ncl-norwegiansea19

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Alan Wertheimer
Email: gjm8@yahoo.com
Age: 40
Occupation: educator
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Seaward
SailingDate: March 30, 2001
Itinerary: Bahamarama (Nassau, G.S.Cay)
Cabin: 7202 (deluxe)
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 85
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 75
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 85
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 88
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Apr 2001
Time: 17:14:41
Remote Name: 1cust188.tnt4.broken-arrow.ok.da.uu.net
Remote User:

Comments

We (my mate, our three teens, and me) were looking for a smaller, more intimate environment on this,
our first cruise. We found it. If all cruising is as carefree and varied as this, we will probably try it again.
Here is a blow-by-blow account of the trip, with ratings over 90 marked by an asterisk. [Ship pics are
available at our photo site. Email us for the address.]

EMBARKATION: Upon arrival at the Port of Miami, there must have been thirty porters, most of who
seemed to have a helpful attitude. Our porter quickly tagged our luggage, carefully loaded our bags
onto his cart and pointed us up the correct escalator. I tipped him $2 per bag. We ascended to the
x-ray, stepped into the line for embarkation, walked along with our carry-ons (with time enough to fill out
the requisite forms in our mail packet,) gave the counter clerk our docs, passports, and children’s birth
certificates, and headed up the last escalator to the gangway, all in less than fifteen minutes from taxi
exit to gangway. To say the least, I was impressed with the efficiency, and anyone who travels through
ports can tell that NCL has streamlined this dreadful administrative process. I think most of us travelers
were satisfied with the pre-embarkation and consequently were expectant of a smooth, worry-free trip. It
would not take much to satisfy us, since we read in the ship news the next day that there was three feet
of snow back home. Ha-Ha.

As we approached the ship, the paparazzi arrived, and they accompanied us throughout the tour.
Occasionally, one of the four photographers was intrusive, but usually had the courtesy to move away
when asked. You will be photographed twice before entering the ship (these are posed shots, one with
your family, and one with cabaret girls,) then these professionals stroll through your daily activities
snapping everyday events (dining, beach-time, pool-side shots.) All of these photos are arranged on
viewing boards outside the gift shop, and everyone peruses them, buying some (from $8) and laughing
at others. Also, there are a couple of professionally lighted, formal sittings during the trip, and the
results are comparable to those seen in most storefront studios.

* BERTHS: After surviving the photo ops, clamber aboard the ship and head straight to your berth to
check it out. Your steward will be lurking about, and you should find him and develop a rapport -- like
most of us, he will be much more cooperative with your requests if you show him a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
We chose a deluxe suite, with a picture window, and it was worth every extra dollar. Our kids were
berthed in 3145; an inside, port-hole-less cabin, and the differences were astounding.

First, our suite was located at the end of the corridor, and there was never (and I mean NEVER) a
clutter in the hallway. On the kids's level, especially in amidships, guests suffered through trash bags
hanging on the handrails and housekeeping carts in the aisle, constantly. I am serious here, folks. We
visited their berth several times a day, and I ALWAYS waded through hallway clutter. We discussed this
with several other guests, and came to the conclusion that the differences arose from our cabin
upgrade and fore ship location.

Secondly, our steward was no less friendly than the kids's stewardess; however, he maintained a better
environment, and therefore a more comfortable trip for us, constantly doting, freshening, and tending to
our cabin (without being noticed.) The stewardess for the children was always in the hallway, but rarely
in their berth, possibly due to having twice the number of guests to care for.

Lastly, the amenities in deluxe and supreme deluxe berths are worth the upgrade. An item as simple as
a remote control for the television, to something as grand as an unobstructed view, all combine to make
the difference in awakening cheerfully or grumpily. I am so convinced of this; I will not cruise if a deluxe
or higher berth is unavailable. If you want Motel 6, stay home.

