ncl-leewardarchive2

Name: Debbie Carlsen
Email: NILSFAN@prodigy.net
Age: 35
Occupation: Sr Computer system Architect
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Leeward
SailingDate: December 5, 1997
Itinerary: Key West, Private Island
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 92
CabinAmenities: 88
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 97
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 92
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 98
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 91
EntertainmentLounges: 88
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 88
EntertShowLounge: 92
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon: 80
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 92
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 92
ShipCleanliness: 92
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 88
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Dec 1997
Time: 08:44:11
Remote Name: 204.237.130.46
Remote User:

Comments

Our Cruise

As has been said before, the start of a great trip is with the planning. Thanks to Alan of Cruises by Cruisers 1-800-303-3393 for making it
special for us. This was our first cruise and we did not know what to expect.

This is a long detailed review. If you only want the high lights-- - We LOVED the Ship, Suite Room 6001, Food was fantastic - You cannot walk
around the entire private island - The Beauty Shop manager was very pushy - Ruth, our concierge, can do anything I'd be happy to answer
any questions anyone might have.

I wake up and look at the alarm clock. 'Oh NO!!! It's 5:15 and the limo is supposed to be here at 5:30!!! I must have set the alarm clock
wrong!!!' Was this to be a premonition of the trip? We all jump up and start scrambling around. We board the plane ON TIME, and the flight
leaves on time. We land at Miami. Seeing we made our own airline reservations, we are not quite sure how to get to the port. As we make our
way from the plane to the luggage, we see all these people with signs for various cruise lines. We were looking for NCL and didn't see anyone.
We acquired the luggage, which had arrived and then asked where to go . We were told, just go that way to the right. We did and found the
NCL people. They were selling ground transfers right there at the airport. You didn't need money. Just show then your boarding pass. We
were charging to our on-board credit before we were on-board! We had planned ahead - We had 2 wheeled suitcases and 2 carry on bags for
2 people. We made sure we could easily manage our luggage. This turned out to be a very effective strategy. Arriving at the pier We were
escorted to the bus that was right outside the door. We made sure our luggage was placed on the bus and then we boarded. We had an
interesting ride, led by the driver who always referred to himself as 'Your Bus Driver' (it would turn out that we would have the same bus
driver back, so I now know which are the jokes) He gave us a brief history of downtown Miami, the port and some buildings and used the line '
I know you are all excited. Normally this is a 30 minute drive but Your Bus Driver will do it for you in 15 minutes.' When you arrive you will
make a right hand turn and suddenly all the cruise ships are all in a row. It is quite a sight to see 4 or 5 of these huge ships in a row. We
pulled up to the Leeward permanent dock and waited while 'Your Bus Driver' unloaded the luggage. This is so you have time to get out $1
per suitcase. If you don't have change, Your Bus Driver can break any sized bill for you. We were listening to people on the bus talk about how
it could take hours to get your bag delivered to your room. ( and you get to tip the porters) We grabbed our luggage and set off to the cries of
'What, you don't want you luggage delivered? It's a long walk.' We rolled on down the sidewalk to the terminal and entered. Right there was
the first photograph of the cruise. There was one person in front of us being photographed. We were able to set our things down and then
have the photo taken. We went up an ramp and entered a round room. On one side was an x-ray machine , the other was filled with empty
counters staffed by NCL. We simply walked over to a counter and were asked for our boarding passes and proof of citizenship's. We showed
birth certificates ( and had drivers licenses ready). This processes took at most 5 minutes and we were ready to board! But first load
everything through the x-ray machines. So through the xray machines ( that didn't seem to spot the hidden bottle of wine) and off we go.
Through a doorway and then you walk in a covered but outdoor gang-way that is parallel to the shop. We were very excited.. This was the
most difficult part with the luggage, as it is that bumpy metal pattern. Make another left and you are onto a steep incline red carpet and you
are BOARDING! We were greeted at the entry of the promenade deck and given directions to our category S1 Suite 6001! Our room is one
deck up so we grab the glass elevators and ride up and walk all the way to the bow of the ship. Because we were early, most passengers had
not yet checked in. We quickly looked in many different types of rooms to note their size.

Arriving at our room, we did not know what to expect. We thought it would have been very nice if someone had walked us to our room and
showed us it's features. And so we open the door. Our room was HUGE!! We had a queen sized bed that could be walked around, and a
separate living room with a 6 foot sofa, 3 chairs and a table. And there is still a open space in the middle of the floor. We had a large window
with a windowseat. The perfect place for watching the ship go. Out bathroom was about 3 ft by 5 ft. For those who count, we had 17 hangers,
17 drawers, 5 chairs, 4 lamps and 12 light switches. Plus more storage. a refrigerator and 12 various sized glass cocktail glasses and 2
bathrobes. Most of the rooms that we saw were more than adequate. Those inside rooms on the lower decks are quite small, but also priced
accordingly.

We quickly unpacked, and read the Info that had been left for us. And set off to explore the ship. We quickly rose to the top of the ship and
worked our way down. We stopped at the salon where we had the only unpleasant part of the trip. The beauty salon manager was PUSHY
PUSHY SELL SELL SELL. I wanted info on the various services and prices. She wanted to schedule expensive spa appointments. ( I ended up
with a manicure for $35 and an up-do for $30. I would have had a massage, but was too annoyed at the manager and spent my money
elsewhere) I made an appointment to get my hair done for formal night and I have learned. The first thing you do after arriving is to book
your hairtime for formal night. The best appointment times go quick. It cost $30 and you have to come with you hair pre-washed and dried
and they will put it up. Pricy but worth it. I looked GREAT.

We continued our ship exploration and found the casino. Beware of people standing in hallways by elevator. They offer you beverages and
then you find out there are 5.95 each. But the glass is yours to keep. We have one. They were selling casino chips with how to gamble cards.
We got 2 and decided to eat. The 7 Seas dining room was right across from the casino, so we went in. They seated us and brought menu's. I
realized it was only 31/2 hours to dinner, so I ate lightly. I had blueberry soup, bread and dessert. It was plenty. Todd had more food and ate
it all. Back to the cabin. We found the NCL bathrobes and were getting ready to check for the fireboat drill when Ruth , our concierge knocked
on our door. She introduced herself and told us to call her whenever we needed anything, she would not be 'in our faces' unless that was what
we wanted. She asked if we needed anything. I said yes - an extra blanket, 3 pillows and how do I get my morning coffee at 6:45? Ruth took
care of it all. Next we met Maria, our room steward-ess. She knew when we left the room and would make it up immediately.

We went to the lifeboat drill. It seemed very well organized and we were checked by at least 2 officers and the group leader so we felt very
safe. From there we went to the activity director presentation by the pool He introduced all the 'players' - all the people and all the programs
that were being offered. We were glad we went to this. The ship was getting ready to leave dock. We were getting ready for dinner, as we had
early seating ( our preference) I was wearing sea-bands but switched to the little pills. We had no problems for the whole trip. Before dinner
the casino was giving out free lesson on how to play. Never having played before, I went. The Roulette teacher was great, even let us practice
play. The Craps teacher was confusing as he was explaining all the bets . But in the long run we came out ahead in the casino, so I am not
complaining.

Dinner the first night - We were led to our table of 6 and met our waiter and busboy. After the first night, the other couple ate at Le Bistro
every night and loved it. We were a happy 4-some who also went to evening events together. The soups were great. Pheasant Consume.
Sushi and shrimp cocktail as an appetizer, Cornish game hen, Trout from the light and healthy menu and desserts! YES YES. Back the the
cabin we were delivered a plate of chocolate covered strawberries and ate them. We never made it to a midnight buffet. We fell asleep to the
sound and feel of the waves lapping along the ship as we sped along in the calm sea.

Saturday Room service called and said they were bring my coffee. Room service always called first and brought my coffee at the exact time
had requested it the night before. I had a manicure early Saturday morning. Belinda started my nails. But there was no-one at the reception
desk or to answer phone calls so Belinda did double duty and interrupted the manicure no less than 5 times. This is one area NCL could
improve on. The security officer arrived at 8:30 so her could have his hair washed. Belinda did this while my nails dried. Belinda was great.
She also did my hair later that day for formal night and fixed the 2 nails I had managed to smear during the day. I tried to give her a bigger
tip by writing it on the receipt, but the computer disregards and gives 15%. If you want to tip more, you have to bring cash. I did not know
this until after we returned home

After putting on a sweatshirt, we decided it was time to see Key West. It was chilly-ish 65 with a strong breeze. As we disembarked we were
told - look this way and a truly bad photograph of us was taken., We didn't even know they were planing this photo session. Phones on the
boat are normally 9.95 per minute but on sale for only 3.95. So we bought a phone card with 15 long distance minute for $5 and called from
the phones at the pier, 200 ft from the ship. It was such a beautiful day we got a map and just went for a walk. We found the southernmost
point and a nice pier and alot of shopping with many many tee shirt shops. There also are many adult activity shops and stores in Key West.
We walked around all morning and back to the ship for lunch. Saturday it was a HUGE buffet with everything you could imagine. Both hot and
cold food. And a dessert table that was over 6 feet around. We went in the hot tub at the aft of the ship. We thought it would be quieter there
with a better view. It was very nice, but the hot tub wasn't' hot.. It was a warm tub. But very very nice. It holds about 5-6 without being overly
crowded. It was very chlorinated, so back to the room for a quick shower before getting my hair done. Bring you own hair conditioner and
travel iron.

I went to get my hair done. The appointment was on-time with Belinda. I was early so she had time to fix my 2 nails I had damaged during the
day. If you have a favorite up-do hair style, bring along a photo and this will help alot. And she put enough pins and spray on it that it would
stay . And stay it did. I was offered to buy decorated Pins for my hair and bronzing power. Belinda was great!

We went to the art auction. It was fun, they were handing out free Champaign and during this we left port. We didn't get anything at this
auction , but it was fun and the prices did seem reasonable.

The art auction ran late and we had to miss the end to get ready for dinner. We had forgotten about the captains cocktail party. We get back
to the cabin to get ready for diner and find the canapés had been delivered. We stop and have our formal photos taken. They turned out
great. We didn't think they were any more expensive than wedding reception photos ( $20 for a 8 by 10) and the quality was great. But when
we asked about copies, they didn't appear to get that request very often.

We go to dinner all dressed up. The hair and nails were worth it. We had appetizer, soup and dinner, I had mahi-mahi with fresh asparagus.
Some sort of wonder full soup. Each meal was better than the last. Todd had steak. There was flaming cherries jubilee for dessert. It was
good. About this time we noticed the ride was getting bumpy. It was very windy ) 30 knots against the current and we had to go across and it
was bumpy. We thought being the the 5th floor dining room as opposed the the 8th floor was an advantage because there was less
movement. But both rooms are almost exactly the same. We liked the 5 floor better. Out dinner companions also forgot the captains cocktail
party so we 'crashed' the late seating cocktail party and had our photo taken with the captain. We recognized the canapés, they were the
same as the one that had been delivered to our room.

We went to see the show. It was very good, the singing and dancing was well done. and the script, while not exactly complicated, was just
perfect after a full day at sea. From there we went up to the top deck and karackoe night. We actually participated and won a prize. For the
rest of the trip people would stop as and say 'You're that air guitarist and rock singer'. It was great fun being famous. We return to our cabin
for the night to find hand made white and dark chocolate ships had been delivered. We fell asleep to the occasional sound of water hitting our
deck 6 window.

