Had to finally book with NCL because Disney wanted me to sell my house... lol

[etoye]

Wow- looking at thiese post, I thought I was alone! Like many of you, I have been sailing Disney since 2006 and I am getting priced out. It is just too expensive. I have booked RC for October when I usually Disney and was looking at NC for 2016. Where does the ESCAPE sail from?

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Wow- looking at thiese post, I thought I was alone! Like many of you, I have been sailing Disney since 2006 and I am getting priced out. It is just too expensive. I have booked RC for October when I usually Disney and was looking at NC for 2016. Where does the ESCAPE sail from?

Miami.

 

[momof2n2]

Didn't see this thread until today.
We booked NCL Getaway for next May this past March. I was getting tired of waiting for DCL to release their cruises for next summer and started browsing. We got two connecting verandah rooms on NCL for DH, myself, and our six kids for $5,500. One is a mini-suite and the other a balcony. (M2 and B2 for those who follow). We are doing "western" which really dips into Central America. When DCL DID release their cruises a few weeks later we did NOT cancel NCL. For $5,500 I could have had ONE inside stateroom on Fantasy. Um, yeah. I can't leave half the fam home! It was more than double NCL to do Fantasy.

I'd like to grab *GT rates for our 20th anniversary in 2017 (for all 8 of us), but these days it seems they are not doing *GTs like last year. Time will tell on that one. If not DCL we will likely do Escape or Breakaway.

As far as nickel and diming goes, I am quite concerned about that. I want to know all my costs up front and prepay them. But even if I add the Illusionarium and a soda package for all 8 of us, it still barely gets us to the half-price spot on DCL.

 

[Scoobypop]

After seeing Tonka's Skipper's posts about the a la carte dining changes, I did a little research myself. She's 100% correct that it appears it will be fleet wide beginning January, and the first roll out will be on the Escape when it debuts in Sept. But doing some quick basic math without seeing any actual menus yet with pricing, I honestly don't think it's anything to be concerned about really. From USA today article: "Instead of a fixed cost of $29.99 for the line's signature Cagney's Steakhouse, passengers will pay $4.99 to $7.95 for an appetizer and $17.99 to $29.99 for a main course, the line says. Desserts will be extra, too."

The up charge for Cagneys was $30. Now, say one gets a $6 appetizer, $22 entree and $3 dessert, the new price will be $31 instead of $30. Obviously the pricing could go up to about $40 per meal depending what one orders. But I'm not seeing that as too big of a deal all. Seems pricing will remain roughly the same even with new a la carte pricing, and even paying slightly more than before, if one wants the up charge restaurants, I still see it as worth it, or of course the options of free dining are abundant. It will be interesting to watch message boards threads when the full menus are later released and see what people have to say.

But as several have stated on this thread and similar ones over the past year, DCL pricing has turned people to consider other lines. And I will say, after 14 DCL cruises, there were a few things I actually preferred on my ncl cruise over DCL, so in a way, I'm glad the pricing made me consider other lines. Can't wait for my escape cruise in spring, that ship looks incredible!

 

[momof2n2]

so in a way, I'm glad the pricing made me consider other lines.

This. My kids are so excited for the slides, ropes course, and mini golf. That's not to say we don't want to try Famtasy. But I'm not going to skip a year of travel to save enough for DCL.

 

[TestingH2O]

The up charge for Cagneys was $30. Now, say one gets a $6 appetizer, $22 entree and $3 dessert, the new price will be $31 instead of $30. Obviously the pricing could go up to about $40 per meal depending what one orders. But I'm not seeing that as too big of a deal all. Seems pricing will remain roughly the same even with new a la carte pricing, and even paying slightly more than before, if one wants the up charge restaurants, I still see it as worth it, or of course the options of free dining are abundant. It will be interesting to watch message boards threads when the full menus are later released and see what people have to say.

Could it also be to encourage 1 app, 1 entree, 1 dessert? I see people post all the time about getting multiples of each course even in Palo, but that can't be good from a cost standpoint and it makes me uncomfortable just thinking of all the waste it must produce.