Oh, yes. One last thing…I have read several reviews relating to cramped bath facilities. I am a six feet
tall, one hundred-ninety pound man, and I fit into this bathroom just fine. Here are my findings:

- Sink counter width is 3 feet - Shower width and depth is 3 feet (if your butt sticks out, attend more
exercise classes) - Room height is 6-1/2 feet - Toilet is standard size, with vacuum flush - Vent runs
non-stop (thank Elijah); however, there is no heat - Never a shortage of hot water - Everything is
stainless, meaning it's cleaner than clean - Electrical outlet does not accept the new wide-prong 110 v.
plugs.

* SHIP PRESENTATION: The kids mocked me early on for comments such as: 'Have you guys noticed
how someone is always sprucing up the ship?' That was, until one of them noticed the cleanliness of the
public restrooms. And it wasn't just clean restrooms, it was the attitude of the ship management that
everything must be kept neat and orderly at all times. The brass banisters were always being polished,
the lounging chairs were always being restacked or neatly arranged on deck, there were no empty
plates or glasses allowed to accumulate. This service appeals not only to compulsives like myself, but
also to travelers in general. If your crew cares enough to keep trash off the floor and tables, they value
your patronage; and that will not only make for a pleasant cruise, it will bring me back.

* FOOD QUALITY: The quality of food and presentation in the Four Seasons and Seven Seas
restaurants surpass any high volume establishment where my family and I have dined. We would have
spent $30 per person on these meals ashore, and we could not have been more pleased with the
variety of offerings (each of us usually had two appetizers, and often two entrees.) Naturally, with five
hundred diners to accommodate, the nightly selections are limited to an average of three items per
course, and we NEVER found anything distasteful. The portions are small, but that is the nature of fine
dining -- quality, as opposed to quantity.

Food aside, the etiquette of the wait staff is impeccable. Such as teenagers are, mine are no different in
their manners than others, in that if they can elicit a reaction from me by using a dessertspoon to slurp
soup, they usually will do so. Now I am no elitist, but table manners are important, and the amusing thing
about our wait staff is that each of them would subtly correct the kids by replacing dinnerware in its'
proper place, and it quickly became a fun game. We all still laugh about this when we sit down to dinner
at home, with the kids placing silverware in the oddest places.

We cannot comment on open dining versus assigned tables, this being the free-style service. However,
we never waited even three minutes for a table, despite the fact that we dined at 5 PM, 7 PM, and 9 PM
on different days.

FOOD SERVICE: Despite the friendliness and courtesy of the staff, there are entirely too many diners in
a small area, and each waiter has far too many tables for my taste. Offering a limited menu should allow
for a slower pace of service, but we always felt rushed and dizzy from watching our staff fly about the
room. The waiter will stand still and carry on a conversation if you ask about his background or the ship,
but it is obvious that he is eager to get on with his work. This could be due to the get-it-now demands of
U.S. consumers, expecting to be served in the amount of time it takes to go through the drive-thru, but it
can be uncomfortable if you are there to enjoy the four star cuisine. If you want a more leisurely dinner,
we recommend the Big Apple Cafe, the Pasta Bar, or the outdoor BBQ service.

* CRUISE ACTIVITIES: From the early morning group fitness program to the midnight buffet, there is
more to do on this ship than you can possibly finish in a day. If you want to work out, you can join a
group, jog around the Promenade deck, join a pick-up game on the Sports deck, or hit the exercise
bikes and free weights in the gym, then finish off with a dry sauna and a massage. If you like walking
tours, there are several for every port of call, or you can join a group snorkel, a group dance, a group
hot tub, or even a chess tournament. For a family, this is the ultimate activity trip. If you like, there will
never be a dull moment, or inactive one, for that matter. However, if you choose to do your own tour,
snorkel, dining, or whatever, no one chastises or harasses you. We chose to participate in no ship
tours, and had as much fun as those we spoke to that joined every ship activity. You are only limited by
your imagination.

