Our second NCL cruise. Our first in Hawaii was one of our favorites. This one was fun as a family getaway but the destination and experience was not one of our top. Overall the ship was clean but I frequently ran across empty or inoperable soap and towel dispensers at wash stations and restrooms, "ripe" public restrooms and one overflow in one of the women's public restrooms. Elevators were quite crowded and difficult to catch. No social distancing guidelines were in place or enforced so it was not a big surprise I caught Covid on this trip. We took this cruise because our family lives in LA and it was easy for them to get away without flying but I would recommend a West Caribbean cruise to Mexico over the Pacific. The ports are more scenic with a more festive vibe and you can see the Pyramids. Just a personal choice.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
A bit hectic and long. Took about 90 minutes to get to drinks. The coordination and setup at the pier was a bit hectic with lines being rerouted, people cutting, pier personnel yelling, poor signage. Once past security, the process was a bit more streamlined and efficient.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
This cruise had one of the worst main dining room experiences of my limited cruise experiences. We ate there twice and made other arraignments for the remainder of the cruise. The food we were served was bland, overcooked and obviously low budget. It seems NCL is trying to steer everyone into restaurants where they have extra costs, which is most onboard. The food in those restaurants is pretty good most of the time. Not gourmet but pretty decent. They need to work on their desserts though. It is the last impression of the meal and most were subpar even in the restaurants.
Maltings Whiskey Bar
5 out of 5
Great staff and good drinks. Just a bit small and can get crowded
The Local Bar & Grill
4 out of 5
Standard diner fare that's just okay
Ocean Blue
4 out of 5
Not a large selection of fish and seafood but what we had was decent.
The Manhattan Room - Main Dining Room
1 out of 5
Terrible food.
Taste Restaurant - Main Dining Room
3 out of 5
Too much like Savor
Starbucks
4 out of 5
Surprisingly fast service for the chain and you can use your app.
Skyline Bar
4 out of 5
Venue we like as well as the bar. Recommend the Expresso Martini which was a big seller. Staff at bar was outstanding and the views are some of the best on the ship. Buffet food..meh.
Savor Restaurant - Main Dining Room
3 out of 5
Food was okay but the menu is stagnate and the similar to Taste.
Le Bistro
4 out of 5
Probably our favorite meal on this ship
Dolce Gelato
3 out of 5
Decent gelato but limited flavors
Cagney's Steakhouse
4 out of 5
Decent Steakhouse
American Diner
4 out of 5
Good food but you gotta pay. Lobster/shrimp roll pretty tasty
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We did our usual couples spa. The masseuses were great however the whole process of getting into the room was like they were herding cattle. There were no offers of robes, showers, saunas before or a place to relax after the treatment. For the price, it was a bit of a disappointment.
Mandara Spa
3 out of 5
Masseuses great but experience subpar. Herded in and out
Entertainment
4 out of 5
High seas prevented the main feature of Jersey Boys which was substituted by one of the lounge acts called the Beatles Experience which was great if your a Beatles fan. Only issue was they did only 45 minute set, same as their lounge act. Six was a good show billed as a musical but more of a singing performance.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Room Steward was outstanding as most have been on our cruises. Specialty restaurant waiters and staff were always friendly and attentive. Had one issue with service in the main dining room which was immediately remedied by staff after bringing it their attention. Staff at the buffets are somewhat less friendly, maybe due to language barriers.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Observation Deck was one of our favorite places to cruise. Great views and nice atmosphere although I wish they would have utilized the piano some evenings.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Decent size and comfort. Small balcony and had some issues keeping the phones charged do to power savings setting of the room. Shower was nice and large with good pressure. We had the Spa balcony although I am not sure what amenities that offered other than being a little closer to it.
Ship tip
Have a plan for the ports. They are not much for just getting off and sightseeing. Its the same old same old as far as sales and solicitations of cheap Mexican trinkets near the docks.
About Par. Long line to get off and multiple tag colors called near the end. Bit unfriendly security personnel getting bossing people in certain directions. Surprisingly easy to get a cab and worth it not to Shuttle. About 15 bucks more.
Thanks for sharing your review. We too shared same experience as you the week before...even a tad worse. Took 10 days to get over covid once home, even after a booster 2wwks prior and mask use.
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