Had a great time on cruise last year we took Carnival this year Norwegian. A lot that I really liked better on Norwegian but, a few things I preferred on Carnival. But, would choose Norwegian over Carnival. Enjoyed the 7 days but, don't think I could go more then that. With the 7 days it felt you got more familiar with boat, people and staff. Made a lot of great friends on this cruise but, didn't feel like much time to relax. Getting into ports so early makes it a little rough as you feel you need to get up, get ready, and eat to get off to fully enjoy each port. Getting on and off at each port was easy with no issues and no waiting. Food was awesome compared the the Carnival last year. I also really enjoyed they had multiple restaurants you could choose from that you can go anytime to eat so no waiting. Also, I didn't realize the shows was an extra cost and you need to make reservations. But, there are boards throughout ship you can make reservations on, check events, check menus which made everything easy access.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Ship was delayed so took a bit longer then normally would.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was excellent and once we found the Sunset bar on outside of boat deck 8 and Signey & Easy the bartender(s) everything was great. Before we found him other bars took longer then normal for drinks. Once we did find out the menu's was different then on tv and screens then on the actual menu at restaurant. I loved being able to go eat anytime never had to wait and always excellent service and food.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools was overcrowded and hard to find lounge chairs to sit in. Also, not a lot of spots with umbrellas to use.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Signey at Sunsetters bar outside deck 8 was Awesome!!
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Noticed that room service dishes would sit outside staterooms for most of day before being picked up.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
If you are looking for the best bar find Signey (bartender) at Sunset deck 8 outside. Don't waste time at other places where there are long lines and waiting. We also went to dinners between 5-7 and never had to wait. If you want to eat at any of the Specialty Dining areas you will need to make reservations before you get on ship. Spots fill up fast. I was glad we didn't do reservations as the food at all the other restaurants was amazing and you didn't have to reserve or eat at specific times. Also, you make your reservations for all shows on the boards throughout ship this was great access throughout.
We went on tour with 2k's adventure tour. Was a little tough finding where they was waiting for us outside the port area went to the Monkey and sloth excursion. Loved getting to hold the Sloths. Then went on tour to Chocolate factory and Rum Company where we got to try samples. All for $35 each. We was the only ship at dock so nothing was crowded we actually got back to ship hours before we needed to be.
I enjoyed this port. Plenty of chairs and umbrellas to finally relax some. We stayed in beach area but, walked the area and around pool. Very pretty pool area looked like plenty of room anywhere you went.
Beautiful water. Ended up taking tikki bus which drops you off in little fishing village. You have the locals try and grab you once you get off bus. They have areas set up along beach with chairs and charge for the full day. We ended up at the first area was great he kept coming to check on us and bringing drinks also was able to get massages there on beach which was fantastic.
We had been to Cozumel last year so kinda new the area. We was able to rent a Harley from Eaglerider which was amazing. Drove around island made pit stop at Little Miami for drinks and to rest for bit which was one of our favorite places we stopped last year. Also went to Coconuts for drink then finished trip around island. Had great time we plan on doing a resort next year in Cozumel.
Very good review, fair and intelligent comparison of the two lines. I agree about the plates outside the doors all day, but who told these people to put their dishes in the hallway? I wouldn't do that and I don't, they stay in the room until housekeeping cleans my room. I guess I wasn't born in a barn.
Thanks for the review. I liked your comparison to Carnival. There are lots of things I also loved about Carnival. I also agree that NCL’s approach to dining is the way to go. We typically plan dining around the shows that we want to see or the activities that we want to do and not worry as much about missing something. Having that flexibility is important to us.
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