Had to finally book with NCL because Disney wanted me to sell my house... lol

perditax said:
Aw, thank you guys for all the responses. I will be the first to admit I have done WAY WAY more whining about this than is called for in the last couple of weeks, as sweetpee knows. ;) I shouldn't have made that post this morning. I really am looking forward to the Dream cruise. And yeah, the boyfriend is coming along, and he always has a much better attitude than I do about almost anything, so that part won't be a problem. =D And really, I swear I'm not the type of person who looks for things to be unhappy about it, and I already know I like cruising. Something would have to go seriously seriously wrong for me to not have a good time. This is probably equal parts RL/work stress, those pre-trip jitters you get when you've been planning something too long, and the fact that I keep reading about the Celebrity Eclipse on the side and longing to hang out in their big funky library. ;) Plus Cozumel seems like more fun than Nassau.

TL;DR Sorry for complaining about a TRUE first world problem, and thank you for the encouragement. :)

EDIT: I know what you guys mean about the gelatin-based desserts. Some restaurants here do it too, but they do it for 'artsy' reasons. I had one like that in the NCL MDR, it was like 'milk chocolate mousse cake', and at first I was pretty eh on it, because that gelatin stuff doesn't exactly hold a lot of flavor, but by the end it had grown on me, like eating a light 'milky way' bar pie.

My plan on Dream was to go for the sundae type stuff. E.g., if Enchanted Garden still has that bananas foster sundae on the website, that'll be me.
Click to expand...

The Dream is a great ship. You're going to have a blast. We docked next to the Eclipse and made the Magic look shabby. It's a beautiful ship. My husband wanted to book it until I pointed out that there were no kids onboard. Enjoy the Dream and get the Eclipse booked for next year.
 
Perditax I am also looking forward to hearing your review of the Dream. It's already been said by a few-it's a gorgeous ship and Nassau is not bad at all. It gets a bad rap, but we love it. We always go to the Tortuga shop and get the rum cakes there. I know they're all over the Caribbean, but we just associate it with Nassau. Also, I think they still have Golden Mickeys which is wonderful and Believe which many people think is DCL's best show. (Not me personally-LOVE it, but my favorite is Wishes on the Fantasy) I also love that this thread is still going and still so positive! Makes me also want to get to Bermuda and try Princess as well.
 
A couple of people have mentioned me writing a review for Dream. I never expected anyone to read my NCL review, so I'm quite flattered. I will without doubt write one (probably a day by day "live" post at bedtime--writing is how I relax), I'm just slightly hesitant about where I'll be posting it. I try to respect the Disney "bubble" and I don't want anyone to think I'm just being mean. Not that I am looking for things to go wrong, but I definitely call it like I see it; plus I've expressed my frustration with people who say the food is terrible but don't explain why. I'm knowledgeable on food, so if I get something terrible I'm darn well going to elaborate. This will be perceived as being negative by some people. (Note: if you read my NCL review you'll know I'm just as effusive with praise when I really love something.) Anyway, I'll probably post it here (rather than CC), I'll just load it with disclaimers. :)
 
perditax said:
A couple of people have mentioned me writing a review for Dream. I never expected anyone to read my NCL review, so I'm quite flattered. I will without doubt write one (probably a day by day "live" post at bedtime--writing is how I relax), I'm just slightly hesitant about where I'll be posting it. I try to respect the Disney "bubble" and I don't want anyone to think I'm just being mean. Not that I am looking for things to go wrong, but I definitely call it like I see it; plus I've expressed my frustration with people who say the food is terrible but don't explain why. I'm knowledgeable on food, so if I get something terrible I'm darn well going to elaborate. This will be perceived as being negative by some people. (Note: if you read my NCL review you'll know I'm just as effusive with praise when I really love something.) Anyway, I'll probably post it here (rather than CC), I'll just load it with disclaimers. :)
Click to expand...
It's so funny how each cruise line over there has such a different culture. Like, right now, that NCL board is N-A-S-T-Y. Maybe it always is? The Princess board is far more genteel. Now, the "problem" with the DCL board over there is I always compare it to this board, and I find this one so much more informative.
I'm with you. I'd keep it over here. YES - sometimes Disney-fans are sort of rabid and a kind of defensive that I thankfully don't encounter IRL. But I also think the pool of posters is larger over here and more likely to appreciate the good-with-the-bad.

