We chose this cruise because it was repositioning and was going to some islands we have not been to. It was different to leave out of New York in the frigid weather and sail into warmer weather. The staff and service certainly had its issues. This was the first NCL cruise after the pandemic that we have been on. Not sure if the issues we encountered were isolated to this cruise or if it is the new normal for NCL. We are kind of tied to NCL due to our loyalty level. I will sail again with them hoping that the next cruise will be better.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
There seemed to have been problems with disembarkation which in turned carried over to the embarkation. It was quite chaotic and that is putting it nicely. I can't begin to imagine what it was like for someone taking their first cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I say all of this as an average person that eats out occasionally and grocery shops food bargains. Specialty restaurants should not be lumped in with buffets and main dining room. I would give an excellent to the specialty restaurants, a poor to buffet and main dining room. Specialty dining was excellent. We ate a Moderno, Teppanyaki and Cagney's. The noodle restaurant was awesome. From there it is all down hill. Service at main dining room was ok at best. They ran out of coffee cups one morning during breakfast. Not quite sure how that happens. Buffet is the usually over crowding of people and is very unorganized, but this time not enough food. They were constantly running out of things. At one point I saw cellophane wrapped cheese out on display. At the very least they could have unwrapped it first so we wouldn't have known.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pool is too small for this size ship. Did not go to the fitness center. Bingo is outrageous expensive.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Syd Norman's was awesome. Too bad that it is in a tiny venue that you have to wait for over an hour in line hoping to make it in. Worth the wait. The comedians and magic shows were good. Did not get to see Six as it was booked for all shows.
Children's Programs
Did not bring children with us.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Usually the service and staff is very good on a cruise. I notice this was not so on this particular cruise with the exception of the bar staff at Syd Norman's outside bar. For the most part the waiters were good. Room steward was not the best I have had, but was ok. He was overworked more so than what I have seen in the past. Other ship personnel need work. One of the Cruise Next staff was so pushy and lied. When I called out the lie, and asked for proof of what he was saying he told me it was not in writing, but was on his computer.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Ship layout was pretty good for the most part. The adults only sundeck is a little hard to find. For the most part the common areas were clean. The ship is in need of a major rehab.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The size inside was good. The balcony was very small. The mattress needs to be replaced, but the couch was comfortable to sleep on. Cabin could have been a little cleaner, but it was sufficient.
This was port of embarkation. We stayed in New York a day before the cruise. Not sure what they would offer for excursions, but I would recommend 911 Memorial.
This port was quite surprising and not what I expected in a good way. We just walked around outside the port. Felt safe doing so. They invested in the port itself. You can get off the ship and not even leave the port area. Many restaurant and shops as well pools.
Have never been to Aruba, but this was not what I was expecting, especially after the port in the DR. I won't say the port was dirty, but it was aged. We walked around the downtown area and then took a non ship excursion. Felt very safe with the locals providing the tour. Saw the most see sites of Aruba. If we should ever return I would go to the beach.
This was such pretty location. We did not take an excursion, but walked around the area. Walked across the Queen Emma Bridge and took the free ferry back. They converted their war fort into part of the port. Would definitely consider going back.
We had been here several years ago and was skeptical of this port. We actually were not going to get off the ship. Glad we did. They have done a great job of cleaning up the area and building a new port area they can be proud of. While we didn't leave the port area, spoke to people who did and said they felt safe. This was not the case the last time we were there. If we were to go back I would take a tour. We have seen the locks so I would do something else.
We have sailed to Costa Rica before. The port is not what I remembered it being. We did not take an excursion. We walked around the area. I am not sure I would have felt comfortable walking by my self. If we were to go back, I would probably take a tour.
Okay is only because you have to tender in. The port area is new or has been totally rehabbed. We have been to Grand Cayman on so many cruises, the only reason we got off the ship was to collect a sticker for the suitcase.
This port area seemed new. You had to go through a security check point after you got off the ship. They were checking bags. I only saw fruits being confiscated. We took a beach excursion booked on the ship. It included lunch an drinks and the beach was nice. You can probably get a better deal by booking on your own but we had onboard credits to use up.
New Orleans is one of our favorite places to go. Since this was a 14 day cruise I had to get back to work so we headed right to the airport. New Orleans is a walkable area and you should do so.
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