. We shall also be in a suite on the Explorer, so it will be interesting.

 

Because we enjoyed the Sun so much, we have booked the NCL Pearl for a 14 day Panama Canal in September of 2009. As you can see, we like that itinerary!

 

Hope this is of some help--I shall be glad to answer any questions.

 

Helen

[WinnieinWA]

I like Freestyle dining on NCL if I'm with someone I like traditional seating if I am cruising solo. I love NCL and realy enjoyed my cruise on the Dawn last December. I enjoyed my cruise on RCCL Vision of the Seas last March. They are different but not in a way that I can put my finger on. One is not necessarily better than the other.

 

Personally I liked the food and entertainment better on NCL. I did not like the hourly announcements for bingo!

 

I liked a few things better on RCCL including their champagne bar that offered free cavier nightly from 5-7.

 

The cruise prices are better on NCL and that means a lot to me. I'd rather cruise 2 times a year than pay RCCL a higher price and only cruise once a year. I will choose whatever line I can get a good single supplement on but if I have someone to travel with I will most likely choose NCL.

 

That said I have booked a cruise on Carnival next March mainly because they gave me a terrific single supplement price and a different itinerary from what I've already done. I can't imagine a Carnival cruise will be that much different than NCL or RCCI.

 

I make my own good time and fun and I take a great attitude with me so to me there can't be any BAD cruise.

 

Enjoy your cruise.... I know I'll enjoy mine no matter which line I cruise.:D

[missty1405]

We have been on 2 RCCL and just went on our first NCL. (We have also been on a few other lines) We LOVED NCL!! I think we have found "our cruise line"!!! We loved the freestyle dining and pretty much everything else. I don't like being hearded in to eat like cattle every evening. The regulae dining rooms were similar to RCCL, good. But the specialty places - two were to die for! Very good! And the others were very good!

 

missty

[fifty]

Any comparisons on the casinos? And also size and comfort of room.

 

I'm sure I'll be happy on any cruise I can get on but like to hear the different opinions. Since I'll be living right there in NO, I will probably be using NCL and possibly Carnival. I like NCL's itenerary better from New Orleans. :D

[newmexicoNita]

Any comparisons on the casinos? And also size and comfort of room.

 

I'm sure I'll be happy on any cruise I can get on but like to hear the different opinions. Since I'll be living right there in NO, I will probably be using NCL and possibly Carnival. I like NCL's itenerary better from New Orleans. :D

If you compare ship for ship and class for class, I don't think you will find too much difference in the two lines. As for cabin and casinos, again, class for class they are similar. The cabins will not be as large as some lines, but the storage is good.

 

Quality of food is subjective so for everyone who prefers NCL someone else will give the thumbs up to RCI. NCL does offer freestyle which we are very partial to, and yet, some miss the nightly pampering that comes with traditional dining. NCL also offers the great dining variety even if there are extra charges for some of the restaurants. Overall we have received better service on NCL, others will say the opposite.

 

Nita

[NJBill]

I find them comparable in service and food. RCL ships especially the newer ships have more to offer ie rock climbing,ice skating etc.. We are sailing NCL this summer. Our trip on the Dawn was very nice.

[Susie51]

I have cruised with NCL five times and the same amount on RCCL. The beds are better on RCCL and the rooms are bigger. I enjoy freestyle cruising. Lately I have noticed that NCL hot and cold soups aren't as good as they use to be. I still like them though.

 

Both lines have excellent made-to-order waffles and omelette's. Most of the NCL ships don't have covered pools. I like the covered pool area on Vision class ships alot.

 

Which ships are sailing out of New Orleans now?

[Sooners]

I've sailed both in the past year. My wife and I prefer freestyle and NCL. I could sail on the Pearl every cruise. Love the ship, Love the crew!

 

My mini suite on the latest cruise on the Pearl would compare to the size of my D1 balcony on the Liberty of the seas....with the exception of storage space and the mini suite on the Pearl had more.

 

Both have good speciality restaurants but NCL will give you more choices and most are worth the cover charge.

 

Now when it comes to my kids, ages 9 & 13, they loved the Pearl but it was no comparison to the Freedom class ship of RCCL. Keep in mind they sailed to Alaska on the Pearl, but even so I find it hard to believe my kids would still not prefer the Liberty of the Seas....So many things to do.

 

I guess this is not a comparison class to class type of ship...but my point, IMHO, they are both great!

 

I havn't had a bad day at sea and I'm sure I would be happy with any line but NCL & RCCL have both earned my business.

[LindaandJeff]

Personally I liked the food and entertainment better on NCL. I did not like the hourly announcements for bingo!

 

I liked a few things better on RCCL including their champagne bar that offered free cavier nightly from 5-7.