 

[Scoobypop]

Could it also be to encourage 1 app, 1 entree, 1 dessert? I see people post all the time about getting multiples of each course even in Palo, but that can't be good from a cost standpoint and it makes me uncomfortable just thinking of all the waste it must produce.

I would imagine this too. Personally, I'm fine with this too. At Palo, we leave way way overstuffed as we eat everything brought to us from multiple apps to multiple desserts, plus our entrees each and at least one pasta entree to split as well. As great as it is, we certainly don't NEED that much food, and then are overstuffed for the next three hours. This will be good portion control as well, at least for me, lol.

 

[1buckeyegirl]

FWIW, the DCL cruise we are sailing in October, they have switched two of the port days about two weeks ago. Our friends on that sailing, who have sailed DCL twice, got an email informing them of the change. We never received the email or any notification (and yes I've checked my spam and trash). I wouldn't have known about the change if not for my friends, or my own logging into the reservation to see it. And there were quite a few upset people who were on the first sailing on the Magic after the big dry dock a couple years ago, when they cancelled the sailing the day before it was supposed to happen. Don't get me wrong, LOVE LOVE DCL, but just wanted to point out that they haven't always handled changes the best way possible.

I have to agree with this, in 2014 they completely cancelled our January cruise on the wonder in October, I got a call and my sister never did. We already had airfare bought and Disney wasn't very accommodating. Fastforward to this year and we are sailing the magic over thanksgiving and they switched two of our port days, my sister got an email but I never did. It's kinda of a big deal because we already had things planned for our key west day. I'm just glad one of us got an email so we knew about it!

 

[WDW&DCLADDICT]

Disney's doing that cause we've never had a problum

 

[TXDCLfan]

This was just announced in the last couple weeks. The for fee restaurants are becoming a la carte (more expensive).

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6443

The thing that frightens me about NCL is that their base fare is so cheap, but they have so many up charge choices that I suspect (and have read some reviews that confirm these suspicions) that the 'free' food is so subpar that you "have" to eat at the specialty restaurants. I don't know, I like to feel pampered and relaxed on a cruise, not anxious and budgeting the whole time... But, my sister cruises on NCL all the time and likes it.... I don't know, I almost feel like they are the cruise line equivalent of a used car salesman - I might get a good deal, but I just don't trust them..

Having recently cruised on the Getaway and ate in 3 of the specialty restaurants and did the main dining rooms 4 times I can honestly say that there was NOTHING wrong with the food in the main dining rooms.

 

[FellowCollector]

How were the crowds at the haven courtyard area? Any lounger issues? How about the restaurant? Would love any details as "breakaway in a haven spa suite" is on my wishlist.

April, 2014 was our 3rd NCL cruise, but our first with them in 18 years. Even with a stateroom on a higher deck, sailing was very smooth! The cabin, with its romantic jetted tub in the living space with a view to the ocean, only sleeps 2 (some sleep 3). Being in the spa section of staterooms, it was a quiet experience. The best thing about the Haven was private dining; it was really tasty, and the servers were decent. The Courtyard was nice and always uncrowded; only once were 2 other couples there all week! It can get very windy up there, though. This area may be a real bonus if hanging by the pool is important to you because the main pool deck was crazy crowded whenever we looked for loungers and there is barely inches between guests; the Haven bar is right inside air conditioning, too. Our Stateroom Host was up to DCL standards; he always had a minute to talk, and even gave us a tour of an unoccupied Spa Mini-Suite so we knew about it for future reference. Having the butler and concierge was pretty unnecessary for us. We had the concierge book dining and excursions for us because we could, and he checked on our satisfaction with our options every day. We had the butler bring us room service breakfast once, but he did bring canapes every evening, and was always very nice when we seen him in the hallway. Service from everyone in the Haven was striving for DCL's norm, but you had to first make the effort to interact with the staff.

 

[FellowCollector]

This was just announced in the last couple weeks. The for fee restaurants are becoming a la carte (more expensive).

