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Name: CL SCHULZ
Email: INTERNETWIZ@juno.COM
Age: 42
Occupation: MD
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: august 19 1996
Itinerary: alaska
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 80
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 88
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 70
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess: 90
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 31 Aug 1996
Time: 18:57:21
Remote Name: 153.36.13.152
Remote User:
Comments
Excellent itinerary for Alaska. Ship was very clean. Rooms were clean, but rather small.
We had 2
rooms, an outside penthouse and an inside double. The penthouse room was small, not worth
the
price. However, having a balcony was a wonderful experience. The views were beautiful.
Bathrooms small, closet space small. Rooms were very comfortable. This ship is brand new and everything was clean and neat. Cruise staff was superb. They got everyone involved in activities. Shows were surprisingly well done. Pageantry and costumes were superb. Stardust Lounge was comfortable and generally all seats were good.
Food in dining room was 50% average. 30% above average. 20% excellent. Service was fair. This seemed inconsistent with other aspects of the ship's service and may have been as a result of our particular waiter and busboy. The sports bar and lounge was our favorite spot. Excellent view, excellent service, and great snacks and treats.
Kids' programs were unfortunately poor. Our kids are 12, 11, and 7. NCL broke up the groups into 3-5 and 5-12. The 5-12 group were bored doing little kid activities. The buffets are outstanding and worth staying up for. Lots of effort and work that shows. The captain was great. Frequently talked and gave history, geography, and local stories. Shore excursions were great. Helicopter ride is a must. Would do it again on the same ship. Recommend that NCL improves it's food quality and main dining room service.
Name: Dawn Klein
Email: dawnmklein@worldnet.att.net
Age: 27
Occupation: Technical Manager
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: 4/17/94
Itinerary: South Eastern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 89
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 70
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 70
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 90
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 75
SpaceRatio: 90
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 27 Nov 1996
Time: 09:21:21
Remote Name: 207.116.44.216
Remote User:
Comments
The Windward is a beautiful ship, my husband and I especially enjoyed the Sun Terraces
dining room and the ability to have a table for two for dinner. The Windward has three
separate dining rooms, this concept gives the passenger a feeling of eating at an
exclusive restaurant rather than a massive dining hall. The Windward also offers an option
for dining at the Le Bistro which is another initmate dining area, the only extra fee
incurred for eating there is a tip which is given at the end of the meal to the waiter.
The shows on the Windward were very enjoyable the show lounge is very comfortable and there is a good view from virtually every seat in the lounge. We enjoyed the itinerary very much, due to the size of the Windward, the passengers do not have to tender, I cannot stand the idea of having to take another boat to get to my destination, the Windward was able to dock at all of the Ports of Call. Curacao was charming, the pontoon bridge is worth seeing, Tortola is beautiful, some of the beaches of St. John are breathtaking and the shopping is St. Thomas is worth it, especially liquor and Baccarat crystal. Aruba was also a stop, I was not impressed at all, I prefer islands that are more tropical and Aruba is basically a desert island.
All in all the cruise was very enjoyable, my husband and I are hooked on cruising, it's a great way to spend a vacation, the Windward is a great ship, there was talk of NCL enlarging her, this would be a mistake because with all of the mega ocean liners coming out, the Windward and Dreamward are very enjoyable due to their size. We enjoyed the Windward so much that the following year we took the Dreamward to Bermuda. If you sail on the Windward, I hope you enjoy her as much as we did. Happy Cruising!
Name: Marijane Hickey
Email: mhickey@netconnx.net
Age: 48
Occupation: Office Manager
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: 11/9/96
Itinerary: Southern Carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 88
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 85
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 80
GoodForHoneymoon: 85
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 95
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 90
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 90
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 25
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 85
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 30 Dec 1996
Time: 21:28:17
Remote Name: 206.72.196.85
Remote User:
Comments
Let me start with the flight to Puerto Rico. First we are located in the Northeast and are
approximately 1 1/2 hrs from the airport. Our flight left at 8:30 a.m. and stopped in
Atlanta for a brief stay and then on to PRico. We arrived in PRico at 4:30 p.m. as
expected but the amount of travelers on Saturday proved to be a very long wait for our
luggage. It seemed as if it would never show up - needless to say by the time we boarded
our bus and headed for our cruise ship it was almost 6:30. When we did arrive we managed
to get through embarcation with little to no wait as we were one of the last to arrive (or
so I thought).
