DCL vs. NCL

[mickeyman]

I know this might not be the best place to ask this but is the Disney cruise line that much better than Norwegian. The reason I ask this is for a seven night cruise on Dcl is $3400 for 2 people. And I have to buy airfare to FL. On Norwegian It is $2700 for an 11 night cruise going to the same ports plus a few more, and it leaves out of NY so I don't have to buy airfare. It seems like a no brainer but I have never cruised before so I don't have anything to compare it too. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.

Josh

 

[jesserin]

BEWARE... Norwegian stinks.. and that's being kind at best - trust me on this one - the only Great cruiselines out there are DCL, RCCL, CCL and RSS... aside from those the rest have lots of faults ad Norwegian is at the top of that list... for example - they have a ship (the Majesty) leaving from Charleston right now that lots of my clients want to go on simply b/c it's leaving from their home... bad idea.. the ship is tiny - it's ugly, it needs to be refurb'd (or just sunk) and the entertainment areas are so small that the theatre can hold less than 1/3 of the ship - which is horrible b/c that means that only a select few can see the show's each night - and everyone else is bored out of their minds!!!

To illustrate this better: I just flew a family of 5 home from the Caymen Islands 2 weeks ago b/c they hated Norwegian that much - they disliked their cruise so much that they paid $2,500 just to get the heck off that ship - fortunatly they weren't mad at me for selling them that cruise as they knew I strongly recommended they choose something better...

So, here's my .02 from a travel agent's perspective... there is a huge difference in the quality of DCL and NCL - if you go for the lesser priced cruised... you'll be getting the lesser quality - no way around it.

 

[Jamie P]

Josh,

I totally agree. NCL is a glorified casino on the water. Many years ago they had a great reputation, but new investors purchased the line and changed their service totally. It is no longer an upper end line to cruise on. There is absolutely no comparison between DCL and NCL at all. Trust me on this one.

However, I disagree that the only good ones are DCL, RCCL, CCL and RSS. There is Holland America, Crystal, Seabourne, Princess, and even Carnival is begining to step up and built upper end boats.


My advise to you is to look at what is available in your area. If you want to cruise and cut out some costs, we would need to look at the cruises departing from the port closes to you. There are numerous cruise lines (great and reasonable ones) that sail from NY.

I personally have cruised and I can tell you that you would be happy with other lines besides Disney, but not on NCL. If a your heart is set on Disney, then take a Disney Cruise. If you just want the experience, but want to save some money, then other options are available. Just take the time to check into what is there for you. Feel free to contact me at jamie@kingdomkonsultant.com) if you are interested in discussing what your options are. Just be sure to make the most of your first cruise experience. Once you cruise, you will be hooked and it is a great way to vacation. Everyone should try it at least once in their life. Good Luck -

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I have clients who swear by NCL. I also have clients who will only cruise with Disney. It's actually your personal preference and whether or not that cruise line meets the needs/wants of your family. Many families like Disney because they cater to them.

Disney does cost quite a bit more than your average cruise line. If you want to pay top dollar and have your family treated like royalty, Cunard, Crystal and Radisson are the best ones out there.

If you want a cruise that is going to be memorable, use a travel agent who will go over everything from the size of the ship to the excursions with you. Make sure that you are getting exactly what YOU want. I cannot stress that enough. Go over all of your options and get what you want.

Princess,Carnival, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean are all good cruise lines also. You may want to check into them if you do not want to break the bank.

Please contact Jamie from Kingdom Konsultant if you want an agent who specializes in cruises.

Good Luck,

Pam

Official Travel Sponsor WDWMagic

 

[Timmay]

There is nothing wrong with NCL...nothing. My wife and I went to Belize and Cozumel a couple of years ago on NCL and had a great time. Of course we did not spend much time in our cabin, but who does. I love that we didn't have to be at dinner at a set time and see the same people night after night at our table.

I know people go on a cruise to get treated like kings and queens...we went to relax and be normal people.

Shop around and and read a lot of message boards...do not just rely on a couple of folks to steer you in the right (or wrong) direction.

Here is a good place to start.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/

 

[shoppingnut]

I have been on approximately 20 cruises and can say I really don't care for NCL, the quality of food is not great. They have the different restaurants that you can eat in that you make a reservation when you get on board, however, the restaurants that you pay a fee to eat at (ranges between $12 - $25 pp) are the only ones where the food is good. Princess is wonderful, they have the best pasta and they will be going out of NY starting this Spring. Holland America has wonderful food too and has ships going out of NY. Celebrity, Seabourn, Crystal are all excellent ships with great food.

DCL where the food is good, does offer more for the kids than other lines, but that is a choice you must make depending upon what your needs are for the trip. Given the choice, I would even choose Carnival over NCL as they have improved the food greatly and they do have a bit more for kids than some other lines.

 

[DisneyBunny]

I know people go on a cruise to get treated like kings and queens...we went to relax and be normal people.

Shop around and and read a lot of message boards...do not just rely on a couple of folks to steer you in the right (or wrong) direction.

Here is a good place to start.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/

I agree wholehaertedly. You have to evaluate why you're cruising in the first place, and a good way of doing research is on the boards at cruise critic. You'll get honest un-biased opinions there. Look at the demographics of each cruise line, and see where you fit in. If you like gambling, drinking and clubbing, perhaps Carnival is right for you. If you prefer lecture series, fine dining, wine seminars and the like, try one of the upper lines. I've sailed on RCCL and Celebrity, and we're trying our first cruise on Holland America come fall, and they each offer a different expeience.

Good luck, and happy sailing! :wave:

 

[jesserin]

There is nothing wrong with NCL...nothing. My wife and I went to Belize and Cozumel a couple of years ago on NCL and had a great time. Of course we did not spend much time in our cabin, but who does. I love that we didn't have to be at dinner at a set time and see the same people night after night at our table.

I know people go on a cruise to get treated like kings and queens...we went to relax and be normal people.

Shop around and and read a lot of message boards...do not just rely on a couple of folks to steer you in the right (or wrong) direction.

Here is a good place to start.
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/

Keep in mind that many people who have only cruised NCL or Carnival have the impression that it is the best out there - that is until they cruise another line... you'll find that those that have experience with several lines know the ins and outs of NCL and know the poor quality... just a thought...



but thank you to Jamie - I did leave out a couple of great cruise lines! Thanks for the update!