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6443

The thing that frightens me about NCL is that their base fare is so cheap, but they have so many up charge choices that I suspect (and have read some reviews that confirm these suspicions) that the 'free' food is so subpar that you "have" to eat at the specialty restaurants. I don't know, I like to feel pampered and relaxed on a cruise, not anxious and budgeting the whole time... But, my sister cruises on NCL all the time and likes it.... I don't know, I almost feel like they are the cruise line equivalent of a used car salesman - I might get a good deal, but I just don't trust them..

On our April 24, NCL Getaway sailing, specialty dining (La Cucina, LeBistro, Moderno, and Cagney's) was okay, but the service was subpar. Servers did what was expected of them, but nothing more; they were not personable nor did we have any who prided themselves on providing intuitive, timely service as DCL usually does. However, the gluten-free bread knots served at Moderno and Cagney's were awesome! And, while we love French, LeBistro was hard to enjoy because the smoke from the Casino wafts in the front doors of the cafe. We didn't try any MDRs (Tropicana, Taste, Savor) because we booked NCL with the free Ultimate Dining Plan (UDP). We actually liked the buffet better on NCL than DCL; the Getaway had a lot of food options. It was also nice to have an alternate, less busy, mini buffet set-up at Flamingo as an option we don't have on DCL. We like the Rainforest on Fantasy & Dream better than on NCL. While the Getaway's space is bigger, having the pool in the area without any air circulation makes it humid and the chlorine in the air stings your eyes! We LOVED Legally Blonde; it was very well-performed, and we appreciated that the length was similar to a full play rather than just a filler; it felt more like an "evening out". We do not have any children, and really liked that NCL had "adult" comedy in the early evening. We tend to go to bed by 10pm, so for us, NCL's offering was a nightcap, if you will. But, on DCL everything is "family" until we're already back in the cabin for the night. Overall, we’d still prefer DCL, but if NCL has a new ship and/or a new itinerary, we would book again. However, even Haven went up about $1K for 2015, and is going up another $1K in 2016. So, for costs to be about even, we’d have to book NCL with the free dining and a significant travel agent onboard credit.

 

[FellowCollector]

We have 14 DCL cruises in the last 4 years, and absolutely love DCL! We have flexible schedules, so can pick sailings at their lowest cruise fare which helps our loyalty. But, we've also done B2B Christmas cruises at the higher prices 3 times. However, we tried NCL Getaway last April because we were bored with the DCL itineraries, so thought we may as well have different onboard offerings if we're going the same places again.

To make a financial comparison, though, we made a list of what we normally pay for vs. what is included because it varies by line and cabin. At that time, for about the same out-the-door price in a Navigator's on DCL, we booked a Getaway Haven Spa. NCL was a higher base fare, but with free specialty dining, beverages, and a $300 obc, the difference essentially already included the spa pass and excursions we’d be paying for onboard DCL (whereas we had no more out-of-pocket once onboard NCL).

Sometimes the higher DCL base fare is actually cheaper because we get free Palo and to get the same stateroom size (such as on a new RCCL), a higher category might be needed. And, other lines are increasing their fares and onboard costs as well.

 

[FellowCollector]

Things that make NCL Escape an appealing possibility (for the right price and itinerary):
ENTERTAINMENT:
- For The Record: Dear John Hughes 80s specialty dining show ($39)
- Million Dollar Quarter
- After Midnight
RELAXING:
- Spice H20 waterfall grotto
- Mandara Spa Snow Room
FOOD & WINE (we are foodies)
- Margaritaville burgers and bar
- Bayamo Cuban specialty dining by Iron Chef Jose Garces (with a UDP fee of $15).
- Jose Garces Pincho Spanish Tapas Bar
- Pubbelly Boys global fusion (25% off with UDP)
- Mondavi Cellars (25% off with UDP)

 

[perditax]

The thing about specialty Cuban dining on Escape is interesting. I found the Cuban complimentary buffet on Getaway (Flamingo Grill) so good/fresh that I wondered about it remaining free. But I had been deprived of Cuban food for about ten years and I also wondered if I wasn't being all that objective. (note, not saying the FG on Getaway will turn into a cover charge restaurant, mostly just saying it was my favorite complimentary casual dining. Both of the "grills" on GA/BA don't look like they could be easily converted to non-buffet.)

