There have been some noticeable changes in service and food service since we last cruised with NCL almost a year ago. Service was satisfactory but at a lower level than what we experienced on other vessels. The itinerary was outstanding. Weather was picture perfect. No problems whatsoever with the ship motion/rocking. We plan to do another cruise in the near future but the selection will be influenced by the specific ship as well as the itinerary.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation at New York Harbor - process was slow (arrival was 11:30am and it took 1 hr+) with confusion from staff as to where we were to go and long lines. Once through the check-in process we were able to walk on board.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Specialty restaurants included Modern and Cagney's. Have eaten there before on prior cruises on other ships - lived up to expectations. Service in main dining rooms was variable from attentive and efficient to slow and having to ask for items. Noticeable change is the absence of a "lobster night". A half-lobster tail was offered in the specialty restaurants for an additional $10 charge.
Garden Cafe had a wide range of selections and overall was satisfactory. Was difficult to find seating at breakfast and lunch servings. Clearing/cleaning of tables was slow and multiple eating utensils/napkins were not available at the table.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Usual activities of Deal-No Deal, Bingo and Art Auction activities. Cruise Director staff were entertaining and kept things lively.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Evening shows were well done and offered a range of presentations with comedy, acrobatics, magic, small group music and Elements (their music/dance presentation which was very well done)
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Room stewards were polite but had to ask several times for specific items - which they did follow through on. Specialty restaurant staff were very good. Service from waiters at main restaurants was variable from good to mediocre.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Recently out of dry-dock and was well maintained and clean.
To get to the main section of the theatre you had to pass through the casino. This was not appreciated due to the accumulation of smoke in the casino and which drifted into the waiting area outside the theatre.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Adequate. The beds are much too firm for our liking so when we made the reservation we requested an egg-crate mattress be placed on our bed. When we arrived to the cabin the egg-crate was not on the bed and the steward claimed they had not received notice of such a request. The steward did bring an egg crate made to the room and placed it on the bed prior to the first night.
Fortunately for them they were not significantly impacted by the hurricanes. Tendered into the port was well done and visited the community there at the port. Plenty of shops and restaurants in the immediate area. The community had assembled entertainment to include acrobatics, dance and music.
Very nice port. Had prearranged an excursion separate from the cruise line. Vendor was a short distance off the pier and were very accommodating to get us to our destination via a boat shuttle that took us to "No Name Island" where we snorkeled and sat on the beach.
Fun port. Plenty to see and do. We went to the aquarium where we saw the dolphin show and the separate seal show and then had plenty of time on the beach.
Did a bus tour of the island. Bus drive was entertaining and very informative. Felt very rushed as a fair amount of time was spent getting on and off the bus at each destination.
Have been to Jamaica several times. Much has changed since our last visit, which was 10+ years ago. Tour staff were very helpful. Went to the bird aviary and waterfall area, which was not among the excursion selection from the cruise line. Was very enjoyable and well worth the time. We accepted the tour staff's offer to take us to a shopping area for souvenirs. They obviously had a vested interested in where they took us but there were many shops and prices were reasonable.
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