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Name: Mark
Email: mmathis@accn.org
Age: 30
Occupation: police officer
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 3/28/97
Itinerary: eastern caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 97
CruiseDirector: 92
CabinComfort: 91
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 94
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 88
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 91
FoodVariety: 96
DeckService: 93
ShoreExcValue: 93
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 97
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 88
EntertainmentLounges: 92
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 99
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 83
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 87
CruiseActivities: 94
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 94
EmbarkDisembark: 94
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 89
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 May 1997
Time: 00:46:35
Remote Name: 199.176.171.161
Remote User:
Comments
This was our third cruise, all with NCL. We have been very satisfied with all of our NCL
cruises -- the total
combination of food, facilties, service, entertainment and price.
This was a full boat -- 2,400 spring breakers!! The staff did an excellent job. The staff
aboard the Norway is very
friendly, personable, and around every corner!! Fitness staff and dining room staff
deserve a special mention for
excellence. Also, the 'Gene Ann Ryan' company dancers put on some great variety reviews
and a first-rate musical.
The boat was built in 1962 and recently refurbished -- to the tune of $60 million dollars.
It compares quite favorably
with newer ships we have been on. The ship is rather long and even has a 1/4 jogging track
on the fitness deck. It
maintains some of the charm of an old liner (fancy lounges, etc) but you sure don't feel
like your on an old boat. The
rooms are average from what we've seen but the dining room, theater, fitness facilities,
and the shopping areas are
really nice. The only disadvantage is that it is so big we had to tender at each port, but
the boat carries with it two
450 seat tender boats for the task, but it still can take awhile.
The food was once again excellent. Dining room food is first rate and service excellent.
Midnight buffet's are great
and you sure won't go hungry on this or any other cruise!!
The itinerary?? Fair. We prefer the Western Caribbean. The island of St. Martin is poor,
run-down, and suffering the
effects of a hurricane from a couple years back. We took a tour through the island but the
shopping is nothing great,
the sights are impoverished, and the traffic terrible. I'd suggest spending the day at the
beach or on the boat. The
stop at St. John/St. Thomas is in the same day. Do yourself a favor and get off the boat
at St. John and take that
beutiful island in -- it is fantastic. When we go again we will spend the whole day there.
St. Thomas is like any
bustling metropolis and unless you are really into jewlery it is not a bargain hunter's
dream (like say cozumel). The
private island is lovely -- but NCL's western ships also go through it.
The best thing about this boat is the price. I think they have a hard time filling it
because of it's size and age. If you
look it is frequently heavily discounted. We have found that you can get a cheap room for
about $800 a couple
under other ships on the same sailing dates (we went on spring break for $590pp + 115 port
charges).
How's this for a review -- WE ARE BOOKING ON THE SHIP AGAIN FOR THIS NEW YEAR'S!! You see,
even though the ports are not the greatest the ships combination of price and cruise
experience can not be beat --
trust me we did a lot of looking!!! This time we'll do water activities at St. Martin, get
a private cab for a day at a
secluded postcard beach at St. John, and thouroughly enjoy this grand ole' liner and its
staff once again!
Name: Ron Williams
Email: rwillie@teleport.com
Age: 49
Occupation: Teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: Mar 22-29,1997
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService: --
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 96
FoodMidnightBuffets: 98
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: --
PrivateIsland: 98
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: --
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: --
EntertainmentLounges: --
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: --
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: --
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 88
Casino: --
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities: --
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 98
DiscoNightclubs: --
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 93
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Jun 1997
Time: 02:12:41
Remote Name: 206.163.124.16
Remote User:
Comments
Our cruise experience was everything that we hoped it would be. The staff was helpful from
start to finish. Our package
included a hotel the night before and all the trimmings. Our connections at the airport
were organized and where they were
supposed to be. Our cruise with room accomodations, food, ports of call, and activities
are something that we'll (my wife
and I and 2 daughters, ages 16 and 18 years of age) always remember. I have red some of
the other horror stories of some
cruises and realize how spoiled we were. I'm ready to go again. Thanks NCL.
