First Trans Atlantic, will not be my last. Enjoyed the experience, less children (but quite a few), and a different crowd than the usual cruise. Being a 11 day TA, no ports, all sea days was unique.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Excellent, but I use a cane and did get the short lines
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I was a little concerned how a ship plans for 11 days with no ports, and surprisingly food was excellent and consistent from day one to day 11.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The pools and Jacuzzi's were not open to begin the cruise (cold weather) and were closed for rough seas several days, but that was expected. Some of the pools were damaged in Dry Dock / Refurbishment, but were resurfaced and open by mid to late cruise. The outdoor Waterfront is an excellent space to get out and walk or get fresh air.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
What was good was great, Solo Singer in main theater, Beatles Story (in main theater many times due to reduced shows, and very nice to not have to line up in Cavern Club to see them), Broadway Cabaret singers (excellent), Elements (the main show in Theater) was not fully cast, and was unimpressive. Good talent, not used well. Second show was not on ship or being replaced with a new one (unsure). Acts around the ship were good. I heard the Country Band in Q was excellent, but I never got in there while they were performing.
Children's Programs
No Kids
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
I found service excellent and really personable and thoughtful. There were others that had issues with service in Main Dining and Specialty restaurants, but I never had those issues. Honestly, I saw people who were ready to complain or have issue with items that I consider reasonable or expected. I go on vacation to have fun and have great experiences, and I always seem to get them.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Very clean and well maintained, being a relocation cruise after Dry Dock, there were areas of the ship that were still being worked on or closed, as well as some areas that never opened due to low occupancy. Somewhat expected on a TA - Relocation Cruise.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The room and my attendant were excellent, requested distilled water for CPAP, was in room on arrival. Requested coffee maker on check-in, was delivered in less than 30 minutes. Room was clean and kept well. NCL has moved to daily service, but had service at all times of day based on my schedule and when I was in an out of room.
Ship tip
The Thermal Suite is new on the ship and was closed all but the last couple of days, where a few individuals were let in and it looks amazing. Great inside space, with options for jacuzzi, sauna, salt and cold therapy rooms as well as heated loungers. The decor looks outstanding with many new aesthetic elements like waterfalls and sculptures.
I mean, not a huge tourist destination for most, but transit from Heathrow on National Express bus is easy and affordable. Hotels seem plenty and clean. There are sights and things to do as well as good shopping and great restaurants and bars.
Miami might not be everyone's cup of tea, but have used this port to embark and disembark many times and although construction and congestion is rampant, it is generally pretty easy to get into and out of port.
Amtrak and Brightline are also options to get to / from port which is nice. Since we had a Free At See shore excursion credit and our flight was not out until 4PM from Miami (MIA), a scheduled a tour for net $19 after credit, filled time well, great tour guide, luggage travelled with us, and was cheaper than a cab, uber, or transfer with NCL. Great option.
Again, I had a tour, and a cane for mobility, so lines were shorter for me. There is NOT enough Immigration Staff for the volume of passengers (and we where only 57% occupied). Although it is somewhat uncommon to be coming to the country, this issue is not common on a round trip circuit.
Hi
I agree with this review, it was my first time on a TA 11 day cruise, we bided for an upgrade to a balcony, and loved having the door open at night, the food was great and plenty of choice, we tried to eat in the complementary restaurants to avoid overeating, it helped a bit when I didn’t order 2 starters as I couldn’t make up my mind. Lol, Dress code was smart casual, evenings but not many people dressed up.
Miami port, we found confusing , where we should go and it was very busy, no where to sit to try and get our baring.
Last winter we did R/T Hawaii from San Diego. 17 days and 10 were sea days! We loved it - cruising. It’s what we paid for :)
Husband now wants to do a TA in the near future. Thanks for your review.
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