Either way - I will look for it.
 


momof2n2 said:
Like, right now, that NCL board is N-A-S-T-Y. Maybe it always is? The Princess board is far more genteel.
Click to expand...
I don't think this is a coincidence. I have found that Princess loyalists tend to be much more into the classic style of cruising where the ship is a ship, and not a floating amusement park, and where people stroll the Promenade and greet each other as they pass in opposite directions. Instead of wanting a ship with 15 diverse dining venues, they want a reputable Main Dining Room and one or two other options. In a sense, their wants and needs are laser-focused and as a result, there is less to carp about. I know that these are wild over-generalizations, but I think there is some truth to it.
 
I've only been on the NCL board (and CC, in general) for the last 7-8 months, which coincides with the Reign of Terror of the new CEO, so it's difficult to know for sure what's going on there. It does seem like a lot of not-very-graceful changes got made in this period.

(Amusingly, the board that seems to have the least drama is Carnival. :) Just lots of seemingly cheerful booze-smuggling talk.)
 
perditax said:
A couple of people have mentioned me writing a review for Dream. I never expected anyone to read my NCL review, so I'm quite flattered. I will without doubt write one (probably a day by day "live" post at bedtime--writing is how I relax), I'm just slightly hesitant about where I'll be posting it. I try to respect the Disney "bubble" and I don't want anyone to think I'm just being mean. Not that I am looking for things to go wrong, but I definitely call it like I see it; plus I've expressed my frustration with people who say the food is terrible but don't explain why. I'm knowledgeable on food, so if I get something terrible I'm darn well going to elaborate. This will be perceived as being negative by some people. (Note: if you read my NCL review you'll know I'm just as effusive with praise when I really love something.) Anyway, I'll probably post it here (rather than CC), I'll just load it with disclaimers. :)
Click to expand...

I don't think the Disney loyalists are as defensive as they were...say a couple of years ago. There are a few on this board that will defend DCL no matter what, but you already know who they are. I'm looking forward to your honest review. I haven't been on the Dream in a couple of years.
 


This is perfect timing that I found this thread...full disclosure, I haven't read the entire thread, just tried to skim for the highlights.

I just priced out nearly the same November 2016 cruise for my family of five. We are currently booked on the Disney Fantasy for seven days (Eastern) and are paying $5200 (w/ a 10% on board booking discount). It appears a similar cruise thru NCL (the Escape - new ship?) in a similar cabin would be $2800. The main differences I see are that the Disney cruise leaves from Port Canaveral whereas the NCL trip is from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area and instead of Castaway, NCL stops at Nassau.

I'm mighty tempted to abandon this Disney ship and try out NCL. I'm just sooooooo afraid my kids will miss the Disney touches. But, for that kind of savings, we could do a few days before at WDW and still be saving some $. Even splitting my party up into two connecting cabins would save us $1000.

Is this too good to be true? I think there is some special where NCL is allowing your 3rd/4th guest to be free. I'm not a member of Cruise Critic, but maybe a visit over there is in order to get a feel for NCL. I've only cruised once and it was amazing and with Disney.

ahhhhhhhh, decisions decisions...
 
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Shea&Van said:
This is perfect timing that I found this thread...full disclosure, I haven't read the entire thread, just tried to skim for the highlights.

I just priced out nearly the same November 2016 cruise for my family of five. We are currently booked on the Disney Fantasy for seven days (Eastern) and are paying $5200 (w/ a 10% on board booking discount). It appears a similar cruise thru NCL in a similar cabin would be $2800. The main differences I see are that the Disney cruise leaves from Port Canaveral whereas the NCL trip is from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area and instead of Castaway, NCL stops at Nassau.