Name: Jane Frostrom
Email: jane.frostrom@turner.com
Age: 45
Occupation: administrative assistant
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 12-7-96
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 50
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 50
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 75
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 70
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 20
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 75
ShipCleanliness: 75
EmbarkDisembark: 80
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Jul 1997
Time: 11:40:12
Remote Name: 198.81.230.32
Remote User:
Comments
We had heard wonderful things about The Norway, prior to our trip - my sister had sailed
on her 2 times previously,
and we had been on NCL's Seaward before this trip.
Initially, everything on the ship was fine, although The Norway seemed like a faded rose;
not as elegant and grand as
we'd expected. The food was good, and service was friendly. As the week went on, however,
the food quality went
down hill. The Chocoholic buffet was not that great, and all of the Midnight Buffets had
been more spectacular on the
Seaward. By the end of the week, when I ordered Cream of Wheat for breakfast, the milk
that came with it was sour.
The Farewell Dinner that night was only so-so, and the shrimp cocktails that we ordered
came to the table with the
veins still in the shrimp. Yecch! In addition, the servers failed to learn my roommate's
name by the end of the cruise,
calling him by my father's name, and kept interrupting conversations to ask if we wanted
items that we had already
declined.
The tender which took us to St. Martin seemed to have been driven by maniacs, a la the
current movie 'Speed 2 -
Cruise Control'. There was no dock & as we were the first tender off the ship, no
landing had been prepared - we
rammed the shore & people, including the elderly & those in wheelchairs, were sent
flying. Not a pleasant start to our
island sojourn.
My roommate and I had taken our parents and his aunt with us on this cruise (separate
cabins). Unfortunately, both his
aunt and myself came down with the flu mid-week, and were unable to partake of all of the
ship's activities. The ship
doctor misdiagnosed my illness as sinusitus. The room service menu did not accommodate
sick people - there were no
bland foods, other than bread to eat. (I was sick on the Mexican fiesta day & only
spicy food was available.) I highly
recommend packing instant soup for this circumstance. The steward for our room was visibly
upset about my being
confined to the room & preventing him from doing his job of cleaning the room.
Members of the NCL staff were seen fighting on the upper sundeck early one morning, in
front of the passengers.
Upon our return, my sister was quite distressed to learn of the decline in quality upon
her favorite ship. All in all, we
were not very impressed by The Norway, and won't recommend it to our friends.
Name: Mark S. Miller
Email: marksmiller@hotmail.com
Age: 30
Occupation: Attorney
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 1/3/98
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 13 Jan 1998
Time: 13:08:00
Remote Name: 146.243.68.223
Remote User:
Comments
Our honeymoon cruise began with rough seas for the first couple of days...the Norway was
rocking and rolling but neither of
us became sick. When returning home via airplane, passengers from other smaller ships
suffered far more miserably than
we had due to the tides.
Once the weather improved, the Norway was fabulous...a truly classic beautifully
maintained ocean liner (not one of those
swiss cheese looking cruise ships that seem like Vegas on water). We were in a sundeck
penthouse so we really lived it up
and did not have any problem whatsoever with our cabin.
The staff presented us with daily goodies in our cabin such as shrimp cocktail, salmon
treats, as well as a welcoming bottle
of champagne.
The dining room (Windward) was a bit noisy but the food was gourmet . The service was a
little rushed even for our late
seating. The entertainment (musical entertainment) is geared more toward my parents;
however, the comedians on board
were superb...my eyes were watering almost the whole time from laughter.
The best thing that I can say about the SS France (oops the Norway I mean) is that we
can't wait to sail her again -
perhaps for our anniversary.
