February 2024 - 7 Night Caribbean: Harvest Caye Cozumel & Roatan (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Prima
YoshiChris
Captain
La Salina, Ensenada. Mexico
Joined 05/2018
8
Cruises2
Reviews26
Helpful VotesPast cruises
November 2022 - 14 Night Transatlantic (Lisbon To Rio De Janeiro) Cruise on Norwegian Star
May 2022 - 7 Night Alaska With Dawes Glacier (Seattle Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
November 2021 - 7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Bliss
March 2020 - 7 Night Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Joy
May 2019 - 13 Night The Rivieras (Rome To London) Cruise on Norwegian Spirit
November 2018 - 15 Night Cuba & Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Sun
The ship was remodeled earlier this year and felt fresh. Though this mid-size ship is one of the smallest in the NCL fleet it had plenty to do on our 15 day cruise. Ample number of dining options and bars. We never felt crowded even with just shy of 2k people and another 1k staff.
The breakfast and lunch menus were lacking as they were too repetitive and lacking in creativity. Dinner and late night menus were outstanding in every venue.
The drinks in the bars were great and consistent, obviously some bartenders are better than others. Nothing watered down on this ship. I appreciate the differing decor to keep things exciting on a long cruise.
The entertainment was generally good but we've experienced better. However the entertainment staff worked hard and did a great job.
Embarkation and Debarkation were flawless.
Our room, 1204, was a mini suite and was spacious, perfect for a long cruise. The shining star of this room category is the walkin closet and bathroom, absoutely massive. There was so much storage in this room that we had empty drawers and shelves after unpacking 4 very large bags and moving all of our toiletries off the counters. The balcony was a good size and the new glass railings gave a much improved view versus the old steel railings.
I cannot give the staff enough credit for the amazing job they do. Not a single staff member was ever rude. They work so hard to make everyone feel like royalty.
Now that I have been on Carnival and NCL I have to say NCL will be my new cruise line of choice. The vibe is more adult and less booze cruise like. I'm not putting Carnival down just saying that NCL better fits our lifestyle.
May 2018 - 4 Night Catalina & Baja Mexico (Los Angeles Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Inspiration
With the undersganding that this ship is older and is scheduled to be replaced in 2019, I found it to be well maintained. Yes a bit dated but everything was still nice and in working order. I equate this ship to a Vegas Resort at sea, it is a party ship. If you want non stop party then Inspiration is for you. If you somehow get bored on this ship, don't know what to tell you, there are nonstop activities for all age groups. Since it is a party ship I recommend leaving the kids at home, this is not a family cruise. The cruise was fun, food was decent and the staff was outstanding. It is an exceptional value amd I cannot wait to go again.
Norwegian Sun
Sail date: November 12, 2018
The ship was remodeled earlier this year and felt fresh. Though this mid-size ship is one of the smallest in the NCL fleet it had plenty to do on our 15 day cruise. Ample number of dining options and bars. We never felt crowded even with just shy of 2k people and another 1k staff.
The breakfast and lunch menus were lacking as they were too repetitive and lacking in creativity. Dinner and late night menus were outstanding in every venue.
The drinks in the bars were great and consistent, obviously some bartenders are better than others. Nothing watered down on this ship. I appreciate the differing decor to keep things exciting on a long cruise.
The entertainment was generally good but we've experienced better. However the entertainment staff worked hard and did a great job.
Embarkation and Debarkation were flawless.
Our room, 1204, was a mini suite and was spacious, perfect for a long cruise. The shining star of this room category is the walkin closet and bathroom, absoutely massive. There was so much storage in this room that we had empty drawers and shelves after unpacking 4 very large bags and moving all of our toiletries off the counters. The balcony was a good size and the new glass railings gave a much improved view versus the old steel railings.
I cannot give the staff enough credit for the amazing job they do. Not a single staff member was ever rude. They work so hard to make everyone feel like royalty.
