Disappointed

We booked our Western Caribbean cruise on the Getaway based upon a very pleasant European cruise we had taken a few years back on the Norwegian Epic.  This was to be our third Norwegian cruise and we were looking forward to the same service we had experienced in the past.  Unfortunately we were very disappointed.

The ship is large, but always felt crowded due to the fact that all indoor features are located mid ship on decks 6, 7, and 8.   The pool area, likewise, is very small and always congested. 

The ship is well appointed and the dining is very good, especially the specialty dining restaurants.  A wonderful dinner at Cagney's, despite the drunken, loud, party of four that was seated next to us still wearing tank tops and flip flops.

Our mid ship balcony room was sufficient but the balcony was tremendously small and, unfortunately, located 6 decks above the only outdoor smoking bar on the ship.  The party started at 9:00 am and lasted well into the night with continuous noise.

Ship maintenance was also continuous.  Drilling, sanding, buffing, and refinishing of the pool deck would start during the early evening and continue all night.  Please do yourself a favor and do not book a cabin on deck 14.

Our Honduran excursion experience was dreadful as we were put in the water for a snorkeling tour during a thunderstorm, were cut on the coral reef (not a first aid kit or band aid on the complex), had to alert staff members to pick up a syringe off of the beach, and expected to pay for our own cab back to the pier.

We also gave "Guest Services" 3 opportunities to provide service and to answer simple questions.  On all three occasions we were directed elsewhere for answers. Disembarkation was a nightmare as it took nearly 2 hours to get off of the ship (the only bathroom available is a porta potty located across 4 lanes of traffic after you collect your baggage and go through customs.

I understand the economics of cruising.  A large ship must accommodate the needs of assorted groups of people.  I also understand the a free beverage program will be attractive to a certain group of people.  Unfortunately, it seemed that this Norwegian cruise settled on pleasing the lowest common denominator.

On the positive side, the dining and beverage staff was wonderful!