Had a great NCL experience to the point of visiting the cruise next desk to plan for future cruise. Prima here we come.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Purchased Proirity Program as well as had a 9:30 to 10 am checkin. At first was a little puzzling. Dropped bags with porter no issues but parking garage did not open until 10. Had to wait in car line (3rd in line) for 30 mins for it to open. Once opened and we parked, everything was smooth. Parked at 10:05. Checked in and on ship at 11.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The Atrium and O'Sheehans bars stayed busy, so a little patience was needed. But bartenders and drinks were top-notch. The favorite was actually Sugar Cane Mojito bar. Raspberry guava...OMG.
Food and service overall very good.
Lunch in main dinnig room, you have to try the hush puppies and spinach ceasar.
Specialty Dinning all Great. I would rank as follows based on our experience:
1. Cagneys:crab cake & omg cheesecake
2. Food Republic: Firecracker shrimp & Flan De Pina
3. Le Bistro: Duck & Fraiser
4. Bayomo:Clam Chowder & Sea Bass
5. Pincho: Patatas Bravas & Charcuterie
6. La Cucina:Con Pere salad & Calamari
Was a little disappointed in American Dinner as the menu changed as the restaurant went from specialty dining to complimentary. Experience is still nice, but I was looking forward to the lobster shrimp rolls. However, the warm Bread pudding is awesome.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
There were lots of activities, but for us, the ones we most interested in conflicted with our dinner reservations.
Bamboozled only offered 1 time at 10:15 am, on 1st Sea day. If had known would only happen once, we would have tried harder to get there.
Planning activities and dining is challenging as you book reservations before knowing daily activities. Adjusting for some restaurants is not always easy.
Arrive at activities 30 to 40 minutes in advance to ensure you get a seat.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Choir of Men..Good, Supper Club with Dinner Good especially now complimentary. 4 different shows but Meal was always the same. Option to watch from back without meal was an option but limited seating.
Wish there were more shows in the Theater.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was awesome! Everyone was pleasant and hard working. Big kudos to the staff.
Could use more bartenders to lessen the burden in high demand areas.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was always spotless..5 star. The layout was ok 3 star. Having activities like deal or no deal and other high attended activities seem theater would be better option. The noise and crowd in the atruim area with these activities in progress made it hard to leverage other things in the same area as the Customer Service desk, Cruise Next, and Atrium Cafe for Starbucks.
Also, the casino, which allowed smoking, left the air something to be desired in all surrounding areas. Even when Casino was closed, the smell was embedded in the air. Better ventilation needed to improve experience for non smokers.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Room in prefect location, could see port in all visited. Very spacious, and Rahman kept it spotless.
Ship tip
Book Dinner Reservations and Shore excursions early. Go right to box office once on board to book shows. Be flexible. You can't do it all.
Not a fan of Tender ports. However, Cayman was beautiful as always. Did Hell, sightseeing and distillery excursions. Followed by some shopping around the port.
Did Chankanaab all inclusive excursions. Lots of fun. Food and drinks..ok, But would do again. Something to do for all, beach, pool, sea lion show, tequila tasting, shopping and more.
Seems check in times would align to parking being available. Our checkin was 9:30 to 10. But we did not learn until arriving that parking does not open until 10.
Had Priority program ..well worth the Money.
Met at 7:45 at Priority program location. Was off ship by 7:50. Picked up luggage and in car on road at 8:05.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. You learned a lot on this sailing, happy you’ve already booked another. Your review sounds like a seasoned cruiser. Glad you enjoyed your trip.
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