Now that I have been on Carnival and NCL I have to say NCL will be my new cruise line of choice. The vibe is more adult and less booze cruise like. I'm not putting Carnival down just saying that NCL better fits our lifestyle.
Carnival Inspiration
Sail date: May 13, 2018
With the undersganding that this ship is older and is scheduled to be replaced in 2019, I found it to be well maintained. Yes a bit dated but everything was still nice and in working order. I equate this ship to a Vegas Resort at sea, it is a party ship. If you want non stop party then Inspiration is for you. If you somehow get bored on this ship, don't know what to tell you, there are nonstop activities for all age groups. Since it is a party ship I recommend leaving the kids at home, this is not a family cruise. The cruise was fun, food was decent and the staff was outstanding. It is an exceptional value amd I cannot wait to go again.
Cruise tips
Aruba
Aruba was nice but not my cup of tea. I prefer a green island only because I live in an area with vegetation similar to Aruba. We did a private tour of the island and enjoyed the "off the beaten path" journey. Beautiful, yet windy, beaches.
It is apparent that the government has difficulty mainting the buildings as they own them all, not the citizens. That being said, I found it interesting to see ruins adjacent well preserved structures. The inhabitants were friendly and grateful for the tourists which supplement their income. At dusk we stopped to rest in a plaza and watched the city come alive. People congregated in the square telling stories, kids and dogs played. Cats lounged lazily nearby. It was remarkable to see how mobile devices and electronic media has yet to corrupt the populace. Honestly, I feel fortunate to have experienced this city, memories made and cherished. The city has a burgeoning art scene which was once suppressed for decades. We acquired a few pieces from talented artists. We also got an inside look into a fully operational cigar factory, not a tourist made up factory but and actual government controlled facility. That was amazing.
Key West was a fun stop. It was my first time. Cool place loaded with shops, restaurants and bars. Had to try the conchfritters from a few places and loved them. NCL made the entire process simple and quick.
Stayed in South Beach before my cruise. Everytime I stay here it somehow is better than the previous stay. Great food, great people, great place. Though expensive, it is always a fun time.
Catalina was the last spot in California for me to explore. The ship anchors outside the city and a tender carries passengers into the harbor in Avalon. The locals were very friendly and accommodating. The island is predominantly a nature preserve which helps keep it from being overdeveloped. The inland scenery is similar to that of others areas in Cali but the town of Avalon is a precious gem with its simple way of life and little shops, restaurants and bars. Marvelous place to visit. I'm glad I saved Catalina for last as it is one of my favorite destinations in the beautiful State of California.
Long Beach (Los Angeles), California
Carnival has an amazing facility. Located inside the old Spruce Goose hanger, Carnival managed to start the cruise from shore. The facility has a great layout with easy access, helpful and caring staff, and a waiting area that is as comfortable it is beautuful. Parking is a breeze and only steps from the building entrance. Baggage checkin is on the ground floor of the parking structure. They make you feel like your cruise has started from the moment you arrive.
I may be a bit biased as I live in Ensenada, yes I actually drove to Long Beach to cruise home. I love this city and the activities when in port. If you haven't seen downtown you can walk from the port. If you stay on 1st St (Calle Uno) you will see and experience alot. There are amazing restaurants and bars. My favorite restaurant is a little hole in the wall called La Concheria which serves the most amazing oysters and their abolone pasta is a must. For bars my favorite us Hussong's Cantina. I frequently go there to meet friends who cruise in. Hussong's mariachis are the best and are known to play pink floyd and other bands you don't associate with Mexican mariachi. If you want to get away from the city I suggest a wine country tour. Our wine country is amazing with new award winning wineries opening all the time. I typically use a company called Baja Wine and Dine. Ray and Evelyn Ochoa have beautiful, new and safe vehicles for goups of all sizes, they can be found on Facebook. Enjoy your visit to Ensenada, I liked it so much I moved to the beach.