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

[kaseyC]

I'm so loving this thread. We have been eying NCL's North Cape from Copenhagen itinerary. We can't do it next summer - two land based trips already planned - but we are really hoping they offer something similar in 2017. I've been trying to lurk over at CC, but as you said it's just awful. By only reading that, you'd think NCL was run by the devil's spawn! I'm really enjoying hearing the great experiences the folks responding to this thread have had. I may just have to pull the trigger when 2017 sailings are released. I don't see us ever giving up on the Mouse entirely - we will be on the Canadian coastline cruise in 10/2016 - but we are looking for better destinations than Disney currently offers. We loved the Norway / Iceland cruise on the Magic this summer, but the prices they want for next year are roughly $4000 more than what we paid. I'm afraid Mickey in Europe is getting out of our comfort zone, especially with college tuition only a year away - Gulp!

We did a Baltic sailing on the NCL Star in 2013. It was fabulous. The price was great and the money we saved we used on amazing private tours in each of the ports.

 

[Scoobypop]

On the Star, you never had to see it or go through it or even past it if you weren't specifically looking to go to the casino. It's probably like that on all the ships, as mentioned. I live in Las Vegas and work at a beautiful spa on the strip, but I never go in the casinos here at home. The irony that we visited the casino on both Allure and the Star-that's funny that something that's so readily available to me here at home, I actively sought out on the cruises, lol. We went in with a very limited budget and said, "let's see what the casinos are like on the ships". I imagine we'll do the same on Escape. But as mentioned, you can probably avoid it altogether, although I can't speak with authority as I haven't even looked at floorplans or researched that on Getaway/Breakaway/Escape.

As for the bad vibe on Cruise Critic-I've always heard that about those boards. I have a screen name there, same one as here, and I've visited maybe twice over the years, but I also prefer the Dis.

 

[kaseyC]

I think many of the ships are big enough that it wouldn't be difficult to avoid the casino areas.

It's not difficult. You may have to go up or down a deck if you are going some place on the other side of the casino and you don't want to walk through. (This applies more to the Epic and the Breakaway class ships.)

 

[kaseyC]

On the Star, you never had to see it or go through it or even past it if you weren't specifically looking to go to the casino. It's probably like that on all the ships, as mentioned. I live in Las Vegas and work at a beautiful spa on the strip, but I never go in the casinos here at home. The irony that we visited the casino on both Allure and the Star-that's funny that something that's so readily available to me here at home, I actively sought out on the cruises, lol. We went in with a very limited budget and said, "let's see what the casinos are like on the ships". I imagine we'll do the same on Escape. But as mentioned, you can probably avoid it altogether, although I can't speak with authority as I haven't even looked at floorpans or researched that on Getaway/Breakaway/Escape.

As for the bad vibe on Cruise Critic-I've always heard that about those boards. I have a screen name there, same one as here, and I've visited maybe twice over the years, but I also prefer the Dis.

They have been quite cranky over there for years.

 

[perditax]

Confession:

I kind of like trolling the people at cruise critic. Both the grouches and the cheerleaders.

I can't help it! I've been online so long, and some of them are obviously, well, grouchy older folks who are a little bit new to the idea of arguing with people online. They get just as obnoxious as anyone else does behind a screen, but you can tell they're new to the whole thing, and pretty bad at it. It's kind of cute. One guy was doing the "oh noes technology is ruining our youth, back in my day ..." thing, just because someone mentioned wanting a "Navigator" type app on Celebrity. I think he's put me on ignore now. It was fun while it lasted.

(As for the cheerleaders, it just annoys me because I prefer to be objective, and I dislike it when people call anyone with a valid comment on a customer-impacting negative change "whiners".)

Yes, I am a bad person.

That said, I am polite to people who are polite to me, and I'm always happy to share any info I have.

 

[darwinsrule]

Yes, I am a bad person.

Yes you are. As punishment you must book a cruise. But not a nice one. My eldest daughter would say Carnival, but in her mind all their ships sink.

 

[KashasMom]

I would point out that many come to this forum and complain that DCL is the evil, overpriced cruise line and what you see is DCL fans pointing out the many specail amenities that DCL cruises have including the vessels.

