As we are trying to choose our favorite cruise line, we decided to try NCL and booked 2 cruises, almost back to back. The only cruise worse than this one was the first NCL, on the Epic, which is was NOT. Based on both trips, we are running back to Celebrity and Princess.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
No organization resulted in crowds pushing towards the doors. Total chaos.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Impossible to get hot food in main dining rooms. Variety and flavor were minimal. Buffet was worse. Only specialty restaurants ($$) had tasty hot food.
Onboard Activities
1 out of 5
Most activities were childish games and contests presented in the atrium, which were presented in a very loud manner all day, every day. This made it virtually impossible to find quiet locations for reading, cards, or just conversation. These events should be held in otherwise closed venues, such as Headliners, allowing a more inviting environment for customer service, future bookings and excursion discussions, while not fighting the loud noises.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Professional shows were excellent, but other performances were mediocre at best. The New Generation band was the best of the others, and piano players were good. Otherwise, the music was poor, and the entertainers all thought the louder they played, the better it would be. That didn't work.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was the only bright star in the cruise. They all tried very hard to make things great for the guests, but there is only so much they could do.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Having the casino as a part of the only hallway on one deck was awful. We love going to casinos but the cigarette smoke was terrible, and the stench drifted down to the next level, affecting one of the best specialty restaurants on the ship. PLEASE stop allowing smoking in the casinos.
Provide larger quiet spaces for reading, cards games, and just visiting.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Our cabin was clean, but the ship overall needs a good scrub down and paint. There was rust everywhere on the ship.
The mattress was horrible. We ended up taking turns napping on the small sofa to get some rest.
Ship tip
Just don't go. Spend your cruise dollars elsewhere.
My last NCL was on the Breakaway a few years ago. I mostly liked it but your comment about loud games gave me flashback of the CD constantly yelling, “Make some noise!” Agreed, the unnecessary obnoxious noise and smoke left bad memories.
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