Ria

We're married, no kids, age 30, will dress up if necessary (hate it though) and don't have a preference either way with night life or entertainment. Whats the difference in these two cruise lines? Is the cost the same? We travel the Carib but don't cruise...it's a first. Thanks.

Leanne

Ria. I can't speak for NCL, but I can tell you RCCL is not what it's cracked up to be. The brochures show you one thing and you get another on the ship. I.E. they will tell you in the brochure that they having stroller waiters at night serving appetizers. Not happening. They have nightly midnight buffets. Again, not happening. If you want something of class, try their upper line celebrity. If you are on a budget, give it a shot.<BR><BR>My husband and I are your age and prefer a more casual environment, but if you are sitting on the fence remember once you are on the ship, you are on the ship. Don't let wide angle photo shots fool you. These ships may be huge but they budget their space very well.

Parrot Mom

Casual and dress up if you want.. that is NCL.. they have d/c the midnight buffets except for the Grand and Chocolate Buffets and there is food available everywhere.. Best of all you dine when you want..from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and then all the alternative restaurants...

m

We've been on both NCL Dream (after the stretch) and RCCL Monarch, basically the same itinerary. I didn't really find that much difference between the two. We're in our 40's but no children and feel the same about nightlife and entertainment. <BR> <BR>What I did find better about NCL vs RCCL was the on-board Dive program. NCL's snorkeling excursions were better than RCCL's, partly because there was someone from the ship acting as tour guide. <BR> <BR>Hope that helps...

mary

We've cruised 6 times in the Carribean and prefer it to land trips - you get to see more islands at one time (although superficially) and then you know if you want to go back to that island and spend a week. <BR> <BR>We sailed last year on NCL and had a great experience. They have multiple dining rooms so it's not as if your in this gigantic dining room for dinner - it is more like small restaurants. Don't know what it's like now that they have changed to "freestyle" dining. If you go to the buffet, you don't have to dress up, I wouldn't wear shorts but jeans are fine. Dressing was not as formal as you normally get on a cruise. Entertainment was pretty good. Food was good. Service was great. We'd sail again. <BR> <BR>Don't mean to be anti-RCL but we had a bad experience....(see my reply under the Carnival or RCL). Was thinking as an after thought that if a good deal came around we might give them another try but - highly unlikely. <BR> <BR>The one thing about NCL is that they charge you the standard TIP when you book...then you have to go to the desk if you want to change it. (I could be wrong about this but check first) <BR> <BR>Dollar for dollar I would cruise NCL again.

john

Been on NCL ,RCCL & Carnival much of your enjoyment will depend on the age of the boat. I think service/value they are in the same leagues, if you take an older boat though you may not enjoy it as much. Many new ships have been launched in the past 2-3 yrs by all of these lines , try to stick with one of them. Staterooms are larger, spiffier and common rooms are generally very impressive on the new boats, worth a few bucks extra to ensure a good vacation. <BR> <BR>