This was the first time I let a cruise line book my flights and it will be my last time. The flights to Fort Lauderdale were on an airline that is currently making a habbit of canceling flights or changing times. The trip to Fort Lauderdale had 1 stop and at 1 point I was supposed to arrive at that stop at 2:05 PM and leave at 2:15 PM, I would not have been able to get off of the first plane by 2:15 much less be ready to take off. This isn't necessarily Norwegians fault but they could have booked a more reliable airline. Fortunately I flew down 2 days before the cruise. I also did not like the fact that my cabin was not available until almost 4:00 in the afternoon on embarkation day. The muster drill, I didn't realize how much I hate the traditional muster drill until this cruise. I have heard the Norwegian is going back to the e-muster, hurray.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was great. I arrived about 15-20 minutes before I was supposed to but that didn't matter. I could not find a seat in the waiting area but 20 minutes later the waiting area was empty, I was impressed on how fast passengers were boarding.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I ate in the Local twice and service was very fast. The rest of the time I ate in the buffet, the food was good but it seemed like the choices didn't vary from day to day.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
I had fun doing most of the activities in the Atrium.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I really enjoyed Jersey Boys and the Beatles tribute band.
Children's Programs
No kids.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
My only complaint about the service was the long time it took for cabins to be ready on embarkation day, I think this was because there wasn't enough staff, my cabin steward was great so I can't blame him. Bar staff and guest services were very good.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The layout is a little different, the buffet in at the front of the ship, I usually find the buffet at the back of the ship. The ship was clean and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was a good size, clean and comforatble.
Ship tip
Don't let Norwegian book your flights. Flight to Fort Lauderdale was too early in the morning and the departure time changed at least a dozen times, other airlines weren't having this problem. The flight back home was too late, almost 12 hours after the ship docked in Miami, some people had flights that were even later.
Winds were too strong for the ship to dock safely. I also heard that waves were washing over the pier making it dangerous for people walking on the pier.
I went on a submarine ride, this is a good excursion if you want to see the undersea life but don't want to snorkel or scuba dive. The only problem was that it was cramped in the sub, could be a problem if you're clausterphobic.
Getting off of the ship was smooth and fast. I was surprised that I didn't have to speak to a customs person. I booked a transfer to the Fort Lauderdale airport and it took forever, I was off of the ship by 10 AM and didn't get to Fort Lauderdale until after 1 PM.
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