Had a nice time overall. Picked the wrong cruise for us; wrong time of year for a nice anniversary cruise for a mature couple. Learned what to do/not to do for next cruise.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
We were given a specific boarding time. We arrived a little early only to find that people had been boarding for hours already. Why bother with assigning boarding times? Recommend hiring people in home port to come aboard to ready cabins so you can enter your cabins earlier and sort luggage faster for earlier delivery.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Ordered an English breakfast and everything on the plate floated on the grease. Food portions were appropriate in the dining rooms, with a nice variety on the buffet lines.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Ropes course was always closed. Comfortable chairs but not enough seating in the Atrium area for main shipboard activities. Smoking allowed in casino was nasty.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
'Burn Up the Floor' and the '80's Broadway' review were SPECTACULAR. The comedians weren't very funny. "A Train" spent half of his show pointing out the various ethnicities and making fun of them. It was a good think most people were drinking because they missed the nuances. The other half of the show he was checking his watch.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Seating preferences were given to larger groups in main dining room. Felt like 2nd-class citizens always having to wait even though we were ahead of larger groups. Ship was at 120% capacity with several parties of 20+.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Clean ship. Manhattan dining room caters to larger crowds - all tables for couples are in front of kitchen or around the edge of the room - you can't see the stage/dance floor from those tables.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Cabin crew kept cabin very well maintained. Paint peeling all over balcony floor. TV viewing options limited.
Ship tip
Don't go during Spring Break unless you have a parge party. Only buy alcohol package in you KNOW you will drink 6-9 beverages each day.
We were told to go to forward of the ship while being herded to aft of the ship. Couldn't take stairs last level/floor and elevators were packed. Had to go up to 15 to go down to 7.
I agree that holidays and summers are not the best times to cruise in the carribbean on any cruise line. Since all cruise lines count 100% occupancy, 2 people per cabin.
I am glad you enjoyed parts of your cruise. Normally, we have a great experience on Ncl.
Good to see you still mostly enjoyed your cruise. One note, NCL does not assign or let you pick your boarding time, you are choosing your arrival time at the pier when you check in. There is no connection between that and boarding time. People in suites or that pay for early boarding do so first, then everyone else boards. Personally I’ve never understood wanting to be first on, as the cabins aren’t ready yet.
Appreciate your detailed feedback. I think every cruise is a learning experience sometimes big lessons like you did this time. Glad you found some enjoyment and plan another.
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