I'm mighty tempted to abandon this Disney ship and try out NCL. I'm just sooooooo afraid my kids will miss the Disney touches. But, for that kind of savings, we could do a few days before at WDW and still be saving some $. Even splitting my party up into two connecting cabins would save us $1000.

Is this too good to be true? I think there is some special where NCL is allowing your 3rd/4th guest to be free. I'm not a member of Cruise Critic, but maybe a visit over there is in order to get a feel for NCL. I've only cruised once and it was amazing and with Disney.

ahhhhhhhh, decisions decisions...
Click to expand...

DO IT!!! For that price, it doesn't have to be a perfect Disney cruise (which may not even exist)--it can just be a really really good cruise. And if you need Disney, you can add WDW.
 
Shea&Van said:
This is perfect timing that I found this thread...full disclosure, I haven't read the entire thread, just tried to skim for the highlights.

I just priced out nearly the same November 2016 cruise for my family of five. We are currently booked on the Disney Fantasy for seven days (Eastern) and are paying $5200 (w/ a 10% on board booking discount). It appears a similar cruise thru NCL (the Escape - new ship?) in a similar cabin would be $2800. The main differences I see are that the Disney cruise leaves from Port Canaveral whereas the NCL trip is from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area and instead of Castaway, NCL stops at Nassau.

I'm mighty tempted to abandon this Disney ship and try out NCL. I'm just sooooooo afraid my kids will miss the Disney touches. But, for that kind of savings, we could do a few days before at WDW and still be saving some $. Even splitting my party up into two connecting cabins would save us $1000.

Is this too good to be true? I think there is some special where NCL is allowing your 3rd/4th guest to be free. I'm not a member of Cruise Critic, but maybe a visit over there is in order to get a feel for NCL. I've only cruised once and it was amazing and with Disney.

ahhhhhhhh, decisions decisions...
Click to expand...

It looks like current NCL promos may change soon (maybe tomorrow?) so may be worth locking something in today. You could always cancel, this far out.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2252253

Then again, it's entirely possible a new round of amazing promos will happen again by Nov 2016. I'm new to cruising but I get the sense the big promos get launched at the beginning of the calendar year (for everyone but DCL):

http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=796
 
Shea&Van said:
This is perfect timing that I found this thread...full disclosure, I haven't read the entire thread, just tried to skim for the highlights.

I just priced out nearly the same November 2016 cruise for my family of five. We are currently booked on the Disney Fantasy for seven days (Eastern) and are paying $5200 (w/ a 10% on board booking discount). It appears a similar cruise thru NCL (the Escape - new ship?) in a similar cabin would be $2800. The main differences I see are that the Disney cruise leaves from Port Canaveral whereas the NCL trip is from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area and instead of Castaway, NCL stops at Nassau.

I'm mighty tempted to abandon this Disney ship and try out NCL. I'm just sooooooo afraid my kids will miss the Disney touches. But, for that kind of savings, we could do a few days before at WDW and still be saving some $. Even splitting my party up into two connecting cabins would save us $1000.

Is this too good to be true? I think there is some special where NCL is allowing your 3rd/4th guest to be free. I'm not a member of Cruise Critic, but maybe a visit over there is in order to get a feel for NCL. I've only cruised once and it was amazing and with Disney.

ahhhhhhhh, decisions decisions...
Click to expand...

We are doing the Getaway next May.

I say book it and just hold both til you're sure. But I think the newest ships look like a boatload of fun.

And yes - Escape is their newest ship. It looks great.

NCL board at CC is a little cranky. Just sayin'. ;)
 
Shea&Van said:
But, for that kind of savings, we could do a few days before at WDW and still be saving some $.
Click to expand...
BINGO. Turn a 7 day vacation into a 10 day vacation. Fly to MCO and spend 3 nights at a WDW Resort for around $250 per night. Add in meals, park tickets and a one way car rental to Miami, and you still won't eat up the $2400 difference. You get a longer vacation, and Disney, and a cruise.
 
