PROS & CONS of NCL: Watch this before booking Norwegian Cruise Line!

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Күн бұрын

Norwegian Cruise Line is one of my favorite cruise lines in the industry. I appreciate their commitment to bringing great cruise vacations to their guests for reasonable prices. Plus, they're one of the best in the industry at offering something for everyone onboard.
Over the past 12 months, I have been able to cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line 6 times and currently have three additional sailings booked for 2024. From these experiences, I have gained some insight into what some of the pros and cons of NCL might be for prospective travelers.
Because Norwegian is the cruise line I have sailed with the most, it tends to have more pros for me than cons, personally; however, there are some important negatives that potential cruisers should be aware of before booking a sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line to avoid any disappointment.
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Пікірлер: 90

@mcshiggitypilot5901 4 ай бұрын

I have been on 16 consecutive NCL Cruises. Never a complaint or bad day with NCL! Highly recomend. Helpful hint...Be especially nice to the crew, and they will be especially extra nice to you! They are the best!

@tcmw779 4 ай бұрын

My wife and I love NCL, we are both retired and can usually stay Haven. We have been on the Dawn, Encore, Joy and the Sun. We are in our 60s and have achieved PLATINUM status. We are in our mid-60s and NCL just works for us. We really appreciate the Crew; on our 5 NCL cruises ALL have been EXTREMELY nice, helpful and polite.

@PleaseEnterA.Name. Ай бұрын

What makes you like Haven more than Encore?

@tcmw779 Ай бұрын

@@PleaseEnterA.Name. I'm not sure I understand your question. "The Haven" is a section of several ships like the Encore. Several NCL ships have "The Haven" but not all."The Haven" is a somewhat private part of those ships and includes several stateroom types and some Havens have their own bar and restaurant.

@aimeerogers4542 4 ай бұрын

I think your video is very fair. There are good and bad points for every Cruise line.

@Mostly_Peaceful_Irish 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for a fair and descriptive explanation. Been on lots of cruises but booking my first with NCL.

@crazy4dariver 4 ай бұрын

One of my cruises was Mexican Riviera 10 day. "Huge Disappointment" as no real nightlife. Chatting with my new poolside bartender buddy he laughed at me. "Your going too early. It really kicks off between 11 and 12. Go tonight, I'm lead bartender and can point out the single women for you." (He received an additional tip as i had no clue)

@SunnyTravels 4 ай бұрын

Nice job. I've been in 15 NCL cruises and it's my favorite! 14 have been solo.

@Ciuatontla 3 ай бұрын

My first cruise was a Norwegian solo. I paid $1099 for a huge balcony room. It was an amazing experience. My only complaint was forgetting additional outlet adapters and not bringing extra seasonings and hot sauce.

@TimothyZakaria 3 ай бұрын

@Ciuatontla I prefer cruising than flying but I don't know how much it is to go from NY to Northern Europe. Pricing is always an issue

@TimothyZakaria 3 ай бұрын

@@CiuatontlaI first saw Norwegian when I was on a ferry in NY

@matthewhoffman9788 3 ай бұрын

@@TimothyZakaria Do a transatlantic cruise and start looking at prices after final payment dates. I've done a 16 night transatlantic NYC to Barcelona for $1500.00 total which is less than $100 a day.

@AndreasS.-mh8ti Ай бұрын

Comparing Virgin & NCL for solo. What do you like most about NCL solo? Easy to meet singles? Pool overly crowded? Do you mostly eat by yourself at a table or eat at the bars? Do you opt to eat at others tables too? How is the Solo Lounge?

@crazy4dariver 4 ай бұрын

Tip for NCL...every ship I have been on has a Starbucks somewhere. Buy a Starbucks gift card BEFORE you board. Starbucks is expensive to begin with but add MORE to the cost on board (roughly 15-20%) I got one for Christmas and ran it dry.

@chrystinafoxdale4941 4 ай бұрын

But check before you do. From browsing other forums, I've learned that not ALL have a 'full-service' Starbucks. The ones that do will take the gift card - the others *won't*. I'm booked on the NCL Jade, and discovered that she's one of the "won't" ones.

@kingsgaurd 3 ай бұрын

I have been on a number of NCL cruises and agree with what you have said. I do think NCL has dropped a bit lately, cancelling some of their shows, without good back up plans. NCL has great staff and I love freestyle dining.

