This was my first NCL cruise out of about 12 other cruises and while I loved the food, the Spice H2O grotto/pool and the fitness center, I did not like their lack of entertainment, no after-dinner theater shows, crowded pools and total lack of shade. They could have more beach umbrellas out by the pools but there are only like, 8 or 9.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
The Miami terminal area is CRAZY! Tons of traffic getting in and out. Check in itself was fairly quick, but then you have to sit and wait for your number to be called which took about 20 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was very good except for a few desserts were kind of bland and the buffet at breakfast has the same basic options every day, but for lunch and dinner it changes up. Desserts at the MDR were very good but not so good at the buffet - kind of bland. Dinners in the MDR were great - everything was well prepared, hot and delicious. Buffet food was also always hot and well prepared and wasnt even too crowded usually.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The only real "activity" was the ropes course which was fun for about 10 minutes up there. One day it had no line at all and a few days later the line was wrapped around the corner, so choose wisely and dress in knee length pants, some type of sleeve and closed shoes or you're not allowed. Pools were crowded - not enough chairs at all. Spice H2O was very good though. Not very much shade back there so that was a huge bummer. Water slides were great and the yellow one never even had a line (though the other ones did). The nighttime deck parties at Spice H2O are WILD so if you're looking to party, you've come to the right place! Fitness center classes are really good for the money!
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Unfortunately this is where NCL flopped. There were no stage shows at all except Choir of Man which you could only go to once and had to have a reservation. Live music around the ship was not very good. DJ by the pool was not good. Not enough trivia and/or games throughout the day. The comics and magician were honestly, pretty boring. NCL tries to hold events like Deal or No Deal and the Newlywed Game in the Atrium lobby which is HORRIBLE as there are not even almost enough seats and people would be standing, leaning and literally sitting on the floor! NCL should know better that those events are popular and move them to the theater. Unacceptable.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Cabin was on the smaller side for an interior when compared to other cruise lines, but it was sufficient.
Ship tip
Make sure youre dressed right for the ropes course. Use deck 8 Waterfront for walking around as it is very nice out there. The bars along deck 8 are less busy too. Pool bars are insane - you'll never get a drink. The Grotto back in Spice H2O is so unique and wonderful but not enough shade back there if you need it.
The pool, bars and lazy river right off the ship are so much fun! Walking into town from the port is perfectly safe and the Cathedral and fort are within walking distance plus tons of shops.
Disembarkation took FOREVER! You have to wait in the hugest line to get out of the ship since they scan your card AND do the facial recognition all at once so the line gets insane. Took at least 35 minutes to scan off the ship. After that the crowds, lines, traffic and chaos to get a taxi to the airport took another 30 minutes. Pure insanity!
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