Has anyone ever taken a Norwegian Cruise Line Cruise?

Question

We are looking at several different cruises as we try to select our next cruise. We like the itinerary and port for the Norwegian cruise that leaves out of Charleston, SC. Any comments on Norwegian and any experiences.

I have cruised with Carnival 3 times and I loved it all 3 times.

How does the freestyle cruising work- are there still shows, and fancy dining, formal nights, etc... I just haven't heard a lot and was wanting some reviews before wasting my time looking any farther.

Thanks for you help!

Answer 1

Yes, there are shows, fancy dining, formal nights etc. Freestyle cruising give you the choice. I have been on many NCL cruises and prefer them. Now NCL, Princess, and Holland all have buffets where you eat when you want and sit when you and dress the way you want. Bottom line is it is your vacation and your money so which ever you prefer is what you should beable to do. I prefer to wear jeans 365 days ayear and I have never been refused services on any cruise ship. Like the jingle "SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE A NUT & SOMETIMES YOU DON'T. Go Enjoy your cruise.

Answer 2

My last Norwegian cruise was October 2005 (my next is in a few weeks).  Below is a link to my review of my October 2005 cruise.  The following is from my review, and discusses Freestyle Dining in detail ...

What sets Norwegian apart from everyone else is the Freestyle dining. As I mentioned, there are ten dining areas. Six are free, four cost extra, and only three do not require reservations (Aqua, Versailles and the Blue Lagoon). It is noted that Norwegian does not allow blue jeans, tank tops, shorts, T-shirts or beachwear in any of the restaurants after 5:00pm. It is also noted that Aqua and Versailles (the two main restaurants) get very busy between 7pm and 8pm.

The advantage of Freestyle dining is you can eat when you want. However, that is only true in three of the ten restaurants. All the other restaurants require reservations. What is the difference between making a reservation and having a set dining time? Also, for groups this can be a problem. In traditional dining you show up at your table at the assigned time. You know the rest of your group will either already be there, or will arrive soon. With Freestyle dinning, your group has to decide where it wants to eat and when. If you have ever tried to get a group to agree on anything, you know what a chore this can be. Also, if your group is large enough, you can guarantee that someone will show up at the wrong restaurant at the right time, or show up at the right restaurant at the wrong time. For me, I don’t like having to take time out of my day to make a reservation. The whole idea of cruising is to have a carefree vacation. I believe that having to make reservations takes away from that experience.

If you want to read the entire review, click on the link below ...

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreview...