New to Cruising completely! - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Rydon · 02-26-2009, 03:41 AM

Hi

I''m looking for some straightforward advice opinion on NCL.

I'm from the UK and next month I'm sailing from Barcelona on NCL Jade to the Canaries. This will be our first cruise and we are going so as to give my elderly mother a holiday.

Some of the reviews on other sites on NCL and this ship are quite negative but I think they may be written by 'old style' cruisers with old style views.

Both my self and other half have the need to dress formally for work so holidays are times to relax. That's not to say we don't make an effort but tuxes and evening dress are not on our list. However its not so much the dressing up or down that concerned us it was actually being with people of that mind set who wanted formal - set meal times, tables etc that worried us more. Hence we chose NCL.

I like choice - the freedom to eat where I want with who I want and when I want - in style - I may add. Am I going to be disappointed?

Its a bit late really to do anything about it but I'll report back.

*Lars* · 02-26-2009, 03:50 AM

Hi Rydon - a warm welcome to CLF!!
Nice to see another member from the "right" side of the Atlantic.
As you know already we have lots of useful information here.
I have never cruised with NCL but many of our members have and I am sure they will give you plenty of advices.
Also, feel free to join in and post wherever you see fit.
I am looking forward to be reading you report from your NCL Jade cruise

Rydon · 02-26-2009, 04:19 AM

Hi Lars

Thanks for the warm welcome. Freestyle cruising over here is still relatively new and limited but really welcomed. The only reason we've not cruised before is we never wanted the formality that went with cruising. The changes may not be popular with everyone but there are lots like us who are now looking at cruising in a new light.
Traveling with my mother and taking the collapsible wheelchair just in case will test the system!

Krazy Kruizers · 02-26-2009, 06:29 AM

Krazy Kruizers · 02-26-2009, 06:29 AM

You are going to like it here at CLF!!

canarymoon · 02-26-2009, 07:54 AM

Welcome, Rydon1

I'm sure our NCL Guide will chime in on this... he can tell you what to expect.

As for 'formality' and that whole mind-set... I think you'll find it is diminishing generally on most lines today, with certain exceptions.

Char · 02-26-2009, 08:23 AM

Hey Rydon! Welcome to our friendly cruise community!

NCL has gone through some changes that most folks who are experienced NCL cruisers applaud. Since you have no other cruise to judge this one by, and because you chose it for the relaxed formality, I believe you will have a very good first cruise!

Nose around the site here and get your "sea legs" with the good info our members have to share with you .

LuLu · 02-26-2009, 11:01 AM

Hi Rydon! Welcome to CLF!

If you have any "first time cruiser" questions, we'll be happy to do our best to help!

smitty · 02-26-2009, 06:26 PM

hi and welcome to c.l. f. we've just done two N.C.L. cruises in january, so if you've any questions post on the N.C.L. PAGE AND SOMEONE WILL ANSWER THEM nice to see another from this side of the pond.

Lanky Lad · 02-26-2009, 06:39 PM

Welcome aboard

I am and old style cruise with an old style mindset

. You have picked a good cruise and from what you have said NCL should be just what you are looking for.