ncl-norway10

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Teresa Carpenter
Email: tac@twave.net
Age: 44
Occupation: freelance graphic designer
NumberOfCruises: 10
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 12/21/99
Itinerary: E. Carribean
Cabin: P-057 cat. E
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 79
CabinComfort: 89
FoodRoomService: 79
CruiseStaff: 83
CabinAmenities: 87
FoodLidoDeck: 83
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 79
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 87
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 20
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess: 69
ExerciseFacilities: 87
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 87
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 89
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 89
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 89
DiscoNightclubs: 87
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 80
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 06 Jan 2000
Time: 00:01:10
Remote Name: hyper-ppp231.twave.net
Remote User:

Comments

After reading numerous terrible reviews concerning this ship, we weren't sure what to expect. We
found the ship to have a kind of outdated elegance that we enjoyed. It is difficult to find your way
around and forget using the elevators.

We booked two cabins on the Pool Deck and were pleasantly surprised with both the cabin size
and the storage space. We had a large bath with a tub. Our cabin steward kept our room clean
and well serviced, but left no cute towel animals. Granted, the cabins were old and could use new
spreads and draperies, but our carpet was new. I looked in several categories of suites and they
looked newly furbished and less dated. Some passengers complained that lower deck cabins were
very cramped. Concerning cabin noise, I could hear my kids talking in their cabin next to ours.
Thank goodness we had an older couple on the other side or noise could have been a problem.
The public spaces were very spacious and some even retained some vestiges of the original
décor.

Our waiter and busboy were adequate and attentive. The food was a little disappointing, there was
plenty of variety in the entrees, but the standard side dishes of carrots & potatoes, fixed in various
ways got very tiring. Our tablemates were very pleasant and we enjoyed their company so we did
not try Le Bistro. The ice cream shoppe was only open for 2 hours in the afternoon and staffed by
one, so the lines were monstrous. As for room service, we waited an hour and a half for a
sandwich in the afternoon and only 25 mins. for ice cream at 1:30 am. Room service is very limited
and breakfast menu only consisted of pastries and cereal. Bartenders in the lounges and bars
were very friendly and accommodating. Drink prices were high, $3.30 per beer, $4.50+ for
cocktails.

I found the activities lacking, especially on a Christmas Cruise. Bingo was offered at $20 a card for
a $400 jackpot, not very good odds. The shows were fine, but I think they need a new cruise
director. He was probably the corniest and worst dressed of any cruise I have been on. The casino
was very well appointed and the staff was very hospitable. Never was there any horse racing or
skeet shooting and we only saw one pool game during the whole cruise. In my opinion the cruise
director was lazy when it came to activities. As for the library; it was very nice and the computers
were great, of course there was a fee involved to use them. Still, it was nice to be able to send
video emails to friends. There were a wide variety of current movies to choose from and also a
classics channel in addition to ESPN and CNN.

Shore excursions sold out shortly after the 4 pm departure. There were too few excursions for a
full ship with over 2000 passengers. Personnel at the excursion desk, which was open at
inconvenient hours, said only one snorkeling excursion was offered at each port and only
accommodated 70. Needless to say, we were never able to get any dive or snorkel excursions.
This was the worst experience I have ever had with excursions. If that wasn't enough, those on
excursions got the first tenders off the ship. The tenders were a nightmare! The worst experience
ever! You had to line up in the North Cape Lounge very early and get in line for a tender ticket.
Each tender held 450 people and there were 2 tenders working so why the problem? Here's an
example: multiply this experience times four ports and you will understand why we were so upset.
The ship arrived in Jamaica at 9am. We did not get to the island until 1pm. Yes the seas were a
little rough, but the tender before ours left with just 23 passengers onboard. An hour and a half
later we boarded the last tender of the morning and were sandwiched with standing room only. It
was the same story at every port. You may have been in port 7 or 8 hours, but you were lucky to
get 3/12 to 4. They really need to work out this problem.

