First cruise. I would do another Norwegian cruise. Ports of call were good, although better communication concerning getting disembarking and embarking would be helpful. I liked the daily newsletters which outlined the next day in advance. I lie the NCL app to check my account and book shows and other offerings. I also liked the same ability to book and check my account on the TV in my room. The required evacuation plan at sailing went very well and the daily safety updates on the TV were well done as was the channel to preview ships offerings. NCL has their act together and, while certainly not perfect, I do rate them well.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Efficient and quick for the size of the group
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Almost all of the meals were excellent. There were only two in the buffet dining room that I considered not very good and one where I left fir another dining option. Generally speaking, the options were plentiful both in the Garden buffet dining location and various free dining options. I did not pay for the other options but heard they were good. There was certainly plenty of food available through the trip.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Pool was okay but more of a kids activity pool and nothing for swimming. I enjoyed the walking path on the outside deck. I also enjoyed the skin care seminars. The spa was excellent and open enough hours that it was fairly easy to get an appointment.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I only attended two shows, but they were both well done.
Children's Programs
Solo trip
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff and service was excellent. My steward, Jeffrey, was the best. He took time to say hello very time I saw him and call me by name, although he has many rooms and people to care for each day. I love seeing what towel animal I would have each day. The dining hall staff were welcoming and friendly. All staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. Good job Norwegian on teaching customer service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Layout was good. After a day old so I could find my way around well. The maps and touch screens throughout the ship were helpful. The ship was very clean. Absolutely no issues on cleanliness.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I was very concerned about the inside cabin after reading reviews of lack of space and lighting. I brught extra lighting and extra plugs but never had to use them. I was in the room by myself so I was fine. I had more than enough closet space and I liked the seperate shower, toilet, and sink area. I could have used a lighted makeup mirror and wish thand sink had been a bit larger as I had to wash some clothes in the sink while on the ship. I liked the laundry line in the shower. I suppose it might have been a bit crowded for two people but who spends a lot of time in the room anyway. It was very quiet. No complaints about the inner cabin or location of the room.
Ship tip
My only complaint is that I booked through an agent and I was unable to get any of the special deals offered to others...discounts etc. I had to get past feeling nickeled and dimed to death for a drink or internet emergency. Being solo the packages offered were far more in quantity and cost that I could justify. I know that is how they make their money, but it was quite offputting. I had to get past it and accept it was likely part of the business. Being my first cruise it was my highest adjustment.
I will say that the ship is quite big and it was a full ship. I might choose something smaller next time.
I embarked in Barcelona so I spent several days there b fore the cruise. However, I found the transportation from the port to the city excellent. The bus stopped on a key street in Barcelona where you could easily walk, take the metro, grab a cab, or a hop on, hop off bus.
The port was okay while a bit confusing with the taxis and excursions. It was easily accessible though. I wanted to walk into the city but the areas near the port was not desirable and a far cry from Barcelona's beautiful port area.
I did an excursion through Viator that was excellent and found the area outside of Naples quite beautiful and nice.
The port was again a bit confusing. A shuttle took those going on an excursion to the bus area outside of the port. Once outside, the city seemed lovely, although I did not walk it. The Cruise Excursion team greeted me when I got off the shuttle.
I had read that you had to take a shuttle outside of the port but when I exited the ship there were som excursion buses taxis there. I had to locate assistance to determine which shuttle to get on to get outside of the port to meet Cruise Excursions because of the chaos. Once I made it to the shuttle area outside of the port, I learned that my shuttle had picked up folks at the ship and then came to the shuttle area. I think that was more an issue with the excursion communication and my lack of cruising experience.
Beautiful port area near the heart of the city. I did a ship excursion that day and found it easily manageable. I had friends that simply walked into the city and enjoyed it.
I walked off with luggage very easily. I had hoped to find luggage storage at the dock so I could explore but the port wifi was poor and there was no information area to assist. I had heard that there was a service to both store or send luggage to the airport at the dock, but I was unable to locate it. I did see a sign but without wifi I could not contact them. Again, that was not an issue with Norwegian, although it would be a wonderful service for them to offer when people just need to store luggage for a few hours.
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