Name: Charles Koch
Email: cgkoch@nb.net
Age: 54
Occupation: School Business Manager
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 6/28/97
Itinerary: Eastern caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 82
CruiseDirector: 89
CabinComfort: 92
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 94
FoodLidoDeck: 72
DiningRoomService: 93
CabinQuietness: 75
FoodMidnightBuffets: 89
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 81
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 86
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 92
TenderService: 82
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 92
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 96
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 84
BeautySalon: 89
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 75
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 92
Stabilization: 89
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 82
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 20 Jul 1997
Time: 19:14:51
Remote Name: 206.64.137.115
Remote User:
Comments
We had two rooms...N001 and N005 at the front of the ship. This of course meant more
walking, but this was not a problem...probably responsible for our
not gaining any pounds! It did mean we had excessive noise as they start moving the
tenders to the water about 4 am in ports, and probably is
responsible for the two four-inch roaches that visited my daughters!!
Downside... I guess the roaches would certainly be included here, though I was not as
unhappy about them as my daughters. However, what was
inexcusable was the casual, indifferent approach the purser's staff took to the problem. I
reminded them my daughter was allergic to chemicals...spraying
was so intense we could smell it still the next day in both the room and the hall. Only
the steward showed concern (no doubt directly related to his concern
for his tip, but in fairness he went out of his way to help). Before the spraying and
after, the other staff listened, made a note, and that's where the
follow-up ended.
Other disappointing parts of the trip included the meals, particularly the salads...I
never saw so many different attempts to make a lettuce wedge look good
(but five pieces of pepper, or garnish, or whatever really don't make it too creative).
I've had better salads at almost every mid-priced restaurant. General
food was on a par with mid-priced restaurants, but certainly did not approach the more
upscale Pittsburgh restaurants--not even a 4 star much less 5
star.
In comparison to our Norway trip 4 years ago, there were several lesser touches, probably
un-noticeable to first-time cruisers, but none-the-less changes
no doubt caused by efforts to economize. The food was more routine, the giveaways of minor
prizes like cups, frisbees and the like in shows, the games
far more expensive, the service in the overall ship just a little less.
Upside... It was still a wonderful cruise. Used the spa for massages, facials, etc and
thoroughly enjoyed it (though the cost was high). Shows,
entertainment, ship features, the ambiance, were wonderful. As Latitudes members, our
embarkation and disembarkation were beyond expectations and
smooth.
In balance... We'll think twice before going again on an NCL cruise, though if the price
is right, you'll no doubt see us again. We had a tour of the bridge
and the Galley which were excellent (and the Galley was very clean too).
Contact me directly with questions and we'd be happy to help. Don't let my comments
discourage you if you've already paid your money. ALL cruises are
great; Even with my disappointments considered, we wouldn't have missed it for the world!!
Name: Dean Crow
Email: Crowpro@aol.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Commercial Film Director
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 1/4/97
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 89
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 98
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 89
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 89
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 88
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Jul 1997
Time: 15:36:20
Remote Name: 152.163.194.144
Remote User:
Comments
The SS Norway is a special ship, I will not bore you with the history. You will get the
feeling of a great oceanliner once you are on board. Our cruise was a
wonderful experience. We had cabin S027 on the skydeck. Cabins on the Norway vary in size
and quality (our cabin was great). The food was very good
and the service we had was outstanding. The entertainment is exceptional. Remember, you
are on vacation and not doing a cruise review for a magazine.
We actually tried to do and see everthing on board, this is impossible, I suggest you
relax and choose your moments. The highest rating we can give the
SS Norway would be to sail her again.
Name: Jim McQueen
Email: SEAWARDII@aol.com
Age: 44
Occupation: Production Planner/ P/T Cruise Agent
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: June 22, 1996.
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean.