@RebeccaCampbell33 4 ай бұрын

I sailed on NCL last month for the first time, I loved it!

@Ciuatontla 3 ай бұрын

I sailed on Epic recently & there was the most amazing live band on board. All Dominican men who sang & played music all Latinos would love. It was my go to even though I really tried to enjoy other entertainment. The food was mostly great (skipped the buffet COMPLETELY after the 1st time), but I bought a seasoning kit as soon as I got home for my next cruise. I’ll be taking my own seasonings & hot sauces.

@Jeff-and-Joe 4 ай бұрын

PRO TIP: If you are on your very first NCL cruise, do not book a follow on cruise while onboard. Go ahead and buy Cruise Next certificates, but do not book or pay for any follow-on cruise. Reason being that if that follow-on was eligible for bonus loyalty points, NCL will not honor them. You have to have completed your first cruise before you gain any loyalty eligibility. Wait till you get home, then book. The sales folks at the Cruise Next desk took us for a ride!

@wc6975 Ай бұрын

that's NCL for you....screw you when they can...lol :)

@dBsound100 22 күн бұрын

I agree 100%. They were offering "if you put down $500, we'll give you $1000 off your next cruiseSSS!" Meaning, you can't use the $1000. You get FOUR separate $250 credits, that can't be combined(95% of the time- they said they occasionally let people use two at a time). SO, that means they're tying you into up to FOUR more cruises. I'm the King of finding deals, but this is a scam if you ask me, and I walked away from the desk.

@matthewhoffman9788 17 күн бұрын

You got a free cabin upgrade for booking onboard

@valeriemccann2502 3 ай бұрын

Thank You Very much. Great Info

@crazy4dariver 4 ай бұрын

I like NCL. Done Hawaii, Mexico, Caribbean, Canada....fun. Service was always outstanding food was amazing and the people were fun. My only recommendation is DO NOT book a balcony cabin directly below the water slide! I goofed but first day at sea i realized what i had done. They moved me no questions asked

@MustangShelby 4 ай бұрын

I have tried 1 time where NCL embarkation was complete chaos and took 3 hours to get on board. No information was given what so ever and we just sat waiting in the terminal, without knowing why. That was a very bad experience. Later it was revealed they had some IT issues, but still at least provide information to people. This experience still haunts me to this day

@brantthompson199 3 ай бұрын

We have been on 5 lines and NCL is the worst for embarkation/disembarkation. They should send over some associates to see how Royal does it and take good notes. It’s not even close.

@jeffkingsley8964 3 ай бұрын

Agreed. Of the three cruise lines my wife and I have sailed on, NCL is by far the worst with regards to embarkation. On our last NCL cruise, the lines for embarkation were over 1 hour long, and the line to disembark wound back and forth through one of the night clubs and the main dining room (IIRC, it took almost 45 minutes to get off the ship). By contrast, we just finished a cruise with Princess; the embarkation process only took 15 minutes, and disembarking took less than that. I think a lot of the slowdown with NCL is due to their insistence that they give you your stateroom card(s) in the terminal, whereas Royal puts them outside your stateroom, and Princess mails your medallion to you prior to the cruise.

@mikebunnell3169 3 ай бұрын

Cruise lines don’t control embarkation, the cruise terminal does.

@Ciuatontla 3 ай бұрын

I was on one last month leaving from Port Canaveral. I was on board within 30 minutes, drink in hand within 45 minutes. It took longer to ride the bus from MCO. Luggage took awhile to get to my room, but it was worth the wait.

@well-blazeredman6187 4 ай бұрын

Good guide.

@laurabeckwilson6963 3 ай бұрын

I have missed Norwegian private island twice now. The ship could not tender in the weather. They do not have a pier, unlike RCCL. We could see the RCCL ships docked at Coco Key, enjoying the day when we could not.

@amf004 2 ай бұрын

Getting ready for my first cruise and it’s NCL ;)

@cjykqn 3 ай бұрын

Definitely a pro! Who wants to have other people's brats around.

@albertoserrano4115 4 ай бұрын

You should take a NCL in Puerto Rico and talk about it...I like to see that..

