December 2017 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on MSC Seaside
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Joined 11/2012
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Reviews129
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Past cruises
August 2017 - 7 Night Western Mediterranean (Barcelona Roundtrip) Cruise on Disney Magic
November 2014 - 2 Night Quantum Sampler (Cape Liberty Roundtrip) Cruise on Quantum of the Seas
July 2014 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Dream
June 2014 - 7 Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Jewel
Amazing Family Vacation, Service was Stellar
August 2013 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Dream
September 2011 - 12 Night Western Europe & Mediterranean (Amsterdam to Istanbul) Cruise on Celebrity Constellation
Norwegian Jewel
Sail date: June 21, 2014
Amazing Family Vacation, Service was Stellar
We were a family of 16 that took this cruise to Alaska - ranging in age from 2 till 80 years old. For many in the group, it was their first cruise. I have to say, It was one of the best vacations we've ever taken. Alaska, of course, is gorgeous (1st time visit for all of us) and is a definite bucket list item.
What we didn't expect was the impressive service from Norwegian. One of the kids (2 years old) in our family has severe allergies. Every day a Norwegian server (Michelle) would find us and ask what she would like to eat and how it should be prepared. E.g. butter nut squash, steamed, no oil. And like clockwork, the food show up at the meal time...even if we were dining at a specialty restaurant. Michelle would also take her order for breakfast the next day and show up at the Garden buffet. Our cabin steward was also great. We had a light bulb out and reported it to him. It was fixed in an hour, plus someone in guest services followed up with a phone call.
Other highlights of the trip included:
- Going through Tracy Arm Fjord and seeing Sawyer Glacier (captain did a nice job of getting us close and spinning the ship around)
- Dining at the specialty restuarants - food was excellent, on par with great restaurants on land. I highly recommend Le Bistro (had 2 orders of escargot!), Moderno and Teppanyaki. I would pass on Chin Chin.
- Karaoke!
- Watching world cup soccer at O'Sheehan's on the big screen. Was pretty happy that they had every game on!
What could be better? The glass in our cabin (8572) was frosted. There is no light in. We knew going in it would be 'obstructed', but didn't realize it is completely frosted. The main dining room dinners were average. Great service (one of the waiters serenaded us!), but food was about average.
Overall, it was a bucket list vacation we are going to remember for a long time.
Norwegian Joy
Sail date: April 26, 2019
Joy is a beautiful new ship with so much to do that it is impossible to be bored. Highlights were dinner at the Q (recommend the short ribs), a decadent seafood buffet at Garden Cafe, flying around corners on the Go Carts and watching Footloose.
Carnival Imagination
Sail date: March 13, 2002
This was a quick getaway with some classmates. The embark was quick and uneventful. The food in the main dining room was excellent - (order the lobster AND steak). The only thing that could be improved was the cabin - it was tiny for 3 people.
Norwegian Breakaway
Sail date: May 08, 2013
I sailed on the 2 day inaugural out of New York city last week. It was great to take a cab from my apartment and be boarding the ship 20 minutes later. Overall, this is a really well thought out ship (a resort, really) and there is a lot to like. Specifically:
- Compared to most cruise ship entertainment, Rock of Ages was a blast. I loved the music. Note, this is an ADULT show...it does get a little racy:)
- The food at Moderno Churascarria was delicious, easily the best meal I had onboard. Surprisingly, the buffet was better than I expected..and I rarely waited in line for food.
- New Yorkers love their coffee and will not be disappointed. Lavazza is served everywhere.
- The decor is modern and tasteful. Not exactly 'W Hotel', but very contemporary and well done.
- I thought the ropes course would be boring...until I got up there. It is actually quite fun, and not for the faint of heart. Still regret not walking the plank - don't chicken out like I did. The climbing wall was also fun.
- Nightlife - people were partying past 1am on the first night. Deck 8 felt like a block party with people bar-hopping and gambling.
If Norwegian can address these improvements, they will have a hit on their hands.
- Food in the main dining rooms was mediocre. I tried Taste and Savor - both were disappointing.
- The balcony in my room was tiny. I could barely stretch my legs to look out to the view
- Where is the deli? or Bagel shop? If you want a ship for New Yorkers, we need bagels (preferably from H&H:) ).
- $40 to hang out in the Salt room is a bit rich. Now, throw this in with a spa treatment and I'll be interested.
Cruise tips
Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia
Beautiful city and easy to walk or bike from the port to downtown. Going under Lions Gate Bridge was fun (only 6 feet of clearance!).
Norwegian Joy
Book specialty restaurants (especially the Q) and activities such as the Go Carts BEFORE boarding. We did not, and had to scramble to get reservations.
make sure to get to crane beach hotel if you like to surf.
Highly recommend the private city tour - booked on Ship Mate App!
Skip the line for the shuttle and take a cab (right from port) to Mendenhall Glacier. Call cab company to come pick you up.
PIke place (of course) and the public library downtown (very cool building)
Took the sea plane excursion. Most memorable part of the trip
Took the White pass train ride. Great family excursion. Really enjoyed being on an old train.
Amazing. Get your camera and go all the way forward.
Norwegian Jewel
If no tables at the garden cafe, walk to the Aft of deck 12 and take your food into Cucina. Was empty for the most part!
Norwegian Breakaway
Go to Spice H20. It's hidden away at the top back of the ship. Lovely place to see Manhattan float away...and during the day the hot tubs were empty.
Carnival Dream
Make a trip to the El Yunque rainforest. Amazing views when you get to the top! It's an easy to medium level hike.
Go to the beach by Atlantis. Crystal clear water without having to pay the entrance fee for Atlantis.
Carnival Imagination
Eat breakfast in the main dining room. Food is fresher than the buffet and there was no wait.
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We were a family of 16 that took this cruise to Alaska - ranging in age from 2 till 80 years old. For many in the group, it was their first cruise. I have to say, It was one of the best vacations we've ever taken. Alaska, of course, is gorgeous (1st time visit for all of us) and is a definite bucket list item.
What we didn't expect was the impressive service from Norwegian. One of the kids (2 years old) in our family has severe allergies. Every day a Norwegian server (Michelle) would find us and ask what she would like to eat and how it should be prepared. E.g. butter nut squash, steamed, no oil. And like clockwork, the food show up at the meal time...even if we were dining at a specialty restaurant. Michelle would also take her order for breakfast the next day and show up at the Garden buffet. Our cabin steward was also great. We had a light bulb out and reported it to him. It was fixed in an hour, plus someone in guest services followed up with a phone call.
Other highlights of the trip included:
- Going through Tracy Arm Fjord and seeing Sawyer Glacier (captain did a nice job of getting us close and spinning the ship around)
- Dining at the specialty restuarants - food was excellent, on par with great restaurants on land. I highly recommend Le Bistro (had 2 orders of escargot!), Moderno and Teppanyaki. I would pass on Chin Chin.
- Karaoke!
- Watching world cup soccer at O'Sheehan's on the big screen. Was pretty happy that they had every game on!
What could be better? The glass in our cabin (8572) was frosted. There is no light in. We knew going in it would be 'obstructed', but didn't realize it is completely frosted. The main dining room dinners were average. Great service (one of the waiters serenaded us!), but food was about average.
Overall, it was a bucket list vacation we are going to remember for a long time.