The cruise was nice. But NCL disappointed with the customer service in reservations. After talking with others who booked their own flight, the cost was the same. So that buy one get one deal is a scam.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
NCL had a buy one get one free for flight. We let them book the flight. They don't book it until 30 days before the cruise date. They booked it very close to the ship leaving. The ship left from Seward, and the flight landed in Anchorage; which is 2.5 hours away. We were unable to take our train excursion from Anchorage to Seward. They did credit that back. Tried many times to change this, but to no avail. The NCL staff was rude and many times lied about how to transfer to Seward. Finally, they offered a shuttle bus, which cost to get into Seward.
Once on that plane, we learned there were tons of people who had the same problem. They said they had received the same poor and rude customer service.
Those shuttle buses were late. There were many groups of people waiting to board the bus to transfer to the ship.
Unfortunately, not everyone made it before the ship left the port. They were finally able to connect with the ship a few days later. In Alaska, not every port has a way to connect with the ship.
TIP: DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHT WITH NCL. TO MUCH STRESS AND RISK OF MISSING THE CRUISE
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The food was good but not great.
This is not a complaint but an observation. We usually cruise on Carnival. They have the deli sandwich and pizza place where you order, and your sandwich or pizza are made fresh for you. NCL does have deli sandwiches and pizza, but they are premade sitting on the buffet. Often, they were dried out from sitting.
We also missed the traditional dining where you have a specific dinner time with table mates. We always enjoyed the conversation with our table mates. It was nice to hear the different adventures each person had that day. Also, on Carnival, we enjoyed having the same waiter each night and getting to know them.
On NCL Silk restaurant was very good. I would highly recommend going. This was also complimentary. The other restaurant that is open 24/7 is Local and it was very good.
We did 2 specialty dinners. The steakhouse was excellent. The steaks were tender and cooked to our order.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We did not do many activities. There was not a lot going on. But that made this a relaxing cruise. Also, you are in port almost each day, so exploring Alaska was great, so the activities were not missed.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
NCL entertainment was amazing. I felt each show was as good as any on Broadway. It was to that level. Do not miss the evening shows they will not disappoint. The show on the final night is a definite must-see. It was simply incredible!!!!
Only one complaint, no comedy club, was available on that ship.
TIP: DO NOT MISS THE EVENING SHOWS!!!
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff was very good. We had to call to meet our room steward but after that he was great.
You also have to call for an NCL robe. This is nice to have in Alaska. Makes it cozy when having your morning coffee on the balcony.
TIP: CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR YOUR NCL ROBE
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was very clean and well decorated.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
It was smaller than other cruise ships. There is no couch. It does have a refrigerator.
Ship tip
Do not let NCL schedule your flight. If you already have. Research before you go what port will get you connected to the ship if you get left.
Don't expect the same level of service you get from other cruise lines when dealing with NCL reservations staff.
Did not see was stuck in the airport for 12 plus hours. Book your own flight. Book it the day after to give yourself time to see Vancouver. This option to leave a day later was not offered by NCL. Just Book your own flight.
Again, the flight that was arranged by NCL was unacceptable. And there were many others with that same problem.
We disembarked at 9:30AM our flight didn't leave until 9:40PM. Most of us waited in the airport because checking luggage that early is nearly impossible.
It took us 28 hours and 4 airports connections get home. Obviously, we got no sleep. This, ended the vacation on a sour note.
TIP:DO NOT LET NCL SCHEDULE YOU FLIGHT!!!!!!
Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Thanks for the information regarding booking flights with the cruise line. Glad you enjoyed your Alaskan cruise in spite of that.
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