carnival valor vs ncl jewel

[undecided1]

we are booked on the jewel for christmas, we have 2 pre teens and the rest are 30's , and 40's we are 56 &65 Which ship is better. We booked ncl for the freestyle eating but the Valor has more ports, we are in mini suites?

 

[aprilivy]

When we cruise and ask people about their experiences, we hear more complaints about Norwegian cruises than any other. Of course, when we ask we are on a ship other than Norwegian....but you do tend to see a pattern about complaints on food, etc.

 

[nmnita]

When we cruise and ask people about their experiences, we hear more complaints about Norwegian cruises than any other. Of course, when we ask we are on a ship other than Norwegian....but you do tend to see a pattern about complaints on food, etc.

you hit the nail on the head, you were on other lines at the time. As a frequent cruiser and a TA let me say, every line is as good or bad as the particular ship. As of now, NCL has the youngest fleet at sea with all their ships less than 10 years old. There were problems with NCLA but actually that is only under the NCL unbrella and not truely NCL. Lately even they have gotten great reviews.

How many NCL ships have you sailed, which ones and when? Hearsay is one of the most dangerous forms news and views.

Now to answer the OP:

Carnival offers larger cabins, which is certainly a plus when traveling with families:

Freestyle offers the chance to eat when you want and gives you flexibility. In fact with freestyle the kids can eat at one time, mom and dad at another. The kids love this.

Both lines offer great kids programs.

We have found the service on NCL a little better than Carnival but probably the food in the main dining rooms is a little better on Carnival. Again, in either case the difference is pretty slight.

Overall you will find mass marketed lines are more alike than different. I have not sailed the Valor but I have the Jewel.

I think you will be happy with either, but if you haven't cruised during the Chritstmas season before you might be in for a shock. Regardless of what line you choose the ship will be over run with families and the service will suffer some. This is not meant to scare you but to let you know what to expect.

Good luck

Nita

 

[drobert360]

NCL needs help

My NCL experience, four sailings, shows they have the smallest cabins, in the outside/balcony/suite category of any major lines (been on 10+ lines including absorbed lines). Last experience on the Jade was the poorest of any cruise taken (40+). I am always biased by the last experience. Price is always a factor, NCL is low ball priced. In these tough economic times, they seem to be catering to first time cruisers that are bargain hunters. Their survival may depend on it. I hope they do survive and improve. Always like options. NCL needs to focus on service, food and crew training.

 

[nmnita]

My NCL experience, four sailings, shows they have the smallest cabins, in the outside/balcony/suite category of any major lines (been on 10+ lines including absorbed lines). Last experience on the Jade was the poorest of any cruise taken (40+). I am always biased by the last experience. Price is always a factor, NCL is low ball priced. In these tough economic times, they seem to be catering to first time cruisers that are bargain hunters. Their survival may depend on it. I hope they do survive and improve. Always like options. NCL needs to focus on service, food and crew training.

sorry, I do not care how many cruises you have taken, NCL does not have the smallest cabins, it depends on the ship. RCI right now probably has the smallest on the Majesty of the Sea, Princess cabins are almost identical as NCL, as long as we are talking similar class ships, even Celebrity cabins are about the same. Yes, Carnival and Disney cabins are larger as well as HAL cabins. As for price, again, where in the heck did you get the idea NCL prices are the lowest? It depends again on the ship and the sailing.

As a travel agent, I sell all lines and to all types of clients. Each has a reason for booking a particular line. I have people that can afford almost any price that will cruise NCL. In fact several love the Jade, I don't know what your problem was. I am sure you had a reason for being unhappy. I have some clients that will only cruise Celebrity, others Princess and still others that book according to price and itinerary. NCL does not cater to first time cruisers anymore than XXX line caters to those who want to party all night.

Nita

 

[nona0541]

we are booked on the jewel for christmas, we have 2 pre teens and the rest are 30's , and 40's we are 56 &65 Which ship is better. We booked ncl for the freestyle eating but the Valor has more ports, we are in mini suites?

I have sailed Carnival and NCL. I would most definately recommend NCL. The worst experience I ever had was on Carnival just last month.

 

[Mbandy]

In this case, I think it is more about the itinerary to me. The Valor has my very favorite itinerary. Cozumel, Grand Cayman Roatan and Belize are all awesome.

 

[nmnita]

In this case, I think it is more about the itinerary to me. The Valor has my very favorite itinerary. Cozumel, Grand Cayman Roatan and Belize are all awesome.

Everyone has his/her opinion and that is good: to me, Grand Cayman is great if the weather allows for snorkeling and feeling the stingrays, otherwise it offers nothing, not even shopping< Belize, that depends on what you like to do or not do, after 5 times visiting we have only gotten off the ship twice. both times we were disappointed. Roatan is awesome if you can get past the 3rd world country, which many can not. As for Coxumel, yes, we love it as well.

Nita