This would be overwhelming if someone had never cruised, and I would think difficult if handicapped. Hard to find a peaceful quiet spot on at sea days. I have cruised a lot and this was my first mega ship. I definitely prefer a class size smaller. I would also consider an aft balcony level instead of suite. Seems bigger. This is definitely a "keep busy" ship. Not sure The Haven option worth it unless you just want to be separated from the rest of the ship for peace and quiet.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Pretty smooth considering amount of people. Buffet was ready, even if rooms weren't.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Free beverage package a must, or you pay $7-15 per drink. Buffet was great. Main dining good, although not very creative. Specialty restaurants needed a bit more "specialty". For instance, the duck at the French restaurant was shredded under potatoes??? Most steaks were very undercooked, even when we resorted to ordering them "medium" ...normally order medium rare...they showed up very rare. Fun options for specialties, some with their own music groups. Reservations a must!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Fun inner tube slide. Salt water adult only pool and fresh water with lots of kids and a play park. Didn't use adult back bar/pool as expected, though seemed nice. FUNNY game show style games with audience participation!!! Kids enjoyed race cart track, laser tag and mini bowling it seemed.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Needed more music at different bars before/after dinner times. Needed more routine shows in main theater, not reservation only. Jersey boys was great, and Prohibition really fun except for the $39 per person charge!
Children's Programs
No kids this time. Mine are adults. There were a LOT of kids on this cruise and they seemed to have a great time.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Super friendly and attentive. Tried very hard to let you know they appreciate you cruising with Norwegian
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
VERY clean. Joke was "washy washy" staff always disinfecting your hands, etc. For a new ship, with SOOO many passengers, only two banks of elevators. Wasn't too much of an issue except days at sea when weather wasn't cooperative. LOTS of walking and stairs. Also very BLAH interior. The theater looked like a college lecture hall. No pizazz....like a cruise ship which might have existed in 70's industrial park.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
For a "suite" this cabin was smaller than many other cruise line cabins of window or balcony level. No drawers, only shelves. Could sleep 3 tops, although I wouldn't want to be the one on the sofa bed...pretty firm. Decent sized shower with great shower head options. Very small balcony. Could easily hear neighbors. Sadly crying child often. Bed was too firm, but when requested, received an egg crate padding which helped a lot. Good pillows. TV feature where you could keep track of reservations and charges was cool.
Ship tip
Reserve ahead for dining and shows! Even if you cannot get what you want, as soon as you board, you can reserve using touch screens all over ship. Almost all standbys can get into "sold out" shows if you get there early.
Beautiful. Previously took boat out to snorkel on another cruise. Worth a boat trip "off the boat". More shopping options. Tender in on nice sized shuttles.
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