This was a very relaxing and enjoyable cruise. Passengers were generally friendly and crew was outstanding. The food was good and entertainment (with the exception of the comedian/magician) was super. NCL does a good job making your cruise fun and enjoyable. I do have to remind myself not to compare cruiselines when cruising. Of note, the store staff on this cruise was very friendly. We have experienced some pretty snooty folks in the stores on other lines so it was nice that they were so friendly.
Overall NCL does a great job offering a family friendly, enjoyable cruise for the average Joe (and that's me). Well done NCL!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
All things considered (Covid testing in separate terminal, waiting for results,etc.) it was fairly easy. Things were well organized and went relatively quickly and smoothly. Not the best we've ever had but certainly not the worst.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was good, abundant and well prepared. The dining room food was served hot and presented well. The specially restaurants were very good. It is sad however to note that years ago the specialty offerings were standard dining room fare.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pretty standard stuff. The usual passenger participation games, marriage games, trivia, yes/no, etc. The pool area was nice and the waterslides fun though I was disappointed that two of the five slides were down for maintenance. There was a 3D movie shown in the theater that was fun.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The Broadway type entertainment was outstanding. The performances were high energy and well executed....impressive. The comedian/magician was maybe two out of five stars. Perhaps he was having a bad day.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service and staff were extraordinary! The staff was cheerful, warm and welcoming....this was enhanced further by the fact that the ship was only at 30-40 percent capacity. The crew was what made this cruise SHINE. They were simply outstanding.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was very very clean although some of the restrooms, although clean, reeked of urine (just being honest here). The layout was easy to navigate. The only thing miss on NCL ships is the grand central atrium.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
This was called a suite. I would consider it more a deluxe balcony. The size was comfortable for two. Loved, loved, loved, the oversized shower. Was not impressed with the comfort of the bed. Balcony seemed a tad smaller than the usual balcony. Cabin attendant was efficient and helpful, although considering the marginal added space (a little longer and wider than an standard balcony cabin) I'm not sure why the daily gratuity was $2.50/day/person more. That said, it was not a big deal given that gratuities comprise much of the crew's pay and they certainly earn ever cent of what they make.
Bermuda is a lovely place. People are very polite and generally friendly. Horseshoe Bay beach is one of my very favorite and we have been to beaches around the world. We did a beach "transfer" which seemed a little pricey when we saw the cab rates on the pier. However, because we had a cabin credit of $50 per excursion it was acceptable. This is the third time I have been to Bermuda and I would go back again and again. Weather was gorgeous!
Yes. That cabin is definitely NOT a suite, the suites all come with butler, concierge etc.. They used to call that a “mini suite” which was probably a more appropriate name as it is basically an oversized balcony room. There is a full bath in there which families with small kids generally appreciate and more storage space than a standard balcony.
Of course you had to like your Cruise Director Alvin, he is definitely one of the best.
Well, average Joe, it's okay to compare cruiselines. I enjoy seeing the differences between them. Looks like your NCL cruise checked all the boxes for you. Glad you enjoyed it.
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