1st time on NCL, I think I still prefer RCL but would sail with them again.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Lots of lines and standing around. Drop luggage off at one port, walk to to the other, stand in line, clear from that line to another line. Eventually take 2 Covid Tests, wait for results, then walk all the way back to 1st port to wait in another line to check in. Nothing really bad, just a long process right now. The only odd part to me is that NCL check in process was clumsy. They use portable cases and laptops and cards are retrieved at check in. Just could have been better. RCL seems more efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
All food on the ship was very good. The specialty restaurants are fantastic. The buffet was typical, but tasted very good. Only issue is food outside dining times, no quick grab cookies, sandwiches, or pizza like RCL; you pretty much had to go sit down in O'sheenans if you wanted a snack. Loved all the bars.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Theater seats uncomfortable for me. Tight, and low. Atrium is good place to be, but can be noisy a lot of times. Would like a pool away from the deck entertainment, but no real issues there. Dueling pianos was fun, went multiple times. Cruise team have fun and its fun with them around.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Rough weather cancelled a lot of shows. All bar musicians were great though. No complaints.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Cruise ship only had 1500 guests, so never a long wait for elevators, for bartenders, etc. All staff was super friendly and helpful. Great staff!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship layout is odd, every floor is slightly different, restrooms could be anywhere. Nice ship though, I enjoyed wandering it.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Matched the room size of a "balcony suite" on RCL. Balcony was small though, chairs on balcony uncomfortable for bigger people.
Ship tip
Noodles bar is fantastic and included in cruise fare.
@abivona Only a few differences between RCL and NCL. Agree the port works might be local staff, but RCL terminals are their own, and are kept up more. More bathrooms, and the check-in process is like an airport with permanent kiosks and computers. Seems very smooth there. Granted I loved that NCL is maskless on board and everyone does testing ahead of time, just wish it could have been smoother.
I didn't spot grab and go foods, maybe it was my NCL inexperience. RCL big ships have a couple quick grab and go places on board, grab a slice of pizza without having to sit down and see a menu for example.
RCL theaters seem just a bit more roomy, but certainly not great either, wish I could lose the hard wood cup holder between seats.
Alvin was great, his whole team was. They did a great job. NCL and RCL overall are both great options. A lot of copying between lines.
Just curious what it is that you prefer on RCL? Never sailed them and would like to know the difference. The check in process at the pier honestly is not the fault of NCL, the pier workers are just that, pier workers, they do not work for NCL they work for the pier, they may be wearing an NCL shirt but they are actually employed by the pier. That process probably would have been exactly the same if you sailed that day at that pier on RCL. As far as grab and go foods on the Breakaway, there is definitely plenty of it around……. unless something has changed since I was on two years ago. I agree with you about the theater, but again I have never been on RCL to compare. At least overall it definitely seems like you had a great time. I am sure you liked your Cruise Director Alvin! He is great
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