Cruises - Cruise Newbie: NCL or Carnival

Hey FTers. Once again considering a cruise. Considered it a while ago, didn't work out.

I have a very limited window of opportunity in Oct (22 or 23 departure) and I see out of MIA a Carnival cruise and an NCL cruise.

So....which one? Two couples, no kids, just want some time away.

Looking for some advice here.

Thoughts?

BN77

If you decide on Carnival think about going out of Tampa. There is a 5 day on October 22 and a 7 day on the 23rd.

If you do Carnival I have a very good person I use at Carnival to book with. She is knowledgeable and will get you the best deal and cabin.

TPA is an easy airport to fly in and out of. The cruise port is a about 15 min from the airport. There are also lots of hotels with transfers from the airport and to the cruise terminal.

I would do Carnival over NCL. If you have never cruised, may I suggest you make sure your cabin is not under a dining room, showroom, lounge or buffet. My suggestion would be midship. As a rule, the higher up you go the higher the price and frankly, when you're taking an elevator who cares if you go one more floor. However, an oceanview cabin lets you enjoy watching the water and the scenery.

Which ship are you looking at? I see the Carnival Destiny sailing a five night Western Caribbean on 10/22, the Carnival Liberty sailing a seven night Western Caribbean on 10/22, and the Norwegian Pearl on 10/23 sailing a seven night Western Caribbean. There is also a five night Western Caribbean sailing on Celebrity's Millennium on 10/22.

Of these four (and I've been on all of them), I would rate them in the following order:

Millennium
Pearl
Liberty
Destiny

Thanks! Great info. I am not sure about which ship we were looking at, but I appreciate the ranking. And Carnvial over NCL seems to be the consensus. Thanks for that....

Flying into TPA and catching a cruise is way better than doing the same at MIA unless you really really want to visit MIA.

BTW fall colour 7 day cruises out of Boston heading your way in Oct are discounted to $269 for a week. Looks like prices are falling with booking way down.

Thanks! Great info. I am not sure about which ship we were looking at, but I appreciate the ranking. And Carnvial over NCL seems to be the consensus. Thanks for that....

I 100% disagree. I just went on an NCL cruise this past February and had an amazing time. NCL is known for its "Freestyle" experience which means that you have the standard dining halls but there are also restaurants on the ships that you can make reservations for (capacity is shown on screens all around the ships) and the food is really varied and great. You have to pay extra for the restaurants but it is well worth it because the food is still unlimited. My boyfriend and I literally would order 5 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 3 desserts and it was all still included in the standardized extra fee.

The staff was also extremely nice. I went on the Jewel which was a moderately new ship, but I would check out the Epic as it is supposed to be incredible. Let me know if you have any specific questions, would love to help out. I love cruises.

I went on the Carnival Dream over New Years (Dec 09 into Jan 10) and just went on the NCL Jewel this past July. I loved NCL, the Freestyle dining was awesome. Not having a set dining room time was great because it wasn't like I felt I had to work around an 8:15 dinner which I did have to do on Carnival. Both cruises I've been on was with groups of 13 and the freestyle made it very easy. Also, the specialty restaurants on NCL were incredible. We did Teppanyaki which is Japanese where they cook in front of you, did an Italian restaurant, ate in the main dining rooms a few nights, etc... It was great because being able to get dressed up and take the girlfriend to one of the specialty restaurants made it feel like a vacation on a vacation. I loved NCL so much a few weeks after I got home we were already looking at another cruise and within a month booked an 11 day Southern Caribbean on the Dawn over Thanksgiving out of Miami.

I did have a good time on Carnival, but I had such a better time on NCL and would definitely recommend that to anyone looking to cruise. The freestyle dining is a huge selling point for me. Even if you don't do the specialty restaurants and just do the main dining rooms, I just really enjoyed being able to eat when I wanted, and not be assigned to a specific dining room, table, and time.

My NCL preference is base on "I am on vacation, I should dine whenever, whatever and wherever I want."

Most of the cruise lines have an anytime dinner seating in the main dining rooms now. I know Carnival does and so does HAL. And there is no extra charge for this. carnival also has free room service.

Most of the cruise lines have an anytime dinner seating in the main dining rooms now. I know Carnival does and so does HAL. And there is no extra charge for this. carnival also has free room service.

On NCL there is of course no fee for the main dining rooms on NCL, but the point is that the sheer amount of variety by having said restaurants on NCL is what is so great.

Advice is cheap, as is mine, but just how cheap are these cruises compared to each other?

