Mixed cruise experience, standout staff, cleanliness concerns, port issues, some enjoyable excursions.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The embarkation process was routine as any cruise we have taken before. However, unrelated to the NCL, Port Canaveral was chaos navigating parking, knowing where to go, etc. The Port didn't make it easy.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
"Cagney's Steakhouse" and "The Haven Restaurant" were delightful, elegant, respectful, and somewhat organized. The service and staff were exceptional (Bravo Zulu), and the food was satisfactory. The only suggestion would be to refine the queue system. There were periods of excessive wait times for seating.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
It was just satisfactory for us. There were no WOW moments, eye-catching events, or really any inviting activities. They were lackluster in terms of quality.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The "Choir of Man" was fun, upbeat, engaging, and really marvelous entertainment. The only comment is strictly for awareness. The story is framed around an Irish Pub, so naturally, beer is a focal point. There were moments that parents should be mindful of, parental guidance is a must.
Children's Programs
2 out of 5
Limited, chaotic, and no water was offered to the kids. Times are short, lines are long, and nothing that made my kid want to return. They make you use an app on a first-come-first-served basis, and the app costs you in terms of your Wi-Fi time. That's not fair.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The Haven staff were amazing... certainly deserving of kudos, bravo zulus, and many thanks yous to the staff. Highly recommended.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
NCL staff cleaned our suite to satisfactory levels every day. My family is very hygienic and responsible for being prophylactic with spreading germs. That said, my wife contracted the flu, which spread throughout the family during Christmas (leaving no celebratory activities). Arguably, it could have been our doing, but how we care for ourselves leaves me questioning the staff's ability to ensure the cleanliness of the rest of the ship.
It should be worth noting that most influenza activity usually occurs from "October to May." Thus, many kids and adults were observed coughing and not using healthy habits to help protect against the flu. So, did NCL use additional measures with cleaning (disinfecting and sanitizing) for surfaces, etc.? There is the question. For me... I think not; I have the flu.
Cabin / Stateroom
2 out of 5
We were expecting better from a suite in terms of size. The corridors were tight and the doors narrow.
Ship tip
Know where your suite is located. The Haven is on Deck 17, so having a suite on that deck gives you closer access.
This port is chaotic. The port could be more organized. The service could be better... the baggage handlers will let you know to tip them (we thought odd) and the parking attendants only care about the flow of traffic and have no time to ask questions. Yes, that is a big deal... but only if someone knows where to go. If they don't, this creates more chaos and trouble for everyone with longer wait times. And the inside staff could be faster. Parking - know the layout before you go. That will help tremendously, and you will see better service.
Cozumel, Mexico, is a fine place to visit. Our Atlantis Submarine Excursion was canceled due to surf conditions (swell, wind, tide, and wave conditions were too high). This, of course, was no fault of NCL. NCL staff was able to switch us to another excursion easily.
NCL canceled this port call (George Town) due to surf conditions (swell, wind, tide, and wave conditions were too high). The day became a day at sea. NCL refunded our excursions automatically. The Cayman Islands was a high point of our trip. The excursion was for Turtles, Turtles & More Turtles. I was disappointed as I have a place in my heart for sea turtles.
Appreciate your details. Sorry you were disappointed by the missed ports and becoming ill with the flu. Many of my friends (whom I have avoided) have come down with the flu and Covid for the holidays. None of them were cruising. Hope you feel better soon.
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