DECK SPACE: Plenty of it. Occasionally, you may be a few inches from your deck-chair mates, but there
was no fighting for lounges, or lack of nooks for reading. If you wish to walk the Sun deck and
people-watch, there is ample aisle way, and even when the BBQ service is in full swing on the Pool
deck, there is room to maneuver with two full plates. We found several hideaways where you can
snuggle and watch the sun rise or set, and actually even had the deck to ourselves a couple of times.
We especially enjoyed the open nature of the viewing decks, compared to some of the ships we were
docked alongside. For instance, we were people-watching the R.C. Majesty while in Nassau, and were
amused that those guests were behind a glass wall, while we were enjoying the bright sunshine and cool
breeze. Another nice feature is the sitting areas inside. Most of the decks have large sitting areas
amidships, and some fore and aft, as well. During inclement weather (and we had a bit) these are great
areas to sit and read or chat, while still being able to view the water.

PORTS OF CALL: Nassau, Bahamas is a very lovely town, with friendly folk, good beer, and limitless
beaches. We prefer shopping in the downtown and dock areas, where you get a better feel for the
culture. Sure, there are the children selling the requisite $1 flutes and offering to sing a ditty for a few
bucks; but overall, no one was abused. A word of caution: if you appear liberal, you may be approached
to purchase illegal items. I was constantly with my family, but still I was asked twice if I wanted to buy
illegal products. I recommend that you ignore these people, and they will immediately move on. If you
want a more civilized shopping experience, take a $4/head taxi ride to Paradise Isle, where the shops
resemble those found in Disneyland.

Speaking of Paradise Isle, take time to walk up to the Atlantis HOTEL from the beach and view the
aquarium grotto beneath the hotel. It, and the sea turtles on display in open lagoons are worth the walk
up. Don't enter the hotel though, because to re-gain access to the beach, you must present your room
key. You can massage the security guard into letting you back onto the beach, but why go through the
hassle when the hotel has nothing you want, anyway? Photograph the kids with the turtles, and then hit
the beach again.

There is a tour service called Bahamian Divers that has the best snorkeling trip for the money. For
$30/head, you will spend three hours with a hilarious bunch of bohemians who supply and help you with
gear, point out the best reefs, and offer you Kalick when you return to the boat. This boat
accommodates 25 guests, and the chatter never stops among the crew -- you'll laugh all afternoon, and
see some of the widest variety of fish on any tour. A few bubbleheads usually accompany the
snorkelers, but they tend to their tanks, and pay no heed to us amateurs. The tour is definitely catered
toward snorkeling...and kids love it.

Great Stirrup Cay is part of the Berry Islands, and the southern end of it is NCL's private beach. You
have read all the descriptions, so I won't bore you with repetition. Take the tender 1/4 mile to the beach,
grab a P.C., and relax a bit in one of the most private tropical paradises you will find. Climb onto the reef
on the west side of the beach, look at the Damsel fish trapped in the pools, then walk along the
mangrove trail heading north, and check out the lighthouse. Continue along the path through the
mangroves, and you will come to Shirley Beach. Spend a long time enjoying the tranquility of the lagoon
on this, the leeward side of the island, before you head back to the sea of humanity on the main beach.
(The snorkeling gear you rented when you exited the tender for $25 is better used back here than in the
main cove. There is very little wave action, and the fish are more active, probably due to the lack of
humans.) When you have had enough fun, take the LAST tender back to the ship at 4:30 pm [the next
to last one carries your garbage back.]

ONBOARD ACCOUNT & TIPPING: Take it from a miser, set this up in the first couple of days. You may
think you don’t want NCL to have your credit card number, and that you will take care of the tipping and
store purchases individually or with cash. You cannot do this. The store does not accept cards or
checks, not even cash! I do recommend using a credit card instead of your bankcard, though, because I
was informed by staff that a hold of several hundred dollars is placed on the card (similar to car rentals)
for several days.

DO NOT FAIL TO TIP YOUR STAFF. If you do, you make it hard on future travelers. These guys work
their butts off for you (yes, even the maitre de, albeit behind the scenes) twenty-four hours per day, and
most of them are foreign kids looking to broaden their horizons, so that someday they can afford to
cruise, also.

