NCL vs. RCCL in the Med.. HELP!
Jan 30th, 2007, 05:43 AM
#21
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally I would not go with NCL for most of the reasons listed here. The reviews I have read and heard personally from past NCL cruisers are just too spotty for us to spend $$ on. You are not obliged to eat in the main dining room on formal nights. Then you can use the buffet dining room or order in. No problems. I take exception to the idea about a casual atmosphere "breeding" casual behavior. Being casual doesn't HAVE to mean being crude or uncouth. One can in this context make a similar arguement about "breeding" inre to more formal atmospheres leading to behavior full of shallow pretension. Both arguements are illogical. Morals can be instilled in people from all social levels, not just the higher ones. Parents are the prime influence to instill values and such "wisdom" is not bought. I also think the term "breeding" should be applied to animals, not humans. Personally I have found the food on Carnival to be very good. Such items as escargot, prime rib, filet mignon, beef Wellington. lobster, etc. etc., should not to be equated to how one opines about the social level of its passengers.
My opinion. Larry.
My opinion. Larry.
Jan 30th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#22
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have been on NCL cruises and non NCL cruises. The food on NCL is fine and comparable to any of the mid-range lines.
The newer ships are quite nice and the service was very good.
Oh and wearing a tux (or not wearing one for that matter) does not make you a "better" person.
The newer ships are quite nice and the service was very good.
Oh and wearing a tux (or not wearing one for that matter) does not make you a "better" person.
Jan 30th, 2007, 08:13 AM
#23
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Larry, I did not mean to offend. My personal observation is that over the years, many things have changed. There is now an "its my vacation and I will dress/do/behave as I please" that is far too commonplace.
Many cruise lines now have curfews for teens, Youth Security Squads, Vacation Behavior Pledges that some require to be signed.
These became necessary when cruise pricing and style made it possible for many to enjoy cruising that were not able to before. Cruise lines stopped having dress codes that they enforced because it simply created more problems with the offenders than it was worth apparently.
I have personally seen staff members yelled and cursed at when trying to tell people that they were not properly attired to enter a dining room.
But, I have only seen that behavior on lines that have changed to a more casual overall experience, like CCL, RCI and NCL. Todays NCL and RCI are not even close to what they were like in the past on many levels.
Those three lines are also where I have seen the most drunken and rude behavior.
I have never had to call security when sailing HAL or Celebrity. I have not witnessed teens drunk on the ship, kids running wild, or general bad behavior.
I have seen it on NCL, CCL and RCI and it becomes more of an issue every year.
Rules are posted that certain pools, hot tubs, etc are adult only but the staff cannot begin to enforce policies because the passengers become argumentative and belligerent. They get dinged on their comment cards. Who suffers? those of us who prefer rules and standards be enforced.
That was what I meant by casual attire and behavior going hand in hand. The more casual the atmosphere, the more casual the overall ambiance. That has been my personal experience and it is among the reasons I stay away from certain lines.
While the luxury lines may be snobby to some, they do enforce dress codes and behavior to a higher degree than other lines.
Many cruise lines now have curfews for teens, Youth Security Squads, Vacation Behavior Pledges that some require to be signed.
These became necessary when cruise pricing and style made it possible for many to enjoy cruising that were not able to before. Cruise lines stopped having dress codes that they enforced because it simply created more problems with the offenders than it was worth apparently.
I have personally seen staff members yelled and cursed at when trying to tell people that they were not properly attired to enter a dining room.
But, I have only seen that behavior on lines that have changed to a more casual overall experience, like CCL, RCI and NCL. Todays NCL and RCI are not even close to what they were like in the past on many levels.
Those three lines are also where I have seen the most drunken and rude behavior.
I have never had to call security when sailing HAL or Celebrity. I have not witnessed teens drunk on the ship, kids running wild, or general bad behavior.
I have seen it on NCL, CCL and RCI and it becomes more of an issue every year.
Rules are posted that certain pools, hot tubs, etc are adult only but the staff cannot begin to enforce policies because the passengers become argumentative and belligerent. They get dinged on their comment cards. Who suffers? those of us who prefer rules and standards be enforced.