Sunday I wake up early, as always. Today the wind is calm and the sea is smooth. We have not yet arrived at the island. My coffee arrives, as
always on time and when I ordered it. I sit in the picture window and watch the sun-rise. It was beautiful beyond belief. We go for breakfast in
the restraunt. I had smoked salmon and eggs benedict. There were 4 different types of fish alone on the menu in addition to anything else
you could imagine. Todd has his full breakfast and is happy. We have receive a message from Ruth ( the ships officer concierge) about
meeting her to ride in the first tender. We show up at the reception desk and with about 12 other people are led my Ruth down a back way to
the from to the tender line. The 'towel keeper' was handing out towels one per person. Ruth suggested 2. So we went back for a second when
he said' Only one per customer' Ruth walked over to him and said something so low none of us could hear. There were no more comments
and we all had 2 towels. Right behind us was the line of people who were waiting in line. The tender is a world war 2 landing craft, very cool
to ride in. There were no maps available of the island. We assumed it was a small island. NCL should tell all passengers and post signs that it
is NOT POSSIBLE TO WALK AROUND THE ISLAND. We did not know this and set off on a hike. We found a nice beach ( later found out it was
the nude beach) and kept going. We kept thinking it would be shorter to keep going and go around then come all the way back. We ended up
being rescued by a catamaran from the RCCL island. It could have been a very serious incident. ( We could have missed the launches that
would have taken us back to the ship and would have been left on the island) all because we didn't know and there were no signs. So now all
of you know. You cannot walk around the island. After this scare incident I wanted to back to our nice safe ship. He was hungry, so first we ate
at the buffet. And they did have lots of nice good food. The shops were mostly tee- shirt shops, nothing special. But there was plenty of room
to play in the sand and on the beach. We were getting cold so we went back to the ship and to our cabin and enjoyed our bottle of wine. We
tried to find out the score of the Packers game by calling the reception desk and asked to be connected to the sports bar. They couldn't
connect me or get me an accurate score of the game. The TV was pulling in a Spanish broadcast NFL game. We turned down the sound and
waited for the scores. YES The Packers Win. You can find out anything on a ship.

Back at the cabin, we found smoked salmon with caviar. We ate that in about 30 seconds. Yum Yum! Can't wait for dinner!!! Sunday night
dinner was really casual. My casual outfit was too dressy. After a full day at the beach and starting to pack, it seemed everyone was dressing
way down. Dinner this night was best of all. Escargot as appetizers, lobster for the main meal and dancing with baked Alaska balancing on
the waiters heads. Our waiter was telling us how when he was first learning his slipped, the steno poured on this hand and his whole hand was
burned. And we exchanged addresses with our table mates. Every meal was better than the meal before. Every night the assistant Matrrede
stopped by and chatted. Not just how is everything and leave but actually stay and chat. At the food was paced for how we chose to eat. If you
ate fast, your food was served fast. If you wanted to linger and talk, your courses were served slower. We have nothing but compliments for
every meal and every piece of food we were provided with the entire trip. We finally had time to look at all the photos in the gallery. We liked
them and bought one of every evening. During Sunday dinner we were photographed again. But we never got to see the photo. We went to
the ship store. The store is only open from 6pm to 11pm every day. I don't know why not longer. And it is true. On the last day lots of
tee-shirts and sweatshirts were on sale. So wait for the last day to but those on ship souvenirs!! Back to our cabin drop off the souvenirs and
eat the last peti-fours . Then we went to Pirates of Penznace. Again, this was great, lighthearted, entertainment. All the music and
performing was well done, but designed to keep you feeling good. It was already late , and my ankle was hurting, so instead of dancing, we
went packing. Oh Well. All trips must end someday. We fall asleep to the sound of the waves gently rocking us to sleep.