@bthomasx 3 ай бұрын

I like NCL, we have done 6 so far and all have been good

@mwroysan 3 ай бұрын

My Wife and I have only sailed on MSC in the last 10yrs. As a change we're sailing on the VIVA in June in the Mediterranean. We're looking forward to check out the difference. Thanks for such an informative video❤

@wc6975 Ай бұрын

keep us posted on the difference between MSC and NCL. were looking at MSC

@haroldpaden8755 2 ай бұрын

Right On !!!

@michelleb749 3 ай бұрын

We had a great time sailing NCL in Europe and Hawaii. We have never sailed them in the Caribbean and I think I will stick with Royal and Celebrity due to the solarium, outdoor deck space and private islands.

@mewarner84 3 ай бұрын

Such a great point!!!

@wc6975 Ай бұрын

FYI - the dining options are limited to very tight time schedules when they are open. Most of the time we got back to the ship from NCL excursions at 2:30 or 3:00 pm, all dining venues are closed. We just sailed 19 days on the VIVA, April 2024. Vegetarian diet style food is almost non existent, same goes for gluten free, very limited. The Local Bar is open 24 / 7 but that is mostly deep fried pub food.

@donblake1 3 ай бұрын

Don't forget about the thermo spas on the breakaway class to me they are second to none

@chrisrobertson3189 16 күн бұрын

We are big fans of NCL! Our disappointments are few- extra costs, lack of productions shows (wife) and staff cutbacks!

@rodneyscales2648 6 күн бұрын

The newer ships have smaller venues. I was on the Prima a fantastic ship but smaller venues. I also been on the Jewel and Sun much bigger venues. I love NCL almost Ambassador.

@user-wg4sx6cu4l 2 ай бұрын

Hi, I have been on 4 N. C. L cruses two had a crew that was Rude People were allowed to stay for two shows and I could not get good seats and was even turned away. The service and food is better on other lines.

@saysumesh 2 ай бұрын

I'm still waiting for getting my cruise ride

@joebarrett4353 3 ай бұрын

If you want to go to a specific place (eg the Panama Canal), you don't have a wide choice of ships

@sashaladygray 3 ай бұрын

Going on the Breakaway in April cannot wait to experience NCL for the first time. The hubs and I are trying out all the cruise line to see which one we like the best to build points with. MSC is out.

@Bazou2013 3 ай бұрын

The Breakaway is an old ship and it shows. We experienced long queues, bad food and very stressed staff. We were very disappointed. We cruised this passed December. Something is going on with NCL management, lots of complaints lately. Switch your trip for a Royal Caribbean one, would be my recommendation. If you haven’t tried Viking yet, try them, top notch!

@mr.balloffur 3 ай бұрын

@@Bazou2013 It's so strange because I've heard the exact opposite. It's probably the people more than the cruise line

@user-qv4wm9on3s 2 ай бұрын

I have been in a couple of NCL cruise line , the last time I went to Europe and the ports that use tenders its real mess unless you are platinum or above , waiting time in those ports for me was a nightmare looking at the port and waiting 3-4 hours just to get on the tender its a con and at least 1 hour for the tender on the way back . 10 or 8 hours on port and waiting 3-4 hours for tender will mean a lot less time on that port .I have been on other cruise line in Europe and in other parts of the world and never have that type of situation . I send email to the cruise line and still waiting for a response .

@fabb2527 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I will look to a different cruise line to book the Mediterranean cruise on my list.

@mrtexas0187 18 күн бұрын

The entire fleet of ships in the NCL stable is about to be dramatically reduced. Including the removal and retirement of the NCL Escape.

@mhobbs67 2 ай бұрын

What boat did u go on when u flew from flordia to England?

@aknorth1053 2 ай бұрын

Going on my first ncl next year. So far I've noticed the have way to high a propensity to cancel cruises they cancel way more than typical. When you do longer cruises you tend to book further put makes me not want to do that with ncl

@ljb6343 4 ай бұрын

Most cruise ships charge for activities at times. I love just lounging and do not need so many activities. That’s kind of what I want to sail for and do not need lots of kids running around(they have Disney for that lol). I want to try Norwegian. Which ship do you recommend to start with and how is the food?

@Cornelius_Pop 4 ай бұрын

Yes! They nickel and dime the crap out of people… all cruise lines do it but NCl is the worst.

