The impact of experience sets the attitude on a ship - we had an awkward start to this cruise and joined angry Baltic passengers which se the tone of the entire 14 days. There were any unhappy people and I was glad to disembark. I have friends who were on the same ship in August and found it wonderful. I found the endless lines daunting especially since there were reservations- I soon discovered that if you were not in that line- you only got a single bad seat. I would like to experience this same ship in the Caribbean just to see the difference. I would suggest it those with kids because there was lots of things for them but because this was a TA the average age was 63 and very few children.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Took over an hour to board when we arrived at our assigned time and those managing passenger traffic werenot helpful and then there was the outdoor walk from the terminal the length of the ship in the rain did not start things well
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Garden cafe is well set up and handles the large number of people and is well supervised. Cagneys was excellent and we enjoyed Le Bistro. MOderno was an intersting experience. The bars are extensive and well stocked. Drinks start around 10.95 plus tip . Main dining rooms are nice- three choices and Sheehans is handy limited 24 hour menu.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Watched activities in atrium. Miniature golf - most outdoor closed because it was chilly- not much happening inside beyond bingo during the day. Casino was huge and we didnt lose money.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Rock of Ages was funny but graphic ( sexually) reflecting the time period IMO. Burn the Floor was dance and nicely done. Much was done later in the evening after 9:00 . It seems that at least on this cruise - there is a line mentality and people lined up even with reservations a hour or more before the event - not worth my time. Most the the entertainers were quite enjoyable.
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Hard to rate- bars and restaurants were excellent - cabin - no exisitent over 14 days- they didnt make up room til after lunch and closer to 9 at night. Never experienced this before
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The description of balcony is funny - big enough literally for 2 chairs- about 5 feet wide. The design of the room was very nice- our bed was next to balcony and the electric outlets are generous- 2 American one European and you can use power strip if needed. Bathroom easy to find places for storing items.
Ship tip
Watch the time of year- the angry passengers missed ports in the Baltic couldnt use the outdoor facilities because it was chilly -great ship for warm weather. Also has places indoors and out for smokers and smoking in casino
Our party of 4 took this cruise for itineraries and to experience a newer NCL ship.
Most people were on back to back cruises - Baltic and then Transatlantic. The Baltic netted 2 of 5 stops. Weather is uncontrollable, but NCL could have offered some type of compensation, as other cruiselines have done - but NOT.
Our steward, dining room staff, & bartenders were great.
Numerous areas need to be reviewed and modified to flow better.
We sail a lot with various cruiselines, and I am sorry to say this was our worst experience and NCL has lost us as patrons.
I should add that we’ve sailed the Breakaway twice, each time a two week itinerary from NYC and were very happy with the food and service. A Caribbean itinerary may make more sense for these big ships where you can get out on the decks at sea or have frequent ports. Otherwise can feel crowded.
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