Overall, the cruise was okay. If this had been my first or only cruise on NCL, I would NOT sail with them again. It started with the lack of care and concern at embarkation and that same level of service was continued throughout the cruise. The communication of staff to travelers was not good, the quality of the food was not as good as I've experienced on previous NCL sailings. The overall staff was not friendly and welcoming and the entertainment in the secondary venues (lounges, etc), was not good or entertaining. I had to have a total of 3 service calls to my cabin for repairs 1 for the 110 outlets and 2 for the air conditioning, which I was forced to go without one night. This was NOT my best experience on NCL.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
I was traveling with a person that needed wheelchair assistance, but because of the late arrival time (booked through NCL), it was unavailable and she was forced to walk to the ship, which was not the greatest way to start this cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Food was okay, the bars were never sufficiently staffed, so the wait times were long and many of the bartenders appeared to not be happy and it showed in the level of service. The service at O'Sheehan's was exceptionally bad. I had specialty dining for 2 nights, and because it appeared to be oversold, I was unable to redeem at the restaurants of my choice. I had very few options and had to select something other than my first choice.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools were overcrowded with unruly kids (no reflection on NCL), so I was unable to use them.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
The stage shows in the main theater were very good and entertaining, however, the musicians around the "secondary" theaters were NOT good and NOT entertaining. The music was more in line with background easy listening and did not foster an upbeat and energizing environment.
Children's Programs
I did not have children on this cruise.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
In my opinion, the level of service was not up to the NCL standard that I've come to enjoy and expect. There were 2 waiters during the entire cruise that I felt provided exceptional service.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The ship's common areas were clean and well-maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
The cabin was clean and comfortable, however on the first night, I had to call to have the electricity serviced because I was unable to use the 110 outlets in the cabin. I also had to make 2 additional calls for air conditioning service. I was made to wait overnight, before someone came to service the air conditioning. On the last night of the cruise, we were unable to flush the toilets in the cabins for several hours.
Ship tip
My advice would be to enjoy a cruise on one of the other, larger NCL ships.
Embarkation for me was a breeze I am not sure what I did correct but there were at least ten people in front of me that were told to move to a different line with what looked like 100 people in it. I said to the person sorry am I in the wrong line he looked checked and said nope you have come prepared and did everything right for fast embarkation and moved us directly in. It probably took us about 15 minutes before we were onboard, still not sure what everyone else was doing wrong that caused them to be moved to the insane long queue...
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