Unfortunately I had need of the medical facilities on board, but was pleasantly surprised at the
kindness and efficiency with which I was treated. The Beauty Salon was small but adequate, if you
wanted something more elaborate you could go to the luxurious Roman Spa, which is very difficult
to find. A manicure was $35 plus a fixed 15% tip. The exercise room was well outfitted. The
personnel at the purser's desk and information center were quite accommodating even at 4am!

Our 21 year old spent every night in the Sports Bar and the Dazzles Disco and seemed to be
pleased with both. The 17 year old seemed a little lost, being to old for a Teens program and not
quite old enough for adult activities.

The rear pool was a mad house due in part to the fact that the out door cafeteria was located
there. I would definitely recommend the Forward Pool on Sky Deck, as it has less traffic. Again,
there were no pool games or activities.

I will say that shopping was a treat. Prices were the most reasonable of any ship I've sailed. The
shops carried well-made, moderately priced brand name clothing and the variety ran from formal
wear to swimsuits. Jewelry was cheaper on the islands than onboard.

My overall cruise experience was good, but sadly lacking in festivities for a holiday. Considering
that we purchased our cabins for far less than the brochure rate, I would say we got our money's
worth. The Norway is an older ship, but I found her to be quite comfortable and charming. If they
could resolve the excursion & tender problem I would cruise her again. I went expecting the worst
but it was far from it.

Name: Ron & Gayle Wolfe
Email: rwolfe12@home.com
Age: 42
Occupation: Engineer / Admin-Biotech
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: Feb. 06-13, 1999
Itinerary: E. Carribean
Cabin: K081 - Penthouse
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 95
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 16 Jan 2000
Time: 17:04:45
Remote Name: proxy1-external.snvl1.sfba.home.com
Remote User:

Comments

While my wife had previously been on a cruise, this was my first. I'm normally very hyperactive and
generally nervous, as well as a little claustphobic, so I admit that I was apprehensive about being
confined aboard a ship.

We stayed in the South Beach area for a couple days ahead of time to get some warm weather clothes,
and for me to try to chill out a little while contacting the office those last few times. We loved the
beaches and shops of South Beach, and had a couple nice dinners before eveen boarding.

Boarding was pretty much a breeze, although the line took a bit (20 min). We joined Lattitudes so we'll
get the short line next time ;^) Once aboard I was immediately struck with the sheer size of this grand
old vessel. We checked out our stateroom right away, which is on the Sky deck at the aft starboard
corner of the ship. What an awesome place to be. We had a large room, with a refriderator, a huge
walk-in closet, marble tub and shower, a HUGE wraparound balcony that came in very handy as you
could almost always be in or out of the sun or breeze, at our choice. I kid you not, we had more square
footage of balcony than most of the lower deck staterooms have in room footage. Plenty of room for the
cafe table and chairs and the 2 sunloungers which were there. The room overlooks the sports deck and
the pool deck, so we spent much of our time at sea whiling away the hours watching the activity with a
cool drink nearby. We LOVED this room! The only thing that worried me was you could actually see the
pillows jiggle while underway, due to vibration from the props, but after a couple minutes to get used to
it, I think it actually made me fall asleep faster than normal, and Gayle agreed.

The ports were interesting. At St Martin we took a tour which was scheduled to be on the first tender, a
hint for those who hate to wait. We got as far as Marigot and let the driver know that we would be
departing the tour, which he politely acknowledged, as I'm sure he preferred this to wondering if he had
left us behind. We strolled the portside shops for a while and had a marvelous luch at a little restaurant
I can't remember the name of, but it's right on the corner where the main street hits the street that runs
parallel to the port. I had a lobster club that was only a few bucks and it was awesome. Gayle had a
lobster salad that she reported to be the same.

We hit the shops for a bit but no big ticket buys. Went by cab (10 bucks) back to Phillipsburg and
shopped for some jewelry and electronics, but ended up just buying souveniers.

