Overall, we had a wonderful week. I think all cruises are what you make it. If I had done more research before choosing this ship I may have chosen another instead. This is only my 2nd ncl trip. I did not love the free food but we were fortunate to have 4 specialty dinners between fas and platinum rewards. I don't co sider myself picky. Drinks were great once I figured out where to go and what to order. Entertainment was great..plenty of choices most nights. Go ready to make it your trip. Reviews are just a snapshot in time. Every week is a new adventure.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Great terminal. We took an uber from orlando and while it was raining we were able to pull up under the garage, take our bags about 10 feet and hand them directly to a porter. We rode up the elevator and it took is 10-15 minutes to check in and go through security. We purchased our thermal suite passes and they called our group and we walked on by noon. Very smooth. Once on board it was very crowded as it was raining so people were not spread out. That wasn't fun but not the norm.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was okay. Having sailed on prima at christmas, the food was inferior overall. It seemed like fewer options. Lunch options are very limited imo. Loved the noodle house and specialy restuarants..cagney rib eye was good and the raspberry creme brulle is too. We enjoyed tepanyaki- fun experience and great food- standout was the lychee cocktail. Moderno was very good too. Bars..my favorite was the Martini bar, just wish it was open earlier. Best bartenders there. Make dinner reservations..even for main dining room. Lines could be long if not depending on day and time. Some bar lines were really long..especially when you first get on board and you want to get your vacation started. Not all bars are open before 430 or 5pm so if you are a day drinker by the pool it could be annoying of you cpunt on quick drinks. I got a drink from pool bar once the whole week. Learn the ship and it gets better. Mudslide at O'sheehans.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Thermal Spa Pass. My favorite part of the ship. Due to poor weather overall, this was essential. This trip was with my mom so we ended up staying on board and canceling excursions. It was overcrowded the first 2 days then utter peace and relaxation. The outdoor deck was my favorite place to read. I got my money's worth
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Stellar. Burn the floor is exceptional..the singers from that also do a Broadway 80's hits show in smaller venue. We ran into them at the martini bar the last night and they were friendly and engaging.
Karaoke in Bliss was amazing the first night and went a little downhill from there but still fun vibe to hangout.
Beatles shows were good.
Only disapppintment was the depeche mode/bon jovi cover band. The lead singer was not good.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff were all great. The issue is that they are understaffed and it is evident in some places but not all. This is a ncl problem, not staff. I have no negative experiences at all.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was clean but as everyone knows it is aging. It needs that facelift next year. I was okay w layout of main areas. The curved cabins are just..odd. the bathroom thing didn't ruin my week but they were not my favorite sharing a room w my mom. Getting dressed behind a curtain in front of the cabin door is weird. Not terrible but not something I would want to do again.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Perfect location for us. 10 steps to elavator. W
Quick acces to all things aft. We didn't experience any loud noises by being in that location at all. Balcony was great.
Ship tip
Take time to explore and find the spots that you enjoy. Some places are always crowded but if you are flexible with your time it will pay off to be strategic.The martini bar had the best conversation areas. Definitely a warm weather ship imo.
Beautiful port. Due to some kind of tender issue..we anchored 10 minutes away from what was expected. That created some issues with transportation so again, ncl excursions were a better bet here also.
I found this port to be disapppinting. Best solution would be to have a ncl excursion. We had canceled our catamaran due to weather concerns and picked the spa. We got off the ship but it was in an ugly warehouse port area with nothing. Many passengers got scammed by local taxi drivers and shuttles.
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