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Booked last night b2b on the Escape next May. Jumping in all the way! 4 adults squeezed (admittedly) into 1 balcony room for 2 weeks with free ultimate beverage plan came to roughly $6600. All 4 adults in the cheapest verandah category for just one of those 2 weeks on the Fantasy is about $6300. We can buy soda packages for our sons, do at least 1 meal in each upcharge restaurant, pay for excursions, incidentals, and travel expenses to/from for what Disney would be for 2 weeks. We can tolerate a little extra closeness, too. Cost was a huge factor but also our youngest son is burned out on Disney. It's his graduation trip so his choice. His only request for the trip was "not Disney". LOL! Im completely ok with it. Margaritaville at sea? Yes! Our boys (18 & 20 at sailing) are a bit excited to know they can buy & consume beer (or wine & champagne) onboard. That's different. They've drank with us in public legally in Mexico & St. Maarten before. It's just not something they get to do frequently.

 

[tinkerone]

Booked last night b2b on the Escape next May. Jumping in all the way! 4 adults squeezed (admittedly) into 1 balcony room for 2 weeks with free ultimate beverage plan came to roughly $6600. All 4 adults in the cheapest verandah category for just one of those 2 weeks on the Fantasy is about $6300. We can buy soda packages for our sons, do at least 1 meal in each upcharge restaurant, pay for excursions, incidentals, and travel expenses to/from for what Disney would be for 2 weeks. We can tolerate a little extra closeness, too. Cost was a huge factor but also our youngest son is burned out on Disney. It's his graduation trip so his choice. His only request for the trip was "not Disney". LOL! Im completely ok with it. Margaritaville at sea? Yes! Our boys (18 & 20 at sailing) are a bit excited to know they can buy & consume beer (or wine & champagne) onboard. That's different. They've drank with us in public legally in Mexico & St. Maarten before. It's just not something they get to do frequently.

that ship looks amazing. I have thought about it as well but I hate the thought of sailing out of Miami. don't know why as I never have but its just not familiar and we would have to fly in.
but the ship might make me try, lol.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

that ship looks amazing. I have thought about it as well but I hate the thought of sailing out of Miami. don't know why as I never have but its just not familiar and we would have to fly in.
but the ship might make me try, lol.

We sailed from Miami in May on the Wonder for the WBPC. Flew into FLL on SW, took SAS to downtown Miami hotel, stayed on points at the Doubletree Biscayne Bay, walked a block to Publix for cruise beverages, ate dinner & breakfast in the hotel, had a lovely view of the bay, and took a cab to port. Never needed a car in Miami. I researched what was nearby the hotel. Worked flawlessly. Was fun to be on a new adventure in a new city. We really enjoyed it.

 

[JimmyV]

Welcome to the club folks! We jumped ship a long time ago. DCL's prices have been out of whack for a while. And the product isn't that much better (if better at all) in most areas. Most cruise lines hire from the same talent pool, so the crew isn't going to be any better. The ports are the ports. When you get off the ship in St. Maarten or Skagway, it doesn't matter which ship you got off of. The food on other lines is as good if not better. But that can be hit or miss. In my experience, certain lines excel in certain areas. And most are very good in the Caribbean. So itinerary and price should be major factors. If you are sailing as a family, you tend to make your own fun and that doesn't change from ship to ship. Much of DCL's allure is an "emperor's new clothes" thing. In Alaska I prefer Princess. In Europe, Celebrity. In the Caribbean, Disney, Royal Caribbean, Princess and NCL all excel. (Haven't tried Carnival). It's nice to see so many people here willing to branch out. And to the OP and others...the Getaway is a terrific ship.

 

[WDW&DCLADDICT]

ya ive tried carnival before great experience loved the trip especially the pizza restaurant and burger joint