jazzman61
Second Mate
Shallotte. NC
Joined 05/2015
22
Cruises4
Reviews180
Helpful VotesUpcoming cruises
Past cruises
January 2024 - 10 nights on Norwegian Encore
July 2023 - 7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Pearl
April 2023 - 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Oasis of the Seas
December 2022 - 11 Night Southern Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
June 2022 - 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage Southbound (Seward To Vancouver) Cruise on Norwegian Jewel
January 2020 - 10 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Epic
The Cruise Good the Pre Hotel Experience Was NOT! See End
We were left at the airport in San Juan by NCL Hotel and Air. Some genius forgot to put us on the list. Due to an air delay it was 1 am. No one for NCL will take responsibility if this happens. I called everyone possible WARNING THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS ONLY OPEN FROM 8-5 EST M-F, If you need it hope you have your emergency then. NCL was no help in letting any know I would be late due to a weather issue. I eventually found that SOMEONE failed to place our names on the list - either NCL or the hired transportation company. Even with a copy of this list and a copy of the bill proving it was paid for - they would not refund any money or even say the magic words that would have made it much better. "We are sorry we made a mistake, what can we do to fix it?" This is really unacceptable - don't think I will bother booking their pre-cruise hotel package again - though the first time was incredibly good. The bad news for me I have another one booked for June. I will call myself to make sure I am on the list. I literally spent 5 hours at least of vacation trying to get someone to understand they did not do what they were supposed to do. I was never successful - the fact is NCL felt NO responsibility for leaving us in the airport at 1am in the morning (the lady in charges said she would've been there if she knew my name and flight info) - NCL Air was notified but they did not think was important to tell anyone. NCL Miami Office was also notified they tried their best to convince me that no one would pick me up regardless - though I paid for it. Surprise there was a NCL rep there when we arrived for someone else. On board I was given the run around and even was accused of not paying for it - even with the receipt on the boarding document. The TA was also blamed for not paying - yet it was on the boarding document. This had a huge negative impact on my vacation. Working to get some funds back through travel insurance, however I still feel that NCL should be able to refund when they don't fulfill there end of the service agreement. This was the worst cruise we have ever had from NCL and we are Platinum - which obviously makes no difference. If you choose pre or post Hotel and Air - BEWARE. They are not organized well enough to deal with a problem. If it works it is great but don't let a plane get delayed. I was given my gratuities back eventually as they said that was all they could do. Well not sure that covers my time and frustration, but at least it was something (please do not tell me I kept a worker from tips) I tip in person anyway. I was NCL that took the tips away.
The EPIC rooms are Dark and Dreary you cannot see with the lights on, unless you are in the Haven or Single cabins. It's just not my favorite ship. Choose another one and it will be much better.
July 2019 - 7 Night Bermuda (Boston Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Gem
April 2019 - 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
January 2019 - 10 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
This Itinerary is INCREDIBLE!!!!
This is one of the best cruises ever. The weather was just right for 10 days highs in the low to mid 80s. We saw about 20 minutes of showers during the day for the entire trip. Water is cool but is quite swimmable and refreshing. The ship is great for this itinerary. I would NOT try to eat in the VENETIAN as your reservation is meaningless - tried it twice over two cruises. You will be asked to wait in line for you reservation? And the service and food is not really that good - buffet is better. The specialty restaurants are much better and we ate mostly there. The Gatsby's Bar is the BEST!!! The staff was incredible. Really everything was great it was an adventure for sure. There are a lot of ports, which can wear you out. So be careful as they all are great. Only two seas which are early.
September 2018 - 7 Night Canada & New England (Quebec City To Boston) Cruise on Norwegian Dawn
This is a Cruise You Should Do at least once!!!
It was a great cruise. I am so glad we went to this part of the world. It was more than I realized and we will be back. All the ports are so different from the caribbean. It was not as cold as I thought it would be. Spend the money on the excursions on this cruise as in some cases you cannot really get to the really cool sites without it. It is much harder to book off ship as well as there is not nearly as much of a market for cruise except during season. Definitely spend extra time in Quebec and get to Peggy's Cove the first time.
June 2018 - 4 Night Cuba Overnight & Key West (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Sun
January 2018 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Epic
Some good and some not some much.
It was fun - never really been on a bad cruise. There were some issues with getting coffee for some reason the machines were almost alway broken. The hot tubs are NOT. a couple did not work at all.
October 2017 - 3 Night Bahamas (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Sky
May 2017 - 7 Night Bermuda (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Breakaway
July 2016 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Escape
July 2015 - 8 Night Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Conquest
July 2014 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Freedom
July 2012 - 6 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Freedom
July 2011 - 6 Night Western Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Freedom
July 2010 - 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Imagination
Norwegian Dawn
Sail date: September 21, 2018
This is a Cruise You Should Do at least once!!!