@davidmcottrell 4 ай бұрын

I didn’t feel that way at all on the Prima we just went on two weeks ago. RCL is way worse.

@Cornelius_Pop 4 ай бұрын

@@davidmcottrell Royal charges for activities like NCl? It just seems like NCl makes u pay extra for pretty much all onboard activities.

@crazy4dariver 4 ай бұрын

I travel solo and balcony only. I buy the all inclusive package. Expensive sure. No surprise at the end and I know going in that they are hitting me double occupancy. My first ever cruise, I learned fast when I got an additional bill for $2000.00

@davidmcottrell 4 ай бұрын

@@Cornelius_Pop yup. On Icon they even charge up to $90 for a three minute “ropes” course. $200-$600 for cabanas, up charge on food, more expensive drinks, etc.

@graydonwilson5550 3 ай бұрын

The pros all struck me well and the cons fell flat. I'm not interested in swimming, so crowded pools don't affect me. My children are grown adults now, with their own children, so the lack of children's activities isn't a concern. And I'm not into gaming, so the charges for the various gaming activities also don't affect me. I've always found on-board buffets to have excellent offerings, so the charges for specialty dining rooms don't bother me. And, lastly, one of the reasons I like cruising is getting away from the world. I rarely use wi-fi on cruises, so the charges for wi-fi aren't a worry. All in all, it looks like Norwegian is a good fit for me. Affordable cruises that go all over the world, great food, lots of bars and cheerful, helpful staff.

@sheilajohnson6478 3 ай бұрын

I don’t like how they jack the prices up the closer it gets to the date of the cruise. You’d think they’d lower a bit.

@matthewhoffman9788 3 ай бұрын

Simply supply and demand. Popular cruises that are filling up and prices go up right up until sail embarkation. Cruises on that aren't as popular simply wait and watch prices drop like a wet bag of cement as they try to fill up the ship for that sailing.

@PatriciaVanAsperen 18 күн бұрын

Most great deals are on ships that are not full …. Worst thing is you get a deal one month before you sail only to watch prices plummet to half what you paid a few week before . BUT …. If you have to fly to the port last minute the airline is going to charge you a lot more than you might have saved on the cruise . Also you can not get the cruise lines to book you tickets for air travel ( not even if you are paying for it ) … same with ground transportation … if you want those things you can not unless you book your trip 120 days ( 4 months ) before the cruise begins.

@vicki8042 3 ай бұрын

I keep hearing NCL nickle and dimes you but we are going on Royal in a few months and the fun activities are to pay for on there also. Seems they are all alike. And most of the cruise lines have flexible/any time dining so that isn't a pro for NCL anymore.

@markt9805 4 ай бұрын

I have to disagree with some of the things that you say in this video. Il been on two NCL cruises this year and the entertainment other than the choir of man show was lacking. Yes, there are other venues with music but they’re tiny and accommodate 3 to 400 people. Meanwhile, there’s 4000 people on board the ship and not everybody can fit in. Also the Air program is not good and that they have split families up in order to get them on different airplanes when it was not requested. Finally, I have found the crew not to be extremely happy. I will suggest you sale and Princess or Holland America in compare the cruise friendliness, an attitude to what you see on Norwegian.

@teresa978 4 ай бұрын

Booking flights through NCL are you flying in the day of the cruise?

@mewarner84 3 ай бұрын

We've flown in day of to London last year......plan to fly in day before for Rome in July 2024

@rrogers4978 4 ай бұрын

We have done 3 NCL cruises and won't be doing any more, the new ships have super small pool areas and entertainment venues, ie Syd Normans on the new ships have a capacity of less than a hundred guests and you can never get in unless you feel like spending an hour standing in line. Everything on board seems to be geared to try an entice you to pay a fee to upgrade to a better area or dining option, even the deck games are mostly a paid option, the king of the nickel and dimes cruise lines has only cemented their position at the top of this category with their new ship design. Oh and btw "free at sea" is anything but and their flight options are terrible, always booking the cheapest flight that is scheduled to land the morning of the cruise does Not Work!!!! Do better NcL

@woodrowwheeless2509 3 ай бұрын

I only sail NCL. leaving for Vancouver end of March. Mexico in November. Both on Bliss. Solo studio. Love observation deck

@TOhara-eb2lp 3 ай бұрын

Not having more kids around is a plus.

