We like NCL for consistency and value, but get a bit irritated with the "upcharge" for just about everything (specialty dining, premium drinks, faster wifi, fitness classes). This was the longest cruise we have taken with NCL, and we truly enjoyed it. WIFI on board is way better than it was 5 years ago, but continues to regularly kick off users off during a session (too many people trying to access). Overall it was nice cruise and I would take it again!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
excellent and efficient embarkation. We scheduled our arrival a bit later than we normally do (1:00), and this allowed us to avoid some of the masses of people that normally arrive around 11:00. We were not able to get to our staterooms until about 3:00, so it was better to go a bit later.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Taste and Savor, the complimentary dining rooms, were consistently efficient and served excellent food. The fish selection was often not what was listed on the menu, but the alternative offering was sometimes better than what the menu showed.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The Beatles Experience, a band from Argentina, was the BEST performance group that we saw! Strong musical talent, excellent costumes, and good rapport with the audience. Go early, because the free show is always at capacity. The other performances (music, comedians, shows were all good and entertaining, but did not stand out the way the Beatles did.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
There is a beautiful Observation Lounge on 15 that served afternoon tea (small sandwiches, scones, bakery and tea and coffee). This was my favorite place on the ship, and is designated as a "Quiet Zone" for readers, quiet board game playing, etc. until 2:00 each day. Sadly, the "Quiet zone" designation is not enforced at all by the cruise ship staff (which was disappointing) so it often became just another loud public space like the atrium, casino, cafeteria, poolside, etc. The library/card room was ALWAYS full, so it was difficult to find a space for those of us who enjoy quietly reading a book on a cruise.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was well located (port side/aft) with easy access to elevators and below the spa/fitness area, which was very convenient for us. Unlike other NCL ships we have been on, the buffet/cafeteria is in the FRONT of this ship, rather than the BACK and this was a much better arrangement for us as we were in the gym every morning.
Ship tip
If you like to get to the gym, go in the afternoon (MUCH quieter than the morning hours). If it's in your budget (and you hate crowds the way we do), paying for the priority embarkation and disembarkation is worth it.
Acapulco was badly damaged by a Level 5 hurricane 3 months ago, which was never acknowledged by NCL, and barely mentioned in International news. Looks like it will be a great place to stop in 2-3 years, but was not currently a good stop (lots of severe damage, not so safe--though they provided a police escort for our excursion-- and locals who were appropriately focused on housing and basic needs, rather than greeting cruise ship visitors)
This is basically a "sea Day" though it takes the entire day to go the 40 miles through the canal. Nice narration about the history, construction, and engineering through the entire transit of the canal!
We had "priority" disembarkation access, but it still took a long time and an hour standing in long lines. This is an ongoing painful part of cruising--the cruiseline wants everyone out of their rooms ASAP to turn them over for the new people boarding in just a few hours (our steward was knocking on our door at 8:00 AM), but getting people off the ship is always delayed because of the time needed in customs (even with priority, we were not able to get off until 10:00). This is truly a damper at the end of a lovely 2 week vacation.
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