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Note - this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: Warren Drayton
Email: wardray@aol.com
Age: 60+
Occupation: retired
NumberOfCruises: 11
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Dreamward
SailingDate: september 12 1998
Itinerary: med/black sea
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 85
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Oct 1998
Time: 14:46:58
Remote Name: 205.188.193.159
Remote User:
Comments
This was our 2nd time on the dreamward. We were on board back in 1994 on a repositioning
cruise from New York to florida. As in '94 we stayed
in the same cabin (9200) on the international deck. The cabin was still in excellent
condition as was the whole ship. The stretching has made for
what seems to be longer walks to get to lounges and the dining room. WE dined in the
terrace on international deck. We discovered that the
matre'd, Owen Anderson, was still the matre'd in this dining rm and he was very helpful
and outstanding, he got us a great table for two. The
waiter "Nelson" was equally outstanding and would get us anything we asked for.
The food has improved from the last time but still is not great.
There seemed to be an overall trend towards cutting corners. We noticed that the menu had
been reduced by one course and the stewards are
no longer found in the hallways after a certain hour. Activities have decreased and very
few lectures. The stardust lounge shows are still very good
and entertaining. The casino was very popular on this cruise. The wife hit the slots for
$1250 playing the quarter slots. I personally was not
impressed with the ports of call but I am sure others were very pleased. Overall, this
ship rates the 4 stars that it has earned. All they need to do is
great more creative on the menu.
Name: Maureen Makkay
Email: capemo@aol.com
Age: 59
Occupation: Business Owner
NumberOfCruises: 22
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Dreamward
SailingDate: 10-2-98
Itinerary: Black Sea
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 70
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 50
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 50
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 25 Oct 1998
Time: 15:16:52
Remote Name: 152.163.197.194
Remote User:
Comments
The Norwegian Dream Black Sea cruise was for twelve nights departing Rome on October 2nd
and
arriving Istanbul on October 16th. We did not buy the air/sea program but did purchase
transfer
for $50 each from Rome to Citivecchi. Included in the cruise was a free two night post
cruise
package in Istanbul. The cruise itinerary was excellent. We made stops in Sicily, Athens,
Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadashi, Dikili, Yalta, Odessa, Varna Bulgaria and Istanbul. The shore
excursion programs were well run. An NCL representative was stationed on each bus which
really
cut down on the normal confusion and people getting lost. The program featured excellent
guides. The excursions were fairly expensive with the average three hour excursion costing
between $40 to $50 and the full day excursions that featured lunch from $85 to $100. There
were no outstanding offerings i.e. helicopter rides, etc. Just the same variations of city
tours.
The ship was beautiful having just been extended and refurbished. It was spotless with
many
crew working all the time keeping it up. The deck was spacious and we never felt crowded.
There
were three dining rooms - one large and two smaller ones. We were assigned to the smaller
one
and found it quite delightful. Service was excellent and the food satisfied us for taste
and
variety. The best part of the cruise for us was the stateroom. We had a Owner's Suite and
it was
great. A large living room, a bedroom and a large veranda. It was beautifully furnished
and
included a refrigerator, VCR, CD player. Each evening we received appetizers and also
champagne
and liquor. It was the nicest suite we have had. Beware - we talked to people who
purchased
one level below in the mini-suite category and they were very disappointed and claimed
that the
room was no larger than a standard cabin. The only real weakness of this cruise was the
bland
entertainment and lack of interesting ship activities. With such wonderful ports they
should have
had interesting lecturers but there was nothing but the cruise excursion people. What a
waste.
The ship has a serious lack of activities and even the movies on the cabin tv were lousy.
Its a
good thing we brought alot of books. They have a very small library. However, overall we
did
have a great cruise and would take this line again.
Name: Joanne Hart
Email: hart@taxi.ca
Age: 45
Occupation: Director - Advertising Agency
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Dreamward
SailingDate: October 30, 1998
Itinerary: Classic Mediterranean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 89
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Nov 1998
Time: 10:13:33
Remote Name: 207.207.177.146
Remote User:
Comments
My husband have travelled extensively over the years but this was our first cruise. We
wanted to do Europe without all the hassle. Hence our decision
to cruise.
