I had an absolute blast I will definitely be cruising again with Norwegian!! I would absolutely do this ship again. Lots of great crew and people that I met. Cruising is now my new thing. I had no issues cruising solo and will do that again as well. Thank you Norwegian for making my first cruise GREAT!!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
It was great and very smooth. I arrived at 1030 did the Covid test, which was a very different experience, but with all the people it went smooth. They did somehow lose my name so I sat for an hour waiting to find out if I was negative. I was a little worried but finally got on. We were not at full capacity so it was great!! I heard we were at 1600 guests.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I did NOT partake in the MDR or Manhattan room. I did Cagney’s Steakhouse and the buffet. I love the buffet as there were dishes that I tried that I’ve never had and some familiar favs. Coffee to me was great. It was strong but I like it that way. Since we were not at full capacity it was easy to get a table. I loved sitting at the windows to watch the wake of the ship. I spent a lot of time at O’Sheehans for the bar, the single serving nachos, and very good Reuben sandwiches. Seating was good except on happenings in the Atrium below, then it was packed along the railings.
O'Sheehan's Bar and Grill
5 out of 5
The bartenders were spot on and would remember your name/drink just about every time. I loved the single serving of the nachos as I have never been able to finish a plate of nachos in the States, EVER. The Reuben’s were very plentifully full of meat and all the right amount of ingredients to make the sandwich amazing. TVs were plentiful in the area and watched a lot of soccer/football when I was there, which was everyday.
Cagney's Steakhouse
3 out of 5
The food was great but the service lacked quite a bit. I had a reservation and was seated on time with others I met onboard, we were a party of 5. It took 30 minutes for the appetizers/salads and over an hour (from time of ordering) to be served. There were smaller and larger tables sat near us that got better service. We were not boisterous or unruly and did not get specialty meals, so not sure why the service was lacking. It wasn’t a horrible experience, just not what I would have expected in a specialty dining.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I did not partake in the pools as I am not a “in the sun” kind of person, but they were very nice and crowded even with less than half capacity. Lots of loungers and very nice smoking area, as I am a smoker. It’s was right next to the upper deck of the Waves Pool Bar. Met a lot of nice people in this area, as I spent a lot of time here, hence my smoking habit. I am not a fitness person so I did not use the fitness area. I did have the spa package for the entire cruise and it was to die for. The view is amazing while lounging in the heated loungers. The pool in the spa was also another plus!! They were always wiping/cleaning the excess water from exiting the pool. Loved the bubbly effects of the pool as it was very relaxing. Sauna and steam rooms were a very good size and easy to use. There is a separate locker area for men and women with locks that are a little confusing, but I figured it out. Shower area is great and roomy. Plenty of towels to be had by all and refreshing water in the spa area. I totally recommend using at least once.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
As I did this sailing almost a year ago, I do not remember my room steward’s name. I do remember him doing an excellent job keeping my Studio cabin clean and put together. If I left things on the bed he would arrange them along the shelving areas neatly and not just thrown about. Turn down service was great as I have never had such service EVER!! Lots of towels and never needed extra service. I did have only one issue but it was almost to be expected. We did have rough seas two nights and my closet doors seemed to have a mind of their own and would slide back and forth with the movement. Twice they got stuck (once each of the two nights we had bad seas) open but worked out good as the sliding back and forth was not going to make for a restful night. They next day (both times) they fixed them and put them back on track. I totally recommend the Studio cabins for a solo traveler. They are small but perfect for one person.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I really liked the way the ship was. As this was my first cruise I was not expecting all the walking I would do. I’m sure I put in my 10,000 steps daily. It seemed that every time I was in one place the next place I wanted was at the opposite end of where I was. Not complaining just not prepared for, or expecting. It seemed that everywhere you looked someone was cleaning and that was great. Considering the past circumstance I’d say they did a great job of keeping the ship clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The 99 square feet of space is perfect for a solo traveler, at least in my opinion. I know I overpacked so a lot of my stuff stayed in my suitcase which stayed under my bed the whole time. Plenty of room for the luggage under the bed, a 20” and a 28” suitcases fit nicely. Lots of cubbies to put in odds and ends and clothes. Two closets with sliding doors were very roomy. Sink area is very small, not a lot of room to keep toiletries out, but it works. Shower is small but good for just a room this size. I will definitely do this type of room again. Such a great idea NCL had for a solo cruiser.
I did book an excursion but decided on board not to do it as it was going to be early in the morning and I was not up for early. I am not a morning person. I was refunded my money for the excursion before we docked here. I did go into port but hardly nothing was open. I did not know that there is no smoking just anywhere at this port. I got lucky and was not caught smoking in undesignated areas. I was not aware at the time. I found out later on board shops opened up later in the morning. So I just saw the port and was back on the ship in an hour, by 10am.
I did do a bus excursion around the island. I was not impressed. It seemed they took us to all the poor parts of town to show how bad it was. They sped past the nice stuff. Took us to a park for drinks at a hut type building and smoke break. They did talk about the buildings and why they were like they were and that’s about it. The port was ok.
Again as this was my first cruise I was not prepared for the luggage dilemma, which really wasn’t bad, but when I saw it I was expecting to never find my luggage. It was super easy and a Porter offered to get my bags and set them to my area for waiting for the shuttle back to my car. A tip was given and it easy breezy done. We did not have customs so I guess that was easy.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise (nearly a year ago) and hope you have many more exceptional experiences!
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