Overall was a positive experience except for the constant attempts for cruise staff to provide you additional ($$$$$) services, for a fee of course. Also was a little irritating how NCL would nickel & dime you for basic amenities. You really need to charge for the fitness center.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
Long lines and somewhat disorganized. It appeared that a lot of staff was new and the embarkation process took about (2) hrs.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room (Venetian) had a regal atmosphere and the presentation was upscale. Although the food was presented well, some items were less than desirable and you were offered replacement meal or appetizer if you wished but usually opted out since there was plenty of food to be found. Buffet was standard run of the mill, but worked for a quick meal or late evening snack. Did not dine at any of the specialty restaurants. CON: Only (1) included option for food after midnight which was O'Sheahan's Irish Pub or Room Service that charged $6.95 regardless of what time it was.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Most inclusive on-board activities were entertainment shows or informational/sale seminars. Fitness Center was an additional charge.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The shows were good as stated above.
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Room steward was excellent, wait staff was above average with a few exceptions from the hostess being a little short. Could be a difference in culture but felt a few conversations could have gone differently.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was built in 2002 so layout was a bit confusing at first since you had to work your way around many unauthorized areas. The ship was refurbished in 2016 so some of the features were upgraded.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The cabin was much larger than I anticipated with a large bathroom too. It was clean & the steward did an excellent job. My only complaint is the location & sensitivity of the fire smoke detector positioned 2' from bathroom door. set it off (3) days in a row even while being conscious about the sensiviies.
Ship tip
Be prepared to experience a long disorganized embarkation process. One huge negative is that many of basic services are not offered without paying extra & you are always getting bombarded with offers to purchase various items. Plan to visit the Venetian Man Dining room at rear of ship since it is a (2) story dining facility that has 270 degree ocean view and some eclectic artwork to view while dining.
It was required that you ascend a set of stairs and walk across a pedestrian footbridge which exits directly into a shopping area where you must walk through a series of shops before exiting onto the street level.
Since Cozumel is an Island many shore excursion require that you take a ferry to the mainland, Playa del Carmen. The ferry ride is approximately 45mins each way so plan for a long day f heading to mainland.
The zipline and ecowalk tour was an adventurous yet informative tour. There are (2) different Piers on the island that is used based on which cruise line you booked. Coxen Hole is used by NCL & Royal Caribbean whereas Carnival docks @ Mahogany Bay. Take note which location your ship is docked before departing pier since you may need to find your way back at end of your ventures.
I didn't have any formal excursion planned for this port. I just walked around the Island to check out the happenings and returned to ship early to catch up on some much needed rest from several days of travel & excursions. Island was only (1) year old so had a fresh looking appearance and modern look.
Again, you were required to skirt through many shops once you left the dock. I had to walk about a mile from the pier which was about 1/2 outside the market area to pick-up our tour bus. Since the excursion was a visit to the ruins it would be highly recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes & attire.
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