We found our cabin with no problem and were quite satisfied as we felt our cabin was roomy and especially liked the drape that could be pulled and would separate the sitting area from the bed. We were on the promoneda deck and contrary to what I have read or heard we never once were disturbed by fellow cruisers walking or jogging the track. You can not see into the cabins in the day time and at night we pulled the curtain out of habit. The small love seat in our cabin was a pull out couch or for any of you going with a small child this would be perfect and with the drape closed you would still have your privacy. The bathroom was small but then again the shower was adequate - you went in did your business and got out. I don't know about a lot of people but I do not spend any amount of time in my bathroom on vacation than necessary so as long as they are clean and come with the necessary appliances - I'm happy. Flushing the toilets didn't make as much noise as they did on our last cruise (Seaward - NCL), I can honestly say on our last cruise it took me all week to get use to not almost jumping out of my skin every time the toilet got used. Anyway the cabin had wonderful comfortable beds which we had put together. The TV was positioned just right and although we rarely watch the TV it was nice to have the news available to us whenever we were in our cabin. We also found them extremely quite. All but one night were we awakened and that was only because a group of partying young women were still partying on the way down the halls and I think were totally unaware of how loud they were laughing etc.
Our cabin steward was excellent - always there when we may have a question - he also kept our cabin clean, always enough fresh towels - and always restocked our soap, shampoo etc. We felt he did an excellent job and tipped him extra. We truly liked where our rooms were located - midship and the promenade deck because we felt very little and were right near a door to the deck. It was nice to get up and head for the deck to meet up with the friends we were with.
Dining - was good but not knock your socks off. We were in the Terraces dining room and although it was very pretty we were sitted on the lowest level right next to the window where the pool was. As we were seated watching the water roll in the pool made one of our dinner guests sick and so we had to arrange seating so he had his back to the pool. I especially liked the cold soups!! To me nothing is better than cream of melon or cream of strawberry - it was almost like having dessert. The food was good but the one night they had lobster you could skip it and opt for the beef. I don't know if that's because we are from the northeast where lobster is the best but I was disappointed in it. Desserts were good - especially the crepes suzettes that were made at our table by the Maitre de. That was about all he did for us other than ask if we were having a good time. I didn't feel he went above and beyond his duties at any time during our trip so we opted not to tip him - which is optional. Our waiter was good but he seemed to be overwhelmed at all times. He had our table of six, a table of two and a table of ten. I asked how many people they had to serve and they said they 18 was the norm. We seemed to always be the last ones served and sometimes we had to hurry if we wanted to get to the show which started at 10:30.
The rest of my trip I will just be brief but if anyone has any questions, please e-mail me and I'll fill you in. Ports- An awful lot of them. I don't know that I would take another trip with a port almost everyday. The best port was St Barts. Rent a moke and just drive around and visit their many beaches. Moke will cost $48.00 - split it with someone and have a ball. St Lucia - whoa- roads are horrendous - just hit the beach - taking the trip to the volcanos - so so - long and boring. Barbados - wonderful - got a van for eight - gave the driver $20.00 pp and we had him for the day. He took us places not everyone goes and even took us to a private hotel where he knew someone so we could go to the beach. Needless to say we all tipped him extra as he was well worth it. Tortola is nice - have a pain killer at Pussers - went to Baths in Virgin Gorda - if you're a first timer go - it is something to see. St Thomas - shopping right off the port - but if I had it to do over would go to St. Johns and will not miss it next time. Shore excursions for that fill up real fast - book early. Le Bistro - was great - it's a real nice alternative. Food was excellent and so was service. Sportman's Lounge - ok - went up there a number of afternoons after returning from port in the afternoon. All staff was nice - helpful but because of the number of ports didn't spend too much time interacting with them. Flight home - horrendous. NCL gave us a flight at 5:30 p.m !!! That meant a tour of the rainforest in PRico because we had to waste so much time. The tour was just ok - the highlight was eating at a local restaurant which was excellent. By the time we got back home it was 2:00 a.m. and we were bushed!!! Never would I do a late afternoon flight again. I would cancel my plans with that cruise line and go with another just for better flights. NCL gets you right off in the morning - if you are an early seating you have breakfast at 6:00 a.m. on the morning of debarkation. Late seating was at 7:30 - we were off the ship by 9:30. So it made for a very long day.
All in all we had a wonderful time with lots of laughs. Would definitely book NCL again - possibly the Dreamward with a western itiniery. Oh yes I forgot to mention the shops - they were so so - the shops on the Seaward were better - more to offer and larger. I can't comment on gambling because I didn't do much of it (when I did I lost) but there seemed to be amble machines for everyone. I did enjoy the shows - the Sealegs Express on this trip was better than the Seawards. We were fortunate to be able to hear Jane C. Powell again on this trip and she is well worth it. She'll knock your socks off. The lounges were nice. I appreciated the Latitudes get together for repeat cruisers - it was nice to meet the captain (who was only 34 and very nice). Their drinks were very nice and it was a good party. So go and enjoy and e-mail me with any questions.