Everything being the same or a virtual dead heat I'd toss a coin as the differences within this value cruise range on shorter cruises are IMHO small.

Advice is cheap, as is mine, but just how cheap are these cruises compared to each other?

Everything being the same or a virtual dead heat I'd toss a coin as the differences within this value cruise range on shorter cruises are IMHO small.

I got my Feb. 7 day NCL cruise from NYC - Bahamas as a Black Friday deal and I got the tickets for $350 each, taxes were about $200 each on top of that, so a total of $550 for the baseline 7 day cruise is pretty great. NCL bumped up their prices after a bit, I think like $50, but Black Friday is coming around so hopefully something good comes out of it.

Advice is cheap, as is mine, but just how cheap are these cruises compared to each other?

Everything being the same or a virtual dead heat I'd toss a coin as the differences within this value cruise range on shorter cruises are IMHO small.

We're going on an 11 Day Southern Carribean out of Miami for aprox $900 after all taxes and fees over Thanksgiving on NCL

Thanks but I was curious to hear what OP's price difference was or if there was any. That may not factor in to everyone's decision making but it factors into mine and a difference of even $100 per person might be enough to tip the balance one way.

We're going on an 11 Day Southern Carribean out of Miami for aprox $900 after all taxes and fees over Thanksgiving on NCL

You are saying $900/pp correct?

It is hard to compare prices against NCL anymore. Because of all the upcharges and surcharges that NCL has.

Some of the Carnival ships have a special dining room that has a set surcharge and there is some specialty cofee bars. But buffett, main dining, pizza, sandwiches, and pool dining are all included in the price and the food is fine. The free room service is a favorite of mine.

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It is hard to compare prices against NCL anymore. Because of all the upcharges and surcharges that NCL has.

Some of the Carnival ships have a special dining room that has a set surcharge and there is some specialty cofee bars. But buffett, main dining, pizza, sandwiches, and pool dining are all included in the price and the food is fine. The free room service is a favorite of mine.

NCL has plenty of free options as well, including room service (but not pizza).

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NCL has plenty of free options as well, including room service (but not pizza).

Yes but NCL's pricing strategy is to lower basic cruise price and make up the profit in all the extra pay places/activities. They expect the customer to pay extra for many, many things that might be free on other lines.

Many of the cruise lines are offering more and more ala carte, extra charge offerings but NCL has the most.

I know on Carnival there is free pizza and sushi. There are few extra charge food items but they are the exception rather than the rule.

You are saying $900/pp correct?

Yes and as I just looked at the cruise the prices are lower to the sense of maybe $800/pp after taxes and fees. Booked my cruise to early.

Yes and as I just looked at the cruise the prices are lower to the sense of maybe $800/pp after taxes and fees. Booked my cruise to early.

Check with your agent with cruises you usually get the lower price just by asking, if it's after you make your final payment, you usually get an on board credit for the difference.

Thanks but I was curious to hear what OP's price difference was or if there was any. That may not factor in to everyone's decision making but it factors into mine and a difference of even $100 per person might be enough to tip the balance one way.

Prices were within $50. So no measurable difference really.

Check with your agent with cruises you usually get the lower price just by asking, if it's after you make your final payment, you usually get an on board credit for the difference.

Just called and they'd be able to upgrade us if there is something we would like to upgrade too (preferably balcony although only ocean views right now) so I will most likely be doing that. Real good to know, thanks a lot for the heads up!

I was going to suggest that myself. However, CCL (and apparently NCL based on your response) will now usually only give an upgrade after final payment. No more OBC.

And, of course, you can always pay the difference for a better upgrade... they'll pretty much always be willing to take more money. :D

Have you looked at inventory? You can fake a booking and walk through the categories to see what is available. That might give you an idea if there are a good number of balconies still available.

I was going to suggest that myself. However, CCL (and apparently NCL based on your response) will now usually only give an upgrade after final payment. No more OBC.

And, of course, you can always pay the difference for a better upgrade... they'll pretty much always be willing to take more money. :D

Have you looked at inventory? You can fake a booking and walk through the categories to see what is available. That might give you an idea if there are a good number of balconies still available.

Yup, I have done that and there are still quite a few available which is why I am in no rush to make an upgrade. I'm fairly confident I will be able to get a free upgrade or pay a bit of money (but nothing major) to be in the balcony.

Prices were within $50. So no measurable difference really.

Thanks and in that case for me it'd come down to any intangibles like preferred itinerary or slightly better cabin but if nothing like that tips the balance I'd flip a coin as within this category there just isn't a huge difference between the two lines.

