Thoughts on NCL?

[dolfinmusic]

I have only been on NCL once and that was on the Dawn for a 1 night CTN. For those that have sailed on NCL - do you mind sharing your thoughts about this line? Thanks!

[sayheyrenee]

I was on the crown last year (the oldest ship they had) and I really enjoyed my cruise. Of course I was going to Bermuda. I loved the room. It was an inside and had the best closets (3) and a closet with all drawers (8) that I took pictures. I never do that. I wish my home closet was like theirs.
I like anytime dining. Of course I missed the singing etc. It was just me and my husband so I was happy to spend time alone with him. I guess it would be harder to meet people if you don't travel with a group.

Hopefully you can find reviews of the newer ships.

[dolfinmusic]

Thanks, Renee. IF - IF - we are going to sail with NCL - it will be on the Dawn.

[Seattlite]

We did a two-night cruise on the Pearl last month. Our view was skewed because we had a suite, but for the non-suite stuff, I'd say I found it on par with other cruise lines we've been on. We ate in the specialty restaurants (a perk for people in suites is getting the VIP breakfast and lunch at Cagney's) and I found the food and service to be on par with specialty restaurants on other ships.

The suite itself was fantastic, best bathroom I've ever seen! Lots of mirros, huge jetted tub with a window overlooking the ocean and a shower with a bazillion shower heads including a rain shower (also with a window overlooking the ocean). And the VIP embarkation alone was worth it--they had someone walk us through the security process and up to a lounge, where we sat in comfy chairs at the check-in desk and then had coffee and pastries while we waited for the ship to start boarding. Then the concierge escorted us onboard.

Drink prices were OUTRAGEOUS, seriously, $10 for a martini, in a regular sized martini glass. Plus tip.

[zydecocruiser]

I've been on NCL Sun a couple of times and going on NCL Spirit at Christmas.

I like the open dining and lots more.

The pizza wasn't as good as Carnival's.

Of the main US brands, I think NCL is the most innovative.

[zydecocruiser]

On the subject of alcohol, NCL is very good at finding alcohol in checked and carry on luggage and will confiscate. So far, I've been better! :19:


The prices for pre-ordered booze on NCL are about the same as on Carnival.

[bluey258]

bill you going christmas week? week of 21st

[zydecocruiser]

bill you going christmas week? week of 21st

yep. with mommacita, sister, and a couple of nieces. at least that's the plan.

[Host Pammy]

I have done a couple one and two day cruises on NCL and I also did a 7 day cruise to Alaska (my first Alaska experience). We too had a suite, it came with a very cute and efficient butler who would even serve us our dining room dinner choices in our cabin.

But even having the suite wasn't enough to make me fall in love with NCL. Don't get me wrong, I really don't have anything bad to say, there just wasn't anything I would rave about either. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Freestyle dining. I like to have an assigned table with the same staff every night. I like that they learn my name and know if I want ice tea each night. With that said, thats not important to everybody and some people are just happy showing up and enjoy the having different dinner guests each night.

Keep in mind when reading anybody s opinions on a ship or cruise line is that it's just that..their opinion. I don't think my experience was bad at all, I had a great cruise over all and for the right itinerary, I'd go on NCL again if that was my only option. Finding your favorite cruise line is kind of like finding that one good pair of jeans. You try a lot of them on for size until you find the one that fits you! For me, NCL is like the one pair of jeans I have that I wear when my favorite pair is dirty! LOL I still like them but I just feel better when I'm wearing my favorite pair!

[Lindypc]

We just just finished the 12 day NCL Jade's Egypt, Turkey & Greece cruise and I must say that NCL is now my favorite cruise line. The 2.00 freestyle was implemented and everything was top notch--we even had an inside cabin right by the mid-ship elevator (thanks Pammy) and there are no complaints. Food was excellent, staff wonderful, real coffee and cappuccino in the buffet, and outstanding shows. Specialty restaurants were delicious and we NEVER had to wait for a table in the dining room. PLUS, NO FORMAL NIGHTS. This is really important now that you have to limit your suitcases. Plus, DH hates to dress up.

Bill, Mesut says hi and how in the world did you sneak booze onboard? When we did the NCL Sun (another spectacular cruise), I was captured and they got all my wine, even wanted to charge me $15/bottle of beer--geesh! I left the beer for my cabin steward on the last day (when I got it back). A bottle of house wine is $22 so we just did that on this last cruise.

[zydecocruiser]

Bill, Mesut says hi and how in the world did you sneak booze onboard? When we did the NCL Sun (another spectacular cruise), I was captured and they got all my wine, even wanted to charge me $15/bottle of beer--geesh! I left the beer for my cabin steward on the last day (when I got it back). A bottle of house wine is $22 so we just did that on this last cruise.


Do you keep in touch with Mesut? I saw he has our picture on his website.

Obviously I can't post exactly how I do it since I would like to continue to do so, but there are some general strategies. I don't use the original containers and I divide it up among various checked luggage, so if they accidentally find some, they won't find it all.

Some people swear by these, but I've never tried them:
http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com/

You can also preorder booze for you room from NCL as a backup. Costs are about the same as for Carnival.

[Lindypc]

Hi Bill,
Thanks! Yes, we docked both in Izmir & Istanbul on our cruise last month and used Mesut again--he asked about you. He is wonderful. This time no carpet stop but we went in the Terrace Houses in Ephesus which was one of the high points of the entire trip (and all 10 ports were fabulous).