Time to try RCCL

[Buschfan]

Originally posted by currycook

1) RCCL has two premiere ships designed with special children programs including a skating rink and a rock climbing wall. They sure seem very attractive and awesome ships, however, those ships only go on 7 day cruises. We like a 4 day cruise, RCCL did not have a ship with all the children’s activities for a 4 day cruise. Also, the two premiere ships are also roughly the same price as DCL. At least they were a year ago when I priced them.

I know from recent research that the Voyager prices start at $599 this fall. DCL does not come close. First and second rates were about $300 more per person on DCL. You can get a balcony on the Voyager instead of an inside on the Magic for around the same price.


NCL Sunward 1/92
NCL Norway 1/94
NCL Seaward 5/95
NCL Leeward 9/99
Disney Magic 9/00
Celebrity Zenith 1/02
Norwegian Majesty 1/03
Celebrity Century 9/03!!

 

[Jules1]

I would encourage any of you to also try Princess. They are great. We're just back from the Celebrity Mercury and were bored to tears (which concerns us since we also have a Celebrity Constellation 14 day cruise booked in Aug). Also booked another Disney Magic cruise for March with all the great activities!

 

[Tracie Wallace]

Next week is cruise week on The Travel Channel. I noticed that they have programs on Radiance of the Seas, Adventure, Voyager, Star Princess and Disney. You might want to check them out.

 

[Bev J]

You might want to check out this site, it has many pics of the Navigator of the Seas
http://community.webshots.com/user/NavigatorOfTheseas

There are also lots of reviews on the cruisecritic boards for all the voyager class ships.

 

[DISNEYWORLDBORN2SHOP]

We did the southern Carribbean on Celebrity's Galaxy. BORING! I can not imagine taking children on a cruise like that. It was our first cruise and we were so unimpressed. We enjoyed the ports of call but the ship itself left a lot to be desired.

We can't wait to go on our first Disney Cruise!

 

[linda8892]

Has anyone on these boards ever sailed on NCL? I have an Alaskan cruise booked on the Norwegian Sun in August. The ship went into service in September 2001. NCL is offering "Freestyle Dining" where you can dine where and when you want. There are 9 different restaurants on board; some of which require an additional charge. Any information would be helpful...

 

[currycook]

Buschfan: I know from recent research that the Voyager prices start at $599 this fall. DCL does not come close. First and second rates were about $300 more per person on DCL. You can get a balcony on the Voyager instead of an inside on the Magic for around the same price



I believe you are correct.

However when you consider the Florida resident special that DCL has the price is roughly the same. I know that does not help everyone out there. Disney does seem to do a lot of things for the Florida residents in order to keep their parks and ships full. I view it in the same way the airlines use to keep the planes full by offering a limited number of highly discounted seats.

 

[Bev J]

Linda8892: to to cruisecritic and read the reviews for NCL there is also a board there. I have sailed NCL about 10 years ago and had a fine cruise. From the reviews I have read you either love or hate the freestyle dining option. Our group enjoys traditional dining experiences and getting to know the waitstaff, so unless we sail on the Norway we probably won't go back to NCL, which is too bad since we were considering the 7 day hawaii. We are going to keep an eye on their 2 new ships comming next year that will sail hawaii exclusivley without the long trip to fanning island, well see.

 

[mac_tlc]

bscs,

As far as the differences between the Voyager, Explorer, Navigator. Mariner, there are some. Itinerary wise, since the Mariner is leaving from Port Canaveral, the itineraries are
different than the other Voyager class ships. Here's a suggestion if you want to do the Mariner --. If you do not have a strong preference or a desire to see a particular port, do the
Western Caribbean... The reason I say that is that the Eastern Caribbean on the Mariner WILL NOT stop at Labadee, Haiti, RCCL's private oasis (second only to Castaway Cay, and a very close second at that). Its a great beach day. The Western will stop at Labadee, Ocho Rios Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and
Cozumel... just like the Explorer, Navigator , and Voyager.

The Eastern itinerary on the Explorer also does not stop at Labadee. The Eastern on the Navigator does stop there!!

We found a lot more eating opportunities on these ships than DCL also. Between the dining rooms, the casual buffett option, Johnny Rockets, and the 24-hr Cafe Promenade, it seemed easier to find a bite to eat. Plus there were a lot of frozen yogurt/ice cream stations, including one on the Royal Promenade. Plus two alternative options, Portofino and Chops Grille (13 and
older only & $20 pp gratituity included)

The biggest difference between the Navigator and the Explorer/Voyager is the kids and teen areas. The Navigator has a greatly expanded teen area (ages 12-17). They eliminated the rear kiddie pool and gave that entire area aft deck 12 to the teens. The teens also have a disco (Fuel) and a casual area (Living Room). No shallow kiddie pool on the Navigator. The Mariner is slatd to be the same as teh Navigator.

I have (finally) posted the Compass activity sheets from our 2/15/03 cruise on the navigator, and I also have the Adventure Ocean sheets for the 6-8 year old group. They are at:

www.new-horizons-travel.com/RCCL

As far as cabins, the unique feature of these ships is the internal Royal Promenade. Like a mall at sea!! They are an in interesting alternative, if you could live without the oceanview and balcony We have had them and they are great. They look out over the Royal Promenade. They are only doubles, 167 sq ft each. People-watching out the window is great, you can even watch the almost-daily parades that are held on the Royal Promenade. They are on decks 6, 7, and 8. I would advocate the higher
the better .. you have a better view of the "street" below.

mac_tlc

 

[currycook]

Just thinking of the price difference as DCL does seem to beable to ask a premiere price compared to many other crusie lines including RCCL. The problem, good one for DCL, is that they keep filling their ships. As long as the ships keep filling up I continue to see DCL asking the premiere price. DCL must be doing something right to be able to ask and recieve that premiere price on a regular basis.