We went to Trunk Bay at St Johns, which we enjoyed, but should have snorkeled as well. Caught the
11:00 ferry to St Thomas and went jewelry shopping, as I had promised gayle we'd check out some
loose diamonds (no duty). She has a jeweler back in Denver who she's always liked, so we didn't want a
sewtting. Plus this left our whole customs allowance for me and my toys, as well as a complete restock
of the liquor cabinet. We saw the Kon-Tiki come back in as we were getting ready to head back to the
ship, and these folks looked and sounded like they had REALLY enjoyed their day on board. We may
try that next time.

The private island was great, and we thoroughly enjoyed the snorkeling, but I think next time we'll take
our own gear, as my mask just didn't want to seal for me.

The meals were good in the Leeward dining room, but we were on the balcony and felt a bit 'out of the
action'. The staff was very pleasant and the food was always hot or cold, no warm salads and cold
steaks. The maitre'd was a little cool and aloof, but this year we'll make sure we use the line an old
friend has taught me when asking for a favor or service..."It'll be directly reflected in your tip."

We got massages in the spa, which is aa wonderful place, but they couldn't work the knots out of me. I
need to learn to relax, they told me...doh! After the first day I did just that, surprising even myself on
how easily I was able to leave the stress of silicon valley and the internet startup business behind.

The hit of the trip was 'Izzy' (Isibahn), who was a bartender at the pool bar. He was always friendly,
always couteous, and Gayle got a big kick out of it when she went down to the bar and ordered a round
to go back to the room and, recognizing the order for a Carribean Dream and 2 budweisers with the lids
on, he asked her 'So where's Mr. Ronald?' We still chuckle about his wonderful service and we
sincerely hope he's still aboard when we go back. Needless to say, the outstanding service provided by
Izzy was directly reflec ted in his tip! ;^)

I guess I could sum up how much we enjoyed ourselves by telling you that before we left the ship we sat
down and booked the exact same itinerary, and the exact same room for this year! We sail in 2 weeks
and we have some friends joining us this time. The only thing I'm concerned about is if the ship doesn't
carry the Superbowl, the other guys may be a bit cranky. If Izzy's still there I'll take them down to the bar
and get 'em back in spirits for the rest of the voyage quickly though!

I've read numerous reviews which have knocked the Norway on items which it probably deserves, but
for my money, we loved her. We'll surely try other ships, and probably other lines, but we knew what to
expect on Norway and we got what we expected.

One last note, we met a wondeful couple from Oregon while aboard, Donny and Leslie. We exchanged
addresses before leaving ship, but inadvertantly lost it. If they read this, please post a review as well
and we'll get in touch again.

Name: Chris Buchwald
Email: crbuchwald@excite.com
Age: 33
Occupation: Engineer
NumberOfCruises: 5
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 1-29-2000
Itinerary: Eastern Carribean
Cabin: P 019/D
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 80
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 15
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Feb 2000
Time: 21:01:06
Remote Name: twhou-213-157.ev1.net
Remote User:

Comments

Overall we were very happy with our cruise. These are some of the highlights that we would like to
pass on to others.

The first two days at sea after leaving Miami were full of activities. We especially enjoyed the art
auctions, and purchased several pieces (duty free). Ram Glick was the art auctioneer, and he is
quite entertaining during the auctions. He also took the time between pieces to educate the
audiences on the artwork.

The shore excursions we took were all above average. In St Martin, we signed up for the Beach
Rendezvous. It involved a bus ride to the opposite end of the island. Along the way our tour guide,
Terry, pointed out all the historical and scenic points. She stayed with the group during the
afternoon and provided additional dialogue about the island on the way home to the ship. We ended
the day with some shopping near the tender area.

St John is a beautiful island. The Norway drops off a tender with shore excursion tours early in the
morning and then heads to St Thomas. The island is non-commercial and is incredibly scenic. We
were glad that we signed up for the tour, as it is the only way to see the island. At the end of the tour
an inter-island ferry took us to St Thomas. Here there are many shops carrying everything you can
imagine. It was fun to explore the stores and look for some good deals.

