We always have a good time on a cruise, and this was no exception. We do prefer smaller boats, but having the larger broadway level production shows is a benefit. We do enjoy NCL for the Freestyle Dining.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
We arrived early (9:30) hoping to get in the first boarding group as we wanted to purchase the spa package. We waited at security until approx. 10:00 and then we’re allowed to go into the waiting area where we did receive the first boarding group. We were able to embark at around 11:00.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Main dining rooms, buffets were typically good. We had the specialty dining package for 3 nights as a perk, and Carney’s was great! We also enjoy O’Sheehans- good wings! There’s a Margaritaville on board, but it’s another place you have to pay separately and is not included with the specialty dining package. We were however able to get drinks at the bar there with the UBP.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
The pool area is very crowded, which is why we purchase the thermal spa package. We didn’t really participate in any activities, except the water slides once. They were ok.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Million dollar quartet and Burn the Floor were great! We also really enjoy Howl at the Moon (dueling pianos). First night welcome aboard show was not great, and comedians were inconsistent.
Children's Programs
No kids
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Everyone is always polite and friendly. Our room steward, Leonard did a great job. Wait staff was fine and generally pretty efficient.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The problem I have with the mega ships is that there isn’t a lot of public space for the amount of passengers. Pool area was always packed with passengers saving chairs for hours at a time. Many presentations were done in the atrium which is way too small for this many passengers. The other venues like Headliners and Fat Cats are also way too small. Lots of room is taken for specialty restaurants and venues. Cleanliness factor was fine.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Typical size for a Oceanview cabin. Not sure of the designation of “large picture window” as every ocean view had the same size window. Also, the only stairs/elevators were at each end so being mid-ship didn’t really help there. Biggest issue was that the club Headliners was directly above our room. When Howl at the Moon was performing, it was very loud in our cabin. Also, On three occasions they were moving staging/furniture at 1:30 am and also at 5:00 am which was incredibly loud and of course woke us up. It was terrible!! It’s definitely a good idea to look at floor plans to try and determine what’s above your cabin. We should have complained, but didn’t.
Ship tip
Book shows and specialty restaurants ahead of sailing for best choice.
It’s a beautiful beach area with a huge pool area. Biggest issue is that excursions are very limited unless you want to do something through NCL. Otherwise you have to pay to take a ferry to the mainland. Also, any food or drink must be purchased separately, unlike cruise lines “private islands”. You could easily walk back to the ship for lunch if you wanted, however. Just a hassle.
Always lots of choices here. We usually go to Paradise Beach for the day, but this time we did the “Salsa and Salsa” excursion which was something different and fun.
One of the slowest we have recently experienced. However, I heard later there had been a death onboard and they had to wait for the coroner to come. That probably contributed to the delays.
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