Anyone been on or considered the Norwegian Cruise Line

[darwinsrule]

The first question we got from the kids getting off the Getaway last summer was when could we go back on it again. They spent very little time in the clubs , but honestly it was still one of our favourite cruises. She loved the Getaway Bounce (bungee tramp in the back corner by the ropes course) and the water slides. DD6 was a little scared of the big slides but spent a ton of time in the kid pool-splash area. Food was really good, especially compared to our Bermuda cruise on NCL in 2012.

If it helps we jumped on the deal in February as well and rebooked Getaway for the end of August this year again. Wasn't planning to but couldn't pass it up. Part of the attraction was Tortola, part of it was the fact it was only $2,200 for the four of us with a $200 obc. Just went back to one of my spreadsheets (yes I am that obsessive a planner), the Fantasy for the same week was $4,200 for an 11c during the same week. Current price on a balcony is just over $5500.

The biggest downside? It was a little sad being docked behind the Fantasy in St. Thomas last August and beside the Dream in Nassau. It was almost like they were teasing us. Or tempting us. Oh well, on the Wonder next Sunday so we will get our DCL fix.

 

[gilsan]

I am seriously considering cancelling our Star Wars cruise and booking a Haven suite on the getaway. The cost is virtually the same and when you add in the promo add ons it is probably cheaper. Our biggest concern id the smoke from the casinos, how bad was it in other areas like the atrium? None of us have allergies or asthma, we just don't like the small of smoke.

 

[edith76]

I'm extremely sensitive to smoke. On the Breakway I didn't notice any smoke except when I walked through one side of the casino. Easy enough to avoid that area of the ship. Imagine its the same for the Getaway.

 

[gilsan]

My family and I love DCL, but now that my daughter is at an age (11) where the kids clubs hold zero appeal for her, and she would rather spend her days on deck catching some sun and reading a book, DCL doesn't feel like the "only" choice for us anymore.

Looked back in January to see what hopping a Dis cruise would cost us for next (2016) Easter, and at the same time, decided to take a look at what (virtually) the same itineraries would cost on Royal and NCL, and an outside view cabin on the Fantasy was literally almost twice the price of sailing in a mini-suite w/large balcony cabin on the NCL Escape (their newest mega ship which doesn't even launch until this fall).

And when I say double the price, I'm taking into account the difference in fares between the two lines in US dollars, plus the almost 30% exchange on the Canadian dollar since it has sunk like a stone with the price of oil tanking. NCL allowed me to book in Cdn currency at only a 10% exchange rate, as opposed to me having to book in US dollars and then purchase US currency to pay for it.

Yes, NCL has upcharge dining, but so does DCL (Remy/Palo), and yes, NCL does charge for soda (but the special they have on now has the 3rd+ passengers either 1/2 off or free depending on sail date, plus your choice of an OBC, gratuities paid for, unlimited dining, or unlimited beverages). We chose the unlimited beverages, which means soda & "adult" beverages for my wife and I, and soda for my daughter, so that's actually a significant plus in the NCL column, since we always pay for the 7 night wine package on DCL. Other than those two items, I'm not seeing where NCL nickles & dimes, as opposed to DCL.

Will NCL have the Disney magic that my family loves? Probably not, but not going into it expecting it to be the same as DCL will allow us to enjoy it for what it is.

The CAD exchange rate deal gave us the nudge to book. We booked a Aft Haven Penthouse suite. I think in the end we will have saved more than $800 over our 6B Fantasy Star Wars cruise. That includes the dining package, beverage package, gratuities for the first 2 guests and $300 OBC. I am pretty happy with the deal. I hope we like NCL at the very least the room is amazing and we can just enjoy our time there

 

[cbonebt]

Anybody getting the ncl deal out of ny? Keep trying online and it )$$

 

[momof2n2]

OP!
This thread encouraged me to check out NCL and... We booked for next May!!

Two verandah rooms. Connecting. One "Family Mini Suite" & one "Family Balcony" for the eight of us for $4500. Plus we got Ultimate Dining.

Thanks OP!!!

 

[momof2n2]

The first question we got from the kids getting off the Getaway last summer was when could we go back on it again. They spent very little time in the clubs , but honestly it was still one of our favourite cruises. She loved the Getaway Bounce (bungee tramp in the back corner by the ropes course) and the water slides. DD6 was a little scared of the big slides but spent a ton of time in the kid pool-splash area. Food was really good, especially compared to our Bermuda cruise on NCL in 2012.

If it helps we jumped on the deal in February as well and rebooked Getaway for the end of August this year again. Wasn't planning to but couldn't pass it up. Part of the attraction was Tortola, part of it was the fact it was only $2,200 for the four of us with a $200 obc. Just went back to one of my spreadsheets (yes I am that obsessive a planner), the Fantasy for the same week was $4,200 for an 11c during the same week. Current price on a balcony is just over $5500.

The biggest downside? It was a little sad being docked behind the Fantasy in St. Thomas last August and beside the Dream in Nassau. It was almost like they were teasing us. Or tempting us. Oh well, on the Wonder next Sunday so we will get our DCL fix.

You REALLY got my attention with this post!!!
I am worried about possibly docking next to DCL. But. It's not like we can know... DCL HASNT RELEASED CRUISES!!!!!

 

[MsMamaBear]

OP!
This thread encouraged me to check out NCL and... We booked for next May!!

Two verandah rooms. Connecting. One "Family Mini Suite" & one "Family Balcony" for the eight of us for $4500. Plus we got Ultimate Dining.