 

Wow...we missed the free caviar! The champagne bar is our bar of choice and we haven't even been able to buy the caviar on our last two Royal cruises. They were "having issues with quality and refrigeration" was the script they were using. Even so, my vote would be for Royal over NCL. We much prefer their entertainment and food on Royal. Though we don't use the casino much, the service in the casino on Royal was better in our opinion. The kids program is far superior (especially for teens) on Royal. The drink prices were lower on Royal. The cruise staff was more engaged on Royal...on NCL all they seemed to do was hawk pull tabs before the shows. Maintenance staff on Royal is quicker to fix things. The only time I would pick NCL is due to itinerary. For example, we are doing Europe on NCL next week and we selected it because the first day is at sea rather than a port giving us time to get over jet lag before starting tours and giving our teen time to meet people before all of the excursions start. Also, when we get back from port late there will be lots of options for food. Remember, these are my opinions and other peoples experiences will vary. Either way, if you go in with the right attitude and are quick to speak up if there is a problem, you will have a great cruise. Happy Sailing!

[chrisbd1]

Which ships are sailing out of New Orleans now?

As far as I know, only the Spirit.

[NoPiratesPlease]

We were in an OS on the Monarch years ago with "Concierge Service" (notice that is in quotes). OS was the best on board and we were STILL always waiting lines, or things were closed. We never figured out what the attraction of RCI was. It was crowded--less square feet per guest, under-staffed--less staff per guest, and more expensive.

 

"Concierge Service" wasn't ANYTHING like NCL. We were told by Room Service that the kitchen was closed and they couldn't make our 3 1/2 year old a hamburger. We raised a fuss and the Executive Chef stepped in and re-assured us that "I will make a hamburger for ANYONE on board at anytime!" Still, while that was 10 years ago, when we were on the Monarch, the operative word to us, in an owner's suite, was "No!".

 

Yes it's 10 years. No, we haven't tried them again, even though a Bayonne port is tempting.

[jeffs55]

We've only done one RCCL, a 5 day on Enchantment this past January.

(And I know short cruises are not always a good barometer.)

I felt RCCL was sort of a "summer camp" experience. "Let's all do Karaoke"

"Let's all do Qwest". Climb the rock wall, do the trampoline!

I've done 3 NCL and much prefer their varied dining and nightlife options.

[Ms belp]

I can't make that decision for you. I personally like sitting in my office as opposed to being on a cruise ship. So I can't be really objective.

[NoPiratesPlease]

I can't make that decision for you. I personally like sitting in my office as opposed to being on a cruise ship. So I can't be really objective.

 

Me, too! Especially with a heavy workload, pressing deadlines, a boss with NO concept of all the tasks you have, a difficult and crazy client, and a staff that's like herding cats!

 

That's SO much nicer than being on a cruise with my lovely family, going to beautiful beaches with warm water, dancing with my wife in the evenings, dining on different and interest food, and seeing all sorts of beautiful and interesting places from Pompei to Troy to St. Petersburg to Tahiti.

 

Nope, the office is DEFINITELY much better...and we even have a Psychologist in our building, right next door...which, if I keep thinking this way means I really need him!

[Got2Cruise]

Me, too! Especially with a heavy workload, pressing deadlines, a boss with NO concept of all the tasks you have, a difficult and crazy client, and a staff that's like herding cats!

 

That's SO much nicer than being on a cruise with my lovely family, going to beautiful beaches with warm water, dancing with my wife in the evenings, dining on different and interest food, and seeing all sorts of beautiful and interesting places from Pompei to Troy to St. Petersburg to Tahiti.

 

Nope, the office is DEFINITELY much better...and we even have a Psychologist in our building, right next door...which, if I keep thinking this way means I really need him!

 

To the OP, I have been on both RCI and NCL cruises, they are both very similiar. It all depends on the embarkation port and the itinerary. We have found that the cruiselines add certain "unique" aspects to appeal to the clientele. Do your homework, and you will be fine.

[big al]

You cannot compare ANY NCL ships to RCI's Freedom/Voyager class ships-it's just not fair...biggest NCL ships are 93,000 tons,while Freedom ships are 160,000....I love Freestyle dining and production shows are better on NCL.....BUT-nothing rivals the Royal Promenade or the ice-skating shows or the Flowrider surfing simulator....my fav are the canti-levered hot tubs in the Adult Solarium that stick out over the side 112 ft. up from the sea...what a view on a nice sea day sitting in there with a cold drink and gazing out on the Caribbean! Balconies are much bigger in standard balconies on Freedom ships ( 53-68 sq.ft) than NCL'S Jewel class balconies (around 40-45 sq.ft.) and Junior Suites on the Freedom ships are very spacious (317 sq. + 101 balcony!)...

