The cruise was very pleasant, locations very memorable. The staff was friendly and mostly proficient. The ship was not the newest, but more then adequate.
The "free style" cruising was not all that "free" in any sense - nice restaurants required co-pay, reservations, and opened after 5:30. The "free" was the cafeteria-style dining room which got old eventually. Now, it should be said that as far as cafeterias go, this one was really very good.
Over all: for the price (~$800/person, VERY obstructed view), the cruise was a very good deal.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
The free style cruising feels a little like a schem. yes, you can eat at any time, but what... The only free sit-down restaurant had limited hours, filled up very fast, usually required a wait. The menu was the same every day. Food quality was OK at best, and two out of three visits our order was somehow messed up (wrong appetizer, for example).
Now, the pay locations ($10-20/person) I have nothing but praise for. Food was abundant a good, the chefs at the Japanese restaurant put on a great show.
Over all: food is great, but there is a feeling that under the guise of "free style" you are being nickle'n'dimed a bit.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
On-board singers and dancers did a great job, while the directing could have been a little sharper. Of guests - the comedian was boring to tears, while Comedy Improv by Second City crew was amazing and made our trip.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff did a great job. They worked very hard. I have nothing but admiration for the people who make the cruise happen.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
As I said, the ship is not new, but easy enough to navigate. Extra props to NCL for hand-washing stations everywhere. Even though the ship is showing the age a little (s.a. chipped paint here and there) it was immaculately clean.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Ours had a window, with the view obstructed almost completely by a rescue boat. Which was fine - we were looking for a bargain room with a window. The room was of decent size, was cleaned several times a day. Not a place to spend your entire day, but as far as sleeping and reading a book - great.
With a 5pm (!?) arrival, it was a waste. We actually made it back to the ship in one hour. Would have made it in less, if it was not for a few stores immediately left of the pier. Eatlier arrival would have allowed for wildlife viewing and nice hikes. As it is, hardly worth getting off the ship. Best view of harbor is from the ship itself.
The only people who reported a good time were the 12 (yes, only 12 seats) who booked a ride on a Zodiac craft and got very close to the whales.
A local lady drove 6 people in the van for $37 a piece booked on shore- great deal! The tour was nice and personal, we saw no other tourists.
Rediculously cheap tourist junk.
Booked the rail pass through NCL, probably could have done it cheaper on shore. The train ride was very impressive, narration very good. Check out local StarBucks. Don't laugh - the pasteries are made locally and were some of the best we've ever tried.
We went on a catamaran ride on the Misty Fjords. It was great and well worth the money even booked through NCL. Loaner binoculars on every seat made our day.
Noticeable higher prices on tourist junk than the following two.
With a 5pm (!?) arrival, it was a waste. We actually made it back to the ship in one hour. Would have made it in less, if it was not for a few stores immediately left of the pier. Eatlier arrival would have allowed for wildlife viewing and nice hikes. As it is, hardly worth getting off the ship. Best view of harbor is from the ship itself.
The only people who reported a good time were the 12 (yes, only 12 seats) who booked a ride on a Zodiac craft and got very close to the whales.
Booked the rail pass through NCL, probably could have done it cheaper on shore. The train ride was very impressive, narration very good. Check out local StarBucks. Don't laugh - the pasteries are made locally and were some of the best we've ever tried.
A local lady drove 6 people in the van for $37 a piece booked on shore- great deal! The tour was nice and personal, we saw no other tourists.
Rediculously cheap tourist junk.
We went on a catamaran ride on the Misty Fjords. It was great and well worth the money even booked through NCL. Loaner binoculars on every seat made our day.
Noticeable higher prices on tourist junk than the following two.
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