Let us know what you decide and regardless of the choice happy sails. :)

If you check youtube there are usually vid's showing the various cabins from the guests perspective. This might help you decide :) We did a Carnival cruise to Mexico in August (Grande Suite was absolute luxury!!) While I haven't tried NCL I'd definitely recommend CCL.

Tip, if you do use Carnival and you plan on drinking alcohol and want to save a few $$'s use the bon voyage gifts and services to have alcohol delivered to your stateroom beforehand and definitely book yourself into the Steakhouse for one of the nights, the food there is magnificent!

I've done 3 cruises with NCL, 1 with CCL and 1 with RC. I thoroughly enjoyed my NCL cruises. CCL was fine and RC I will never set food upon again.
I too enjoyed the freestyle cruise style where you get the main choice, a few free restaurants and the upgraded pay restaurants. I didn't feel nickled and dimed on either NCL or CCL but sure did on RC.

It looks like you are from Canada so I would not cruise out of Tampa or Port Canaveral. You will have to meet with customs at 6:30 am in the show lounge the last morning - not nice to get up that early the day of debark! You go stand in line so they can check your name off the list (surprisingly the theater was close to full), sit in the lounge and wait for the customs officials to arrive - they walk in 20 minutes late with coffee in their hand - and then line up again to hand them the form you received and filled out the night before. Miami and Fort Lauderdale have you get off the port with everyone else and the custom lines are in the terminal.

We have been on one Carnival cruise and enjoyed it very much. I had planned to book a Norwiegan cruise for next year but they really don't have the variety of ports in the Caribbean that Carnival has - other than the Epic which is very expensive IMO - so I booked Carnival again. I think I would like NCL because they have more free food options than Carnival (and more pay options if you like) and jeans can be worn in any dining room at any time - less clothing and shoes to bring - less suitcases to pay for on the airline.

It looks like you are from Canada so I would not cruise out of Tampa or Port Canaveral. You will have to meet with customs at 6:30 am in the show lounge the last morning - not nice to get up that early the day of debark! You go stand in line so they can check your name off the list (surprisingly the theater was close to full), sit in the lounge and wait for the customs officials to arrive - they walk in 20 minutes late with coffee in their hand - and then line up again to hand them the form you received and filled out the night before. Miami and Fort Lauderdale have you get off the port with everyone else and the custom lines are in the terminal.

We have been on one Carnival cruise and enjoyed it very much. I had planned to book a Norwiegan cruise for next year but they really don't have the variety of ports in the Caribbean that Carnival has - other than the Epic which is very expensive IMO - so I booked Carnival again. I think I would like NCL because they have more free food options than Carnival (and more pay options if you like) and jeans can be worn in any dining room at any time - less clothing and shoes to bring - less suitcases to pay for on the airline.

Good reminder: We disembarked at Port Canaveral 10+yrs ago and was subjected to the alien herding. Seems like things has not changed.

BTW does anyone know if there are GE kiosk at DHS/CBP checkpoints at the US cruise terminals?

I think NCL get more criticism than other cruise lines about extra charges, and IMHO, unfairly so. As I understand it, they were one of the first, if not the first, to introduce surcharge restaurants in any great number. To say that they charge for things that other mainstream lines don't is for the most part inaccurate. Some charge for room service, some don't, some at certain times. Some charge for sushi, others for burgers and fries.

Simply put, NCL have more chargeable restaurants than other in-class ships of a similar size because they have, in general, more restaurants overall.

For all of the mainstream lines, on-board revenue is vital to the overall profitability of the sailing. They ALL aim to get you to spend as much as possible.

.... other than the Epic which is very expensive IMO - so I booked Carnival again.

Having sailed on Norwegian Epic a couple of times, I'd say it was worth paying extra for.

Anyway, enjoy your cruise!

Mark

NCL is garbage! Carnival is better garbage!

Worldspan
129 cruises strong

Recently cruised on NCL EPIC, first time on NCl. Previously Cruised on RCCL

The ship is large, and from the back looks like a floating office.

On Board:
Dining: many free choices from pub, sit down in the dining room, buffet and in room. Specialty dining ranges in cost from $10 on up and includes italian, sushi, vodka bar, churascaria, steak house, hibachi and french.

The steak house was excellent, italian average, french average. Did not try the asian dining or bar.

The pub left a lot to be desired, service was EXTREMELY slow (it took 15 min to get a server and another 30 for food to arrive) considering there were only two other tables being served and the food was barely warm. Hot dogs, hamburger and fries should not take so long to be made.