The Norway uses its own 450 person tenders to shuttle guests back and for the to ports. This is a
lot more convenient than smaller island ferries, however, it does create for a line of people who want
to be the first ones off the boat. At each of the ports, there was no waiting or lines after the first 3-4
tender trips. Once we realized this, it made for less time waiting in lines. The shore excursions were
all on the first tenders (so this wasn’t an issue for us, but is was useful at the private island).

The private island was wonderful. After a day at sea heading back to Miami, it was nice to
experience the beach for a full day before flying back home. The tender docks right on the beach,
and I would not recommend that elderly or handicapped people go on this tender trip, as I think it
would be difficult to disembark the tender. At each of the ports, the tender pulled up to a dock, and
there was a gangway to go across. At the private island the tender lowered a ramp that was at an
angle downward, and was a little slippery.

The support staff on the Norway was very pleasant. There were no tensions or strife between any of
the workers, and they all seemed to get along with each other very well. We saw our room steward
in the hall, and he always was in a good mood. Our room was kept clean and made up without any
problems. We have had problems on previous cruises with our room and as a result we have a
much greater appreciation for everything when there are no problems.

The food service was great. There was plenty of variety and our dining room waiter kept everything
moving. We ate at the Bistro one night and enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. I would
recommend at least a meal there to experience it. We were a little disappointed with the buffet dining
on the International Deck. We think that as a rule the breakfast and lunch meals are better in the
dining rooms on Norwegian (whereas we feel the breakfast and lunch buffets are better on Carnival
than their dining room meals).

Our dinning room was the Windward. The room was large but felt very crowded. The room was also
very loud. We cruised with three other couples and all of us were at the same dining room table. We
had a hard time hearing each other across the table. We compensated by talking louder, which
augmented the loud dining room problem.

We also felt like the lounge and the showroom were too crowded. These rooms are packed full of
seats. Sometimes it was hard to thread your way between tables because there were so many
chairs and people. As a result shows are scheduled by a ticket color (that you get at your first meal).
Overall we missed a couple shows because the show room was full (we were not there early
enough) or we because we got confused by the schedule (the wrong time and ticket color).

The Norway itself is a magnificent ship. The onboard shopping was diverse and plentiful. We took
the cruise to see the Caribbean, relax with friends, and generally unwind. And we were successful
on all of the above. I would recommend this cruise and itinerary to others.

Name: Virginia Jarrett
Email: vjarrett1@aol.com
Age: 28
Occupation: self-employeed
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 3-18-00
Itinerary: eastern
Cabin: N160
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService: 50
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 98
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 2
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Mar 2000
Time: 14:46:37
Remote Name: spider-wd061.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

We booked our cruise with 2 other couples and I was the only one who had previously been on a cruise.
For all of us our overall opinion of the Norway was very good there were a few things we were not real
fond of but we made the best of our vacation. I had read so many bad reviews on the Norway that I was
truly afraid to go on this ship. But after going the only thing I can figure about the people who wrote
those reviews are people that can not be pleased no matter how much you do for them.

When we booked our trip almost 1 year ago we booked for a cabin with upper and lower beds and no
window. When we got to our room we were upgraded to a full size bed with a window and a tub. We were
very pleased. The ship is very beatiful. As far as I could see and I did see alot of the ship she was very
well maintained.

The first night on the ship we had some really bad storms that we went through and made sleeping a
little hard. Motion sickness was hard not to get with the way the ship was rocking. But I did get through
that by early afternoon on Sunday.

As far as things to do during the day when we were at sea it was limited. We played Bingo and layed
around the pool. There were not a whole lot of activies during the day. At night there were shows to go
to or they had a really good band that played every night in the Sports Illustrated Cafe that we would go
and listen to. They did have activities at night for each theme night. Which we had alot of fun at. We
really wished that we had more ports to stop at then just 3. 3 days at sea is just a little much for people
who like to stay busy and do things.