That was what I meant by casual attire and behavior going hand in hand. The more casual the atmosphere, the more casual the overall ambiance. That has been my personal experience and it is among the reasons I stay away from certain lines.
While the luxury lines may be snobby to some, they do enforce dress codes and behavior to a higher degree than other lines.
Jan 30th, 2007, 09:32 AM
#24
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kfusto: No worries. We all have a different POV. Respect, I think is the key. I have tried to say what I think respectfully though our views differ and you have done the same. I too meant no ofense. Larry.
Jan 30th, 2007, 10:12 AM
#25
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would like to add my own comments to the above.
We have only cruised on HAL, 3 cruises in the past 15 months, first on the Zuiderdam; last spring on the Noordam; and last month on the Oosterdam.
The Zuiderdam was the most formal of the ships, and on that cruise, most of the passengers dressed formally on formal night. The Noordam was a bit more casual but still appropriate. Our cruise to Mexico last month was by far the most casual, with many grown men dressed in jeans in the dining room (5 casual nights); and far fewer people dressed up on the 2 formal nights. There were also many more children & teens, and although well-behaved, the entire ambience on the ship was of a much more casual nature.
We decided that we will never again cruise over a holiday period - definitely not the usual HAL clientele.
We have only cruised on HAL, 3 cruises in the past 15 months, first on the Zuiderdam; last spring on the Noordam; and last month on the Oosterdam.
The Zuiderdam was the most formal of the ships, and on that cruise, most of the passengers dressed formally on formal night. The Noordam was a bit more casual but still appropriate. Our cruise to Mexico last month was by far the most casual, with many grown men dressed in jeans in the dining room (5 casual nights); and far fewer people dressed up on the 2 formal nights. There were also many more children & teens, and although well-behaved, the entire ambience on the ship was of a much more casual nature.
We decided that we will never again cruise over a holiday period - definitely not the usual HAL clientele.
Jan 30th, 2007, 02:41 PM
#26
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I found this article about what Kfusto referred to inre to cruise lines trying to control unruly children.
Cruise lines are being forced to employ patrols on ships to cope with record numbers of children on board.
Princess Cruises is the first to introduce "teen patrols" to scour its ships as a rise in teenagers has brought an increase in adolescent behaviour on board. A spokesman said that the patrols are intended to "remind" teenagers not to get too boisterous, particularly as some of its cruises attract as many as 400 youngsters.
"Most cruise lines have an issue, particularly in the summer holidays when we get a lot of children on board," said Pieter Van Der Sche, of Princess Cruises. "Teenagers sometimes get carried away and get enthusiastic. The role of the patrols is not to be like a police service, but to remind children to keep it down a bit."
P&O Cruises, a leading cruise line, reported that 10,000 of its cruise passengers were children last year, an increase of ten per cent on 2005. Other cruise lines have reported a similar rise in family cruises.
The increase has been prompted by various changes such as the introduction of larger ships offering a wider range of facilities and excursions - in many cases specifically geared to younger customers.
Children are now offered onboard activities as diverse as ice-skating, rock-climbing, surfing and bowling. There are rock concerts with cover bands of teen favourites such as Franz Ferdinand, the Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys, theatre groups and hip-hop dance classes. Ocean Village even offers a "dump the parents" programme of shore excursions where children can hike up Vesuvius or visit Barcelona FC's Nou Camp stadium.
Cruise firms are also reporting a rise in the numbers of single parent families taking their trips. There has also been an increase in the number of cases of one parent travelling with children as the other is too busy to join them.
Cruise lines are being forced to employ patrols on ships to cope with record numbers of children on board.
Princess Cruises is the first to introduce "teen patrols" to scour its ships as a rise in teenagers has brought an increase in adolescent behaviour on board. A spokesman said that the patrols are intended to "remind" teenagers not to get too boisterous, particularly as some of its cruises attract as many as 400 youngsters.
"Most cruise lines have an issue, particularly in the summer holidays when we get a lot of children on board," said Pieter Van Der Sche, of Princess Cruises. "Teenagers sometimes get carried away and get enthusiastic. The role of the patrols is not to be like a police service, but to remind children to keep it down a bit."
