We had fun but NCL is not my favorite line. Neither is the western Caribbean. I was expecting beautiful beaches and clear water.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Fairly easy once we figured out where to enter. Lacked signage to enter the port.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The buffet lacked variety and flavor. Most items were offered daily. Desserts changed but none were good. Best part was the scoop ice cream. The main dining room entrees were good but didn’t have any traditional cruise food (shrimp cocktail, lobster, or escargot). We did enjoy O’Sheehan’s and American Diner and enjoyed every thing we tried.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pool and area was over crowded. No chairs available. Slides and obstacle course was closed most of the time. Most on board activities that were inside required fees ( bingo and deal or no deal)
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Burn the floor and the group at Syd’s was excellent. Also a band with 3 singers that played in the Atrium were fun too.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Our room steward was nice, but she didn’t do anything outstanding. She seemed overwhelmed. In MDR there was only one waiter ( no assistant waiter), supervisors (in suits) were pouring waters and clearing plates. The staff attitude as a whole was either lackadaisical or overworked. MDR hostesses were condescending and rude. We had set up MDR reservations on our app 2 months before cruise. It only held the first night, staff would not help to fix. MDR was an hour wait when we went.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Did not care for this ship compared to other ships. No solarium, buffet was designed like a cafeteria, long and narrow. I did like the way it had bar seats around the railing looking down from O’Sheehans and the seating in the Atrium. The ship was clean, but there is a continual plumbing issue through the ship, public and cabins.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
We Had a few issues with our cabin that needed attention. One being the toilet didn’t work. It took a few hours to get that fixed. Everything was corrected when we returned that afternoon. Balcony flooring was warped and lifted. When you stepped out it had an uneasy feeling. Our bed was next to the closet. If you were a large person it would have been difficult to get to your clothes.
Ship tip
Have patience! They are very disorganized when they get to a port mid morning. They don’t let people with excursions get off first. It can take up to an hour to get off the ship.
We did a beach excursion. Very unorganized. We ditched it for a bit to snorkeling. The water was too rough so we sat on the beach. Then rejoined our group.
Did a dune buggy excursion. The guys worked really hard but equipment was faulty. Ours wouldn’t break, they said to just pump it. We had to almost go off the path to not hit the person in front of us several times. The last time they checked the break fluid which was gone. We had to ride back on an ATV which I’m afraid of. The dune buggy was fun until it wasn’t. There should be a warning that the mud will ruin your clothing.
Another place for NCL to get your money. Not enough hut/umbrellas unless you want to pay $50 for a clam shell. Also bring your water shoes. This beach is full of coral and rocks under water.
I talked to the staff about the issues you wrote in this review. All staff told me that NCL had cut staff positions so 1 house keeper now has twice the room with no help . The dining hall said the have the same amount of tables but no help. They are trying but it is overwhelming for them.
Cozumel I usely go to all exclusive day beach usely paridise beach it has a big pool and a nice beach all your eats and drinks are included are I go to Mr. Sancho pre book the places and just take a cab and get back to the ship a hour are 2 hours before the cruise ship leaves
My favorite place for gorgeous ocean water is Barbados that's southern carribean but love st thomas and st Martin Eastern carribean. In Mexico if it rain are storm night before can have lot seedweed but it's what you make of your vacation.
Thanks for the review. Research will show that southern Caribbean will give you the best water and eastern is good too. Athough if conditions are right, western Caribbean/Mexican coast can have some great water too. Low expectations is the secret to happiness.
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