Great cruise! Good mix of ports and sea days. Allowed us to visit ABC islands while departing from Galveston near our home. Bonaire and the private island in the Bahamas were our favorite. Not sure why NCL excursions have zero reviews. They should have thousands. (Only place I could make this comment in the survey). Best inside stateroom I’ve been in. Great shower and lots of electrical and USB outlets). Very good food and entertainment. Not the best activity venues for my liking. Get rid of the humidor. Smells up the hallway with cigar odor. Resize the pickleball court.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Well organized except that our ship cards were not ready when we checked in at our designated time and our rooms weren’t ready until later than usual (~ 2 pm).
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The food at the dining rooms was delicious and I liked the breakfast options and French bread pizza on Deck 17 and the food variety on Deck 8 (except it seemed to be closed a large portion of the day). Our specialty restaurant (Palomar) was fantastic. Liked the atmosphere of the Hudson better than the Commodore. Making a reservation at the mall n dining rooms was confusing. Website unclear. Only disappointment was the lack of beef entrees for dinner. Usually there are a couple nights of prime rib and/or beef Wellington. This time- none.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Miniature golf was only 8 holes and cost $5 per round vs the typical free mini golf. No court for volleyball, basketball and soccer. Pickleball court was a good idea except for the fact that it was undersized. Bar style shuffleboard only went in one direction. Not a very good jogging track or any organized walks. We did enjoy the origami and the corn hole (bean bag toss). We used the water slides and the go cart track, too (though the go carts cost $15). Get rid of the humidor. Smells up the hallway with cigar odor.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Really liked the Donna Summer musical, the illusionist (TJ) and the Diva singer (Rachel). Comedians were okay. The performers around the ship were exceptional (Shane, Purple Haze and the no name band that did Rumors and the 80’s party. The Syd Norman venue was too small!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Friendly and efficient in every way and for every service!!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
We prefer the ships with a promenade deck. Breakfast area was a bit small. Liked the Deck 8 food area. The observation lounge was a great place to relax and read a book.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Loved the shower size and that it had a glass door! Sink area was nice size. Room had plenty of electrical outlets and USB charging!!! Bed was comfortable. Less drawer space than other ships. Our room was a bit noisy. Below Food Republic so early morning noise as it was the breakfast buffet seating overflow) and backed up to the elevator. Should have gone with Deck 15 vs Deck 16.
Ship tip
Make reservations for shows and specialty dining as soon as possible.
It was running a bit late but othered efficient. I actually forgot to pick up a small carry-on and had to wait until everyone was off the ship for immigration to bring it out since you can’t go back in. I won’t ever do that again!
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