Second cruise, first one was not good!

[tnkrbell]

We went last spring on a Norwegian sky 3 day cruise and were very unhappy swore we would never cruise again. This year my Mon decided to take the whole family on a Disney cruise!! Anyone who has done both want to tell me that Im going to love this one?? from what I am seeing Dream looks Amazing!!

 

[Yvet]

What was the reason that you said no cruising never again??

 

[MikeAndNick]

If you look at my signature below you will see we had different experiences with different cruises. Disney stays our favorite at this time. We also really liked Royal Caribbean and want to cruise with them again. The worst cruise we have been on is Norwegian on the Mexican Riviera; it felt like Motel 6 on the water. Motel 6 has it's place and I stay there when I just need a bed, sleep and go but I do not want to stay for a long time. I have been told there are people that have been on other NCL cruises and loved it. I may use NCL again but I will do lots of research on the ship and make sure it is what I am looking for.

What I am trying to say is do not let one bad cruise stop you from trying again. Enjoy the cruise and talk to your DIS group before your cruise.

 

[tnkrbell]

If you look at my signature below you will see we had different experiences with different cruises. Disney stays our favorite at this time. We also really liked Royal Caribbean and want to cruise with them again. The worst cruise we have been on is Norwegian on the Mexican Riviera; it felt like Motel 6 on the water. Motel 6 has it's place and I stay there when I just need a bed, sleep and go but I do not want to stay for a long time. I have been told there are people that have been on other NCL cruises and loved it. I may use NCL again but I will do lots of research on the ship and make sure it is what I am looking for.

What I am trying to say is do not let one bad cruise stop you from trying again. Enjoy the cruise and talk to your DIS group before your cruise.

EXACTLY!! Felt like a motel 6!! I guess Might be a "hotel snob" for instance... Love Disney!! But cant stand the value resorts. Two different experiences.

 

[tnkrbell]

What was the reason that you said no cruising never again??

Dirty ship, horrible food, private island looked like a bomb had went off and leveled the island. Entertainment stunk!! Lol I did like my balcony!!!

 

[over50visits]

We went last spring on a Norwegian sky 3 day cruise and were very unhappy swore we would never cruise again. This year my Mon decided to take the whole family on a Disney cruise!! Anyone who has done both want to tell me that Im going to love this one?? from what I am seeing Dream looks Amazing!!

You're going to love this one!

 

[tnkrbell]

You're going to love this one!

It looks beautiful!!!

 

[clten]

Dirty ship, horrible food, private island looked like a bomb had went off and leveled the island. Entertainment stunk!! Lol I did like my balcony!!!

So if the things that stick out about the NCL cruises are what you listed above and you want to know how DCL is different and going to give you a different experience:

Disney ships are well maintained. You mentioned the Dream which is a newer ship but even with the classic DCL ships, they are contantly doing maintenance and you will see plenty of housekeeping staff in the public areas -- cleaning all public areas including the atrium, the elevators, all the glass and most especially the public restrooms.

NCL I think tries to get most people to use the upgraded ($) restaurants. Now, dining is a personal opinion and I am a picky eater. I don't think that the Main Dining Rooms on DCL are 5 star restaurants, but they certainly have enough choices that you should be able to find good tasting food. (I put it on the level of excellent catering food since they are cooking for hundreds at each dinner seating.) But the dining experience itself on DCL is in the excellent level if you get great servers (if you don't, talk to the head server, they'll either make it better or move you.) DCL still makes it part of the cruise experience and since the staff is still working for tips (not automatically getting a fixed part of the service fee like they do on NCL), the good ones do try to give you excellent service.

Disney's Private Island is different than other cruise line islands and it shows. It is very well maintained (with a small # of DCL employees living on the island so it is ready for each ship that stops) and has plenty to do and the best part compared to other "private" islands -- no getting harrassed by the locals to buy stuff.

Disney is an entertainment company. They offer 3 Broadway style shows on every sailing along with many many other activities. As they don't try to funnel everyone to a casino, they have to have many options through the evening/night to keep thousands entertained. You should find several options appealing. And if you can't find anything -- go look at the animated art with the OnBoard Dectective Agency to bring it to life.

I've been on NCL ships (haven't done a full sailing) and dealing with some of their personnel, it is not the same service standards I am used to from other cruise lines so personally, I will not sail NCL. I'm sure others enjoy it. Their "freestyle" is just exactly contrary to what I enjoy about cruising so I would not waste my time sailing with them.

 

[tnkrbell]

So if the things that stick out about the NCL cruises are what you listed above and you want to know how DCL is different and going to give you a different experience:

Disney ships are well maintained. You mentioned the Dream which is a newer ship but even with the classic DCL ships, they are contantly doing maintenance and you will see plenty of housekeeping staff in the public areas -- cleaning all public areas including the atrium, the elevators, all the glass and most especially the public restrooms.