It is no secret NCL has been cutting left and right and thier CEO has even moved thier complaints as un important.

Many NCL fans who have sailed NCL are concerned and some are moving to other lines. This can be found any NCL forum.

I would point out the following:

1. All NCL charters have been removed from the few.vessels that had them.

2. Rooms service is now at least partially on a charge bases

3. AL A CART menus are being expanded to more buy up dining venues and this will be expanded to any more venues,starting in January 2016. This will mean considerable increases to food/meal costs.

5. The buy up rates on some dinning venues have increased at more then $5.00.

6. All fireworks have been illminated.

7. Over the 3 or 4 months according to the NCL forums there have been many more minor changes and removal of amenities on NCL.

5. Gratuities have been increased on NCL and other line. No word of increases on DCL, but the truth be known for the exellent service and the hard work they do, the DCL CM's deserve increases and get them from us more often then not.

Frankly NCL has problems and the value of the cheaper cruise is going down.

The bottom line here is that how long can NCL(and other lines) continue to reduce and remove cruise amenities and operate without raising rates?

Where else are the cutting corners?

AKK

Just got off the Getaway and it was AMAZING!! Service was excellent and dare I say, we thought the food was better than DCL (and that was in the complimentary dining rooms). Loved having the option of buffet for dinner on nights where we were just too tired to sit through a meal in a dining room. Our kids had a blast on the Ropes Course, Slides, and Rock Climbing Wall. The points you mention really didn't affect us so we were fine with the changes. And there is no comparing DCL & NCL pricing no matter what you do!

 

[perditax]

Yes you are. As punishment you must book a cruise. But not a nice one. My eldest daughter would say Carnival, but in her mind all their ships sink.

Hah! I actually have TWO cruises booked, DCL in September (where sweepee may see me scurrying around a corner and being all sketchy and introverted), and a short Celebrity cruise in December. I'm slightly wary of Celebrity; their forums have a high grouch quotient. But the ships sound like they are nice and calm. That said. All this NCL talk is making me nostalgic for the Getaway.

Speaking of Carnival ... I'm new to all of this, and one of the most interesting things to learn has been the way Carnival's reputation for being some sort of floating horror norovirus hostel has largely been invented by the media. If I was more into a party vibe, I would totally go on one of CCL's new ships. I remember riding to the Port of Miami with a couple who were being "forced" to go on the Carnival Breeze (I think it was Breeze, one of the newer ones) by their in-laws, and they usually sailed Princess. They looked like they were being led to the executioner. I did my best to assure them I'd read good things.

 

[KashasMom]

Assuming can get a person in a lot of problems! (PS. the dis is not part of Disney)

If you read at most forums.....you will find many of the host line fans are also their worse enemies, including this forum.

Perceived issues?.......what of the facts was in error?. If I made a error I would be happy to retract that part of my statement. If you read over at the NCL forums their is no perceived issues. There are fans flatly going to other lines.

Why not state the facts and the honest opinion and let people chose for themselves?.....


I don't understand why anything should be hidden.

AKK

Actually I think you will find many more people leaving DCL for other lines because of Disney's high prices than you'll find people leaving NCL because of their recent changes. Those people tended to overreact about silly things like no more fireworks (which honestly were no big deal on DCL). Probably more people thought the fireworks are better than they really are.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hah! I actually have TWO cruises booked, DCL in September (where sweepee may see me scurrying around a corner and being all sketchy and introverted), and a short Celebrity cruise in December. I'm slightly wary of Celebrity; their forums have a high grouch quotient. But the ships sound like they are nice and calm. That said. All this NCL talk is making me nostalgic for the Getaway.

Speaking of Carnival ... I'm new to all of this, and one of the most interesting things to learn has been the way Carnival's reputation for being some sort of floating horror norovirus hostel has largely been invented by the media. If I was more into a party vibe, I would totally go on one of CCL's new ships. I remember riding to the Port of Miami with a couple who were being "forced" to go on the Carnival Breeze (I think it was Breeze, one of the newer ones) by their in-laws, and they usually sailed Princess. They looked like they were being led to the executioner. I did my best to assure them I'd read good things.