Thanks OP!!!

WOW! Awesome price!! I've only cruised Carnival, but I've been thinking about that line. I'm going to check it out seriously now!

 

[momof2n2]

WOW! Awesome price!! I've only cruised Carnival, but I've been thinking about that line. I'm going to check it out seriously now!

Ack!!! I meant $5400. But still. It's an amazing price for 8 of us. 3rd and 4th pax free and can pick one promo item.

 

[cbonebt]

What port from??

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

We went on the Disney Dream 3 day last year and loved it. We have been thinking about a Fantasy (week long) cruise next. However, I noticed that for HALF the price we can go on the Norwegian Getaway for the same week (current promotion is 3rd and 4th guests sail free, plus free dining upgrade package, drink package or onboard credit). Has anyone been on this boat or considered it?

I can see pros and cons to each:

Pros to Fantasy -
- Love the dining where the servers follow you
- Chance you will be seated with others (we loved this on the dream!)
- Love the Disney shows
- Love the split bathroom
- Kids clubs
- More kids/families on board
- Dining options don't seem as overwhelming
- We loved doing the fish extender

Pros -
- PRICE
- Ropes course looks really cool
- It stops in Nassau (we want to try Atlantis)
- Waterslides look amazing
- Boat looks really new and cool
- Did I mention the price?? lol

Anyways, I know my kids are only young once, and may age out of Disney soon (they are 11 and 8). But the price is just so good, I don't know if it isn't worth giving NCL a shot.

Thoughts? Who has done NCL or thought about it?

I have done both and have done suites on both lines as well as standard rooms. The kids will love either one. Disney is better imo but twice the price better. That being said we still go on dcl and spend the money but we don't spend our time judging the value of everything we do. We book the trip and decide we are going to have fun and forget about the cost (regardless of the line we choose). I must say though that NCL Haven beats the DCL suites hands down any day. I sailed the Breakaway whick is the sister ship to the Getaway if I'm correct.

 

[Tasmen]

The deals for NCL right now are truly amazing. We are going in Jan 2017 on the Escape. We were able to book a haven suite for less than our concierge trip for February 2016. With Haven you get all the promotions (so ultimate dining, adult beverage, $150 OBC for first two in room and stateroom tips. Plus, the child is free).

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

This thread really peaked my interest, checked out the NCL deals just now and they are amazing wow. We can go on the brand new Escape Eastern Caribbean for under $2400, with 2 kids, balcony and free beverage package! Should really consider that...have only done DCL so far.

 

[momof2n2]

I'm extremely excited about Getaway next year. For sure I'm not saying never again to DCL... But I'm saying not next year.

I'm going into this with different expectations. Two of my six kids were a little bummed about our decision at first. But the cost difference between the two cruises means we will likely spend a week in Kissimmee before hand, including 5 days at WDW.

 

[momof2n2]

What port from??

We are doing western Caribbean out of Miami. There were SO many to choose from. I do find their online booking clunky, so I called a travel agent friend to do it.

 

[TXDCLfan]

I'm extremely excited about Getaway next year. For sure I'm not saying never again to DCL... But I'm saying not next year.

I'm going into this with different expectations. Two of my six kids were a little bummed about our decision at first. But the cost difference between the two cruises means we will likely spend a week in Kissimmee before hand, including 5 days at WDW.

We are avid Disney cruisers who have also cruised with Carnival ( had a great time every time) Royal ( twice -never again) and Princess ( will definitely do again..19 Y/O daughter and friend had a great time). We will be trying NCL Getaway in 76 days ( from all my research we should be very pleased) I will post back on our experience when we get back.

 

[momof2n2]

We are avid Disney cruisers who have also cruised with Carnival ( had a great time every time) Royal ( twice -never again) and Princess ( will definitely do again..19 Y/O daughter and friend had a great time). We will be trying NCL Getaway in 76 days ( from all my research we should be very pleased) I will post back on our experience when we get back.

Oh, please do! Clearly, there are a number of us who will be eager to hear what you have to share!!

 

[NYIceQueen]

We are avid Disney cruisers who have also cruised with Carnival ( had a great time every time) Royal ( twice -never again) and Princess ( will definitely do again..19 Y/O daughter and friend had a great time). We will be trying NCL Getaway in 76 days ( from all my research we should be very pleased) I will post back on our experience when we get back.

DH won't even consider Carnival...but NCL looks really interesting - especially the NYC sailings since we also sometimes will get NY state discounts on that site. It might be a good alternative for us and do DCL every 2-3 years or for big-time special occasions (daughter's HS graduation, for example, where we might do a B2B or something long/special). Keep us posted

 

[jenf22]

We are doing western Caribbean out of Miami. There were SO many to choose from. I do find their online booking clunky, so I called a travel agent friend to do it.

We're trying NCL for the Norway fjords this June, but we also booked Getaway for June of next year. Looks like an awesome ship!

 

[edith76]

Doing the Fjords next year so will be interested in hearing about your cruise. Doing it with the Baltic and will be adding the transatlantic as a B2B. I'd originally started booking the 3 cruises on DCL but ended up switching to NCL. Funny but the deciding factor wasn't the big price difference but came down to no self serve laundry on NCL vs. DCL food. DH and I both decided we couldn't take DCL food for 30 days.

Booked on the Escape also but thinking of doing a sort of B2B with the re-imagined "Magic" since we will be in Miami anyway.