NCL I think tries to get most people to use the upgraded ($) restaurants. Now, dining is a personal opinion and I am a picky eater. I don't think that the Main Dining Rooms on DCL are 5 star restaurants, but they certainly have enough choices that you should be able to find good tasting food. (I put it on the level of excellent catering food since they are cooking for hundreds at each dinner seating.) But the dining experience itself on DCL is in the excellent level if you get great servers (if you don't, talk to the head server, they'll either make it better or move you.) DCL still makes it part of the cruise experience and since the staff is still working for tips (not automatically getting a fixed part of the service fee like they do on NCL), the good ones do try to give you excellent service.

Disney's Private Island is different than other cruise line islands and it shows. It is very well maintained (with a small # of DCL employees living on the island so it is ready for each ship that stops) and has plenty to do and the best part compared to other "private" islands -- no getting harrassed by the locals to buy stuff.

Disney is an entertainment company. They offer 3 Broadway style shows on every sailing along with many many other activities. As they don't try to funnel everyone to a casino, they have to have many options through the evening/night to keep thousands entertained. You should find several options appealing. And if you can't find anything -- go look at the animated art with the OnBoard Dectective Agency to bring it to life.

I've been on NCL ships (haven't done a full sailing) and dealing with some of their personnel, it is not the same service standards I am used to from other cruise lines so personally, I will not sail NCL. I'm sure others enjoy it. Their "freestyle" is just exactly contrary to what I enjoy about cruising so I would not waste my time sailing with them.

Thank you for the info!! That was another issue, service was terrible on Sky!! I dont expect Dcl food to be 5 star just edible I think my family actually lost weight on the Sky!! Lol lol

 

[podsnel]

I think anothr factor is cruise length- although on DCL, a 3 day cruise is very nice, on most other lines, those are cheaper cruises on older ships, so I would not expect anything great from it. I am now looking at NCL Breakaway for next summer (because we just can't swing $5000 just to fly to the cruise in Europe on DCL). While NCL is not my favorite, I think that it will be a new ship (just coming out this year) with a ton of cool things to do, especially for my teenage sons. And it's going out of NYC, which is what we were looking for. But you can bet I will be glued to every review between the first sailing and mine to see how its going! I am also just counting in the extra $$$ we will spend eating in specialty restaurants right off the bat, so I won't (hopefully) feel nickel and dimed onboard.

You will love the Disney Cruise- have a wonderful time, what a generous gift!

 

[Fielhol]

I cruised on the NCL Pearl. Excellent ship, very clean and I loved it!! But it was just DH and I. No kids. With the kids we prefer Disney. The service is bar none then any other ship I have been on. Lots and lots of things for the kids to do. I would cruise RCCL with the kids as well. But I have never cruised with them personally. DH has. He really enjoys that line.

 

[tnkrbell]

I think anothr factor is cruise length- although on DCL, a 3 day cruise is very nice, on most other lines, those are cheaper cruises on older ships, so I would not expect anything great from it. I am now looking at NCL Breakaway for next summer (because we just can't swing $5000 just to fly to the cruise in Europe on DCL). While NCL is not my favorite, I think that it will be a new ship (just coming out this year) with a ton of cool things to do, especially for my teenage sons. And it's going out of NYC, which is what we were looking for. But you can bet I will be glued to every review between the first sailing and mine to see how its going! I am also just counting in the extra $$$ we will spend eating in specialty restaurants right off the bat, so I won't (hopefully) feel nickel and dimed onboard.

You will love the Disney Cruise- have a wonderful time, what a generous gift!

Yes VERY generous!! We are very lucky!!

 

[RedxPanda]

My first cruise left me less than enthused as well. But, I now know that it was probably because I didn't know what I was getting into! Now, with the help of the DIS and Cruise Critic, I know exactly what kind of cruises and cruise ships to book. It also helps to get a good idea of what to do in each port of call. I didn't do that the first time either, so we didn't get the best experiences on the islands we visited .

Our second cruise was 4 years later on NCL Pride of America. It sails within the Hawaiian islands from Honolulu. BEST VACATION EVER! I am so angry with myself that we didn't try cruising again sooner.

Don't discount a whole cruise line based on one 'weekend party cruise' (3 nighters are commonly marketed as such). In fact, I am now looking into Carnival again with hope that we can get a better experience than on our first cruise.

 

["Cinder" Ella's Mom]

I have been on both the Norwegian Sky and The Dream. There is no comparison at all. Dining on NCL was so horrible. With Freestyle dining you never have the same servers so they are slow and don't know your preferences or care to. The MDRs were so bad (this is purposeful, I think) so we ate at the upcharge restaurants (just like they wanted us to!). It is a much older ship and the service is nowhere near Disney's. You will love cruising this way!!!

 

[tnkrbell]

I have been on both the Norwegian Sky and The Dream. There is no comparison at all. Dining on NCL was so horrible. With Freestyle dining you never have the same servers so they are slow and don't know your preferences or care to. The MDRs were so bad (this is purposeful, I think) so we ate at the upcharge restaurants (just like they wanted us to!). It is a much older ship and the service is nowhere near Disney's. You will love cruising this way!!!