We were very pleased with our experience and would most definiately choose to cruise
again. We enjoyed the Norwegian Dream but more than likely,
would choose a smaller, more intimate vessel.
Comments by area:
The Ship -- Clean, well maintained, good stabilization, roomy staterooms, excellent space
ratio. The Food -- The only weak point. The quality and
selection while good, was not excellent. Lots of meat and potatoes. The Staff --
Excellent; especially our cabin steward and the cruise director and her
staff. Entertainment -- Good variety, quality entertainers a little too Las Vegas'y at
times for us though. Tours -- Well organized, good variety, some
better than others. Good ones that we took: Wine Tasting in Tuscany, A Day in Monte Carlo.
Cruise Director & Staff -- Professional, well organized,
personable, on-the-ball. Activities -- Tons, in fact at times it seemed like overkill but
one could always opt for a deck chair and a book.
What we would do differently next time -- a smaller, more intimate vessel; an all
inclusive package -- what a pain picking up your bill at the end of the
voyage and having to figure out all the gratuties.
The ports of call were excellent and there was a good sea to land ratio. We never felt too
rushed. All in all, a magical experience.
Name: Cherre Cecere
Email: cecerec@webquill.com
Age: 43
Occupation: Homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Dreamward
SailingDate: 12-20-98
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 98
MedicalFacilities: 75
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 50
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 28 Dec 1998
Time: 15:59:50
Remote Name: 32.100.223.135
Remote User:
Comments
Our family of four - including daughters 21 and 19 - were originally booked on the
Monarch, but were lucky enough to get
rebooked on the Dream. NCL transferred our air reservations, and there was no hitch.
Embarkation was as smooth as we've ever
had, even picking up our docs at the pier, and we were upgraded to very nice outside
cabins (decks 5 and 7). The Dream has
been totally redone, and she was in excellent shape, and the crew kept her clean and neat
every day but one. Our second day at
sea (Christmas Eve) was windy and stormy off and on all day, and they could not keep up
with the blowing trash, nor could they
keep up with the wet towels when it rained! The captain seemed to be trying to steer clear
of the worst of the storms, however.
Our cabin steward was one of the best we've had, even without the cute towels! We asked
the first day for wine glasses and ice,
and we never had to ask again. He even brought us a wine bucket and iced a bottle for us
each day! How nice to come in from a
day on shore and have a cold bottle ready to open! Our waiter was excellent, but our
busboy, while very nice, was clumsy. The
food was up to par, though not outstanding. The breakfast and lunch buffets in the sports
bar and pizzaria were very
disappointing, with nothing hot offered in the morning, and no variety all week. Since we
were in port four days, the dining room
hours were shortened, leaving little choice if you missed the full meal service. The
lounge entertainers were very good, with a
harpist who played for the dining room twice during the week. The Jean Ann Ryan troupe was
very talented, and put on a good
production of 42nd Street, but the rest of the revues were lower quality than on other
lines, and the headliners - a singer and 'the
world's fastest banjo player' were sub-par. We thought maybe they were somebody's uncle
who wanted a free cruise in exchange
for a performance. The comedian was very good, but never got more than 1/2 hour late show
and a small part of the final revue
show. Overall we were disappointed in the entertainment. The biggest problem, however, was
with the ships stabilizers, or the
lack thereof. Perhaps in the stretching something was overlooked in this department, but
the ship rocked and rolled excessively
every night, even when we were going short distances and only circling. We have sailed
this route before and never noticed this
much motion, but there were too many people seasick to ignore it. The other complaint as a
result of this is that the medical
center is only open 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. If you don't manage
to get sick during those hours you pay
double the fee to see the doctor! This felt to us like double-dipping. We did not go on
any shore excursions this trip, but we
talked to several people who were very disappointed because the excursions sold out too
quickly. Considering this was a holiday
week with the ship pretty well sold-out, there should have been more spaces or more
excursions offered to accomodate the
poeple. We found friendly cab drivers on each island who were more than willing to suggest
good snorkeling beaches and to
return at an appointed hour for pick-up, but some people are not comfortable with those
arrangements. Aruba has several good
sites on the southern coast for snorkeling and diving and a cab will cost you about $12
each way. Curacao has the Seaquarium
beach, with excellent facilities and a bar& grill, and the cab will cost about $10-12