I will not allow you to be sketchy! If I figure out who you are I'll probably run up to you, hug you, and talk your ears off. 1 introvert + 1 introvert = 0 introverts. We cancel each other out.

 

[Ofinn]

This thread is making me excited to try another cruise line. I'm waiting for my youngest to turn 12(1 year from now) so he can get into the teen club on other lines. I give my kids a lot of freedom on the ship, but I would like my two boys to stick together. They are 16 months apart in age. My youngest hates the lab on DCL, loves the Edge so I don't think he's going to be happy on another cruise line at this point. It's pretty much the only thing that has kept me from jumping ship. I think the teen club is 12 on RCI and 13 on NCL correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[johnlatte]

For those considering other lines, I thought I would share some thoughts. We are avid cruisers and try to cruise at least once or twice a year. I am platinum on NCL (and gold on DCL fwiw) and we are just starting to get into RCCI more as well. NCL does a great job. They have made some changes that have caused some heart burn to many. You have to look at the bigger picture though. The changes to ala cart restaurants means you can actually spend less if you chose wisely. If you just want appetizers or a salad at one restaurant, then bounce over to another for entree and dessert, you can do that now and not have to pay the flat fee. You can still buy a dining package like before, but now you can cover just a couple of days or the entire cruise. They hadn't raised the DSC in like 4-5 years, so it was not unexpected. If you haven't sailed in the Haven or even a suite on NCL you should try it at least once. I've sailed concierge on DCL and while it is great, it comes up just a bit behind the NCL offering (sorry). Our last trip was to Bermuda. One of the best cruises we've ever done, having almost 3 days to explore the island was awesome. We were able to sail to Alaska on NCL in a suite with a butler and concierge for the same price as a standard veranda room on DCL, with basically the same itinerary.

All lines are out to make money. DCL is not immune to this fact. Sailing costs big bucks and I think while DCL sat the industry standard for a while the mass market lines are catching up quickly in terms of ships, food, entertainment and service. DCLs formula for success is tried and true, but it doesn't mean it can't get better.

NCL did not communicate their changes well, but as I see DCL roll out its new liquor policy, it seems that any way the spin it, it won't be well received. NCL did listen to their customers and rescind the silly no food in the cabin policy. They could have done a better job with this, and even their COO has admitted as much.

DCL is a very fine line and does many things well. I will never forget my kids faces when they were little and got a hug from Cinderella. It truly is a place to make magical memories. But it is difficult to compare it to others. DCL has 4 ships so they can be a bit more discriminate in their hiring and tighter in their customer service policies. Disney in general has written and published textbooks on customer service. They have cultivated a culture of outstanding service that is going to appeal to a wide audience. That said, on our last NCL cruise to Bermuda, we had the absolute best cabin steward that we have ever had on any cruise; on any line. I even borrowed some cash from the kids to up his tip, he was that good.

Food is always subjective and honestly I find DCL's offerings a bit on the boring side, so being able to go to different restaurants during a cruise, is a plus. Not every NCL or RCCI meal is going to be a hit, but neither is DCLs. You have to do a bit of research and figure out what you like and don't like. Expecting to go into any MDR and get blown away with 5 star cuisine every night is setting the bar too high. I also like the fact that I can grab a burger or wings at 2:00am after a few hands of black jack or some spins in the casino. I'm on vacation too so it is great to have these options readily available. On DCL one of the hardest things to do is find something interesting to do late night. Many nights I found my self up at the smokers bar above the pool (I don't smoke), because there were people there and the bar was still open.

NCL, CCL and RCCI are mass market lines. They offer a good time at a reasonably decent price. The cruise, as they say, is what you make of it. While I've had great times on DCL, but quite frankly they have priced me out of the market. My kids are 16 yo now. The ports of call and the adventures there mean more to them than what happens on board. In a recent comparison of Western Carib cruises, I found that RCCI has the best prices going. I had a 7 day sail booked on NCL, but changed over to RCCI because it sailed out of Port Canaveral, vs Miami (drive vs. air) and offered almost the same suite perks (but won't be the Haven). Shop around mousers you might find something out there that you like! Thanks for letting me ramble.

