NCL went from Freestyle cruising to UpChargeStyle with The Bliss. Not my kind of ship, overcrowded and poor service(Again, this was not the crews fault as there are just too many passengers to accomodate).
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Process was a little better as they had the key cards already printed and waiting which made the lines move quicker.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
1 out of 5
Where to start......? The dining rooms were always packed as they cut down on the hours that they serve breakfast and lunch. Dinner was served a little better if you arrived before 6pm or after 8:30.
If you read the title of my critique then you know that I think NCL is selling the UpCharge restaurants and not showcasing the Complimentary restaurants. The specialty restaurants were hit and miss, as usual. As long as you you were lucky enough to get your desired dining times, the wait was minimal at these restaurants.
The Buffet was always being sold to vacationers by the placement of placards at the MDR's. The Maitre'd at the MDR's were always trying to refer diners to use the buffet if there was a waiting line.
Overall, the service on The Bliss was subpar.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools were ovrecrowded especially on Sea Days. Hot tubs were always occupied by children that were swimming in them. (No parental supervision)
The slides were fun and never a waiting line as long as they were operating.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Siglo Band was phenomenal on every stage that they played.
The rest of the entertainers were good.
Children's Programs
No kids on this sailing.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
At no fault of their own, the service was far less than desirable compared to other cruises I had been on with NCL. The fact that there are so many guests confined to The Bliss and not enough crew to meet their needs made this possible.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
The ship was very beautiful and clean (with the exception of the smoke smell that oozes from the casino on the 7th deck, mid).
The design had some flaws, as mentioned above with The smoke in the middle of ship. NCL PUTTING PROFITS AHEAD OF CUSTOMER COMFORT.
Also, the locations of the elevators were frustating as you tried to navigate through the crowds that have amassed waiting for their ride.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin was very clean and comfortable and the steward was great.
The only problem with this room was there an extremely loud disturbance underneath this room that was occurred often and randomly.
Ship tip
Do not expect the service that you are used to from other ships. (Not the crews fault, though)
Walk through all the annoying people at the pie and head into town. We stopped at a local restaurant and spoke with a local while having a drink and was given very valuable information on how to have a great at this port. I suggest doing the same if you do not have an excursion planned.
Spent the day with a local, Ronald Donald,( for a small fee). Worth every penny as his fees were totally voluntary, but expected. We spent the whole day with learning the history of Roatan while exploring Coxen Hole. Tip......walk through all the annoying people at the pier and ask for him by name, Ronald Donald. He is very well known in town.
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