Understand NCL made several changes to VIVA to address problems the designers (who clearly didn't operate in the real world) ignored on THIS ship. Couldn't verify, but believe they're not building anymore like PRIMA. FUnny re dinner reservations...made ours early...but wanted to make some changes. wheelchair pusher kid took us down to 6th floor where dinner reservation could be made...hundreds of people online...several reps seated at terminals, people looking at menus....you could stay there all day...no exaggeration....kid pushing her wheelchar buttonholed one of the supervisors who fixed everything..then discovered the NCL app magically allowed reservations to be made for venues that were "unbookable"....kiosks didn't work, but room reservations "eventually" did. So between what we had pre-booked, what they did down at the restaurant reservations chaos, and the room tv, we got excactly what we wanted...note...there was NO ONE PLACE that actually listed them all...miraculously, our reservation we in their computer somewhere, and we never had a problem when we showed up.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Have to clarify. NCL failed to inform us that embarkation terminal was changed just prior to cruise date. Debarkation terminal remained the same. Reserved parking at the pier in wrong place. I found out by accident, Fortunately we know a pooh-bah who works for Port of Galveston, met us at handicapped parking in his golf cart drove us to correct pier. He shall go nameless. But he deserves a medal. Wife's wheel chair (for boarding only) was available Check in clerk at terminal screwed up her card, Had to be redone onboard at security check in, Fortunately a Guest Svcs Supv came over to redo the thing.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Overall, ranged up to poor. We expected more from NCL than over/under cooked food. Daily menu choices on THEIR online dailies don't match whats actually available. Items missing, not added. Did a total of 4 specialties, both mdrs, and occassionally jurassic park, which was very crowded, noisy. Only redeeming factor was its location next to the VIBE BEACHCLUB, so we were able to grab plates and bring it outside. (You need to pay extra $$ and use key card access to it). Room service daily, $4.95 +tx delivery + $3 tip for the kid who delivered our pot o coffee and bento boxes (!) daily...tried actual food once, just for fun...cold eggs ain't my thing. It was prompt however, requested delivery 630-7, Always arrived early...Bartenders up at rthe VIBE spectavular, as usual...must be handpicked....
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
VIBE had capacity of a few hundred, only 72 actually reserved it...it was great, if the weather cooperates. very little shade available, NCL encourages skin cancer it seems. As mention, great location outside of the buffet. No stairs or elevator necessary.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Going to reserve a couple of shows until we saw what they were...Donna Summer doesn't do much for me. Comedy Club very small room, Pour House look like it was filled iwth donated furniture. No music like whats available in the atriums etc on other ships. Almost no place to sit even if some did play something. Atrium is VERY poorly designed...pretty to look at, but non-functional.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Crew went out of their way to be accommodating, polite, smiling etc. Would be nice if a few of them actuall spoke English. Steward was a gem, and tipped himn accordingly.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
Wish this rating system separated the two. Sparkling clean, but ship cut up into little "intimate" pieces, most useless. So-called main pool the size of a postage stamp. Fortunately we had other options.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
NCL claimed it was bigger on this class of ship. If it was, we didn't notice it. Pleasant, soothing colors. Bed actually too soft for us, both had backaches after awhile. Great bathroom. Only ship we've ever been on that didn't get steamed up after using the shower. Real shower doors that didn't leak all over when opened. Plenty of hot water and pressure. Shower drain actually worked! A/C system worked just fine. Ought to..its an almost new ship...
Ship tip
Read lots of reviews from experienced cruisers. We had another scheduled on her for end of 3/24. Cancelled it prior to this one, based on thiose reviews, and glad we did.
Met early to get her wheelchair...kid was a galley worker, pushed her all he went outside the terminal to our car (which happened to be in the RIGHT lot for disembarkation. Tipped him accordingly too. On the road by 8:20.).
MONIQUE...we do VIBE on every NCL ship that has it..it was the only saving grace on PRIMA...and..no steps to get to it, and JURASSIC PARK was only steps away. They do chilled treats out there occassionally, but we made many trips to the buffet...a little shade would've helped...but no matter...no more on that class...
MONIQUE...we do VIBE on every NCL ship that has it..it was the only saving grace on PRIMA...and..no steps to get to it, and JURASSIC PARK was only steps away. They do chilled treats out there occassionally, but we made many trips to the buffet...a little shade would've helped...but no matter...no more on that class...
Appreciate your detailed review. Know that you hoped to be wowed, sorry it didn’t happen. Glad you had great personal service. Hope the next one is better.
Left out a bunch of issues. Also cruise CCL often. They're trying to improve their image. Not sure what NCL is trying to accomplish, other than digging itself out from under some monstrous debt. Pay more, offer less.
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