My family on the Disney Wonder
Me and my gal pal on the Norwegian Breakaway
Read on to see my thoughts on Norwegian vs Disney cruises. I've heard great things about Royal Caribbean, so that is another recommended line, I just haven't sailed on it myself. Enjoy!
I’m always hard at work for you…and since up until recently
I had only personally cruised on the Disney Cruise Line, I thought I better see
first hand what cruising on Norwegian was like. So I booked a cruise and asked
one of my best gal pals to come along with me. And the conclusion is-there is a
cruise line right for everyone, and Norwegian is great, it’s just not a match
for me. You just have to know a little about the various lines and what clients
may be the best fit.
Norwegian
I sailed on the Norwegian Breakaway out of New Orleans. Now I don’t know if it was because I sailed
out of New Orleans or not, but this ship seemed to have a serious party vibe. And that was a theme throughout the cruise. Upon setting foot onto the ship, I could see
the line at the bar was 3 people deep.
On our first day at sea we checked out the main pool deck
and decided it wasn’t the place for us. We eventually discovered another pool
which was much quieter, and I understand that there is even another more
upscale pool location, but it is available for a fee and limited to a certain
number of guests. We mostly wanted to
lounge and read, and the main pool was better for those looking to socialize
and engage in the cruise sponsored activities…and PARTY.
There is no shortage of food, and Norwegian does not require
specific dining times or locations. Which means you may occasionally have to
wait for a table, but you can make reservations. All food is included, and
there are several additional restaurants that foodies may want to take advantage
of, but there is an extra fee. Soda and
alcoholic beverage packages are also available for purchase, which will give
more of an all-inclusive experience.
I checked out the children’s area, and there is good
programming for children starting at 3, which is pretty common among cruise
lines. I saw counselors out with kids
taking advantage of some of the things a large ship can offer like: mini golf,
ropes course, and sport court areas. Some of the activities required a reservation or fee.
Regarding evening entertainment, there was something
available every night. A few shows
required an additional ticket purchase, and most of the big shows required
reservations. You can make these
reservations in advance or once you board the ship. Also, if
you’re traveling with children/family, it’s good to know in advance that most
of the shows were at minimum PG-13, so there isn’t a lot offered for families
in the evening. But if you enjoy casinos
and art auctions, you are in luck with Norwegian!
Takeaway:
Norwegian is a match for:
·
“big ship” experience that offers things like
rock wall climbing and mini golf
·
Casinos and more adult centered entertainment
·
Flexibility in dining
Norwegian is not a match for:
·
Young families
·
Structured dining
Disney
It’s no secret that my cruise heart is with Disney, but I
understand it’s not for everyone. Disney
is a bit more pricey than other lines and does not offer casinos, which may be
important to some guests. Things I like
about Disney are that soda and all evening entertainment is included in the
base price. You also have a structured
dining rotation and have the same server and dining time throughout your
cruise. And while Disney is family
oriented, you don’t HAVE to travel with young children to enjoy the top tier
entertainment and service.
My most recent Disney cruise sailed from Galveston, and I
always let out an audible relaxing sign when I step foot onto the ship. Disney hosts have taken care of every detail,
and I don’t have to think about when/where I’m going to eat, or what show is
best to attend. While there are options
for evening entertainment, the set dining time makes it easy to plan what time
to attend the main show, no reservation required!
I’ve sailed on the two smaller Disney ships, and I like the
smaller size. My family had everything
we wanted, including a full-size theater running current Disney movies. I especially like the Quiet Cove pool
restricted to 18 and up, but the two main pools aren’t ever overly unruly
either. Disney does a great job of
providing live music throughout the ship at different venues and lounges, and
the music gave the ship a very upscale and relaxing
vibe as opposed to a party vibe.
There is also a lot of food on the Disney cruise, and room
service is even included! And the children’s programming is top notch. Children under age 10 will especially love
the children’s rooms, and older kids will love the video games and planned
activities geared toward their age. All
main evening shows are family friendly and top quality. Don’t worry though, adults, there are plenty
of opportunities for entertainment that are designated 18 and up and kids clubs
to watch your children while you enjoy the show or lounge! A Disney cruise does
NOT equal a ship with unruly kids distracting adults from relaxation and a good
time. Disney does such a good job of
entertaining the kids that my kids even prefer to be in the kid’s club other
than anywhere else. I also like that the
kids rooms/activities are all included and reservations aren’t required (except
for children ages 2 and under). Plus the
kids activities have extended hours to let the grownups enjoy the late night
shows. I was surprised that my kids
closed down the clubs as late as midnight!
Take away:
Disney is a match for:
·
Multi-generational groups
·
Set dining/entertainment
·
Family friendly entertainment
·
Outstanding children’s programming
Disney is not a match for:
·
Gambling
·
Flexibility in dining
·
party atmosphere
PS: I've also taken advantage of the spa on both cruise lines, and both are equally wonderful and relaxing!