@ljb6343 4 ай бұрын

What is your favorite cruise and or cruise ship?

@ALSmith-zz4yy 3 ай бұрын

You left out one destination, Antarctica. Oh, they won't go there but they will advertise it and take your money but cancel it after you sail then offer no explanation or compensation. Who knew the cruise contract covered them for any false advertising they might do?

@burnm6078 3 ай бұрын

Agree with your views, have been a solo guest for over 15 years. Things have change but still good bank for the bucks

@SuperKenndog 4 ай бұрын

Of all my cruises, would have to say NCL was my favorite. MSC was my least favorite

@TOhara-eb2lp 3 ай бұрын

Oh did they (MSC) suck!

@joanshortall7333 2 ай бұрын

They have a good product onboard, but I will never sail or sell them again because of the absolute worst customer service in any industry. They either blame the passenger or are outright mean. Reservations department is great, but everyone else is horrible.

@pw-sz6ds 4 ай бұрын

Having a great crew and staff is not rare. Many other cruise lines have great staff and crew. I have yet to experience anything less.

@jennymars4097 3 ай бұрын

Ughh.. we booked on NCL sun this summer and some reviews are freaking me out.

@rosemcintyre9144 3 ай бұрын

The cruiseline is terrible. Don't do it. Terrible customer service.

@user-vo6dv5wk3q 3 ай бұрын

there is no customer service on ncl anymore, i learned that the hard way.i only book the haven and recently went to the carribean. my cabin is an aft cabin with hot tub on the balcony. a very expensive cabin so you expect the best. booked it six months in advance of sailing. two days before the sailing i get an email that the hot tub can only be used one hour per day with an appointment. totally unacceptable for the cost of this cabin.called custormer service about this to be told nothing can be done period with an attitude. no refunds, no credit towards a future cruise nothing. i asked for a room without a hot tub again no.only the rooms in the haven had this problem,the public hot tubs worked just fine all week long including the public ones in the haven.i have CALLED ABOUT THIS NUMEROUS TIMES AND GOT NOWHERE. NCL IS A JOKE NEVER AGAIN.BOOK ANYLINE EXCEPT NCL IF YOU DONT WANT ANY PROBLEMS.

@tibcordeiro 3 ай бұрын

Let me give ncl some free advice. Stopping offering a a 'included beverage package' and then add a graduity to what they feel the package is worth. . That is a complete money grab ripping off your customer. The gratuity should be on the drinks consumed. It's not really ia difficult concept to understand🎉 unless you are determined on screwing over your customers with Nickle and diming polices. I refuse to support these Scammers until they stop this practice.

@matthewhoffman9788 3 ай бұрын

The gratuities are based upon the daily cost of the beverage package which is how gratuities are determined by ALL THE CRUISE LINES that have a beverage package. A glass of wine and two soda drinks and you've already consumed enough beverages to pay for the daily gratuity and any drinks after that are literally FREE since you've already gotten the value in the first two drinks consumed. It's a GREAT DEAL to pay only $20 a day in gratuities when ALL DRINK PACKAGES are $100+ a day PLUS GRATUTIES.

@tibcordeiro 3 ай бұрын

Princess plus, that is how it's done. It includes all the gratuities, drinks, very fast WiFi, we streamed with it unlike ncl , room service, no extra fees added onto a 'free' package ncl gives you. . Ncl is a horrible company. I will never support them until they change their business model. Nickle and dime every step of the way.

@matthewhoffman9788 3 ай бұрын

@@tibcordeiro You're welcome to your opinion and that's marvelous that you've decided that Princess Cruises lines is the line for you. Personally, I find Princess lacking in entertainment (no big Broadway shows) and outdoor activities (waterslides), but you like them and that's truly wonderful.

@bernicecox5960 2 ай бұрын

Would never travel with them now. Evil company.

@user-vo6dv5wk3q 3 ай бұрын

warning do not book ncl ever, they have the worst customer service period. all they care about is your money. stay away. i always go in the haven and they screwed me royally.never again

@TheThisisliving Ай бұрын

NCL is the worst of the worst. I have cruised and all the major cruise lines and NCL is garbage. Save your money and eat at Sizzler. The ships are just okay, ports suck, personal suck, food is garbage. Never again for me.