This was my first cruise and I really enjoyed it. The food and staff were exceptional. I would like to do another cruise at some point once COVID restrictions are over and masks are no longer needed. I did hate wearing masks but I understand why it was necessary.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Had to do COVID testing, but that was not so bad. Had to get someone to bring scooter to my friend which took a while. The scooters should have been ready or nearby the COVID testing for those who needed them. Once we had scooter and test was done, it was easy to get on board ship.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was delicious, waitstaff was exceptional especially for my travel mate who needed extra help. Host and wait staff were so friendly and helpful! The buffet staff really cleaned tables and chairs as soon as people left. I loved that they had everyone wash their hands upon entering the buffet! Never felt worried about catching COVID or anything because of the cleanliness exhibited by the crew and the guests.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The ship was about 25% capacity, so it was relatively easy to find a seat but and was fairly low key. I looked into the fitness center, but did not go in. Equipment looked nice but I did enough walking I didn't feel the need to use it! The daily/nightly game shows were fun.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The musicians/DJ's were pretty good. Loved the group Guns and Rojas! Followed them each night to a different venue which also gave me a chance to check out new places on board. Arvin and Emily were good as were some of the other bands. Pool entertainment was good. I liked the nightly movie at the pool when I wanted a quite night.
Children's Programs
I did not have any kids with me!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All of the staff were excellent. Especially the wait staff and hosts and restaurant managers. They got to know us and we got to know them. They knew what we wanted before we did! At the end, I didn't even have to ask for tea at the end of my meal, they just brought it. My friend who is older had her food at the buffet delivered to her. They knew what the wanted. Great attention and friendliness. We had some great conversations with them about their lives and where they came from and stories of when they visited the state that we are from. I could not have been happier with the staff and the services they provided.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was VERY clean. I loved the wash stations at the buffet. It made me feel safe from both COVID and other gastrointestinal issues. Tables and chairs were cleaned every time. Ship was very large and took a while to get the layout.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
I did not realize my cabinmate needed a handicapped room when I booked it. Upon arrival, we realized our original room 14232 was too small for her scooter. We asked about getting a handicapped room and they quickly gave us one - Room 10336. The room was nice and big enough for the scooter. I wish the room had an iron. LOVED the balcony. Was a little noisy on night one from the engine room. After that, not noisy at all.
Ship tip
If you do have someone that uses a scooter, try to get close to elevators and DON'T try and go down stateroom hallways. Go to a main deck to get from front to aft elevators.
Port was clean. We came in a day early because of weather issues and stayed at the Hilton downtown. It was a nice hotel. We did have to pay an additional amount for transportation from hotel to ship because the one from NCL was scheduled for noon but we had to be there at 11:00 for our COVID test. NCL should be aware of that issue since they required the COVID testing!! Not everyone could wait until noon to get there.
I did some shopping and also spend time on the beach. Beach and pool were nice to use. Enjoyed watching the the folks zipline over the beach. Did not do an excursion.
Very easy and quick disembarkation. My biggest complaint would be where we were dropped of at the airport. We had to walk a great distance to get to our airline (Jet Blue) and my elderly companion had a hard time with that walk since we could not get a wheelchair until we got to the Jet Blue terminal.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. I enjoy seeing cruising through the eyes of new cruisers. Appreciate your detailed review. Glad you enjoyed your first cruise!
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