Norweign Jewel or Emerald Princess for Mediterrean 2007?

Question

We are planning our first family cruise. Which would be we find more superior Emerald Princess or Norweign Jewel? or are they about the same. They are both rated 4 1/2 of 5 stars.

Answer 1

Princess handsdown has a higher standard in cruise travel.

The Emerald sets sail in the spring of 2007.

Answer 2

The Norwegian Jewel for sure.  It will be a brand new ship in November so it will still be new for your cruise.  That means that everything on there will have hardly been used.  That's the ship I would choose anyway.  Plus my experience on NCL was far better than Princess.

Answer 3

Take Holland America.  They are rated with 5 star Diamond award for hospitality and service.  The Veendam does the Med cruises and it have a great place for all families.  It is not free style dining, but there are alternative restaurants if you don't want the sit down dinner.

Answer 4

I've worked around the cruise industry in the past, and always found the staff on the NCL boats more professional, although I haven't taken one of their cruises.

I have been on Princess, and it was enjoyable. Certainly to be recommended.

Answer 5

The biggest difference between those two ships is the size. Do you want to be getting off a ship with over 3000 people (princess) or just over 2000 (norwegian). That makes the biggest difference to me.

Answer 6

The Norweingn Ships are unique in that the have Freestyle Dining, you can eat whenever you want at any restaurant.  There are the mail restaurants and then, for a few dollars extra, you can makes reservations at specialty restaurants.  If you likethings casual, its a good choice.  They do have a rormal Captains Dinner but it is optional if you dont want to dress,

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