The weather really dampened our trip which of course is not in NCL’s control. However I do wish the cruise line had been better prepared to handle all the people who had to stay indoors on the ship by adding activities or entertainment options throughout the day as a plan B since almost no one got off in the rain at each port. Or better yet, changing the itinerary if possible to avoid the weather.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
I have been on a handful of cruises and the embarkation experience with NCL was fairly similar to the others - it is a process and if you go during peak hours it can take a while to get through the lines. As we headed to the cruise terminal there were several stations where luggage was being collected. While convenient, it was not obvious that this was legit as the workers were not easily identifiable as NCL employees. Once at the terminal we got in line for security. No one asked us our boarding time. This process went fairly quickly. Once through security we stood in a long line for check in. We then had to wait another 45 min or so to be called to board the ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
I was happy with the food and variety of selection. Our best meals were by far in the speciality restaurants, especially Cagney’s and La Cocina. I was unimpressed by the noodle bar (most people didn’t seem to finish their entrees so I don’t think I was alone in that opinion). We did not try the French or Japanese places. The main dining halls and buffet were good.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Unfortunately it rained most of our trip so outdoor activities were limited, cancelled or closed. The fitness center was nice. The spa was outrageously expensive. I wish they had planned more family activities throughout the day, especially given the weather and that most people were trapped inside on the ship.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The nightly onboard entertainment was great. It was such a treat to see SIX. So good! The illusionist and Burn the Floor shows were also great. The live band in Sid’s was excellent - unfortunately just not enough space on that venue to accommodate the crowds.
Children's Programs
Traveling with teens
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
This review will be mixed… most of the staff was very polite and friendly. We particularly loved our bartenders Wilson and Andreas who were stationed outside of Shakers. Our waiter Pande at La Cocina was also very nice as was our waiter at Cagney’s, the host that seated us at The Manhattan Room, Kash in the art studio, and the staff in the Buffet. Everyone else was kind and did their job, they just weren’t as warm or engaging. On other cruises I’ve been on you usually develop a rapport with your room steward, but we barely saw ours and when we did I sometimes felt we were interrupting her schedule.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was very clean. It’s an older ship though and fairly modest in design. It didn’t have any “wow” spaces like a large open atrium or glass elevators etc. It did have a cozy feel and plenty of bars to hop around too.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The room was clean. Storage was sufficient, but tight for 4 people. The balcony was a good size with 2 loungers and small cafe table. Our TV never seemed to work. The bathroom was a nice size.
New Orleans is a great town! Unfortunately we did not get to enjoy it upon arrival due to the unseasonably cold temps and rain. At disembarkation we killed time at the WW2 museum which was fantastic. (it was raining upon our return as well)
We briefly hit off the boat despite the drizzle. The private island looked very nice. I’m sorry the weather prevented us from fully enjoying a day here. The butterfly exhibit was great!
We have been to Cozumel a few times. It’s a great stop to do an excursion. We went to Passion Island which unfortunately was a bust due to the rough seas and wind. The ferry to the island was longer than expected. Open bar was a bit of a joke.Food line was slow - only one server! Most of the island activities were unavailable due to the conditions. Thankfully the sun came out that day so we enjoyed some beach time.
Long lines winding through the ship. You will not get off quickly. It probably took a good hour from leaving our rooms to getting our bags and out of the terminal.
Agreed, Syd Norman's Pour House is nottttt big enough. It's cool for the cover band to have an intimate 100-person venue, I guess, but on a ship that holds 4,000 passengers that's not enough space.
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