We enjoyed this cruise, though the room, food and entertainment were not as good as we have experienced on other cruise lines. Dining room food was significantly better than cafe food. Room was quite small compared to others we've had. Entertainment was often very good, but there was less of it than on other cruises. The exception is that there were more live performers (several were very good) in bars than on other cruises. In short, the cruise was enjoyable but not awesome.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Long waits in several lines, though it was well organized. Friends who arrived earlier than us (prior to their assigned time) had very short lines.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We ate in both main dining rooms, in the Garden Cafe, and in O'Sheahans. Although the food in the main dining rooms was quite good, it was not as good as we've had on Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Service in Alizar (sp?) was faster than in Grand Pacific. Grand Pacific became much slower later in the cruise (for example, we did not get our juice for breakfast until we had almost finished the entrees. We liked the option of O'Sheahans when we had less time to eat but still wanted a full-service meal--they had a more limited menu, which depending on what we ordered, was sometimes okay and sometimes quite good. We ate once in the Garden Cafe and snacked occasionally there--while we appreciated having the option, the food was not nearly as good as in the dining rooms.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Did not use pools or fitness center. Trivia and game shows and karaoke were so-so. Offerings seemed less extensive than on other ships.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Some of the music shows in bars were quite good, others were weaker. Three of the evening shows were very good--a husband/wife singing team (a last minute replacement), illusionist/dance, and Elements. We were disappointed that they did not have evening shows every night as we've had on previous cruises. Wish there had been some comedians on board (preferably family friendly).
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Good but slow service in Grand Pacific. Good and timely service in other dining rooms. Room steward was good, but I missed little extras we've had on other ships (a mint on bed or towel creations). All ship personnel were friendly and helpful whether we interacted with them in the halls, in the dining rooms, or at various desks. Guest services was especially helpful.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Good layout. Everything seemed clean and well-maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Very comfortable bed. Quite clean. Size of cabin was tiny compared to other cabins (even inside cabins) we've had on other ships. Angled toilet in restroom was inconvenient. Shower size was bigger than on other ships. Wish thermostat would go cooler. Cabin was quiet.
Did not buy an excursion but took public transportation to JFK Museum, to Commonwealth Museum, and to Freedom Trail. Toured Old North Church and Old Ironsides, both of which we enjoyed.
We rented a car to visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum (we recommend it) and the Cabot Trail (wish we had more time and that we had hit the fall color better)
Corner Brook was our favorite port. We spent most of the day hiking the Stream Trail and in the park. Ubered to great view at Capt Cook lookout. Wanted to go to Gros Mourne but a shortened shore time prevented that.
Rented a car and drove the coastline to see beaches and lighthouses. Our friends took the excursion to Anne of Green Gables, which they enjoyed (we had been there previously).
Because the ship arrived so late and departed so early, we had no time to take a trip to the Fundy Trail, which we thoroughly enjoyed on a previous cruise. We ubered to the Reversing Rapids and walked back through the historic sites and shopping areas. Wish Norwegian allowed more time on shore in St John.
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