 

[kaseyC]

For those considering other lines, I thought I would share some thoughts. We are avid cruisers and try to cruise at least once or twice a year. I am platinum on NCL (and gold on DCL fwiw) and we are just starting to get into RCCI more as well. NCL does a great job. They have made some changes that have caused some heart burn to many. You have to look at the bigger picture though. The changes to ala cart restaurants means you can actually spend less if you chose wisely. If you just want appetizers or a salad at one restaurant, then bounce over to another for entree and dessert, you can do that now and not have to pay the flat fee. You can still buy a dining package like before, but now you can cover just a couple of days or the entire cruise. They hadn't raised the DSC in like 4-5 years, so it was not unexpected. If you haven't sailed in the Haven or even a suite on NCL you should try it at least once. I've sailed concierge on DCL and while it is great, it comes up just a bit behind the NCL offering (sorry). Our last trip was to Bermuda. One of the best cruises we've ever done, having almost 3 days to explore the island was awesome. We were able to sail to Alaska on NCL in a suite with a butler and concierge for the same price as a standard veranda room on DCL, with basically the same itinerary.

All lines are out to make money. NCL CEO even said it publicly that they needed to make $5.00 more per person on a cruise. NCL did not communicate their changes well, but as I see DCL roll out its new liquor policy, it seems that any way the spin it, it won't be well received. NCL did listen to their customers and rescind the silly no food in the cabin policy. They could have done a better job with this, and even their COO has admitted as much.

DCL is a very fine line and does many things well. I will never forget my kids faces when they were little and got a hug from Cinderella. It truly is a place to make magical memories. But it is difficult to compare it to others. DCL has 4 ships so they can be a bit more discriminate in their hiring and tighter in their customer service policies. Disney in general has written and published textbooks on customer service. They have cultivated a culture of outstanding service that is going to appeal to a wide audience. That said, on our last NCL cruise to Bermuda, we had the absolute best cabin steward that we have ever had on any cruise; on any line. I even borrowed some cash from the kids to up his tip, he was that good.

Food is always subjective and honestly I find DCL's offerings a bit on the boring side, so being able to go to different restaurants during a cruise, is a plus. Not every NCL or RCCI meal is going to be a hit, but neither is DCLs. You have to do a bit of research and figure out what you like and don't like. Expecting to go into any MDR and get blown away with 5 star cuisine every night is setting the bar too high. I also like the fact that I can grab a burger or wings at 2:00am after a few hands of black jack or some spins in the casino. I'm on vacation too so it is great to have these options readily available. On DCL one of the hardest things to do is find something interesting to do late night. Many nights I found my self up at the smokers bar above the pool (I don't smoke), because there were people there and the bar was still open.

NCL, CCL and RCCI are mass market lines. They offer a good time at a reasonably decent price. The cruise, as they say, is what you make of it. While I've had great times on DCL, but quite frankly they have priced me out of the market. My kids are 16 yo now. The ports of call and the adventures there mean more to them than what happens on board. In a recent comparison of Western Carib cruises, I found that RCCI has the best prices going. I had a 7 day sail booked on NCL, but changed over to RCCI because it sailed out of Port Canaveral, vs Miami (drive vs. air) and offered almost the same suite perks (but won't be the Haven). Shop around mousers you might find something out there that you like! Thanks for letting me ramble.

Excellent post!!!

 

[littleblackegg]

You saw me pretty active over on that thread. LOL!

Look, Imma be straight up with y'all right now. On the few DCL sailings I have booked beyond September this year I guarantee you I will be smuggling liquor onboard. If I get busted & they dump my stash I'll take it standing up and not pitch a fit. Can't blame a girl for trying.

Yep, cutbacks & changes happen with all companies not just cruise lines. Think of the rolling around over on the CC boards that happened when the auto-grats were raised. Now, imagine that here. It's not a matter of if it will happen, eventually it will. DCL is going to have to keep up with the industry standard on that.