Name: Bill Peszka
Email: william_peszka@stortek.com
Age: 53
Occupation: Engineering Manager
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: December 28, 1996
Itinerary: Southern Carribean
FoodDiningRoom: 70
CruiseDirector: 90
CabinComfort: 82
FoodRoomService: 68
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 65
FoodLidoDeck: 80
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 98
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 98
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 90
GoodForSeniors: 75
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities:
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram: 65
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 65
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 70
OverallCruiseValue: 70
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Jan 1997
Time: 17:34:30
Remote Name: 129.80.22.131
Remote User:
Comments
This was a New Years cruise and there were a lot of large family groups. The ship was
completely full however this did not seem to be a problem. This provided a much different
atmosphere than most cruises that we had been. The ship was very nice. This itinerary was
very busy but you got the opportunity to experience a lot of different cultures and
people. The dining experience was good. We have experienced much better. The cabin was
adequate in size but there were no drawers. The passengers were varied in age with young
children to a older couples. The most negative experience was NCL’s confiscating
liquor and beer at ports of call. The said they would return it the last night of the
cruise.
Name: Francine Fitting
Email: francine@execpc.com
Age: 46
Occupation: homemaker
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: Mar. 30, 1997
Itinerary: Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 80
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 80
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 75
ShoreExcVariety: 75
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 75
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 60
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 75
LoungeService: 75
TenderService: 80
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 80
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 70
CruiseActivities: 80
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 85
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 90
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 75
Stabilization: 80
ShopsOnBoard:
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 19 Apr 1997
Time: 21:43:48
Remote Name: 169.207.69.136
Remote User:
Comments
This was our third cruise and overall it was very enjoyable. The only thing I would change
would be the variety of foods
offered on the dinner and lunch menus. Our waiter and busboy (Sekar and Ramaiesh) were
very good, but a bit shy. It
wasn't until the 3rd day that we got them to warm up a bit. The asst. Maitre'd, Eddie, was
fabulous. Although our cabin
was kept clean and neat, we wished that Leila would have been a bit more friendly. The
ports; Barbardos, St. Barts, St.
Lucia, Tortola/Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, were very nice and the only time we had to tender
was at St. Barts and it was
fast and efficient. Even Though we have been on many of these islands before, we always
found something new to do.
The ship is a bit hard to get around on at first, it takes a little time to get the lay of
the land, so to speak. It was squeaky
clean and nicely decorated.
Name: marilyn umehara
Email: mplum@ix.netcom.com
Age: 50+
Occupation: journalist
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: 5/12/97
Itinerary: Alaska
FoodDiningRoom: 89-90
CruiseDirector: 79-70
CabinComfort: 89-90
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 89-90
CabinAmenities: 79-70
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 89-90
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 89
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 89
DeckService:
ShoreExcValue: 70
GoodForHoneymoon: 79
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 89
LoungeService:
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 100
BeautySalonStaff: 89
EntertainmentLounges: 60
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 60
OverallPortsofCall: 89
BeautySalon: 79
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 69
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 70
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 70
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace:
Stabilization: 90
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio:
OverallCruiseValue: 89
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Jul 1997
Time: 12:40:23
Remote Name: 206.0.189.12
Remote User:
Comments
Our cabin was extremely quiet and clean, with stunning views from our picture window. Our
attendents in the dining
room worked very long hours and were always attentive and polite. The average cruise
passenger gains 15-20 pounds,
so I steered clear of midnight buffets, but regret missing the Chocoholic night. On the
negative side, land tours
purchased on board the ship were overpriced. It would have been better to wait until we
went ashore. Entertainment
was dreadful, including the lectures. Services in the beauty salon were very pricey, with
a mandatory 15% tip. I
especially disliked embarking and disembarking from the 7th deck on a swaying stairway.
The steps should have been
covered underneath so that the view of the ground far below wouldn't have been so menacing
to people who are afraid
of heights. Also did not like the mandatory tipping rules distributed to passengers. The
amounts expected added several
hundred dollars to my bill and should have been mentioned beforehand.
