Never been on NCL

[LisaP]

Originally posted by CruisySuzi:
Also, has anyone been to Bermuda? Some ships only go there and no place else. Is the stay too long there?

Hi Susan. We will be on Norwegian Majesty next week to Bermuda -- it will be our fourth time. The destination can't be beat, and there is so much to see and do that you will likely not have enough time to do everything in one visit. Bermuda is also a very easy place to get around on your own, between the bus and ferry service, although these do take a lot of time in some cases.

The larger ships go only to King's Wharf, which frankly, isn't much. Norwegian Majesty berths at St. George, a quaint town with a lot of history and within walking distance of several nice beaches.

Of the ships you've mentioned, I have been on Rhapsody of the Seas only. Norwegian Majesty will definitely have a different feel. The ship is smaller, but I feel that's a positive as you will see the same people throughout the week -- both pax and crew. There are great nooks throughout the ship, such as a set of window seats overlooking the ocean... magnificent. And, there's Freestyle Dining, of which I am generally not a fan, but it works well in Bermuda as you do not have to rush back to the ship to make a set dining time.

If you do decide to book, note that cabins are small. Very small. We've been in several cabin types, so please ask away. One key is that the standard outside cabins are actually smaller than the superior inside cabins. I'm happy to assist with cabin selection, if you'd like.

Of course, everyone's tastes are different, so I can't answer with any certainty as to whether you will be happy with the ship. I've found that having expectations in line helps a great deal.

[safety382001]

Hi,

I have been on NCL four times and am about to go on my 5th in December. I have also been on 7 other cruise lines and have a good feel for each of them. RCI twice and my all time favorite is HAL.

So, here are my thoughts. The big difference with NCL and the others is the dining flexibility. NCL also really gives past passenger’s deals on future trips and I have been upgraded several times. NCL works hard off the ship for repeat business.

You mentioned Bermuda, I just got back from Bermuda aboard the Majesty. It was excellent. You can read my review under NCL Majesty on this website.

The Free Style concept was perfect for Bermuda because we had three beaches within walking distance from the ship. We wanted to take evening swims and then come back to the ship, shower, and then go to dinner. You can walk into the NCL dinning room at 9:50 and still have a complete dinner.

The big difference is that the crew is not rushed, like with two seatings, the waiters have more time to talk with you. They serve longer and a lot of people eat on deck or in one the specialty dinning spots.

I like both types of cruising, but if you want really slow paced or set your own schedule NCL works well.

Safety382001

[safety382001]

I just read the post from LisaP.... she hit it on the Majesty. I have also been on the NCL Sea when they re-positioned to LA.

I spent 15 days going thought the Panama Canal, to Coasta Rica and both sides of Mexico. I wouldn’t have wanted to take a trip like that on a bigger ship (1,500 passengers) is not small anyway. None of NCL’s ships are in the Mega Category and after 2008, they will have the youngest fleet afloat.

[creekkls]

Going on a cruise out of Charleston, SC Oct 28 and was wondering about the room size of cabin 470. I'm alittle scared that this room will be quite tight with 3 women with large suitcases. Any advise??

creek

[billybuzzy]

Originally posted by creekkls:
Going on a cruise out of Charleston, SC Oct 28 and was wondering about the room size of cabin 470. I'm alittle scared that this room will be quite tight with 3 women with large suitcases. Any advise??

creek

Pack Lightly and start on a diet!

BillyBuzzy

[LisaP]

creekkls, I just made note to look at cabin 470 when I am onboard next week. While it is a category F (standard oceanview), the fact that it allows for quad occupancy leads me to believe that this is a larger cabin (145 square feet compared to the usual 108 for a standard oceanview).

[safety382001]

CAT F is a little bigger and laid out better in the quad (not much). You should pack light anyway for this ship. Put the suitcases under the beds. Put the life jackets their too. You will free-up a big shelf on the top of the closet and have more room in the cabin.

[Cruise Fanatic]

Gail Marie Brown, and Capt Merky,
I hope you are aware that the NCL ships in Hawaii are operated by NCL America. They are registered in America unlike the NCL ships. That means they have American crew on them and the service is not the same as cruises with international crew. There have been many people unhappy with the service of NCL America. Also because the Hawaii cruises are really about seeing the islands, there aren't as many activities scheduled on ship as there usually is on other ships. If your Hawaii cruise does not meet your expectations I would encourage you to not get discouraged about cruising. Especially since this the first cruise for Capt Merky. It is a great way to see the Hawaiian islands and the focus is on the islands more than the cruise experience.

[creekkls]

Thanks so much for the info. We are all veteran cruisers and have learned from past cruises to pack light. Just had never sailed with NCL. thanks again.

Kelley.

[Paul & Darryl]

This is a little out of sequence with in the thread but I just have to compliment Ron Clark on his accurate and timely info! Every time I see your name I know the info will be complete!

Thanks!