 

I see some people have cruised on the Vision or Enchantment of the Seas .....while they are nice small,older ships,these do NOT represent the best RCI ships...if you are gonna compare,compare the cruise lines's best-Freedom vs.Jewel class ships,not Vision or Enchantment vs. A Jewel/Dawn class....I have been on 7 RCI,2 NCL (soon to be 3 after NCL Sky in Aug.).....again,it depends what you are looking for-if you want LOTS of options/perqs/lounges(16),then RCI is a great choice,but if you like the Freestyle/dining options thing NCL is terrific.....IMHO...

 

Big Al

[Giorgi-one]

You cannot compare ANY NCL ships to RCI's Freedom/Voyager class ships-it's just not fair...biggest NCL ships are 93,000 tons,while Freedom ships are 160,000....I love Freestyle dining and production shows are better on NCL.....BUT-nothing rivals the Royal Promenade or the ice-skating shows or the Flowrider surfing simulator....my fav are the canti-levered hot tubs in the Adult Solarium that stick out over the side 112 ft. up from the sea...what a view on a nice sea day sitting in there with a cold drink and gazing out on the Caribbean! Balconies are much bigger in standard balconies on Freedom ships ( 53-68 sq.ft) than NCL'S Jewel class balconies (around 40-45 sq.ft.) and Junior Suites on the Freedom ships are very spacious (317 sq. + 101 balcony!)...

 

I see some people have cruised on the Vision or Enchantment of the Seas .....while they are nice small,older ships,these do NOT represent the best RCI ships...if you are gonna compare,compare the cruise lines's best-Freedom vs.Jewel class ships,not Vision or Enchantment vs. A Jewel/Dawn class....I have been on 7 RCI,2 NCL (soon to be 3 after NCL Sky in Aug.).....again,it depends what you are looking for-if you want LOTS of options/perqs/lounges(16),then RCI is a great choice,but if you like the Freestyle/dining options thing NCL is terrific.....IMHO...

 

Big Al

 

NCL will soon have the large ships. However, if you are willing to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% extra to walk in a little mall, see an amateur ice show or sit in a hot tub you will love RCL. We were on Freedom of the Seas two years ago and the food in the dining rooms was the worst I have encountered on over 20 cruises. Any cabin close to an AE Penthouse on NCL would be at least twice as expensive on RCL.

[cruzinaway]

You cannot compare ANY NCL ships to RCI's Freedom/Voyager class ships-it's just not fair...biggest NCL ships are 93,000 tons,while Freedom ships are 160,000....I love Freestyle dining and production shows are better on NCL.....BUT-nothing rivals the Royal Promenade or the ice-skating shows or the Flowrider surfing simulator....my fav are the canti-levered hot tubs in the Adult Solarium that stick out over the side 112 ft. up from the sea...what a view on a nice sea day sitting in there with a cold drink and gazing out on the Caribbean! Balconies are much bigger in standard balconies on Freedom ships ( 53-68 sq.ft) than NCL'S Jewel class balconies (around 40-45 sq.ft.) and Junior Suites on the Freedom ships are very spacious (317 sq. + 101 balcony!)...

 

I see some people have cruised on the Vision or Enchantment of the Seas .....while they are nice small,older ships,these do NOT represent the best RCI ships...if you are gonna compare,compare the cruise lines's best-Freedom vs.Jewel class ships,not Vision or Enchantment vs. A Jewel/Dawn class....I have been on 7 RCI,2 NCL (soon to be 3 after NCL Sky in Aug.).....again,it depends what you are looking for-if you want LOTS of options/perqs/lounges(16),then RCI is a great choice,but if you like the Freestyle/dining options thing NCL is terrific.....IMHO...

 

Big Al

 

I agree Big Al that the RCI ships are pretty amazing. It's like a traveling city...big, flashy and kind of overwhelming to some of us!

 

I've cruised Enchantment, Brilliance and Monarch and all were lovely. Each ship was different but service, food and entertainment were all very good. Would I sail RCI again? You bet! If I could find a price and itinerary that suited us, I would jump on it in a heartbeat. But here's the problem. Our owner's suite on NCL's Gem cost LESS than a grand suite on RCI - same Mediterranean itinerary with the exception of Sicily in place of Malta. In my opinion, the OS was perfection. The perks, service and layout of the room - nothing even comes close on RCI. Regarding the cost discrepency, perhaps you pay more for the flow-rider, the mall experience and the flashy hot tubs. Personally, I don't need or even want them. I would much rather spend my time visiting the ports and having a quiet dinner with my DH in a restaurant of my choice at a table for two. To me, that's what a vacation is all about!