* STAFF: If I remember nothing else about this cruise twenty years hence, it will be our crew. Without
exception, EVERY crewman (and we met about 100 of them from the Captain to the deck washer)
offered us a smile and a nod or stopped to gab. Every question was answered honestly and graciously,
and occasionally we were hand-led to our destination. I swear to God, I thought we were royalty. If other
cruise lines treat guests this well, then I can see why so many tourists choose cruising. Once, I watched
the Captain stop at a dinner table to chat, and he did not leave until he amiably answered each of the
children’s questions. It took fifteen minutes. That, my friends, is service with a smile. Happy cruising!

Name: Kelly Finn
Email: KellyLFinn@hotmail.com
Age: 35
Occupation: teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Seaward
SailingDate: March 12 2001
Itinerary: Key West, Private Island, Nassau
Cabin: 4121
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 90
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 50
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 90
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Apr 2001
Time: 16:50:48
Remote Name: ip-111-42-233.sanantonio.navipath.net
Remote User:

Comments

This was our first cruise. We found our cabin to be fine. No window was needed, as we were seldom in
there. It made sleeping in easier. We were on the main floor in the middle of the boat. A little rocking the
first night. The ship had trouble finding the path into Key West. This made for an early morning of noise.
Announcements in the hall were loud when you wanted to sleep in. If you missed any announcements
you were able to catch them again on the television.

Key West was just for tourists. Everyone was selling the same stuff. Don't forget to bargain, nothing is
as it says on the price tag. In March it was quite warm. After shopping we went back for lunch and a dip
in the pool. Quite nice, since the pool is salt water. This was unexpected.

Dinner was great. About four different places to choose from. We were not dress-up people. We chose
to leave the formals at home. One night we had a great steak, baked potato and salad pool side. Then
went into the buffett for shrimp. We did bring presentable nice clothes to eat in the dining room once. It
was hard to know when people were to be in formals or when just tan pants were ok. Missed the
chocolate buffett, but heard it was wonderful.

The before the trip information was great. We knew what was expected of us financially before leaving
our home. My husband and I loved our trip. My father would hate it, due to having to step up over a
metal guard to get into the bathroom. I didn't fall once. We are booked on another crusie with
Carnival-Celebration for next March. I would love to hear from anyone with comments on what to expect.
I have read opinions and asked questions, but want to know if I am gonna have to buy formals and is
there set meal times and tables? Thanks, Kelly Finn

Name: George and Linda Mencin
Email: george012@ameritech.net
Age: Mid 50s
Occupation: Customer Service
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Seaward
SailingDate: March 26, 2001
Itinerary: Key West, Great Stirrup Cay,Nassau
Cabin: 4219/E
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 99
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 99
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 95
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 99
GoodForFamilies: 99
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors: 75
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess: 75
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 99
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs: 75
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 75
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 18 Apr 2001
Time: 07:48:59
Remote Name: 64.108.203.236
Remote User:

Comments

Our congratulations to Norweigan cruise line for improving their freestyle program.This was our fourth
cruise, third using using Norweigan Cruise Line.We truly enjoyed this last cruise on the Sea and are
encouraging family and friends to sail on her.We first experienced the freestyle program this past October
on a 15 day cruise aboard the Majesty and were very disappointed in the service.On that cruise the bar
service hounded us constantly and our evening meals were unpleasant due to lack of enough help in the
dining rooms.Thought we would give them one more try before using a different cruise line and are very
glad we did.Our cabins were fairly small with a picture window very clean and comfortable.We brought our
middle daughter and granddaughter age 15 who occupied the cabin next to ours.Our teen said she wants
to go on every cruise with us in the future she so loved the itineraries, activities, service and food.In the
four days we traveled Norweigan Sea gave us its best which included the famous chocoholic buffet, fun
production of the musical Grease,opportunity to visit the dolphin encounter, and relaxation on its private
island.

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