Freestyle dining is IMPERSONAL compared to Royal. You are seated at a different table each time with a different waiter. On Royal you get to know your waiter and they seem to enjoy themselves more. Food was often cold and service very slow. Its almost as though on purpose so that folks will eat in specialty.

The buffet was great, food was fresh hot and tasty. Lots of HEALTHY choices and some specialty themed items. Lunch often included gourmet cheeses flavorful fruits and pretzel rolls.

Diners with allergies be wary because the crew often delivered meals or had limited choices for a vegetarian allergic to sea food. RCCL offers many choices and they know you are allergic without you having to remind folks.

ROOMS: were narrow and crowded. The shower is in the room and water often splashes out onto the floor. There is barely any room between the bed and closet. Shower temp is luke warm.

GYM: Awesome equipment, the treadmills are well kept and overlook the ocean.

SPA: Crowded, and dark. Enjoyed the hot saunas with the ocean view.

Poolside: seating is often hard to find.

Overall feel around the ship is enclosed and jam packed with people. The promenades do not have a view of the ocean and neither do the the dining areas. It felt like everything was nickel and aimed. One should feel at sea when on a cruise? RCCL feels more open and airy, there is more of a personal touch. I do not plan on cruising with NCl in the future.

I had such a great experience on the Carnival Freedom leaving Port Everglades (near FLL) that I'm going on the same 6 day again hitting Key West, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios. My short list of protips.

I like to relax and have fun.


Do the balcony if possible, not too far from stairs. Having your own beautiful retreat is amazing and only a short walk to food/booze. The elevators can take awhile at prime times. BONUS: Sleeping with the sounds of the ocean at night.
The steak house dinner is a must.
I really like Carnival's Spa choices including tasty sugar free desserts.
I didn't buy any excursions. Do your research and research your ports ahead of time. I had a blast winging it, even ending up at the same out of port food joint in Ocho Rios as Andrew Zimmer who then rolled in to film Bizarre Foods.
Bring lots of small bills for extra tips here and there. It makes a huge difference.
Get to breakfast early :-)
Overall Carnival is a good choice for new cruisers, they tend to be way more laid back and not overly strict with formalities and dress code.

Diners with allergies be wary because the crew often delivered meals or had limited choices for a vegetarian allergic to sea food. RCCL offers many choices and they know you are allergic without you having to remind folks.


We have sailed with RCCL in the past, and they were very unaccommodating with food preparation for a child with multiple food allergies. For example, they insisted that their pasta contained egg; it took three days (while asking daily) for someone to inspect the pasta package's ingredients list--which, of course, did not contain egg. They also insisted that their french fries were coated with a batter, and that took multiple days for them to determine they were not. That was two years ago; reading Cruise Critic now still does not give me warm fuzzies that RCCL has improved.

CCL was a very pleasant surprise. With permission from headquarters, we provided recipes and foods (like a box of vegan mac 'n cheese) for them to prepare. Miss Swede was a very happy camper.

This is great to hear and not very surprising. I did the Chef's tour and dinner on the Carnival Freedom last year and was quite impressed with how the kitchen was run.


CCL was a very pleasant surprise. With permission from headquarters, we provided recipes and foods (like a box of vegan mac 'n cheese) for them to prepare. Miss Swede was a very happy camper.

Diners with allergies be wary because the crew often delivered meals or had limited choices for a vegetarian allergic to sea food. RCCL offers many choices and they know you are allergic without you having to remind folks.

As a celiac, I've had the best luck on NCL, even though I never know where I'm dining until we make the reservation or head down. They have been really awesome about gluten-free foods. On one of our sailings, they argued over what restaurant I should go to for my next meal just so they could use their GF foodstuffs. It was really sweet.

Just to add my 2c into the mix.. I haven't cruised on NCL before and have only cruised on Carnival and they live up their 'fun ship' name.

I never thought I would enjoy a cruise but really loved it. We did the southern Caribbean out of San Juan for 7 nights - amazing!. Our days consisted of getting up, eating breakfast, going off the ship to a beach, drinking some beer or cocktails at the beach, coming back for lunch then spending the afternoon in the adults only spa drinking a few more cocktails during the evening sail away parties, and then having dinner with our awesome dancing waitress, followed by an evening martini at the martini bar before relaxing on our balcony and listening to the sound of the ocean quietly washing by.

We made some great friends on the cruise and had a really relaxing time.. It almost has changed the way I want to holiday from mad sightseeing to just lying on a beach and relaxing. Whichever you choose you'll have a great time. But as far as Carnival goes, i found them very relaxing, non confronting and easy for this first time cruiser.

Enjoy - Jealous muchly!