This was our second cruise together and our first week long cruise (and first mega ship). We loved it and we will 100% be back on NCL. The port itinerary was perfect and it was just enough-not too much, not too little.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
This was our second NCL trip, but our first out of Miami (previously went out of Port Canaveral). I much prefer Miami. The terminal is indoors and it is much smoother, even when there are far more people getting on a ship (like the 4000+ people that were getting onto the Breakaway). It took about 30 minutes to get checked in and on the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
All the food and beverage save for a few things were lovely. We went to 3-4 specialty dining restaurants, the MDRs, and the buffet-we also really enjoyed the 24/7 dining at O'Sheehan's which our last ship didn't have and came in handy this trip.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
This ship definitely did not leave you much room to be bored. Between the pools, the rock wall, climbing course, mini golf, shows, who knows how many bars/arcades, etc-it's virtually impossible to get bored.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Rock of Ages is amazing-highly recommend. Also the performers doing nightly comedy and playing in the piano bar and other venues are top notch as well.
Children's Programs
no kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Every person working for NCL has always been top notch and always gives service with a smile. I always have a great vacation because of the wonderful people they employ.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Impeccable.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We had an aft oceanview on Deck 5 near the MDR, which was a great layout and a great room. It had some issues with the toilet not flushing, which was quickly fixed, but it happened 3 times in 7 days. Also us being far aft we were able to smell soot/smoke from the smokestacks, even being that low. In the future we will book a cabin forward.
Ship tip
In tender ports, book an NCL excursion to make sure you get off the ship first-there can be long lines considering there are 4000 people vying for seats on those boats. It took forever to get off the boat in GSC.
Puerto Rico was awesome, and our ship docked here late so we got to do some cool things (think 3-11 pm). The Bacardi distillery was closed which was a bummer but we got to do a LOT while we were here. Raice's was awesome and recommended to us by one of our tour guides.
BVI is absolutely spectacular in photos, but what you don't realize is how MOUNTAINOUS it is. Just taking a cab from where the ship docks to the beach (on the other side of the island) is a treacherous adventure. Also a hidden gem-the Caribbean's oldest rum distillery. Looks like a shack-quite a treat.
We had been here before and it's a beautiful island. However-book an excursion through NCL if you want to get on the first tender and you don't have status (we learned this AFTER the fact).
Took way longer than our cruise last summer on the sun, but there were double the amount of people so we tried to remember that. We also chose a later time to get off the boat and didn't do a self assist, so this may be something that slowed us down. However, there were lines in the casino and queueing through the ship back and forth that went on for an hour to disembark. It was not my favorite at 8 in the morning when you're already not happy about vacation being over.
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