We booked this cruise for the itinerary. We cruised with 3 other couples. The ship quality was secondary. I’d read the reviews and knew what to expect room wise and pool wise. The food quality surpassed what I read in reviews as well as the service. There were a few wait times at some of the bars. The Beatles and Howl at the moon should be moved to the Epic Theater. Long line waits for both kept us from seeing them. All and all better than expected. Would cruise on this ship again if it had a great itinerary.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Great- Short quick line-We waited until 3:30 to board. Room ready when we got on.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We dined at LaCucina, Teppenyaki, Le Bistro & Cagney’s. Enjoyed all but we had a long wait for our food courses at Cagney’s. Breakfast at Taste was extremely slow but the breakfast buffet is on par with other ships we’ve been on-lines before leaving for excursions.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools are small. Fitness center was nice. Casino needs to have an enclosed smoking area with better ventilation -the smell permeated throughout the deck.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Remember to make reservations before you go! Burn to the floor was the best! Cirque was very good. Priscilla not so much! We didn’t see the Beatles or Howling at the moon because of the long lines. They need to be moved to the Epic theater.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Service in the Manhattan room was awesome. We had a group of 8. Make reservations before you go! We were seated right away every time In both the dining room and the Specialty dining. I have mentioned already the long wait for our courses at Cagney’s. Ordered continental breakfast the 1st and 2nd morning. 2nd morning it never arrived. Didn’t use again. Room steward maintained our room as expected.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Not enough elevators. Pools too small. Not enough deck space. Not enough outdoor space on other decks. If you’ve been reading others reviews you’ll know about the small balcony stateroom size and weird bathroom situation That being said the itinerary mostly made up for it.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Room is small. Needs a refresh. Lighting was dim-take a portable lighted mirror with you for makeup. No room to
pass each other at the foot of the bed or for a coffee table in front of couch like every other cruise we’ve taken. Curved walls and bed are odd. Lots of storage. And if you have been reading other reviews you know about the bathroom. Make sure you book a room with the couch near the front ( the sink will otherwise be at the foot of your bed.) That being said the itinerary made up for the lack of room quality.
Ship tip
Make reservations for dining and shows ahead of the cruise. Lines were long sometimes if you didn’t .
We stayed 1 night before at 352 Guesthouse in Old San Juan. Great boutique BNB-small but friendly and very clean. Lovely old city. Used Go Puerto Rico for transport for 8-airport to Hotel and Hotel to ship. After we stay 3 nights at Courtyard Isla Verde-great pool on the beach. Nice room. Went back to Old San Juan for shopping and more sightseeing .
We did golf carts thru Bonaire cruisers. Easy to do on your own. We drove our carts to 1000 steps, salt flats, flamingos and a couple of beers along the way made it a great self tour.
De Palm Island thru NCL. Good Food, drinks and snorkeling. Did not use the slides. Side note-Bus broke down on the way but a new one was provided in a timely manner.
Segway and beach thru NCL. Bus tour on the way by Eddo was very informative. Our 1st time on a Segway- easier and more fun than we thought it might be. Beach was at Reduit. Okay beach.
On our own at The boatyard. Easy to catch cab. Cab concierge right at the end of the pier asks where you are going And directs you to the proper van cab. Easy-Percy.
Can’t say enough about this spot. For the money the best excursion we did! The turtle and shipwreck boat snorkel trip (included in the $25 entry fee along with lounger, umbrella, a drink and cab back to the ship.) was well worth the price. Lots of big turtles, stIngrays and fish. Great snorkeling under the pier. Easy cab ride back. If we went back to Barbados we would do this again.
NCL Lobster lunch, 2 beach catamaran. Great food. Drink the beer stay away from the rum punch! sneaky strong! Beautiful beaches but not a lot of snorkeling.
NCL Virgin Gordy Baths. We were a group of 8. Kinda a rough 40 minute boatride-some of our group we’re seasick. Take a Dramamine before going if that bothers you. Both beaches at the baths were picturesque. Snorkeling at the 1st beach was really good. The hike Rock formations was gorgeous but crowded. Glad we went but it is one of those places I will say “Been there, Done that”
Coral world and Coki beach, a SEG tour. Unorganized at the beginning. Was wondering if were even going-about an hour late leaving the pier. Once there we self toured Coral world and the went to the crowded, beautiful beach. Best snorkeling on the trip for fish. They actually chummed them with cereal and cookies.
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