I really do hope they come out with some inclusive adult beverage packages on DCL. Even if I never get my full quarter's worth, the convenience and peace of mind is so worth it. And, yes, even if they have the packages available and I pay for one I will STILL pack some amount of liquor in my luggage. Did it when I sailed Allure and somehow that hooch tasted a whole lot sweeter. I'm such a little rebel, huh? LOL!

I totally want to know your smuggling secrets. I would make a terrible criminal despite my constant jokes about going to jail for being generally disorderly, but I am willing to try it out to save a few hundred bucks. You can always send me a secret note to my Barbie clubhouse.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

@johnlatte, fabulous post! We've been die-hard DCL people since 2011. I was dead set against ever going on any cruise for many years because all I ever heard anyone talk about with cruising was the food. I had these strange visions of being stuck out on the ocean with nothing to do but eat. One chow line to the next all day every day. I wasn't even remotely interested. Then a friend did the DCL Dream preview cruise & did a full pictorial review. The Disney fan in me was curious enough to try a 3-night. Yep, it took Mickey to get me to try a cruise. That's all she wrote! We did try RCI's Allure of the Seas with the hubby's family for Thanksgiving 2013. It was pretty different from DCL for us. I wouldn't say better or worse overall. Different.

Now that our boys are both aged-out of the teen programming on DCL and with the significant price hikes of the last couple years we're seriously reevaluating. Granted, 11 DCL cruises in 4 years has also made us pretty bored with the same meals, shows, activities, etc. So, the seasons of life move on and we find ourselves looking at other possibilities. NCL definitely got my attention! Hubby & I will sail the Getaway next month to get our first taste. We also have 2 b2b bookings on the Escape in May for our family so the Getaway is also our crash course.

I loved how you broke down various aspects and made such objective contrasts among the lines you've sailed. Very well stated all the way around. (((applause))) Someday I hope to be able to make my own contrasts between many lines as well.

Thanks again for your fantastic post! I was totally engrossed!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I totally want to know your smuggling secrets. I would make a terrible criminal despite my constant jokes about going to jail for being generally disorderly, but I am willing to try it out to save a few hundred bucks. You can always send me a secret note to my Barbie clubhouse.

Another kindred spirit. Top secret super encrypted message coming your way!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Hah! I actually have TWO cruises booked, DCL in September (where sweepee may see me scurrying around a corner and being all sketchy and introverted), and a short Celebrity cruise in December. I'm slightly wary of Celebrity; their forums have a high grouch quotient. But the ships sound like they are nice and calm. That said. All this NCL talk is making me nostalgic for the Getaway.

Speaking of Carnival ... I'm new to all of this, and one of the most interesting things to learn has been the way Carnival's reputation for being some sort of floating horror norovirus hostel has largely been invented by the media. If I was more into a party vibe, I would totally go on one of CCL's new ships. I remember riding to the Port of Miami with a couple who were being "forced" to go on the Carnival Breeze (I think it was Breeze, one of the newer ones) by their in-laws, and they usually sailed Princess. They looked like they were being led to the executioner. I did my best to assure them I'd read good things.

I've actually done some reading about Carnival. I would like to try them. My BiL and many people I've read reviews from say Carnival's food is good, better than many other lines. We live maybe 30 minutes (with traffic) from Galveston where Carnival Magic sails from. I seriously want to try it!

With ALL things what you see in the media is going to be what garners ratings. It's never complete thus never entirely accurate. I used to be a law enforcement communications supervisor. I can tell you first-hand that the press releases and what I saw reported in the news was almost always 1/100 of the entire story. News is about ratings, not news. Did Carnival have some serious missteps? Yes. Is that indicative of the environment on every cruise that sails? No. Believe it or not, people do disembark from Carnival ships with a smile! LOL!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

For those considering other lines, I thought I would share some thoughts. We are avid cruisers and try to cruise at least once or twice a year. I am platinum on NCL (and gold on DCL fwiw) and we are just starting to get into RCCI more as well. NCL does a great job. They have made some changes that have caused some heart burn to many. You have to look at the bigger picture though. The changes to ala cart restaurants means you can actually spend less if you chose wisely. If you just want appetizers or a salad at one restaurant, then bounce over to another for entree and dessert, you can do that now and not have to pay the flat fee. You can still buy a dining package like before, but now you can cover just a couple of days or the entire cruise. They hadn't raised the DSC in like 4-5 years, so it was not unexpected. If you haven't sailed in the Haven or even a suite on NCL you should try it at least once. I've sailed concierge on DCL and while it is great, it comes up just a bit behind the NCL offering (sorry). Our last trip was to Bermuda. One of the best cruises we've ever done, having almost 3 days to explore the island was awesome. We were able to sail to Alaska on NCL in a suite with a butler and concierge for the same price as a standard veranda room on DCL, with basically the same itinerary.