each way.(It is more expensive going back to
the boat because they go the long way over the bridge.) We arrived on Tortola on Christmas
Day so very little shopping was
available. We paid $5 per person to take a cab to Cane Garden beach, which also has
resorts, and restaurants on it. This is a
very nice, flat beach with good sand, but the snorkeling is not the best. You can see St
John and St Thomas from the beach. We
did our shopping in St Thomas in the morning, then paid $4.50 per person for a cab to
Sapphire Beach, yet another beautiful
beach with great snorkeling, although it was rough that day due to 'Christmas Winds'. This
beach has a resort and restaurant
also, and looks out over St John and Tortola. The ferry to St John is right around the
corner. If you go anywhere on the island you
must leave yourself plenty of time to return to the ship, because the traffic on St Thomas
has increased to an almost intolerable
level. You could be stuck in traffic and watch your ship sail away! Overall we felt the
cruise was a good value, as it is not one of
the most expensive out there, but we preferred our trip on RCL's Legend of the Seas last
spring. NCL is very conscientious of its
passengers, and does an adequate job, but we feel it is a step below RCL. We would cruise
with NCL again, but it would not beour first choice.
Name: Gail Schmerling
Email: schmerl@hotmail.com
Age: 49
Occupation: Counselor
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Dreamward
SailingDate: 12/27/98
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean-Aruba,Curacao,Tortola, St. Thom
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 78
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 75
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: 78
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 88
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 99
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 70
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 98
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Jan 1999
Time: 08:42:35
Remote Name: 205.197.108.15
Remote User:
Comments
Over all this was a very enjoyable cruise. I've taken six cruises, but last year was my
fist experience with NCL. Based on that I
was not too anxious to cruise NCL again, but I really like this itinerary. I pleasantly
surprised to find that the service and food
was MUCH better on this cruise than my other NCL cruise. If this had been my first NCL
cruise there would have been no
hesitation to cruise with them again. Our air/sea arrangements were great, but others on
the ship were not as lucky. In fact
there was a group who missed the ship and had to fly to Aruba to catch up to it. They told
us NCL gave them NO assistance
in this matter. The Dream was just stretched and I didn't really care for the
configuration of the ship. It seemed chopped up
into small spaces. The pool was very tiny, and any on deck activities couldn't been
watched from the pool because of the
deck's configuration. Also, all the lounges and the disco were really small and didn't
leave enough room for some of the
activites there. The cabin was OK. At first we didn't think we'd have room for all our
clothes, but there are plenty of shelves to
store things. As for the islands: On Aruba we took a jeep adventure which was great fun. A
guide is in the first jeep--eight four
passenger jeeps(driven by you) follow caravan style all over the island. It's mostly off
road, so we were being bounced
around quite a bit and were covered with dust. We got to seen parts of the island you
can't see by car or bus. The island is
not pretty, but is interesting. In Curacao the beaches are man made, so we sunned on the
ship in the morining and in the
afternoon went into town. The pontoon bridge is really interesting. The town in cute with
different colored houses. In Tortola
we went to the beach on our own. We find it is less expensive to just get a taxi when you
get off the ship than to take beach
excursions from the cruise lines. This is a beautiful island. On St. Thomas we also went
to the beach on our own. Shopping
is also good here. The shows put on by the crew were excellent. They did 42nd Street and a
Sea Legs show that were great.
The comedy act and bango player and singer were not so hot. The dining rooms on this ship
are different than any I've seen
before. They have three small rooms. Very intimate. A lot of table for two and four.
Couples who want a romantic vacation will
have no trouble getting a table for two on this ship. However, we like meeting other
people at our table and we were seated
at a table for two. The service was excellent in the dining room, but we were very
disappointed in Le Bistro. We loved Le
Bistro last year and couldn't wait to go back. We waited a long time to be seated, and
then waited 25 minutes after being
seated until a waiter came to our table. Everyone we spoke to had the same type of
experience. All in all, this was a great
vacation. I would like to do this itinerary again to see the things I didn't have time for
this year.
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