P&O Cruises, a leading cruise line, reported that 10,000 of its cruise passengers were children last year, an increase of ten per cent on 2005. Other cruise lines have reported a similar rise in family cruises.
The increase has been prompted by various changes such as the introduction of larger ships offering a wider range of facilities and excursions - in many cases specifically geared to younger customers.
Children are now offered onboard activities as diverse as ice-skating, rock-climbing, surfing and bowling. There are rock concerts with cover bands of teen favourites such as Franz Ferdinand, the Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys, theatre groups and hip-hop dance classes. Ocean Village even offers a "dump the parents" programme of shore excursions where children can hike up Vesuvius or visit Barcelona FC's Nou Camp stadium.
Cruise firms are also reporting a rise in the numbers of single parent families taking their trips. There has also been an increase in the number of cases of one parent travelling with children as the other is too busy to join them.
Jan 31st, 2007, 05:10 AM
#27
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Those are interesting statistics, Larry.
We think it's lovely to see families vacationing together, and I mean large, extended families (there was a group of 40 on our last cruise), I guess we naively thought that HAL would have no appeal since there are no rock climbing walls, bowling, etc. But the Captain told me that on that cruise, there were over 400 children! There was an outbreak of a stomach virus, which was attributed to the large number of kids on board.) However, I must say that for the most part, they were very well-behaved and usually better dressed than their parents!
We think it's lovely to see families vacationing together, and I mean large, extended families (there was a group of 40 on our last cruise), I guess we naively thought that HAL would have no appeal since there are no rock climbing walls, bowling, etc. But the Captain told me that on that cruise, there were over 400 children! There was an outbreak of a stomach virus, which was attributed to the large number of kids on board.) However, I must say that for the most part, they were very well-behaved and usually better dressed than their parents!
Jan 31st, 2007, 07:18 AM
#28
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I assume there was a time when cruising was an adult activity geared to the more wealthy who thrived on fine dining, dressing up, or perhaps what we could call "la dolce vita." But all things change. C'est la vie.
Jan 31st, 2007, 08:43 AM
#29
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
jacketwatch, I have added P&O's Arcadia to my list of cruises to experience one of these days. It is all adult, new and looks to be just my style, being a fan of traditional and elegant dining.
Arizona07, I was on HAL near spring break last year and the kids I saw were well behaved. I attribute that to both good parenting and to the fact that HAL has rules they enforce.
I was accompanying a group of 200 + and was called down to Guest Relations very early one morning as one in my group was apparently being rude and disrespectful to the staff and crew. I was warned they would remove him from the ship if he continued this behavior.
I was thrilled as I knew he was obnixious. He was spoken to and bevahed decently for the rest of the cruise.
I will book HAL again because they do care about their passengers. Other lines generally choose to do nothing in these situations, in my personal experience.
Arizona07, I was on HAL near spring break last year and the kids I saw were well behaved. I attribute that to both good parenting and to the fact that HAL has rules they enforce.
I was accompanying a group of 200 + and was called down to Guest Relations very early one morning as one in my group was apparently being rude and disrespectful to the staff and crew. I was warned they would remove him from the ship if he continued this behavior.
I was thrilled as I knew he was obnixious. He was spoken to and bevahed decently for the rest of the cruise.
I will book HAL again because they do care about their passengers. Other lines generally choose to do nothing in these situations, in my personal experience.
Jan 31st, 2007, 10:57 AM
#30
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kfusto: You might like the Tahitian Princess too. The Tahitian Islands is more an adult cruise really and the ship gets a 5 rating at cruise critic. Have you ever done trans-Atlantic cruising? I sort of think that style would appeal to you. I would like to try it too someday but my better half gets bored with too many sea days. I'm also glad to hear HAL took a stand in that particular case. Frankly I call that calling a bullys bluff. And besides that the ship holds all the cards. Too bad it doesn't happen more often.
Jan 31st, 2007, 11:21 AM
#31
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband & I sailed to Alaska 2 years ago on NCL's Dream and loved it! Everyone treated us like royalty.We are going again with NCL in March to Mexico. I would definately recommend NCL - they were great!