Monday Its going home day. We go the the dining room for our last breakfast. The only trouble I experienced with food occurred here. I as for
2 eggs, over well, don't crack the yolks. He looked at me and said 'WHAT?' I said '2 eggs over solid'. He still didn't understand. The
gentleman at our table looked at me and said ' Ask for the eggs ' WellDone'. I did and everything was perfect again. I had brought my travel
mug from home and asked for it to be filled with coffee. ( No room service on the last morning of the trip) They happily comply and I have my
morning coffee. We go the receptions desk to see about an elastic bandage for my ankle. No, we can't help you. The reception desk was never
very helpful. Low scores for them. We went back to the room and placed a phone call to Ruth. We leave a message for her to call us. Within 10
minutes she calls us back and we tell her of the twisted ankle. She tells us to sit tight, she will get back to us. 10 minutes later the phone
rings. It is Ruth. There will be a bell hop at our door in 10 minutes with a bandage. It will take that long for the doctor to get to the medical
office, open the cabinet and get out a bandage. The bandage is delivered. Ruth We are impressed!! This was at 7:45 am, disembarking at
8:30. Again, Ruth had told us in advance what to do and where to meet her. We did and I was then envy of others with my Coffee Mug. Many
others were dying for coffee. We had special colored tags for our luggage and were the first cleared for customs. We identified our luggage
and had it ported to the bus ( a waste of $1 per bag) where we met 'Your Bus Driver' again for the ride back. Again, you hear some of the
same jokes, only now everyone is tired. We were the first bus load out of the port and 4 ships had just docked. When you get to the Miami
airport, they offload your baggage. This is the time to pay a porter to lug your luggage. It is a good 2-3 block walk to the United terminal. We
get in and join a very slow moving line to check in. We check in , tell them we have a 4:00 flight and want to know if we could fly earlier. We
are told the flight is full, we can put you on standby. It doesn't look good. We get the to airplane and wait around. They call our names and ,
believe it or not, we get seats together on the plane. We are sure this happened only because we were the first ones off the ship and the first
ones on the stand-by list. We were home by 3 PM.

We would go on this cruise again and again and again and again.....

Name: Carolyne Volpe-Curley
Email: CariAnnV@aol.com
Age: 33
Occupation: Music Director/ Teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Leeward
SailingDate: November 17, 1997
Itinerary: Key West/Cancun/ Cozumel
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 30
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 100
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Dec 1997
Time: 16:31:25
Remote Name: 152.163.194.217
Remote User:

Comments

My husband, Jeff, and I took the Leeward for the first week of our honeymoon. And we absolutely loved it. It was our first cruise, and we plan
to take many more.

We flew down to Miami Monday morning, and were met at the airport by NCL (which impressed us because we had not flown the NCL air/sea
program). Went to the ship about 11:30 am - stood in line for about 45 minutes, and went right on in once the ship was ready for
embarkation. Found our cabin - an ocean view, had two twin beds pushed together into one bed. Small room, but we found it romantic. There
were brochures waiting for us describing the ship, and inviting us to private honeymoon type stuff.

We ate lunch at the sports bar - Jeff really liked how casual it was, the fast food style food was adequate, nothing to get excited over.
Wandered the ship - beautiful rooms, and music everywhere.

One thing we knew we wanted to do on board was go to the spa - so we made appointments that afternoon for the following morning. Enjoyed
the poolside party as the ship pulled away....

Unpacked - later that night had our first meal in the dining room. We were happily surprised to find we had been given a private table for two
next to the window - really nice waiters, wonderful food (I thought there could have been more food choices, but everything looked and tasted
incredible).

Went to the cigar lounge that night (where we returned many times that week) - loved David the pianist/vocalist - and Jeff loved the cigars.
(He purchased a few Cubans - but thought they were overpriced compared to the prices for Cubans in Mexico.) Wandered around the ship
again sampling the different music groups available. There were tons of people in their late 20s/30s - the bars, especially the dance lounges
were always crowded.

The following morning the ship docked in Key West, and Jeff and I stayed on board to take our appointments at the spa. (We had previously
visited Key West). The spa was a wonderful luxury. While I was having a pedicure/manicure (for a ridiculously overpriced $80) in the
gorgeous surroundings - Jeff was having a full body massage and aromatherapy skin treatment (performed by a beautiful French woman by
the way, for which he will always thank me). I think his cost around $120. We both consider the spa a highlight of the cruise - so relaxing,
especially after such a hectic wedding weekend.

In the afternoon we attended a party for 40 other honeymooners - they had cake and champagne; they also played a Newlyweds type game -
it was nice.

Tuesday night dinner was formal - This meant a picture with the captain at a cocktail party, and most people in cocktail type outfits. Some
women did wear gowns, and a few men were in tuxedos.

