Normal
cruisercathy -We are a family of three (husband, wife and teenage son) booked on the August 19th sailing. Since we have cruised only 3 prior times and never on NCL, I can't offer any insights about the line, ship, or freestyle dining. We chose the Spirit for the location (we live only about 25 miles from New York City) and because we've not been to the ports at which it stops. We have mixed feelings about the free-style dining. In some ways, it's comfortable to eat with the same group every evening but there also is something to be said about having the opportunity to meet some new folks and try out different dining options. The downside of freestyle, as we understand it, is having to make reservations ahead of time but I suppose that once you get that out of the way, it's no big deal. Frankly, the meals aren't the reason we choose to cruise. On our trip this past summer (RCI), we ate in the dining room only for dinner and actually ate elsewhere two of the nights. Since I enjoy relaxing while on vacation, I easily could go without having to put on the suit and tie for formal nights. What is interesting to me is that I have heard two extremes about Freestyle Cuising...people with whom I've spoken and who have posted on this board seem either to love it or despise it. There seems not to be a middle ground. I suppose that someone who loves getting dressed up for dinner may not find freestyle dining to be appealing. For those of us who are in suits and ties every day for work, vacation is all about shorts and a Jimmy Buffett t-shirt!
cruisercathy -
We are a family of three (husband, wife and teenage son) booked on the August 19th sailing. Since we have cruised only 3 prior times and never on NCL, I can't offer any insights about the line, ship, or freestyle dining. We chose the Spirit for the location (we live only about 25 miles from New York City) and because we've not been to the ports at which it stops. We have mixed feelings about the free-style dining. In some ways, it's comfortable to eat with the same group every evening but there also is something to be said about having the opportunity to meet some new folks and try out different dining options. The downside of freestyle, as we understand it, is having to make reservations ahead of time but I suppose that once you get that out of the way, it's no big deal. Frankly, the meals aren't the reason we choose to cruise. On our trip this past summer (RCI), we ate in the dining room only for dinner and actually ate elsewhere two of the nights. Since I enjoy relaxing while on vacation, I easily could go without having to put on the suit and tie for formal nights.
What is interesting to me is that I have heard two extremes about Freestyle Cuising...people with whom I've spoken and who have posted on this board seem either to love it or despise it. There seems not to be a middle ground. I suppose that someone who loves getting dressed up for dinner may not find freestyle dining to be appealing. For those of us who are in suits and ties every day for work, vacation is all about shorts and a Jimmy Buffett t-shirt!