FoodDiningRoom: 82
CruiseDirector: 82
CabinComfort: 87
FoodRoomService: 88
CruiseStaff: 901
CabinAmenities: 82
FoodLidoDeck: 78
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 84
DeckService: 87
ShoreExcValue: 94
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 88
PrivateIsland: 92
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 99
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 93
WheelchairAccess: 70
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 93
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 84
CruiseActivities: 89
Casino: 91
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 92
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 92
DiscoNightclubs: 93
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 99
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 01 Aug 1997
Time: 19:22:57
Remote Name: 152.163.207.36
Remote User:
Comments
Still the Grand Dame of the Caribbean after 17 years; some public rooms are a pleasant
holdover from her days as the S.S. France; however, cuisine was
stodgy and AVOID THEME CRUISE WEEKS AT ANY COST! We traveled on a hockey cruise, where
every night 2 of the public rooms were taken over for 2
hours with that nonsense! Even though I like a good hockey game, the ambiance of this
great lady is lost on such tripe! Service was better in the
non-smoking Windward Dining Room, with its sweeping staircase and high, celestial dotted
ceilings. Entertainment in the Sage Theatre rivaled Broadway,
with a version of The Will Rogers Follies that more than did justice to the New York cast
and crew! Sea Legs Goes Hollywood is still a stunner after many
years afloat! Plenty of deck space atop and 2 pools makes for much outdoor fun on days at
sea...........International deck with its many shops, lounges
and boulevards, is one of the roomiest and most charming afloat, resembling an indoor
shopping mall! Good value for the money, but avoid school and
holiday vacations as a summer camp atmosphere seems to prevail. For an old ship, she still
sails straight and true, being a former transatlantic liner with a
sculptured bow conducive to rocky sea stability. A good value especially when combined
with NCL's upfront discounts; can be a real find for first time
cruisers leery of motion sickness, but not seeking exceptional cuisine.
Name: Al Ragazzo
Email: Alazzo1@aol.com
Age: 47
Occupation: teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 7/19 - 7/26
Itinerary: Caribbean 7 day
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 88
CabinComfort: 88
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 88
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 88
DiningRoomService: 97
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 89
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 88
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 88
TenderService: 85
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 88
WheelchairAccess: 85
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 88
OverallPortsofCall: 75
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 88
CruiseActivities: 88
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 88
DiscoNightclubs: 88
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 88
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 02 Aug 1997
Time: 16:33:54
Remote Name: 152.163.194.169
Remote User:
Comments
This was a family cruise. There were fourteen of us, eight adults and 6 children ages ten
to seventeen.. My mother picked the Norway because she had
sailed on her before and knew the layout of the ship. We were in cabin NO66 and mom was in
NO68 my brother and sister were down the hall. Our cabin
was larger than expected. We had a nice art deco vanity, which my wife put to good use and
two large closets. Moms outside cabin, shared with nephew
Jeff was bigger, had two portholes and also had a nice vanity, good sized closets,
bathroom and a small fridge. If we ever sail on the Noryway again I
would go for the outside cabin. The location was perfect. We felt very little vibration or
motion. NO26 where we put the three teenaged boys,15,17, and
19. had more vibration but they never complained. We ate in the Leeward diningroom. We had
arranged to have the same waiter for the two tables. We
had a table for eight and one for six. Our waiter Patrick was excellent! Overall we all
would rate the food on this cruise as very good. The beef tenderloin
served three times was excellent. My wife enjoyed the salmon and the salads. Don't miss
the Roman Spa, the service was excellent and the Spa is
gorgeous! The rates are fair and why not pamper yourself. My wife and I had excellent full
body massages and all the ladies took advantage of the
available treatments. It is worth a look. The ship is huge. It is easy to get lost. We
were on the Norway deck which is the same deck as the Windward and
Leeward dinning rooms. The first time we tried to find the Spa I missed the door that is
hard to see when you look into the Windward dinning room. You
have to go down the stairs and the door is to your right. Then down the stairs to the Spa.
At each stair tower there are maps that show you where you
are. I used them often. We went to some of the shows: Sea Legs Goes Hollywood was ok. No
big raves from any of the group. We also saw Crazy For You
and this Broadway presentation was very good. I was impressed by the Saga Theater overall.
Rich Purpura was also very good. Part of our group saw
him first and encouraged the rest of us not to miss him. The best on board was Jane L.
