Excursions were wonderful. Met some nice people. Will not sail with NCL anytime soon. Overall experience was disappointing.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Boarding was quick and easy. I've never waited so long to get into my cabin. Luggage was not placed anywhere near the cabin and we spent a lot of time (hours) walking up and down the hallway of deck 10 searching for luggage.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Worst food and service in the main ding rooms that I've experienced on any cruise. Food that should have been hot was lukewarm at best and food that should have been cold ( like milk and yogurt) were warm. Dining managers did not seem to care. Food was lackluster and portions seemed very reduced. Smokehouse Q was good, Cagney's not worth the $196 it would have been without the dining package, buffet not that varied from day to day. Highlight was Food Republic. Delicious food and wonderful service. So impressed, we went back the next night. The Local was also consistently good food and service.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Couldn't get near the pool, but had Vibe passes. Not sure Vibe was worth the money. Casino was fun. Lots of trivia if you're into that.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Comedians were great as was the show with the dancing couple. Elements seemed to have been thrown together although the scenes/special effects were good. Musical acts mediocre, although the country group in Q the night we were there was good
Children's Programs
No children traveling with me.
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Worst service on any cruise. Our cabin steward was not thorough. Dirty plates of food were left, floor not vacuumed for days, bedsheets/towels were stained. Never asked us if we needed anything. Our servers in Q, Cagney's and Food Republic were attentive and friendly. Main ding room staff were hit or miss, mostly miss. Servers in the Local were great. I asked an attendant in the Vibe for an umbrella one day. He said none were available but if one became available, he'd bring it. I then watched him bring umbrellas to 2 other couples that came into the Vibe after me.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship common areas were clean and layout was fine. Loved the Observation Lounge and Waterfront area.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Bed was by the closet. It was not separated as requested. Once separated, there was barely room to stand between the bed and closet to access the closet. Bathroom had plenty of storage and we liked the glass shower door.
Ship tip
Go with no expectations and you won't be disappointed.
Turtle Bay snorkeling in the morning. Great crew on the boat and gorgeous snorkel area. Downtown evening tour that night. Best tour guide ever. Downtown was decorated for Christmas and it was beautiful. The shot of blue curacao at the end of the tour was good too.
Atlantis submarine tour on the morning. Great but not if you're claustrophobic. Entertaining crew.Best of Arubatour in the afternoon. Very informative guide. Liked the aloe factory and Eagle Beach time.
I agree the rainforest tour from San Juan was superb. You also get to see a lot of the city as you go. We got off early to walk around old town and had it to ourselves.
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