I have cruised Princess 3 times and Carnival once and am planning a trip for March 08 with my boyfriend who has never cruised before. We are in our mid-30's. Any suggestions?

Depends on your price range. I would say go with RCCL. I wasn't overly impressed with the NCL experience. If your experience is Princess and Carnival, you will enjoy RCCL.

If you trying to make a choice between RCCL or NCL, it's a no-brainer. ROYAL CARIBBEAN! Especially if you choose one of the mega ships.


Sonny

Welcome to Cruise-Chat. Depends on preferences between the two completely different lines. Since you're new to cruising I'll go through some of them.

1. RCCL is more traditional. Dining is pre-assigned. You go to dinner the same time each evening, sit at the same table with the same people and waitstaff. They have two formal nights on a 7 day sailing. NCL is freestyle. Eat when you want, are given a differnt table with diff people and waitstaff each night, no required formals.

2. RCCL has long been known for lots to do onboard. Rock climbing walls, ice rinks on some ships, movie theaters, etc. NCL has recently added similar venues to their newer ships (Pearl and Gem).

3. I'd have to give the edge to RCCL fo food. They have higher end choices in the dining room that are included in the cruise price. On NCL to get premium cuts of beef, lobster and other high end options you'll have to pay extra for reservations at a specialty dining room.

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Neil

Leah, which ship(s) are you considering? That can make a big difference, as well.

Thanks for all the advice. We are considering the Jewel or the NCL Dawn.

Personal preferences aside I think either choice would be an enjoyable first cruise. If one is a significantly better value or you like the itin better on one, book it and let us know how you enjoyed cruising.

The NCL Dawn is an older ship and I just looked at rates, it's priced well below the Jewel OS. The Dawn is 7 day sailings in March and JOS is alternating between a 6 or 8 day itins.

Cheers, Neil

Both cruise lines are a great first time cruise..RCL is a little more formal, but not so much anymore...was just on the Voyager of the Seas, and there were people wearing jeans on formal night...so it's Flip a Coin in my opinion...I've done 12 cruises on NCL and will go again in Jan....I like the Freestyle concept and most other cruiselines must be heading that way too....RCL just announced that they were going to try Anytime Dining in one diningroom on a few ships....Any ship is a Good time..some are just better than others....Happy sailing...

Bob E