It was a great cruise. I am so glad we went to this part of the world. It was more than I realized and we will be back. All the ports are so different from the caribbean. It was not as cold as I thought it would be. Spend the money on the excursions on this cruise as in some cases you cannot really get to the really cool sites without it. It is much harder to book off ship as well as there is not nearly as much of a market for cruise except during season. Definitely spend extra time in Quebec and get to Peggy's Cove the first time.
Norwegian Dawn
Sail date: January 17, 2019
This Itinerary is INCREDIBLE!!!!
This is one of the best cruises ever. The weather was just right for 10 days highs in the low to mid 80s. We saw about 20 minutes of showers during the day for the entire trip. Water is cool but is quite swimmable and refreshing. The ship is great for this itinerary. I would NOT try to eat in the VENETIAN as your reservation is meaningless - tried it twice over two cruises. You will be asked to wait in line for you reservation? And the service and food is not really that good - buffet is better. The specialty restaurants are much better and we ate mostly there. The Gatsby's Bar is the BEST!!! The staff was incredible. Really everything was great it was an adventure for sure. There are a lot of ports, which can wear you out. So be careful as they all are great. Only two seas which are early.
Norwegian Epic
Sail date: January 16, 2020
The Cruise Good the Pre Hotel Experience Was NOT! See End
We were left at the airport in San Juan by NCL Hotel and Air. Some genius forgot to put us on the list. Due to an air delay it was 1 am. No one for NCL will take responsibility if this happens. I called everyone possible WARNING THE EMERGENCY NUMBER IS ONLY OPEN FROM 8-5 EST M-F, If you need it hope you have your emergency then. NCL was no help in letting any know I would be late due to a weather issue. I eventually found that SOMEONE failed to place our names on the list - either NCL or the hired transportation company. Even with a copy of this list and a copy of the bill proving it was paid for - they would not refund any money or even say the magic words that would have made it much better. "We are sorry we made a mistake, what can we do to fix it?" This is really unacceptable - don't think I will bother booking their pre-cruise hotel package again - though the first time was incredibly good. The bad news for me I have another one booked for June. I will call myself to make sure I am on the list. I literally spent 5 hours at least of vacation trying to get someone to understand they did not do what they were supposed to do. I was never successful - the fact is NCL felt NO responsibility for leaving us in the airport at 1am in the morning (the lady in charges said she would've been there if she knew my name and flight info) - NCL Air was notified but they did not think was important to tell anyone. NCL Miami Office was also notified they tried their best to convince me that no one would pick me up regardless - though I paid for it. Surprise there was a NCL rep there when we arrived for someone else. On board I was given the run around and even was accused of not paying for it - even with the receipt on the boarding document. The TA was also blamed for not paying - yet it was on the boarding document. This had a huge negative impact on my vacation. Working to get some funds back through travel insurance, however I still feel that NCL should be able to refund when they don't fulfill there end of the service agreement. This was the worst cruise we have ever had from NCL and we are Platinum - which obviously makes no difference. If you choose pre or post Hotel and Air - BEWARE. They are not organized well enough to deal with a problem. If it works it is great but don't let a plane get delayed. I was given my gratuities back eventually as they said that was all they could do. Well not sure that covers my time and frustration, but at least it was something (please do not tell me I kept a worker from tips) I tip in person anyway. I was NCL that took the tips away.
The EPIC rooms are Dark and Dreary you cannot see with the lights on, unless you are in the Haven or Single cabins. It's just not my favorite ship. Choose another one and it will be much better.
Norwegian Epic
Sail date: January 13, 2018
Some good and some not some much.
It was fun - never really been on a bad cruise. There were some issues with getting coffee for some reason the machines were almost alway broken. The hot tubs are NOT. a couple did not work at all.
Cruise tips
Norwegian Epic
THIS IS MY LEAST FAVORITE NCL SHIP(2ND TIME ON BOARD) - My advice spend your money on another ship. The itinerary made me try it again - still not at good ship. I see many people that love it - they are probably in the Haven or studio cabins. The studio cabins and Haven are very much better than the rest of the ship --- they do not have the weird configuration and lighting is better. Osheans seems to be a lot less busy try it for breakfast if you are looking for a restaurant - Taste will take an hour for eggs and toast.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Beef Island is beautiful and is a good excursion.
DId Riu Resort for a day - excellent place to spend a day.
Nice place to walk and explore.
Went to St Johns to Snorkel - very good.
One of my favorite ports - rained most of the day so had to cancel snorkel and beach day and I know it is not NCL's fault it rained. The cruise port does have a few places to shop.
Found a tour of ship for about $20 each for 4 hours --- it's a pretty island.
Lots to see
Did a snorkel from a sailing ship ( a real sailing ship) great place.
This time only went off the ship - short strange time in port 12 - 7 .
Great port to embark from, come a day early.
Beautiful - Catamaran sail to the Pitons. Wow. We went to the Volcano and had lunch at a local restaurant nearby - also the botanical gardens and snorkeling - this was a great excursion.
