olive22

I am looking @ a Western Med. cruise for late Oct. and can't decide between RCL and NCL? The issues are:
1) Like NCL because of "Freestyle" cruising, specifically being able to sit with just each other when we feel like it, and socialize with others when we feel like it
2) Also like NCL for the departure times, most are 9-9 vs. 7-7 for RCL
3) NCL is on a brand new ship, debuting in Oct.
4) RCL stops at Palermo vs. Messina. I've read through a lot of posts, and no one recommends Messina - vs. Palermo is always listed as a wonderful stop.
Does anyone have any advice? Help! We'd like to make plans soon!

FainaAgain

Oh, Olive, thank you for posting this question! I'm thinking of going on one of those cruises, too, and wondered which is better.

kfusto

olive22, it sounds like NCL is your preference based on dining and ports so not sure what feedback you are looking for.

Which RCI ship are you considering?

I am not an NCL fan personally as I feel the food and service is not very good. If any time dining is important to you, then RCI will not be a good fit as they offer only fixed seatings and a buffet.

They will have 4 ships in Europe this season so please post which one you are considering so we can compare.

olive22

You are right, it does appear I am NCL biased, I should have worded it better, as that is not the case. I like NCL for the anytime dining, but RCL for the better port in Sicily, and from what I've read, the food and service. It would be on the Norwegian Gem, which is brand new in October (don't know if that's good or bad). So I guess I could have worded it, do I choose RCL with the better port, and give up my dining freedom, or do I choose NCL and get more freedom on the ship, but stop in a port that's not really noteworthy.

kfusto

olive, which RCI ship? I can help a bit (50 RCI cruises to date).

Opinions of ports are as subjective as food. I love Messina, my grandmother was born there and I think the area is beautiful! For me, Italy is not about hitting the big sights then leaving, but about wandering and discovering. People have different travel styles and only you can determine what is right for you.

IMO, RCI has better food and service. However, when on NCL I always dine in the extra charge restaurants as I think the quality is better. Food is also subjective : ) On a Med cruise, I enjoy meals in port as much as possible and only use the ship for breakfast and occasionally dinner. For me, food and wine in the Med is a highlight and I will choose that over cruise ship food any day.

Quite honestly, I would make a decision based on price and itinerary in this case. It is not the Caribbean where IMO the ship is more important. In the Med, you are really using the ship as a floating hotel.

Also, remember that a new ship is bound to have some issues as the crew gets used to the ship and each other.

olive22

Thank you again! In light of your reply, I am leaning towards NCL, where you dock from 9:00-9:00 vs. 7:00-7:00, which would give us (I think) more opportunity to eat in the ports and not even worry about dinner onboard. And I'm so happy to hear about Messina! Any recommendations for shore excursions for Messina, Naples, Rome, Florence and Nice would be appreciated, you sound very well versed in cruising the Med!

kfusto

olive22, I think you are making the right decision based on your priorities.

I strongly suggest you go over and visit cruisecritic.com. They have a very active NCL board. They will also have a "roll call" for your sailing where you can "meet" other folks who will be cruising with you. Check out the "Port of Call" board for Italy while you are there. It will help you a lot!

There are folks there that love NCL and I am sure you will get a ton of info.

Have a wonderful cruise!