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Note -this page contains multiple reviews.
Name: James Agne
Email: jcagne@aol.com
Age: 69
Occupation: Retired
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-NorwegianCrown
SailingDate: Jan. 16, 2000
Itinerary: Valparaiso, Chile to Buenos Aires
Cabin: 4110
FoodDiningRoom: 65
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 25
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 70
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 70
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 87
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 65
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 97
EmbarkDisembark:
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 65
ShopsOnBoard: 65
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 65
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 14 Feb 2000
Time: 15:53:28
Remote Name: spider-wj074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:
Comments
The Crown's 14-dsay cruise from Valparaiso to Buenos Aires was about what I expected. The
boarding lines were long, but probably unavoidable due to the simultaneous arrival of several
bus-loads of passengers. It was several hours later that my baggage appeared in my cabin.
My cabin, an inside one on deck 4, was adequate, with sufficient closet and storage space. It had
two beds,with an upper bunk available, although I was the only occupant. Fortunately, there was a
television set that, besides showing movies, news reports, ship information, etc., it continuously
displayed a live view of the ship's bow and beyond, on one of the channels. Without a cabin window,
this was particularly helpful. Some nights the sun did not set until around 11:30 p.m.
I was surprised that a ship the size of the 'Crown', rocked and rolled as much as it did, what with
stabilizers today, in seas that in my view were not all that rough, although there were many swells.
Some nights it was difficult to sleep, and I was awakened several times by the rocking and banging.
Most everyone was delighted that we were able to 'round the Horn', as I understand some previous
cruises were unable to do so because of the unfavorable seas. We had no problem. The seas were
calm. No disappointed passengers, and some even participated in the 'Cape Horn Ceremony', being
crowned with water from the Horn, outside in the early morning, around the pool.
After the first day at sea, it was cool and dreary and the sun was, for the most part,in short supply. It
didn't return until Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Consequently, little or no use was made of the outside
pool and adjacent lounge areas. At Port Madrynn, a local troupe came on board and presented a
colorful Argentinean Folokloric Show in the Stardust Lounge.
Entertainment was better than I was led to expect from previous reviews of this cruise. Except, the
pianiast in the Lido Lounge was only fair, appearing to be preoccupied and bored. Drinks were
skimpy and expensive.
Guest lecturer Bob Tata's talks were informative and well received, so much so, that some had to be
repeated due to the over-flow crowds attending them.
Food quality was not a high point on the 'Crown'. There were many 'theme' nights with (supposedly)
ethnic food featured - not to my liking. Most of the food had been held too long and was dry, as you
might expect at a large banquet. Don't envision cooked-to-order gourmet food. You won't get it. I
was disappointed that the ship did not offer optional or an alternate dining room for dinner.
Breakfast and lunch may be taken in three different rooms, each offering different menus or buffets.
The main dining room was the only place available for dinner (requiring certain dress codes). Room
service was particularly inferior. The menu was extremely limited. I ordered 'Oriental Chicken Noodle
Soup' and a roast beef sandwich. I'm sure the soup was nothing but a package of Ramen chicken
flavor soup mix. The sandwich contained an extremely thin slice of meat and lots of shaved lettuce.
The kitchen should have been embarrassed to serve such food. Perhaps it's their way of
discouraging room service. They were successful with me.
One of the best features of the ship is the 'Top of the Crown', a lounge - bar - dancing area on the
ships eleventh floor. It provides a 360 degree panoramic view. It's both comfortable and popular.
The ship is meticulously clean and well maintained. The crew, a mix of many nationalities were
pleasant and courteous.
Would I sail on the 'Crown' again? Probably not. Unless it offered an extraordinary itinerary to
destinations I would still like to discover.
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