Jan 31st, 2007, 11:47 AM
#32
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's funny, kfusto,
We were on the Noordam the first week of April to W. Caribbean & dined with the ship's dr. several nights. He actually told us the same story.
Were you on that same cruise?
We were on the Noordam the first week of April to W. Caribbean & dined with the ship's dr. several nights. He actually told us the same story.
Were you on that same cruise?
Jan 31st, 2007, 02:13 PM
#33
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No,we were on the Zuiderdam in March of 06. The same group, minus Mr. Obnoxious, will be aboard the Oosterdam in April.
I would not be surprised if word of his behavior became a shipboard legend. He had 13 individual complaints, of which I was read every one, lodged against him by the 2nd morning of the cruise. I was kind of hoping to watch as he was led off the ship, with his whining girlfriend by his side
Larry, the TP is on my list as well. It is the flight to get the ship that puts me off.
As far as a TA, I think I am like your wife and would be bored by the third sea day!
I would not be surprised if word of his behavior became a shipboard legend. He had 13 individual complaints, of which I was read every one, lodged against him by the 2nd morning of the cruise. I was kind of hoping to watch as he was led off the ship, with his whining girlfriend by his side
Larry, the TP is on my list as well. It is the flight to get the ship that puts me off.
As far as a TA, I think I am like your wife and would be bored by the third sea day!
Feb 1st, 2007, 07:07 AM
#34
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry to hijack this thread, but this is for kfusto.
Have you cruised on the Oosterdam before? We liked the service much better than on the Noordam (we were on about the 3rd or 4th sailing); but thought the Zuiderdam was best of all.
Have you cruised on the Oosterdam before? We liked the service much better than on the Noordam (we were on about the 3rd or 4th sailing); but thought the Zuiderdam was best of all.
Feb 1st, 2007, 01:39 PM
#36
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,899
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Larry, that's a great one!
Arizona, I have not been on OS yet but I sent my clients on for a preview and they loved it. Said the ship in general was ncier than ZUI and the service was terrific. Since I have so many folks aboard and we do about 25 special functions over the course of the week, service is critical to me and HAL has truly been the best so far. I am hoping I will be impressed!
Arizona, I have not been on OS yet but I sent my clients on for a preview and they loved it. Said the ship in general was ncier than ZUI and the service was terrific. Since I have so many folks aboard and we do about 25 special functions over the course of the week, service is critical to me and HAL has truly been the best so far. I am hoping I will be impressed!
Feb 3rd, 2007, 04:23 PM
#37
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just returned from the NCL Pearl. I would have to say my observation was the ships demographics were mostly older seniors. For the most part they were the rudest, loudest, people of anyone. They acted like cause they were old they "owned" the ship and no one else had a right to be there. One oldster actually yelled at me "HEY WATCH OUT" as HE was going the wrong way in the buffet line at breakfast. They pushed there way in front of you never said "excuse me" one said "I would like to get out of the pool if you don't mind." I was standing to close to the stairs. What happened to a simple "excuse me." They are the rude ones and get away with it cause they are old!! (By the way I am in my 50's so I am no youngster myself!)
Feb 4th, 2007, 07:50 AM
#38
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,575
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Diann: Its too bad you had such an unpleasant experience. Our last two cruises, Alaska and Tahiti, had a fair amt. of seniors, esp. in Alaska and as a group they were fine really. I enjoyed talking to them as I think seniors have an experienced outlook on life. In fact there wasn't one time where we encountered such rude behavior as you described. Maybe those you met were charter members of Hells Angels. 
. Better luck next time.
. Better luck next time.
Feb 5th, 2007, 07:20 AM
#39
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Jacketwatch, that is funny!! Well they in no way impacted my vacation any shape way or form. I would not allow that to happen. It was basically an "observation" if you will.My husband and laughed about how brutal they could be. I only mentioned it as the young people and kids get such a bad rap at times. I think I would take my chances with the youngins. You are right older folks have much insight into life, and usually I can and do enjoy conversation with them. We enjoyed our cruise, and it is a chilly 7 degress out as I write. I wouldn't mind being back on that ship at all! Not one bit! Even if I were "yelled" at. wink-wink!
