I am going to give cruising a break unless I go on a Disney Cruise. I was very disappointed in this ship. However, I was happy that it took me to Cuba.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
The check-in process was speedy and enjoyable. The crew made you feel really welcomed and excited for the cruise. It took awhile to get our luggage delivered, but I guess they had until 8 p.m. to deliver. Our room crew member, Pan, went out of his way to get our luggage to us, so we could change into our bathing suits and get into the pool.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The drinks were awesome...except they charged for the coffee bar (cafe latte). The food was not up to my liking. The buffet was okay, but I really expected some great cuisine on a cruise. The food was plain and often salty in the formal dining area. I have had better on other cruises.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
The pool was tiny and crowded. There was a basketball court, but it was too hot to play basketball. The fitness center was nice and the training sessions were unrealistic. The activities around the pool were silly at times. However, the meet and greets were very lame.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The entertainment was horrible. We walked by the keyboard player, who did not know the words to some of the songs. As well as Manila Soul who butchered 80s songs and the Beatles. The comedian was awful. And, the entertainment group for the night shows reminded me of a middle school group performance.
Children's Programs
I do not have any kids.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The service and staff were awesome! I really appreciated their work ethic.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The cleanliness was superb. The layout of the ship is pretty simple.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Pan kept our stateroom nice and clean. Loved his towel animals. The cabin was pretty small and difficult to move around in when getting ready.
Ship tip
We were under the impression that you had to purchase an excursion to go into Cuba. One of our excursions (Hemingway Experience) was canceled and instead of giving our money back... they refunded the money to Onboard Credit. We did not want to buy anything on the ship. We wanted our money back. So, we are waiting for them to send us a check to get our money back. We took one tour of Havana, but ended up walking the streets of Havana on our own. Getting lost in the streets of Havana was amazing. The taxi drivers also will take you around in their 50's convertible for about $50. A lot cheaper than the $199 tour.
Cuba was the whole reason we took this cruise. It was a bittersweet experience. Difficult to see the poverty, but loved the people. I was disappointed that the Hemingway Excursion was canceled, but I later found out the house had been damaged by the hurricane.
Loved the island. I was not impressed with the cruise goers around me. We arrived early to the island and claimed seats in the shade. While we were enjoying the water, a group of seven disrespectful individuals made their own row of chairs behind us and moved our chairs forward. We had to listen to them disrespect the crew members who were serving them as well as our country. I wish there was more security to tell people that moving chairs and being disrespectful was unacceptable.
With the price of Disney Vs. NCL you got what you paid for. On NCL IMHO to get good food you have to go to a extra pay dining, the free dining is bad food and bad service.
Hint for any future cruise, pack your swim wear, RX and change in your carry on bag so you can hit the pool as soon as your on the ship.
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