Norwegian Sliding

Our entire experience with Norwegian and this particular cruise started out very poorly. We originally booked this cruise for February 6 2015. About a week later we received an email telling us our trip had been cancelled and the ship had been reserved for two months by a private party. They told us we had a couple of options: we could sail at a later date and they would guarantee the price and they would give us an $50 on board credit (which was included with the original booking) or we could change to a different Norwegian cruise and they would price it to the price at the time we originally booked. Nothing was ever said about a complete refund and we could then switch to a competitor. I would also note that we were to receive a discount book to be used on board. We NEVER received this item! We boarded the ship in Miami on March 6 for a ten night cruise. We had sailed on this ship (The Norwegian Pearl)  seven years ago  and had a great experience at that time. I would note that the service has gone down as we could rarely see our cabin attendant and our friends traveling with us did not get their cabin made up on two occasions. After they complained they received a bowl of chocolate strawberries. In addition, their room was always the last one done. I noticed that there was dirt in the corners of our cabin and the carpet was faded. There was dirt, paper and other debris in the scuppers (drain channel) on our balcony as well as quite a bit of rust that needed addressing. There is now a plethora of specialty restaurants on the ship that charge additional fees. Such was not the case 7 years ago. I believe the result of this is a decline in the food quality in the main dining room. Formerly, staff would circulate continually offering additional rolls and bread as well as coffee. Not so any longer! If you ask and are willing to wait you may get what you asked for.

We are Latitudes members, Silver level just shy of Gold level and at this point we are doubtful of ever achieving this level. We recommend this cruise on the basis of the itinerary but would note there are several cruises and cruise lines we recommend above Norwegian such as Celebrity and Holland American. The Cruise on Celebrity  or Royal Caribbean out of San Juan are both great. My favorite ship (until something better comes along) Is the Adventure of the Sea. But, then I have not been on that ship for 6 years and it may have slipped as well.