The food on the ship was very good. The only thing we didn't care for was the fact that if you didn't eat
in the dining room for supper you went hungry until the late night buffet. There wasn't much to eat after
5:00 if you didn't eat in the dining room. Some of the bars offered snacks but thats what they were
snacks. Our dining room waiter was excellent his name was Kenneth and he was very good. And when
carribean night came around and they came out with the cakes dancing you could tell he was in his
element.

I did go to the fitness center one morning to participate in the step areobics class and have to say the
lady that led the class was the rudest women on the ship. I truly felt sorry for some of the women in the
class. She would call you stupid and point out every mistake you made during class and at one point
she was out of control and really needed to stop the class and let someone else take over. To me there
is no reason for the behaivor which she showed. So I just did not particapate in any of her activities the
rest of the week. The fitness center did have many different types of equipment.

We had no problems with getting to the islands. It was very smooth and didn't wait any longer than 15
min to get on a tender. I do recommend that if you want to see St. John don't spend a lot of time there.
The ferry ride to St. THomas was 1 hour. We did do the Eko walk and it was very beatiful and are glad
we did do it. But by the time we got done with it and got to St. Thomas we didn't have much time to do
anything but shop.

I highly recommend Orient Beach at St Martin our group had the best time there and loved the
atmosphere. We wish we would've had more time there.

As far as embarkation we arrived to the ship around 12:30 p.m. and by 1:30 p.m. we were in our room.
And we were off the ship the following saturday by 8:30 a.m. It was a breeze doing that. I do also
recommend that you take a change of close with you if you are getting on the ship from a cold place
because it is warm in Miami and you will not recieve your luggage for about 2 1/2 hours after you get on
the ship. I did do this since I had been on a cruise before and found out the hard way.

All in all we had a wonderful vacation and are all ready to cruise again. Weather or not we would take
the Norway again would depend on if they changed there itenery. I would recommend her to anyone
though she is beatiful and all the staff was wonderful excluding the woman at the fitness center. I never
had an empty drink while I was either on deck or in the bars.

Again I have more positives from this trip then negatives and all the bad reviews I had read made me
realize those are just people that you can not please no matter how hard you try.

Name: John & Kathy Bergin
Email: cruisers5@yahoo.com
Age: 40's
Occupation: Management
NumberOfCruises: 7
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: March 18, 2000
Itinerary: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup Cay
Cabin: F048
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService: 70
CruiseStaff: 75
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 40
DiningRoomService: 60
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 50
DeckService: 50
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 75
GoodForFamilies: 60
LoungeService: 50
TenderService: 40
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges:
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 50
CruiseActivities: 60
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 60
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 50
Stabilization: 20
ShopsOnBoard: 60
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 60
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 29 Mar 2000
Time: 13:18:18
Remote Name: ppp209.digi-t3.st-cath.niagara.net
Remote User:

Comments

We booked this as a last minute deal - so got a great deal - a deluxe balcony suite for $348 per person -
so that part of the cruise was GREAT. Great room, kept very clean, and no noise. It's difficult in finding
the rooms and they aren't laid out in straight halls.

We found the food in the dining room to be a disappointment (we've cruised 7 other times on Carnival),
the food wasn't as good in selection, or appearance or presentation. Four times at breakfast they got
our order wrong. Room service selection was minimal - and when you did get a sandwich it was half a
sandwich. We had to chase the waiter around the dining room one morning to get toast. The Great
Outdoor Restaurant doesn't offer a dinner alternative. The set up here is very confusing - with the
cafeteria lines being in the wrong order and having the trays and plates located on the third aisle. Also,
there is a station where they carve beef and also a place where they did stir fry - but no plates there - so
while you are standing in line for your tray and plate you have people reaching over the top of you to
get a plate to go to the other food station. Half the time they were out of iced tea, lemonade, etc. One
day we were in line a bit late - and at exactly 3 p.m. they closed the window where you got hamburgers
(my husband was next in line and there were tons of hamburgers left - but they closed). In the evenings
we went on the back deck and found food smashed on the deck, empty plastic cups, and beer bottles.
The ship was not kept clean.