Powell. This lady did it all..dynamic personality and a strong
powerful deep voice. My wife loved every minute of her performance and we wanted to go
back for more. We enjoyed the Monte Carlo Casino each
evening before or after the shows. The children who joined the 'tween' group had a ball.
The counselors did an excellent job and the kids were eager to
join in the fun activities. The teens disco'd the night away ..if we didn't demand that
they meet us at six o'clock for dinner every night I might not have seen
my teenaged sons for days. The had a great time! Every day there was more than the
fourteen of us could cover. This is a great ship and we had a
wonderful vacation!
Name: Joan Jenkins
Email: JoniJenks@aol.com
Age: 30
Occupation: Office Management
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: July 19 - July 26, 97
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 89
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 89
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 98
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 98
CasinoStaff: 100
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 98
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 89
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 89
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 98
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Aug 1997
Time: 11:20:41
Remote Name: 152.163.204.137
Remote User:
Comments
I'm from Philadelphia and just returned from my first cruise which happened to be the
Norway. It was sort the honeymoon my husband and I never had
and we had such a fantastic time. My husband did have one major complaint: he was
constantly hot. The air in our cabin (I009) did not work properly and
we had to call for service. It did seem we were hot pretty much all the time - especially
walking on the International deck and in the dining room.
Our cabin was on the International Deck which was the best. Everything was RIGHT THERE,
although we did have to deal with Troll-land, the childrens
activity center.
The first 5 minutes in our cabin I was very disappointed. It was so small and my husband
and I are not exactly petite - so I thought we might have a
problem. But once we put away our clothes and tucked our luggage under the bed we felt
nice and cozy. There was more than enough room and we
were never tripping over each other.
The casino was awesome. The second day we took advantage of their casino class and got
lots of pointers. I would highly recommend it. We also
purchased their packet '$15 worth of chips for $10', which came with some hint cards. I
made out quite well in the casino. We met one gentleman who
won a couple thousand and one 22 yr old who was gambling for the first time and lost about
a grand. The dealers are very helpful and a lot of fun. They
take the stress out of gambling!
We purchased the two day snorkeling shore excursion, which took us to St. Thomas and
Stirrup Cay. It was a great time. We got the first tender in the
morning with very little wait and we had time afterwards to see the islands. Although
honestly, it was wonderful to come back to the ship early and take
advantage of the pool while it was empty. The water was wonderful and relaxing but when we
were out to sea it was way too crowded to enjoy.
We did find that there were quite a few places on the islands to rent snorkeling equipment
for much less. In my opinion, if you have snorkeled before don't
purchase the excusions, just go out and rent the equipment yourselves. We had never been
before and I was a bit weary of the water, so I felt much
better having the instructors with me. (By the way, the instructors were fabulous!)
The excursions did get us first tender in the morning. But we were on our own for St.
Maartin and we had no problem. We picked up a ticket in the North
Cape Lounge at 9:00 and waited for about a half hour until our tender was called. There
was a bit of a line, but nothing too outrageous. In St. Thomas I
decided to go onshore by myself to pick up some trinkets. I picked up a tender about 3:00
and there was only 3 of us onboard. I stayed for about an hour
and a half and tendered back, it was super easy.
The shows were okay. The comedian Rich Purpura was a riot. His top ten things you never
hear on a cruise was right on! ('I'm sorry honey, I can't hear
from all the way over on this side of the cabin!') We saw a couple of the stage shows, but
for the exception of Crazy for You, they could easily be missed.
There is too much else to do at night to watch so-so shows.
The best part about our trip was the people we met and the service of the staff. One word
of warning; if you don't click with your dining partners see if you
can be moved. We had a couple at our table that just didn't fit in. They were anti-social
and just did not seem to like us. By Wednesday night they decided
they did not want to sit with us anymore and ate at Le Bistro, which was fine by us. The
rest of us had a blast without them.
Overall it was a grand time. The Norway is a ship not to be missed. But I think next time
we are going to try the Windward or the Dreamward.