Tuesday night we attended the first of the two most horrible stage shows I have ever seen in my life. I’ve had a lot of experience in theater,
so maybe I expected too much, but a good Vegas show would have been good enough. Instead - this, and Thursday night’s Pirates of
Penzance were both so disappointing. Walked out of both of them and went back to the live entertainment around the ship.

Wednesday, while the rest of the travelers went to Cancun, Jeff and I and about 15 other passengers took a 3 hour trip into the Yucatan
Jungle to tour Chichen Itza. The ruins were incredible, and I’ll remember them for the rest of my life. We also climbed the enormous pyramid,
and climbed in and around the many temples and stone buildings. NCL provided a really friendly and knowledgeable tour guide for us. After 3
hours at Chichen Itza, we took another 3 hour bus ride, but this time went to Cozumel because in the meantime, our ship had left Cancun and
set sail. We made it there before the ship did by about a 1/2 hour. We stopped at one little local Mayan village each bus trip, which was good
because the bus had airconditioning, but no bathroom. Seriously. Cost of the excursion was $75 a person.

When we got back to the cabin there was a plate of hors dourves, and fruit from the captain for our honeymoon. These were nice touches - we
had elected not to spend the extra $150 Honeymoon package, which I believe covered a private dinner on deck (?), and champagne in the
room, and room breakfast. But what we did receive was all included, and was lovely.

The dining room was closed when we got back on board Wednesday night and they served us in the Le Bistro dining room. Typical French
food, but the service was horrible - pretty much ignored all of us. And any little touches like a dessert which was supposed to have been lit
afire, or a Caesar Salad made at the table as opposed to the kitchen were completely ignored.

Thursday was entirely at sea, we spent most of it tanning and hottubbing. I enjoyed the fun atmosphere of Thursday night’s dinner, and the
waiters all sang. Wonderful.

The cruise was lovely - I would happily do it again.

Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Name: Brian Toll
Email: BToll@aol.com
Age: 50
Occupation: stockbroker/financial consultant
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Leeward
SailingDate: 12/29/97
Itinerary: miami - key west - cancun - cozumel - miami
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 50
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 50
CabinAmenities: 50
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 70
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 75
ShoreExcVariety: 50
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 0
GoodForHoneymoon: 50
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService:
TenderService: 60
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 70
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 50
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 70
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 10
ShopsOnBoard: 60
SpaceRatio: 50
OverallCruiseValue: 20
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Jan 1998
Time: 21:08:58
Remote Name: 152.163.195.240
Remote User:

Comments

The positive aspects of my cruise were the child care staff and an excellent busboy named Ivan. The negative, sad to say, were many. The
stability was rated fair by one cruise book, and now I understand what that means. Most of the ship experienced sea sickness. Pills were
available for free at the service deck, but shots from the ships doctor were $100. I am under the impression we experienced 20 foot waves
and 45 knot winds. I later learned that as the ship rolled and learched that the shutter we also felt was the propeller coming out of the water.
We were not informed before the ship sailed that bad weather was expected, but told just after we were under way. We could not stop in Key
West because of the weather. The itinerary was changed to add Cancun, which was ok for our excursion to Tulum, but we arrived at Cozumel
too late to do any shopping New Year's Eve. It was a waste of time except to justify port charges. We therefore experienced two of our three
full days at sea. The disembarkment meeting emphasized tipping more than any other topic. Do to my concerns about the diminished value
of our vacation I asked that an appointment be scheduled at the Norwegian office in Miami. That request was refused, but a card with
address and fax number was provided. We drove over there and met with someone from customer relations who kept us in the lobby, advised
that only a written complaint would be accepted, and displayed an arogance and insensitivity that agitated us even more. He refused to
provide a written policy statement as to complaint procedures. When I asked for the name of the regulatory authority that oversees cruise
lines he directed me to the public library. I asked if we would have a refund of port charges for Key West and Cozumel and he said they pay
annual fees therefore no refunds could be considered. My Norwegian Cruise Line experience indicates that no one is responsible for anything.
Comments from passengers that indicated significant cruise experience reinforced our negative opinion. I have written to the president of
Norwegian for his comments. I will never forget our first night at sea. My wife couldn't sleep due to the sea sickness, and I was kept awake by
the bureau drawers opening and shutting all night long.

