Disappointed on many levels. Much of the staff and Management was not flexible. I have had far better experiences on MSC, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America. NCL just kept trying to sell and upset the entire trip. CruiseNext - sick of the messaging. Too much nickel and dime. Even in this survey being too MUCH selling going on.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
We had two wheelchair passengers (who spoke no English), 3 minors, 4 adults and they gave us a very hard time boarding -- wanted to separate us. - we were yelled at by two reps on the pier - not a good way to start a vacation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Overall food was good, very slow service in speciality restaurants and getting seats was difficult.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were too small and the common areas were over crowded and too loud music. Climbing activity and slides were fun - long lines at times.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Tough getting seats - need to pre-book - was not overly impressed with the 3 shows we saw. Many people walk out mid show.
Children's Programs
the 3 children in our group did not go to the kids or teen camps - had fun on the slides and climbing
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
staff clearly over worked - 70+ hours a week (7 days a week) - our cabin steward was given a pass twice not to clean our cabins for all three cabins we had. We just asked for new towels.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Amazing ship - just too big and NOT enough elevators - with a wheelchairs and scooter had we had to wait almost every time as they were full.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Ship tip
TOO BIG AND OVER CROWED - pools were a joke (small) -
The shipped docked in ONE location in Bermuda - NCL offered tender to take guests from Royal Dock to and from St. George - however the tender did not offer wheelchair or Scooter access - this made it not possible for my in laws to leave the Royal Dock area.
The shipped docked in ONE location in Bermuda - NCL offered tender to take guests from Royal Dock to and from St. George - however the tender did not offer wheelchair or Scooter access - this made it not possible for my in laws to leave the Royal Dock area.
But NCL is closer to all inclusive than any other line. Every category gets at least 1 bonus offer right down to the solo cabins. Not having a bar bill at the end of your cruise is huge.
Ships can be crowded, the pools do tend to be on the smaller side and the elevators do tend to be busy. That's why a lot of the times I use the stairs. All the cruises that I have been on try and nickel and dime you. It's not just one cruise line or one ship. Carnival, NCL and RCL all were the same way.
Went on the Espace twice and loved it. I don’t think you should compare it to Holland America. It’s not the same type of cruising. NCL is all about freestyle cruising and Holland America is more upscale. Sorry you didn’t like your cruise more. At least, you gave it a try.
I sailed the Escape last SEP and enjoyed it. I agree that the music was too loud at times or certain locations, and the elevators are slow and crowded (I used the stairs quite a bit). The casino can get smokey at times. Regarding the CruiseNext, yes they do push that. I bought 4 of them...NCL matched $500 free. I'll be using some of that free money this NOV. 🍹🌴🍻
We have had better experiences on the Gem and the Breakaway. One comment I definitely agree on is the too loud music. If it’s music you like, ok, but if not, you’re stuck with it. Even in the Haven they claim “the Bridge” controls the content and volume. Hard to believe. If you want to hear “Firework” at full volume at 11 am you’ll be happy!
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