This island is BEAUTIFUL. Go to Shirley Heights - what a sight and the Naval Dockyard is awesome. Can't wait to go back.
Wonderful - this one was a surprise. We loved it. We caught a ride to Copacabana Beach and spent the day and snorkeled with the turtles and rays and lots of fish at a ship wreck. This is just off the beach - but you take a very short boat ride and tour.
It was a great port. You can walk to downtown and a beautiful waterfront. We hiked to Seven Sisters Waterfall in the Rainforest. It was difficult and somewhat strenuous but worth it. Saw people diving - we only swam.
Beautiful Island - We took a shuttle to Nevis - saw Hamilton's house (not really a big deal) But spent time touring the island - went to the hot springs very nice then spent some time at a beach with lunch. Great!
It was very windy but awesome. We did resort for a day at the RIU. It was pricey but it was incredible. The food available was way above even a cruise ship. The swim up all inclusive bar was great and the beach is beautiful.
Loved this port. Went to where they make Curacao and had lunch at Mambo Beach.
Norwegian Dawn
Gatsby's Champagne Bar was the best on any ship for us. The bartenders were superb though most are moving off the ship very soon.
The nicest locals on the whole trip. We did an excursion to the back roads winery. It was truly backroads. Even had to do a ferry. The weather was overcast rainy and foggy but that can happen any day on this cruise. We only had one day - which was great. The guide searched hard and found us a tree that was changing colors - - It was small group tour off ship - Cruisesonly.
Very nice stop - not a lot to do here off the ship though there is a few things and the small town of Sydney. We did the Bras D'or Lakes Grand Tour which was good EXCEPT the tour guide was insistent on rushing us and insisting we spent NO time anywhere except the Bell Museum. The scenery was stunning so worth the trip - he literally gave us 13 minutes on and off a bus to see the town of Baddock - it's small but I could have pushed that to 20 minutes easy. LOL
It is a pretty large port lot's to do here. We opted for Peggy's Cove - it was beautiful - DO NOT BUY THE LOBSTER LUNCH - it was a farce - too crowded - BAD service and a waitress that was a jerk. If you get there you can buy a lobster or roll off the street - fresh. Do that. It is worth the trip, but do not try to eat or even use the facilities in the restaurant/gift shop.. It is difficult to get to Peggy's Cove off the ship without an excursion as it is on the way to NO WHERE! But the scenery is a once in lifetime experience bring a camera--- the next trip I would do something else.
This is a great stop - the downtown is very quaint and walkable. We did the Acadian National Park carriage rides. I highly recommend this if you can book it. It was awesome and very informative. The downtown was really good for souvenir shopping - the best prices I have really ever seen on a cruise stop - except maybe Cozumel. If you look hard you can find Lobster Ice Cream - (it is actually good) Sweet and Salty.
Lots of stuff to do here!!! Spend another day if possible. We did a whale watch off ship on the 2nd day. It was from the aquarium. It guaranteed we would see whales and did not disappoint. We went north and off the coast found a spot where about 10 humpbacks were feeding and playing.. It was a surreal incredible experience. One even breached. Go to the Faneuil Hall Marketplace - it's walkable from the wharf. So much food!!! Try Chowdas - the chowder in a bread bowl or a lobster roll. The choices are endless.
This is a beautiful city. You need to find time to spend extra time here. We went on the Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City from Marriott or Viator.. It was great - 6 courses in 6 different restaurants in the Old City with a walking tour going into the night. Carol was our guide and she was incredible. Quebec is an extremely walkable port - but be warned if in season you may be at the farthest away dock - ours was a tent - but its just an extra mile or so past a really nice marina. The negative is an industrial build blocks the view of the city from the ship.
Norwegian Dawn
Explore the ship with a map - it is a little confusing at first, but is easy once you figure out that the 3 elevators go to different upper destinations. O'sheehan's is a better place for breakfast unless you love fighting the massive crowds in a feeding frenzy. If you have to traverse the ship you will find that some decks are straight across and fast and other are like a labyrinth. Like deck 10 I believe. It is actually more important on this ship to be near the middle as it seems to take longer to move all the way across the ship in the hallways.
Norwegian Epic
If you are tall - pull the bed away from the wall - you will need the space and it will give you a couple of inches. The better place to stay is at the front - just about everything is there - -- except the spice H20. Don't go to the cavern during the beatles it is mismanaged and you may have a bad time due to no security.
Just not my favorite port. Went to Rum Point was okay - - - have been to stingray city and the turtle farm before.
Pushy locals.... There are a few things to do.
Not great but okay. Still expensive.
Great Stirrup Cay (Cruise Line Private Island), Bahamas
The island is beautiful and a great place if it were warmer... that day --- darn cold front in January.
We loved Jamaica - Did Dunn River Falls and more...
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