Our Christmas cruise on NCL provided for great family time and time to get away from the demands of home. However, we were disappointed in NCL with their cancellation of all kid's programing ages 5-12. They stated Splash Academy could not open because of covid concerns. This policy was confusing to us because they left the teen program open, but closed the elementary aged programing. ALL children, ages 5 and up HAD to be vaccinated to get on board. NCL policy simply didn't make sense.
The service provided to us in The Haven bar was exceptional and by far the highlight of our trip. The Haven experience was delightful and one that we'd highly encourage. This is our third Haven experience and the only difference this experience was our concierges were not as engaged as previous ones we've had. The lead concierge, Monica, was friendly ,but didn't go out of her way to be engaging and helpful. It didn't impact our trip, as we didn't required much assistance, but just different from past trips.
The food is by far what we noticed as the most significant difference between our previous NCL experiences and this one, post covid cruise start up. The food quality has taken a big dip in the wrong direction. The food was simply put ok- to good; but nothing spectacular. There were a few fantastic dishes, but overall we were craving a better food experience. The quality was lacking and this is one area where we saw budget cuts taking place.
Our room, Haven H-6, two room suite was lovely and provided great privacy for both parents and children. The location, and layout was spectacular.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Quick, friendly and efficiant. Haven lounge was small and every seat was taken. Small room for lots of people waiting.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
I wish there was a 2 1/2 star option. This is where we saw the most significant difference in quality from when we cruised with NCL post Covid and after. The food quality and selection was simply put, so-so. There were of course a few highlights, crab cakes and pork belly. However, overall we felt the quality and selection of food has been impacted with the budget cuts. At times we felt the food was on par with what you'd expect from Applebees or another low to mid- range chain restaurant.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
This was another one of our major disappointments about NCL. They closed Splash Academy, the kids programing, and offered no programing for our children ages 7 and 10. They stated it was due to COVID safety concerns, however ALL passengers had to be vaccinated to be on board, including ALL children. They kept open the teens club, but closed the programing for fully vaccinated 5-12 year olds.
I attended one "stretch and abs" class. The class was all stretching and no work on abs. Not a big deal; but what was frustrating was most of the class was the personal trainer trying to see the 3 ladies in class, detox, weight loss, personal training and other products/services. The push for sales was intense and over the top.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Game shows were fun, the night shows were also well done.
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
This was another one of our major disappointments about NCL. A Christmas over Christmas break is always full of children and parents looking for fantastic Children's Programing. NCL failed families over Christmas 2021 with the lack of programing and attention to the children on board. They closed Splash Academy, the kids programing, and offered no programing for our children ages 7 and 10. They stated it was due to COVID safety concerns, however ALL passengers had to be vaccinated to be on board, including ALL children. They kept open the teens club, but closed the programing for fully vaccinated 5-12 year olds.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
We found the service in The Haven often times exceptional. However, some of our interactions with staff in the general public areas of the ship to be good, but not over the top warm and genuine. The staff, at times, seemed tired, overwhelmed and at their wits ends.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The efforts made to keeping the ship clean and safe was very impressive.
It seems like all the cruise lines are cutting back on entertainment and kid’s club activities and many people ate saying the food is not as good as before Covid. Just my opinion but I think too much is being blamed on Covid. Hopefully they will get things back to normal soon. Thanks for the review
I expect the comments about staff and the cleanliness might go hand in hand. I expect the crews are just a little overworked with all that has to be done for our enjoyment and safety. Got to give them a huge thumbs up!!!
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