Actually the NCL board is far from a little cranky, they have been very honest and vocal about the many many cuts and changes NCL has put in place. They are really upset. I would suggest any one new to NCL, read their forums carefully. I would, after DCL take RCCL hands down over NCL.

What is supposed to be a big money issue, is the price of the many pay to get in restaurants that will be going A LA CART in January 2016.

AKK
 
There are many many DCL cheerleaders on this board, no duh, this is a Disney forum after all, but I do feel over the years it has changed somewhat in that there are more people who are willing to call out or question the creeping prices and changing policies that have taken place. Just a year or two ago, anyone complaining about DCL was thrown under the bus, nowadays, not so much.
I know for myself, that since my first DCL cruise in 2002, I'd been happy to keep cruising DCL until my daughter started cruising other lines and opened my eyes to other great cruise lines out there.
I would still cruise DCL if the price and itinerary where a great deal, but lately I feel the service has slipped, and the adult venues have gotten stale. Not worth the premium to me. New cruisers won't notice these things. I see more value now in other cruise lines offerings lately.
JMHO, but I feel some people who only cruise DCL and poo-poo the other cruise lines, feel a sense of security with DCL, in that they are very conservative and don't want to be exposed to anything outside their comfort zone. After all Disney is squeaky shiny clean and wholesome, right?
The recent posts re being happy about the new alcohol policy just reinforces that feeling.
 
Tonka's Skipper said:
Actually the NCL board is far from a little cranky, they have been very honest and vocal about the many many cuts and changes NCL has put in place.
Click to expand...

perditax said:
Here we go again.
Click to expand...

I don't always agree with the good Skipper, but I will on this one. While I would never try to dissuade anyone from trying any cruise line, I do find it interesting (or odd) how many people who are ready to jump off of DCL are so quick to jump on to NCL as opposed to one of the other mass market lines. NCL and Carnival are about as far removed from DCL as you can get in that regard. If one is looking to do a "180" pivot away from DCL, that is fine. But one shouldn't immediately jump to the conclusion that NCL is "DCL Light". (NCL as a whole has a 72% approval rating on CC, compared to Disney at 85%, X at 83%, Princess at 78% and RCCL at 77%.) The way they operate is very different. Intentionally. And the crowd you will be sailing with is very different. Intentionally. As long as people have an appreciation for that, they will adjust better. Personally, (and all of this is personal), I share Tonka Skipper's view that if moving away from DCL, NCL would not be my first choice. (Edit to add)...unless I was booked in The Haven, or in a Suite, which, to be honest, is the only way that I would go on NCL.
 
perditax said:
Here we go again.
Click to expand...

Just can't let it go. :sad2: The funny thing was that quite a few of his "facts" were wrong or misrepresented to further a certain agenda. But I guess that is what happens when you get your "facts" second hand.

Once again, sure is being quiet about the changes from Disney lately even though by looking at the boards folks aren't happy about it either. Wow, that seems very similar to the NCL boards. :rolleyes1
 
The scare tactics are what irritate me, along with the 'a la carte' hysteria. (Dream's getting an a la carte ice cream/candy store soon, for crying out loud.)

I assume that people are going to do their own research and don't require me to frighten them into or out of a specific choice.

(I'm not sure what kind of dire subtext is supposed to be lurking under the 'very different ... intentionally' text, but I saw a lot of happy, well-behaved middle-class families on my NCL Getaway cruise, and I expect that's what I'll see on DCL.)
 
Frankly, if NCL has a different crowd on board its ships than DCL, I'll be very happy. If that means fewer screaming, crying children who's parents feel they don't have to "parent" on vacation, and those conservative folks who think I'm an alcoholic because I drink on a cruise in view of their precious snowflakes, and so on. But I'll stop now. My daughter ranks the cruises she's been on this way, RCCL, DCL, NCL, CCL. But I'll take my chances, I've read tons of trip reports, reviewed the policies of NCL and know it's going to be different, but that's why I'm going with NCL. You can have a bad experience on any cruise line, and again, a great one on any cruise line.
 
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