I was pleasantly surprised that, despite the super large ship, I had a wonderfully relaxing trip. If you don't like the maddening crowds and a ton of kids, like me, the upper deck for sunning, reading and hot tub is great! If you are a smoker, be aware that there are limited places to smoke and the smoking room in Tobacco road can kill you with the thick smoke. Stick to the outdoors upper wave pool or quit. Overall, I think the best place to hang on Norwegian ships is The Waterfront.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Over the years I have learned that choosing the earliest time slot is the best. It was a breeze to check in and I didn't have to deal with wall to wall rush hour-like crowds! Nice way to start!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Main dining room- Food was good service was excellent!
Bayamo-Food was good service excellent!
Cagney- Steak was spot on and service was excellent!
Moderno- Food (and obscenely plentiful) and service was excellent!
Tappanyaki- Food was wonderful and service was excellent!
Buffet- Food and service was excellent!
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I am not one to engage in most of this stuff but I can say my kids would have been in heaven with the water slides and the amazing rope course. I did notice that the less crowded hot tubs were at the very top floor. The spa was nice.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
In general the music selections were better than on the Breakaway...at least for us older folk.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
As always my favorite bartender was on the waterfront! Be aware...that if you are a smoker... you cannot smoke on the waterfront outside. You can only smoke outside at the upstairs waves bar. I don't smoke but my husband does.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
A balcony is well worth booking if you can.
Ship tip
Try to get the earliest embarkation time slot and the earliest disembarkation slot! You will enjoy your vacation more without the super crowds. I was skeptical about being on such a large ship but doing that made it a breeze to begin my trip and a much more pleasant way to end it. It was a breeze getting off! Perfect weather and wonderfully relaxing trip!
We went to the Space Center again. This is a two visit type place but well worth it. We didn't book an excursion. We just got a taxi and payed admission there ( it is cheaper if you are a senior).
The beach was lovely and swimming was wonderful. It was worth walking away from the center of activity to settle in. Plenty of beach chairs. It pays to book the earliest tender as soon as you can the day before...less crowded and hassle.
The Dolphin Cay is by far the best dolphin interaction for swimmers (been to the others). You can book in advance directly with the Dolphin Cay in Atlantis online: https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/thingstodo/dolphincay/deepwaterswim . Be warned... you cannot bring your camera during the experience (but you can photo the Cay while you wait for your slot, on the beach in nice beach chairs...no entering the water, and get a nice snorkel equip to take home!). The photos are obscenely expensive...hundreds $$$...but if you really want to get them...bring your own good size USB drive to download on for the cheapest price (still hundreds $$$)
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