Glad to hear this!!!

 

[ilovebassets]

Haven't sailed Disney yet, but we went on NCL twice (and have been on six cruises total), and never again for NCL! I'm always willing to try something twice in case the first time was a fluke, but now I know, no more NCL.

 

[tnkrbell]

Haven't sailed Disney yet, but we went on NCL twice (and have been on six cruises total), and never again for NCL! I'm always willing to try something twice in case the first time was a fluke, but now I know, no more NCL.

I wondered if the poor service on the Sky was because the gratuity was added on no matter what?? We went into a lounge and seriously waited 20 minutes before a waiter came up, we ordered spinach dip and nachos when it came out about 40 minutes later I thought it was a joke!! The dip was in what looked like the bowls that you would be served ketchup in (sooo tiny) and about 4 chips!! Lol lol lol we did get a good laugh!! pretty funny

 

[flateacher]

and I agree with the previous posters.

Sky: Just my husband and myself

I LOVED their private island but that is because we spilt a private cabana with another couple. I also liked that the snorkeling was wading distance from shore. The were TONS of fish. I have great pics. They just redid the private island and are still adding on to it so this might be why your experience was different. Our food was also brought in special for the cabana - and we had a private waiter/conceirge....

Food- never ate in the MDR - went to all upcharge restaurants which I liked. BUT their buffet I did not like for lunch and dinner.

Shows - Never went to any and didn't like them

Service - Great in upcharge restaurants, good room steward, ok for lunch/breakfast, TERRIBLE guest services - they had NO idea what they were doing when it came to the OBC from the cabana....

Dream - My husband, me and two daughters

Castaway Cay - way more chairs and loungers that have umbrellas (than NCL). We do not get a cabana because we feel we really don't need one here. Snorkeling is too far and not many fish but the kids love the water. There are also other areas with freshwater that the kids like. NOTE: on NCL's private island there is only freshwater showers for the Cabanas - no one else has access to one. On CC they are EVERYWHERE! def a bonus!

Food on CC - is ok but I am not a fan of BBQ.
Food on rest of ship - We LOVE Palo - it is better than the NCL upcharge restaurants. But will also like the MDR. I do not feel like I need to avoid DCL's MDR's like I did on NCL!

Sows- Never miss them! (ok once during a tropical storm when my daughter and I got queasy

Service - can't beat DCL. We have never had a problem or encountered a crew member who wasn't willing to help.

Hope this helps! - your only problem now will be loving DCL and booking another cruise!


EDIT - I should say the shows on NCL did not appeal to me via the description which is why I said I didn't like them...actually never saw them...
oh- DCL does not have a casino which is a PLUS (for us)

 

[tnkrbell]

and I agree with the previous posters.

Sky: Just my husband and myself

I LOVED their private island but that is because we spilt a private cabana with another couple. I also liked that the snorkeling was wading distance from shore. The were TONS of fish. I have great pics. They just redid the private island and are still adding on to it so this might be why your experience was different. Our food was also brought in special for the cabana - and we had a private waiter/conceirge....

Food- never ate in the MDR - went to all upcharge restaurants which I liked. BUT their buffet I did not like for lunch and dinner.

Shows - Never went to any and didn't like them

Service - Great in upcharge restaurants, good room steward, ok for lunch/breakfast, TERRIBLE guest services - they had NO idea what they were doing when it came to the OBC from the cabana....

Dream - My husband, me and two daughters

Castaway Cay - way more chairs and loungers that have umbrellas (than NCL). We do not get a cabana because we feel we really don't need one here. Snorkeling is too far and not many fish but the kids love the water. There are also other areas with freshwater that the kids like. NOTE: on NCL's private island there is only freshwater showers for the Cabanas - no one else has access to one. On CC they are EVERYWHERE! def a bonus!

Food on CC - is ok but I am not a fan of BBQ.
Food on rest of ship - We LOVE Palo - it is better than the NCL upcharge restaurants. But will also like the MDR. I do not feel like I need to avoid DCL's MDR's like I did on NCL!

Sows- Never miss them! (ok once during a tropical storm when my daughter and I got queasy

Service - can't beat DCL. We have never had a problem or encountered a crew member who wasn't willing to help.

Hope this helps! - your only problem now will be loving DCL and booking another cruise!

EDIT - I should say the shows on NCL did not appeal to me via the description which is why I said I didn't like them...actually never saw them...
oh- DCL does not have a casino which is a PLUS (for us)

Thanks for your info!!

 

[vellamint]

Dirty ship, horrible food, private island looked like a bomb had went off and leveled the island. Entertainment stunk!! Lol I did like my balcony!!!

Glad to hear this!!!

I have been on both also. If you want my full review I have one on CC. OMG what a nasty awful cruise. It was my annual Moms only trip and when I got off the sky I could have cried at the thought of how bad it was and that we had to wait another year for a good trip.

Norwegian Sky was THE worst cruise ship I have ever been on!!

The Dream....was a Dream!!!