Overall, a very good cruise. Unfortunately, 3 of the 4 of us got colds and I'm afraid that they made it seem less fun than it should have been. We love Norwegian and will be back.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
There was a couple hour wait to load the ship. No one was allowed to get on the ship. We weren't ever told why. Kind of frustrating.....
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
My BIGGEST aggravation on the whole trip involved the drink package. For the first 5 days of the cruise, I ordered a glass of Moscato Wine at multiple bars/specialty dining/dining rooms and was served it with no question. On the 5th or 6th day, all of a sudden I was told that Moscato had to be purchased by the bottle! That was extremely frustrating - especially since that Moscato was the least expensive wine on the white/sparkling list of wines available. Some bars would still serve it to me, but the Manhattan made me buy the bottle. My suggestion: Set up the rules BEFORE the cruise begins and don't change it midstream. That one issue tainted my WHOLE TRIP, and caused emotional hardship for my husband and friends. (My friend's wine would have been $39 per bottle but she could get it by the glass. Mine was $26 per bottle - and after day 5, was no longer available by the glass.) VERY FRUSTRATING AND UPSETTING!!!!!!
The main dining rooms were great most of the time - especially for dinner. We had one breakfast in the MDR and it was not a pleasant experience so we didn't go back there for breakfast. Had several lunches there and enjoyed the food and the service. We had most of our dinners at the Manhattan, which we really enjoyed each and every time.
We LOVED Cagney's Steak House and had it twice. Jaycee and his team were a great serving team. We really enjoyed every moment spent with them.
Teppanyaki was also a great experience. I apologize for not remembering the names of our team - but it was GREAT food and a great experience.
The FOOD REPUBLIC was kind of a disappointment. I hated having to order on a tablet, there were no choices for sushi/sashimi except for a few specific rolls, and the food was "just ok". We would never go back there again. The staff was not very friendly, either. I'm not one to complain, but felt that place was a rip-off.
In the Buffet, there were a lot choices available for every meal. The only issue we had was that the overall, the hot food was just warm - not real hot.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I participated in dancing classes whenever they were available, and really enjoyed them. Also watched several of the demonstrations (making sushi, cake decorating, fruit/veggie carving, etc) and really enjoyed all of those.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
REALLY enjoyed Footloose - and then enjoyed the cast in their Broadway show. Very talented group!!!
Not overly impressed with the Elements show. I just didn't get the message.
The Divas shows were GREAT, and we tried to see them every time they were on the stage. Beautiful voices and great entertainment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room steward was Slamet, and he took excellent care of us and our cabin. He came through every time we had some kind of request. Excellent!
Jaycee and his group in Cagney's did a great job! We requested them for our return trip to Cagney's.
Shameer Hameed took excellent care of us in the Manhattan. He tried to make the whole issue of the Moscato wine better for me. (Poor guy! Caught in the middle!!!)
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Well maintained and beautiful ship. Too big for us and too many things available that we would never use. I'm happier on a smaller ship but love the Norwegian feel.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Nice cabin and decent balcony. The room was always very clean, and Slamet made sure it was always comfortable. My husband had a problem with the bed, but Slamet put a topper on it that made it much better and more enjoyable. I felt the cabin was in a great location, close to the elevators and easy to find. Compared to cabins on other ships, it felt a little more narrow than usual, but appreciated the storage available - - especially the huge drawers under the sofa.
Excursion was great to visit Antiqua - - again, just needed more time. This port, it's a result of Antiqua being 1 1/2 hours from the town. Would choose the Jade Factory OR the city of Antiqua. Just not enough time for both.
Beautiful town. We took a personal "taxi" and the drive, Tony, took us to see the "best sites", a flea market, a tequila factory, and beautiful sites in downtown. We want to go back to this city.
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