 

Dont get me wrong. We thought RCI was great. For us, however, NCL was just a little better giving us what we value in a vacation.

 

For those interested in the super large ships with lots of entertainment, shops, pools and hot tubs, RCI is probably for you. For those interested in a more casual, yet elegant ship with anytime dining and superior suites, then NCL is the way to go!

[big al]

NCL will soon have the large ships. However, if you are willing to pay anywhere from 50% to 100% extra to walk in a little mall, see an amateur ice show or sit in a hot tub you will love RCL. We were on Freedom of the Seas two years ago and the food in the dining rooms was the worst I have encountered on over 20 cruises. Any cabin close to an AE Penthouse on NCL would be at least twice as expensive on RCL.

 

 

First-It was NOT an amateur ice show,and it iS NOT a mall..it's a promenade and if you weren't impressed by it,you're the first....AND the hot tub WAS cooler than any (including NCL) that I've been in....Food was not great in the dining room,but neither was NCL's-it's their alternative venues that were good....AND RCI's Chops & Portifinos are wonderful.....We thought the FOS was by FAR the most beautiful ship we've ever been on,and we've done 20 cruises on all but Costa.RCI costs more because their ships cost more...Neither the Sun nor the Dawn came close to it,though we loved them both despite the small,cramped cabins.....

[MizLizzie]

I have cruised twice -- both times this year -- so not sure my opinion is worth much. The first cruise was on RCL in Feb. -- The Radiance of the Seas, with my sisters, in connecting balcony cabins. Second time was last month on NCL, the Gem out of Barcelona, in an AD suite.

 

Based on these two experiences, I prefer RCL slightly. Service, especially in the restaurants and in the cabin, was much better on RCL. The food was better and, with the group we had, I loved the fixed dining time. That said, when I'm traveling with my husband, I don't want to dine at a table with folks we don't know, so NCL works for us. We also had a great butler on NCL, Antonio.

 

As another poster said, I think RCL would offer a lot to a solo traveler, and NCL a lot of a couple looking for romance. My husband and I just booked our third cruise, and after much debate, we chose NCL because the port was more convenient and the suites more affordable.

 

Happy sailing,

Lizzie

[big al]

I agree Big Al that the RCI ships are pretty amazing. It's like a traveling city...big, flashy and kind of overwhelming to some of us!

 

I've cruised Enchantment, Brilliance and Monarch and all were lovely. Each ship was different but service, food and entertainment were all very good. Would I sail RCI again? You bet! If I could find a price and itinerary that suited us, I would jump on it in a heartbeat. But here's the problem. Our owner's suite on NCL's Gem cost LESS than a grand suite on RCI - same Mediterranean itinerary with the exception of Sicily in place of Malta. In my opinion, the OS was perfection. The perks, service and layout of the room - nothing even comes close on RCI. Regarding the cost discrepency, perhaps you pay more for the flow-rider, the mall experience and the flashy hot tubs. Personally, I don't need or even want them. I would much rather spend my time visiting the ports and having a quiet dinner with my DH in a restaurant of my choice at a table for two. To me, that's what a vacation is all about!

 

Dont get me wrong. We thought RCI was great. For us, however, NCL was just a little better giving us what we value in a vacation.

 

For those interested in the super large ships with lots of entertainment, shops, pools and hot tubs, RCI is probably for you. For those interested in a more casual, yet elegant ship with anytime dining and superior suites, then NCL is the way to go!

 

I agree about the casual anytime dining-but cabins on NCL EXCEPT the Garden Villas and up are much smaller from the BA's or BB's to the AA's or AF's...they are MUCH smaller than the Freedom D1's,E1'S,JS or GS suites..yes,NCL is less $$,but I think it should be....we were in a Mini Suite on the Dawn and it was only 245 SQ ft plus a small balcony...even The Mariner Of The Seas Jr Suites are 299 + 65 balcony.....BTW,we thought the Freedom

was MUCH more elegant then both the Dawn or the Sun,but we still had a great time....as for the ports,after 20 cruises,not much is left to see-but I do think NCL has better ports of call than RCI,we only get off at St .Thomas,St.Maarten,Tortola,Grand Cayman,and sometimes Cozumel....

 

Big Al

[electricron]

Which ships are sailing out of New Orleans now?

 

Norwegian Spirit from November to April with 7 day itineraries, and the Carnival Fantasy year 'round with 4 and 5 day itineraries.

[freddo]

Is it true that people are older on NCL:o :o

[electricron]

Is it true that people are older on NCL:o :o

 

Nope! You'll find passengers from all age groups aboard NCL ships. The shorter the cruise, the younger the passengers; likewise, the longer the cruise, the older the passengers.