You go to Alaska for the glacier cruise and the experience of sailing thru untouched shorelines. Don't count on the ports blowing your mind.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Although our entry to the counter was fast once there we were squeezed between two other stations with hardly counter space to write. Then to get the line to board you have to maneuver thru everyone else trying to get up to the counters.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Typical cruise food. Buffet food was luke warm at best. So many passengers that every food venue you went to was stressful.
The Local Bar & Grill
4 out of 5
Ate here multiple times for breakfast and lunch. In fact, after just once trying to fight thru the buffet at breakfast, we de died the rest of our breakfasts we would just eat at Locals even though the menu is limited. One negative to their breakfast was the toast. It was more just heated bread than toast. Not browned at all. Lunch was always good and they had a nice assortment to choose from.
Q Texas Smokehouse
3 out of 5
Went there twice. Although BBQ was tasty the sides were not. First visit we reserved an 8pm seating. Band already playing and so loud we couldn't carry on a conversation. We reserved at 8 because we were told band didn't start until 9. Guess they start when they feel like it. Second visit we made it a point of going earlier. We were only one of two tables so uncomfortable because of the fact we felt very exposed. Strange because we were told the Q was very popular. Obviously not on this cruise.
Los Lobos
4 out of 5
Good Mexican cuisine. Everyone at the table enjoyed their entrees. The guacamole made fresh tableside was extremely delicious. Don't go here without ordering some.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Just for your information, on the Alaska cruises all shipboard activities could be extremely crowded if you have inclement weather.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Typical NCL staff. Usually you see some officers walking around but I saw very seldom.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Newer ship so of course it was cleaner than most. I liked the design of the staterooms over the older ships. Seemed classier. Observation Lounge was awesome but you will never get a seat on sea days or on rainy days unless you get there by 7am. I woke up early one morning, went down at 6am, got myself some pastries/coffee and sat right in front of the windows at the bow and watched the sun rise. It was spectacular!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Very nice balcony cabin. Loved the decor over the older NCL ships. One slight downfall to our balcony was I smelled cigarette smoke from the promenade deck. I am sure it is because I have a very good sense of smell. I can smell someone smoking in the car in front of me on the freeway. Promenade was 6 floors below us. I do wish that you could hear the announcements in the room without turning the tv to the one channel. By the time I got the tv on and to the right channel the announcement was over. Absolutely hated the vinyl shower curtain.
Ship tip
Aft elevators definitely less crowded than the front
Disembarkation in Seattle was a long walk. Not only a serpentine line on the ship but a never ending walk once off the ship. We self parked in the parking garage and there was only one elevator for everyone. Took forever waiting in line to get on just to go up 4 levels. If you are able just take the stairs.
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