All lines are out to make money. DCL is not immune to this fact. Sailing costs big bucks and I think while DCL sat the industry standard for a while the mass market lines are catching up quickly in terms of ships, food, entertainment and service. DCLs formula for success is tried and true, but it doesn't mean it can't get better.

NCL did not communicate their changes well, but as I see DCL roll out its new liquor policy, it seems that any way the spin it, it won't be well received. NCL did listen to their customers and rescind the silly no food in the cabin policy. They could have done a better job with this, and even their COO has admitted as much.

DCL is a very fine line and does many things well. I will never forget my kids faces when they were little and got a hug from Cinderella. It truly is a place to make magical memories. But it is difficult to compare it to others. DCL has 4 ships so they can be a bit more discriminate in their hiring and tighter in their customer service policies. Disney in general has written and published textbooks on customer service. They have cultivated a culture of outstanding service that is going to appeal to a wide audience. That said, on our last NCL cruise to Bermuda, we had the absolute best cabin steward that we have ever had on any cruise; on any line. I even borrowed some cash from the kids to up his tip, he was that good.

Food is always subjective and honestly I find DCL's offerings a bit on the boring side, so being able to go to different restaurants during a cruise, is a plus. Not every NCL or RCCI meal is going to be a hit, but neither is DCLs. You have to do a bit of research and figure out what you like and don't like. Expecting to go into any MDR and get blown away with 5 star cuisine every night is setting the bar too high. I also like the fact that I can grab a burger or wings at 2:00am after a few hands of black jack or some spins in the casino. I'm on vacation too so it is great to have these options readily available. On DCL one of the hardest things to do is find something interesting to do late night. Many nights I found my self up at the smokers bar above the pool (I don't smoke), because there were people there and the bar was still open.

NCL, CCL and RCCI are mass market lines. They offer a good time at a reasonably decent price. The cruise, as they say, is what you make of it. While I've had great times on DCL, but quite frankly they have priced me out of the market. My kids are 16 yo now. The ports of call and the adventures there mean more to them than what happens on board. In a recent comparison of Western Carib cruises, I found that RCCI has the best prices going. I had a 7 day sail booked on NCL, but changed over to RCCI because it sailed out of Port Canaveral, vs Miami (drive vs. air) and offered almost the same suite perks (but won't be the Haven). Shop around mousers you might find something out there that you like! Thanks for letting me ramble.

This has to be one of the best posts ever. Very well said sir, two thumbs up.

We're jumping ship to try the new Carnival Vista for 2016 and I'm researching RCCL Oasis class for 2017, but after reading this thread am now researching NCL as well, especially after reading Perditax' review of her recent cruise.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I've actually done some reading about Carnival. I would like to try them. My BiL and many people I've read reviews from say Carnival's food is good, better than many other lines. We live maybe 30 minutes (with traffic) from Galveston where Carnival Magic sails from. I seriously want to try it!

With ALL things what you see in the media is going to be what garners ratings. It's never complete thus never entirely accurate. I used to be a law enforcement communications supervisor. I can tell you first-hand that the press releases and what I saw reported in the news was almost always 1/100 of the entire story. News is about ratings, not news. Did Carnival have some serious missteps? Yes. Is that indicative of the environment on every cruise that sails? No. Believe it or not, people do disembark from Carnival ships with a smile! LOL!

The Carnival Breeze is repositioning to Galveston next year. Try a spa cabin, you'll be hooked!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

The Carnival Breeze is repositioning to Galveston next year. Try a spa cabin, you'll be hooked!

Will have to look at this!