Name: Mary Judson
Email: src-row@mindspring.com
Age: 31
Occupation: homemaker/part-time bookkeeper
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Leeward
SailingDate: 04/18/97
Itinerary: Nassau & Great Stirrup Cay
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 85
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Jan 1998
Time: 10:30:53
Remote Name: 207.69.249.6
Remote User:

Comments

NCL rolled out the red carpet to my husband and me on this 3-night cruise on the Leeward. As Latitudes (NCL's past
passengers' club) members, we were treated to express check-in at the dock in Miami. We had booked a category P1 suite
and were not disappointed. The suite included a separate living room with a small veranda, wet bar, safe, and ample closet
space. The bedroom was separated by a frosted glass wall and sliding door. The bathroom was the most spacious we have
ever enjoyed at sea, with a large shower and vanity in one section and another vanity and commode separated by a sliding
door. Our only minor disappointment was the lack of outdoor furniture on the small, triangular-shaped balcony. This,
however, did not prevent us from greatly enjoying the veranda!

Between recognition of our past passenger status and the concierge service afforded by our cabin category, we enjoyed
excellent service and special touches such as expedited disembarkation and a tour of the bridge.

The food and service in the dining room was a notch above that we had enjoyed on previous NCL and RCCL cruises, but not
up to the level of Celebrity. We purposely avoided the breakfast and lunch buffets in the Sports Bar, which we had heard was
crowded and lacking in selection. One of the highlights of the trip was dinner at Le Bistro, the alternative restaurant. Le
Bistro's menu, presentation and quality was equal to all but the very best restaurants available at home! We did not make it
to the midnight buffets, but other passengers seemed to enjoy them.

Passenger space on board the ship was more than adequate. As on most ships, lounge chairs around the pool decks were
in great demand. One note about our cruise: there was a large group on board from an office equipment company who had
won the trip as a sales incentive. They were, to say the least, 'rowdy', as they enjoyed an open bar tab as part of their
reward. This group livened up the disco at night and the pool deck during the day. For my husband and me, this was not a
negative, as it afforded some great 'people-watching', but it seemed to bother some of the older passengers. I mention this
because the maitre'd told us that the Leeward is often host to such groups.

One other note about our voyage: we experienced the most ship motion in all of our Caribbean cruises. The combination of
the small size of the ship and high seas resulted in a great deal of motion sickness among the passengers the first night of
the cruise. Only about 50% of the passengers made it to dinner that evening. (We were among those who were not
deterred!) Thankfully, the motion abated around midnight and all was well for the rest of the cruise.

Although our experience was certainly enhanced by splurging on the suite, I think that the Leeward provides a good short
cruise experience regardless of the accommodation level.

Name: marilynn english
Email: lishmar @aol.com
Age: 45
Occupation: banker
NumberOfCruises: 38
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Leeward
SailingDate: may 1997
Itinerary: miami-key west-private island
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 90
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 909
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 31 Jan 1998
Time: 12:55:36
Remote Name: 152.163.213.114
Remote User:

Comments

The Leeward is smaller than other ships I have been on recently, e.g. Monarch of the Seas and Dawn Princess. I like the
smallness of it. I particularly enjoyed the alternate dining which allows you to eat when you want, while overlooking the
ocean - which to me is magnificient. I very much enjoyed the day we spent on their private island. There was a barbecue,
music, beautiful water, no one to bother you - it could be a great week-end trip for a family as well. It was one of the most
relaxing week-ends I have ever had and I travel a great deal. My friend who accompanied me has been on over 40 ships
and she too was quite impressed with the Leeward. I personally think a week-end trip is a great way for first-time cruisers
to determine if they want to do it for more than three to four days. Many people on the trip that week-end were
first-timers.

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