Name: Becky Farmer
Email: puffy@tricon.net
Age: 39
Occupation: foodservice
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: July 18, 1997
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 50
CabinComfort: 00
FoodRoomService: 50
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 50
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 99
CabinQuietness: 50
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 85
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 75
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 100
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 75
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 95
EntertainmentPoolside: 50
CruiseActivities: 50
Casino: 100
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 50
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Aug 1997
Time: 17:10:00
Remote Name: 205.230.80.18
Remote User:
Comments
THe four of us traveling together agreed our cruise was very enjoyable although we were
all disappointed in the ss Norway. The old world
charm we were expecting brought with it an old world smell that permeated our senses for
the entire voyage. The food was fabulous, the
spa facility was most enjoyable. Jane Powell 'live at sea' was quite a treat.
The least enjoyable part of the trip was the annoying clanging and banging noise which
accompanied the raising and lowering of the
tender boats each and EVERY time we were in port. I would urge anyone considering this
ship to pay the difference and buy a cabin
somewhere other than Viking deck #'s 1-100. (in fact dont book a cabin lower than # 100 on
ANY deck), or you will be subjected to the
banging of the tender boat lifts.
if you plan on going to the disco,dress light- it was very hot in there.
take lots of money in the casino-there are no nickel machines and all the others take ALL
your money!! ;*)
Name: Gil Stritar
Email: gstritar@lnd.com
Age: 49
Occupation: teacher
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 8/2/97
Itinerary: Eastern Carribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 80
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 85
GoodForFamilies: 85
LoungeService: 80
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 80
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 70
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 12 Aug 1997
Time: 21:46:02
Remote Name: 156.46.97.123
Remote User:
Comments
Our family was very satisfied with our cruise experience. Initially, our 14 year old
daughter missed the glitz of the Royal Carribbean ship
that we sailed on previously. After a few days on board, we all came to appreciate the
class of this aging beauty. We were impressed with
the ongoing maintenance and general good condition of the ship. The cruise staff was
efficient and friendly. On two occasions, I chatted
with the cruise director and found him friendly and helpful.
Our favorite parts of the ship were Club International (don't miss the afternoon teas), Le
Bistro restuarant (you need to make
reservations), the library, and the enclosed promenades on the International deck
including an ice cream parlor.
We enjoyed snorkeling on St. Martin (Orient beach), St. John (Trunk Bay is
extraordinary!), and at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Be
sure to take the Island Highlights tour of St. John and see what we think of as the
prettiest island we have ever seen. On the negative side,
this grand old ship is hard to find your way around. We were still making wrong turns on
day 7. To sum up our cruise experience, the
Norway cruise exceeded our expectations. We will sail her or another NCL ship again.
Name: Stephanie Zighelboim
Email: Jaimez@gate.net
Age: 30
Occupation: Home
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Norway
SailingDate: 9/13/97
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 60
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 80
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 100
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 50
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 80
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge:
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 23 Sep 1997
Time: 20:31:28
Remote Name: 199.227.125.160
Remote User:
Comments
On the positive side: my husband and I chose the norway for our tenth anniversary trip.
This has been our best vacation ever. We were on a
suite on the sky deck. The view from the floor to ceiling windows was fabulous. The bed
was very comfortable and the bathroom was very clean
and spacious. There was tons of closet space and drawers. The ship rocked us to sleep
every night. The food was very good, but the midnight
buffets were average. The Le Bistro restaurant was wonderful. We ate there two nights in a
row. There was plenty to do during the day, from
bingo to an art auction to dance lessons. The ports of call were great and varied.
On the negative side: We would not choose a theme cruise again if we can help it, as it
skews the type a passenger to a particular group with
whom we had nothing in common. Unless you are very interested in a particular theme, avoid
this type of cruise. Smoking is permitted in 50+%
of public areas, which is very annoying if you are a non-smoker. However, you try to avoid
these areas if possible, since the ship is so big.
Overall, this an elegant, classic ship, with roomier cabins than your standard cruise (at
least in the upper decks), and i would not hesitate to
recommended to friends.
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