While NCL has always been our favorite cruise line, they took a hit this time around. I really hope this is not typical of their business model moving forward. Lower quality food and poor service is not a recipe for success in the long run. Trust me, I am not a snob, but we paid quite a bit extra to stay in the nicer suite and get some services for the first time. All I can say is that it was not worth it.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
As we had a suite, the embarkation was quick and easy!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Main dining room food was the best we have had on NCL. Unfortunately, the service was by far the worst. On the other hand, the service in the specialty restaurants was good but the food was inedible (Cagney's). Very fatty steaks and pork chops overdone to the point of burnt and inedible. When presented with this all the server said was "sorry, that's the way we cook them". The buffet had this vomit/sewer smell the whole week and we could not use it.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Shows were OK, but not like the bigger boats. Comedian was funny 2nd time around.
Children's Programs
No kids with us
Service and Staff
2 out of 5
Again, the ship was severely understaffed. Most people were pleasant, although definitely overworked and in many cases, not properly trained or prepared. 2 of 3 nights in main dining room took over 3 hours and we missed shows. Many 15-20 minute waits for drinks as bars only had 1 tender. I would not recommend butler/concierge service as it was simply not worth it.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cleanliness (except for smell in buffet) and design were good
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
The cabin and room steward were excellent. Good design and nice balcony on the back of the ship. A bit of rocking and noise as we were docking, but that is expected on the aft. The bathroom design was weird and the tub took up half the room. Several holes in the wall and tub tiling took this from a 5 rating to a 4.
Ship tip
Much better off on a bigger boat. I am not sure if this is NCL having trouble staffing, or simply not staffing intentionally. There were times when there were no interior bars open until 4-5 PM and when they did open, only 1 person there. Sometimes a manager would step in at the restaurant or bar, but not often. If you didn't gamble, there was not much to do on this ship.
A great deal of fun! The usual tourist traps, but did a nice beach on our own with an all inclusive eat and drink package for $65 for the day. Well worth it! Mr Sanchos was the name.
This used to be my favorite stop with NCL. More like a money grab now. Again, service was non existent. We literally did not see one service person walking around. No big deal, we walked up to the bar/buffet. Out of forks, out of straws, out of half the specialty drinks, and servers arguing (loudly) about who was going to replenish from the supply hut. I think $29 to rent an umbrella and $23 to rent a mat is a bit excessive as well. Water and sand were great.
I was on Norwegian Sky back in November and did not experience any of these issues and had a great time. Perhaps something has failed since then, but I find it hard to believe that anyone would have a bad experience at Cagneys. I guess so many negative comments come from people who set their expectations so high and expect a perfect cruise that its impossible to achieve either one by any cruise line. I dont bother with trivial issues on a cruise, since something will go wrong on a ship with 3000 people on a week long cruise. My philosophy is; you spend that much money on a cruise, just enjoy it, and those pesky little things won't ruin the cruise.
@leeee64 Thanks for sharing you experience with the community. If you would like to share with Norwegian, here is contact info:
Phone: 866-234-7350
Website: ncl.com
Email: https://www.ncl.com/case-submission/pre-cruise
Hello fellow cruiser Leeee64, your review is 100% on point. And although your experience on the sky is out & just a few days fresh, I recall virtually the same issues The NCL Sky when I cruised back in the Fall 2019, literally pre-pandemic. This ship is so old & because it’s so small everything just comes to the forefront in just a few hrs after boarding. I don’t know why NCL hasn’t sent it to dry dock, or just replaced it altogether. The Sky has a very busy itinerary & docked on the cruise Capitol if the world. NCL quickly became my fave go-to cruising line, but not anymore! I’m now Platinum & still have 3 Cruisenext deposits expiring in 2025, once used I will continue to shop around. It is sad to see how easily NCL cuts corners w/out regard to their staff & loyal customers. I already cancelled a cruise for November because I found a cheaper cruise elsewhere, so NCL take note!!
I’m sorry your experience was so negative after spending extra to get more & more importantly the disappointment of placing a well deserved vacation in the hands of NCL & their poorly managed ship. NCL I hope you’re reading because this new management style approach will cost you more in the long run. Happy cruising 🤩⚓️😎❣️‼️
NCL has smudgely and proudly made multiple cuts to their services post pandemic while bragging to their stockholders that they can still raise their prices and fill their ships. That is true...for awhile...until there previously loyal guests decide not to be their supporters anymore. All the cruise lines are cutting expenses, but NCL is definitely doing it the most boldly and starkly.
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