This was our first NCL cruise and will likely be our last. We chose this cruise because of the length of time to be spent in Havana. Unfortunately, this was shortened shortly after the ship set sail for pre-planned maintenance. Very disappointing. There were some good points and we enjoyed each other's company, making our own good time on the most part.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
On schedule, well organized and done well.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food was overall unimaginative - basically the same menu for the entire cruise. Fish on the buffet and in both main dining rooms was mushy not very palatable. In Crossings I had a sirloin steak that couldn't be cut easily or chewed - full of gristle & fat. The staff agreed but I didn't have it again. Breakfast on the buffet was done well.
Outrigger Lounge
5 out of 5
On deck 11 forward - a great place to be to watch sailing into ports: floor to ceiling, wall to wall windows. Doesn't seem to be well-known so it was quiet with polite, knowledgeable staff and a really nice place to get away from noisy activity and just relax, talk and have a drink.
Palace Main Dining Room
4 out of 5
Last night on board we all three had the prime rib in the Palace main dining room. It was excellent and by far the best meal we had while on the ship. We left well deserved accolades for a couple of staff members (Errol & Glenda) that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We were unable to tender to the Cay Island due to rough weather. We headed to the pool area within 10 minutes of the announcement. It seems as though people rushed to the pool deck to claim pool chairs. Unfortunately, that left little or none for anyone else. We found a couple in the shade and waited for hours while those "claimed" chairs never got used. I think this is rude and unfair, though, I don't know what can be done about it. We have never experienced this on a cruise ship before.
Sky Club Casino
5 out of 5
We did enjoy the casino very much. There was a good crowd overall, a good selection of slots and lots of action on the tables.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Audience participation games, singing & dancing was fun and full of talent. Otherwise, the entertainment on board was ok.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our room steward (Ludwin) was wonderful, funny and attentive and made our stay really enjoyable with his towel critters and attention to room detail. Overall staff were fine - some better than others.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship is older, but easy to navigate and easy to get around. The ship is well maintained and clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Our cabin would be fine for 2 people but we were 3 adults; myself, my husband and my brother. When the sofa is laid out at "turn down", it is difficult to maneuver around. It literally blocks the balcony and any approach to the desk without walking on the bed itself. Getting in and out of the sofa bed is really difficult as you have to slide to the bottom and pull yourself up in the very narrow opening between the desk and the regular bed.
The reason we chose Norwegian (our first time on NCL) was because they had a longer in port time in Havana than any of the other cruise ships we researched. After we set sail, we were advised that because of pre-planned (pre-planned!?!) maintenance we would arrive later and leave 3 hours earlier than scheduled. All full day excursions and all 2nd day afternoon excursions had to be cancelled. Other excursions had to be re-arranged or cancelled. We did the Ultimate Highlights of Havana on the first afternoon. After a couple hours when asked to use the bathroom, we were told the bathroom on the bus was broken. They did nothing to allow people on the bus any options. There was one bathroom available on the entire almost 4 hour excursion. This was at the Fort where we had 30 minutes to shop and see the Fort. The only bathroom was a fifteen (15! Seriously) minute walk each way around and through the entire huge Fort. Some of the people stopped and peed behind large stones/walls while their companions stood watch. A couple of seniors had embarrassing accidents. This was after warning us over and over to drink lots of water and stay hydrated! Totally unacceptable and unnecessary. The guide nor the bus driver seemed to be concerned or understanding at all. That was the only shopping opportunity available to us on that excursion and too many of us had no time to either see the fort or shop. We lost our 2nd excursion the next day because we left Havana 3 hours earlier than scheduled and couldn't move it any earlier. We were very disappointed.
We have experienced chair hogs by the pool on every cruise , on every ship. If we notice a chair has been marked and unused for more than thirty minutes, if you inform a staff member/ they’ll remove their stuff so you can actually use it.
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