Good overall experience. Wouldn't say that service was exceptional but good at times. Staff is very helpful and friendly. For this itinerary we thought that there should have be less time spent at Port Canaveral and more time at the private island. Most other cruises that we spoke to also said that the private island was their favorite port. When we got there it was in the evening so there was an island party on the beach; beware there are BUGS that bite, not mosquitoes though. Everyone got bit, though there was an announcement prior to disembarking they recommend bug repellent that was for sale at the gift shop for $10. Bring your own, but let this stop you from going to the island, it is fun and no bugs during the day.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Quality of food was average, of course I may have very high expectations. Good variety of dining rooms, but overall food at all places was average to me. Service was inconsistent and varies from each restaurant. Cover charges were applies to 4 of the better dining rooms (between $10-20). Chocoholic buffet was visual cool, but overall taste and variety was average. The buffet, raffles court was always packed, and long waits for Asian stir fry. Also they need more options for late night dining, they only had one bar that served food and it was too small with a limited menu. Room service was very average also. One morning our breakfast was never even delivered.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Good variety, shows were good and entertaining. Some I thought were corny but thats to be expected right? Comedian was entertaining. Shore excursions were over priced, you can actually book outside of the cruiseline and get better deals. Once again nice that there were no set schedules except for at port and when you have to back aboard the ship (there was always a line to embark the ship, and security checks).
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff was always friendly and helpful. Our room stewards were great, they kept our room nice and tidy; ended up tipping them $20 above what is already included. If you have done other cruises, this is normal practice, but NCL includes a $10 tip per day (per adult) to cover wait staff and stewards so that it all gets split up between them. The whole tip thing is generally confusing this way. I always tipped a bit more even though there was always 15% gratuity included with everything, I mean everything. Not too many instances of exceptional service, but there were some.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Good size ship, descent Casino. It was clean and room decor was okay, probably mid- 1900's style. We stayed in a balcony room, way better then a normal stateroom.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Decent size for a balcony room, although all rooms on ships are small. The condition of the stateroom was nice, decor was a little dated but clean. Nice to have a digital safe in the room for your valuables. Would definitely recommend staying in at least a room with a balcony. Note: most restaurants are on the 12 and 7 decks. We were on the 11th deck and everything was pretty close in regards to proximity and we avoided using the elevators our whole trip to offset the amount of food we ate ; )
If you have never been in the water with a dolphin, this is the place. Beware there is two options: Dolphin encounter and dolphin swim. Read into what they are: basically swim: you ride on the dolphins fins, encounter: you are in waist deep water but is a good experience. It's cheaper if you book outside of the cruise line.
We did a kayaking excursion at Indian Lagoon. It was great, we saw and got to pet wild manitees, yes pet, they come up to the kayak and roll over like big dogs. We saw dolphins, birds, and stingrays. Great if you like the outdoors but probably a bit expensive for what you get. Cocoa beach is great and a must see also. Don't forget to get some oranges and grapefruits they are the best in the world (yes,you can bring them aboard but not back off the ship). NASA is awesome but I have been there before so we did not do a tour this trip.
Just enjoy the white sandy beaches and clear water. Great snorkeling. Just relax here, be ready for a lot of people, claim you spot early!! If you go at night pack some bug repellent!!!!
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