Any opinion on NCL? my husband and I w/ couple of Friends are thinking of going to Caribbean???

Question

Any opinion on NCL? my husband and I w/ couple of Friends are thinking of going to Caribbean???

Answer 1

Thats like asking Chevy or Ford. Everyone like what they like. I have sailed On Holland, Princess & Norwegian. All have great things to offer. Holland is nice for their upscale ships,food & service. Princess is #1 in cruisetours to Alaska. Norwegian I prefer for the layout of the ship. All 3 have excellent crew. All lines try to offer something for everyone. Like the old saying "you don't know unless you try". Also keep in mind everyones taste are not the same as yours. I would sail with NCL anytime.

Which ever you choose have a GREAT cruise.

Answer 2

I've been on NCL before, and others too, but for the most part they're all the same.  Although RC is a little nicer, not much, in my opinion.  And Carnival...I'd say is a lot more fun.  I guess it depends upon what you're looking for...entertainment or food.  If you're over 60 say, then look at RC and if you're younger, look at Carnival.  

If you like to spend time on the islands, look at leaving San Juan so you don't have days at sea, but rather you get plenty of ship time at night while you're sailing to your next island.

If you like the beaches, then bring your own snorkel equipment to save you lots of money.  And don't think about sharing it with your friends, because everyone will want to stay in the water watching the fish instead of sitting on the beach. Just let everyone know you're not going to share equipment, so you don't feel bad when they're on the beach for a longer period of time, even after you share.  been there, done that...not fun...and I was on the sharing end after telling these folks to bring their own.  Trust me on this one.  Everyone will want to snorkel.  It's so much fun.

And..the islands you go to out of San Juan are the better ones in the Caribbean too...so think about that.

Cruise Critic has a good site, as well as iBtraveling.com, a site I usually find a good travel deal.  Just book a cabin with a window and it won't matter if you're on the bottom floor.  I've stayed on them all, and it just doesn't matter once you set sail, they're all the same, except for the balcony rooms or suites.  Those cabins are awesome, but you pay for it too.

Most importantly, have fun! :)

Answer 3

Of the big cruise companies NCL is not that great. Try instead either Princess or Royal Caribbean. You would be happier with either of those two.

Answer 4

I've never sailed with NCL, but from what I've read at CruiseCritic.com, I wouldn't try them.  

If it's just adults going, you might want to check out Princess or Celebrity or Holland America.

You can click on "Reviews" at CC and read comments from pros and also "Member Reviews" [even better!].  If you click on "Boards", you'll find many topics to browse that will give you lots of info from experienced cruisers.

Answer 5

I've enjoyed NCL. Their prices are usually right in line with Royal Caribbean and Carnival, sometimes cheaper. I find Freestyle fits with our lifestyle, but it's not for everyone. If you want very traditional dining, and the comfort of having the same waiter every night, another line would be better for you.

NCL has a lot of dining choices, although many you'll pay a small extra fee for. There are always two main dining rooms, one "bar" food, and one buffet option that are free. The fee restaurants are a steakhouse, asian, teppenyaki grill and Italian (just started charging fee for that one).

The rooms are nice, activities are decent. If you want slightly more upscale in staff, decor and service, one of the next "tier" lines of Holland America or Princess might be for you. However, I find NCL (and RC & Carnival) to be good enough for us who cruise on a reasonable budget.

Answer 6

I have been to the Caribbean on NCL and had a great time.They do have freestyle cruising, but you might want to check out all the different things other lines offer also.a good place to compare is: http://www.cruiseasy.joystar.com

Answer 7

Try Princess cruises or rccl to pick from you will have a better time. there been great reports on both. I been on Princess cruises 9 times, the other one I would go on is royal caribbean cruicse line.