The tender service was terrible. If you didn't line up early for a tender ticket you had to wait until ticketed
people were off - they carry their own tenders (450 each tender) - when we were at their private island
they had another tender come in - so that was 3 tenders at 450 people per tender. They started
tendering in at 11:00 a.m. - and went every half hour - 450 x 3 = 1350 people every half hour) we didn't
have tender tickets and couldn't get off the ship until 1:30 - it doesn't add up.

There wasn't a lot of activities going on. We had early dinner seating (6:00 p.m.) and were given tickets
to attend the late (10:15 shows in the theater) - there were other shows at 9:15.

Overall, I wouldn't go on this ship again. I'm glad we didn't pay more than the last minute deal price - I
would have been very dissappointed. This cruise would appeal more to an older crowd - it's very laid
back and a great cruise if you want to do nothing. We also found it to be a very bumpy ride - not at all
smooth like our other cruises (and we have hit some bad weather on the other cruises).

Name: Rusti Clemens
Email: rclemens@swri.org
Age: 43
Occupation: Human Resources Recruiter
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 03/25/00
Itinerary: Eastern Carribbean
Cabin: V168-Class A
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 60
CabinComfort: 50
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 50
FoodLidoDeck: 60
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 70
ShoreExcVariety: 80
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 30
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 50
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 70
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 70
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 75
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 20
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 80
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 50
Stabilization: 50
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 60
OverallCruiseValue: 50
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 04 Apr 2000
Time: 13:00:14
Remote Name: rclemens95.admin.swri.edu
Remote User:

Comments

This was our third cruise and the second with NCL. In 1998 we sailed on the Wind, and it really spoiled
us. We are members of Latitudes, and this helped us board without standing in a long line, and we were
allowed to get on early (before noon). Since we were interested in going to the Eastern Carribbean, we
selected the Norway. Our cabin was spacious, but obviously old. The refrigerator leaked and created a
large water puddle on the floor, until it was turned off. The beds were two singles when we first arrived,
and they converted them to a queen. Unfortunately they were not the same level...one was about six
inches higher than the other, and the lowest one had a large depression (about a foot in diameter) so
my husbands back was bent at an awkward angle. The first few days were very rocky, but by the third
day, things settled quite a bit. Our room steward was fair, but I had to ask him four times for extra towels.
One time, we even ran out of toilet paper! But he was very polite, and tried very hard.

We really enjoyed our waiter, Albert. He was so friendly and made each meal a blast. The food was
good, for the most part, and we added a few pounds. My husband thought the deserts were a little small,
but you could always get seconds. The good points about the ship included the air conditioning, which
worked great. Our cabin got chilly and we had to turn it down. This was a first for us! We also liked the
fact that our room included a full tub and plenty of water pressure and hot water. No little trickle of luke
warm water on the Norway!

We were disappointed in St. Martin. This island is very poor and the poverty was unexpected. We loved
St. Thomas, and went on a snorkeling excursion to Koki Beach. There were a lot of people, but we
enjoyed it anyway. The private island, Stirrup Cay, is nice, but was far too crowded. We couldn't find a
single stretch of beach to spread out, so we only stayed for two hours, ate the very good hamburgers,
and returned to the ship.

We will probably sail again with NCL, but not on the Norway. This ship needs to be updated again. In
addition to the old furnishings, we felt there weren't enough activities to occupy our time during sea
days. Bingo was extremely high priced ($28 for three cards) and small jackpots. My husband got bored
by the second sea day and wanted off the boat. The cruise director seriously needs to review the
offered activities. The Sports Afloat program is great. We worked out every day and earned our second
NCL t-shirt. We also like their Dive-In program and have used it before too.

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