Name: KAY BREEDON
Email: CHOIRLADIE@AOL.COM
Age: 50
Occupation: MUSIC TEACHER
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: 5/19/97
Itinerary: INSIDE PASSAGE/ALASKA
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 79
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 70
CabinAmenities: 88
FoodLidoDeck: 83
DiningRoomService: 70
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety: 89
FoodVariety: 85
DeckService: 83
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 85
TenderService: 87
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 83
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 84
OverallPortsofCall: 88
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 80
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 93
EmbarkDisembark: 88
DiscoNightclubs: 83
DeckSpace: 88
Stabilization: 92
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 87
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 08 Aug 1997
Time: 21:00:25
Remote Name: 152.163.205.89
Remote User:
Comments
The Windward is a beautiful ship with lots of class. Unfortuniately I can not say the same
for the crew. We were not at all happy with the service from the
waiter or the desk service. The ship was very well kept and there was plenty of room for
the number of passengers. One problem was a large group that
was given the public rooms most of the time. The food was very ample and good quality. I
did not think it as good as other cruises I have been on
however. Our room was great and had plenty of space. The storage area could have been a
little larger, but was ok. All in all the best service we got was
from our room stewardess, SHE WAS WONDERFUL. I will go again, perhaps on another line. One
very good thing about NCL was embarktion, however
when we got off the ship it was another matter. We stood on deck after being called for 30
min in order for them to load goods for the next cruise. I loved
the size of the ship and am unhappy about the new changes coming up for Windward.
Name: Jim McQueen
Email: SEAWARDII@aol.com.
Age: 44
Occupation: Production Planner/ part time Cruise Speicalist
NumberOfCruises: 15
TravelAgent: Yes
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: April 3, 1995.
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean-Aruba.
FoodDiningRoom: 88
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 96
FoodRoomService: 89
CruiseStaff: 94
CabinAmenities: 94
FoodLidoDeck: 87
DiningRoomService: 85
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 91
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 99
FoodVariety: 87
DeckService: 92
ShoreExcValue: 95
GoodForHoneymoon: 90
CasinoStaff: 84
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 92
LoungeService: 94
TenderService: 98
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 93
WheelchairAccess: 92
ExerciseFacilities: 90
EntertShowLounge: 96
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon: 75
EntertainmentPoolside: 92
CruiseActivities: 96
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 99
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 89
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 82
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Aug 1997
Time: 19:42:50
Remote Name: 199.174.154.100
Remote User:
Comments
Having sailed on the entire NCL fleet over the past 5 years, as well as many ships of RCI,
Carnival, and Celebrity, we found the Windward
to have on of the best Caribbean itineraries around! Rarely were there any other ships in
port with us! Only in St. Thomas did we have
competition, and then it was only the Monarch of the Seas and the Radisson Diamond!
Entertainment in the beautiful Stardust Lounge was
outstanding, especially the Sea Legs Circus at Sea; Shops were great; outside nitely
activities run by Cruise Director Charlie Osky
outstanding! Only negative we found with the ship is that when all berths are full, as was
our sailing, sun decks are quite crowded on 2
days at sea; glad to see NCL is stretching her, along with twin sister Dreamward. Only
downside to that is more people means less places
to play in and few intimate spaces. We like the ambiance of a mid-size ship, which she
will no longer be. This may mean on to the
Norwegian Crown! All in all, well done NCL!!!
Name: Sabine Sklar
Email: esklar@webspan.net
Age: 28
Occupation: Secretary
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: November 16/96
Itinerary: Southern Caribbean
FoodDiningRoom: 65
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 55
FoodRoomService: 65
CruiseStaff: 65
CabinAmenities: 85
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 75
CabinQuietness: 95
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 0
ShoreExcVariety: 100
FoodVariety: 65
DeckService: 85
ShoreExcValue: 55
GoodForHoneymoon: 80
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 0
LoungeService: 85
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors: 85
BeautySalonStaff: 85
EntertainmentLounges: 55
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 55
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 85
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 85
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram: 65
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 85
EmbarkDisembark: 65
DiscoNightclubs: 85
DeckSpace: 75
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 0
OverallCruiseValue: 45
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Sep 1997
Time: 16:54:45
Remote Name: 199.50.26.9
Remote User:
Comments
I sailed with a large group of women (23) that were all friends or friends of friends. We
flew from Victoria British Columbia, to
Seattle Washington, to San Juan, PR with a 4 hour layover in Detroit at 6 am. Needless to
say we were a might cranky upon
arrival, and I fear this may have coloured our entire cruise. The trip from the airport in
PR to the ship was harrowing for
those of us seated behind the driver. The others did not see their immenent demise, and
were not affected. The reception at
the terminal was slow and not at all friendly. I had the feeling they resented our mass
arrival, and being Canadian seemed to
cause all sorts of difficulties - this is not a new revelation, it seems as though none of
the lines I have travelled are
particularly good at anticipating the arrival of Canadians (and yet, there are always so
many...). Our travel agent had called
the cruise line to confirm that we would have separate beds for those girls who opted to
travel 3 to a cabin, those who
decided to cruise at a discounted rate could cram themselves four to a cabin *shudder* The
agent spoke with NCL while I sat
in front of her, and I listened to the response...oh yes, no trouble! When we arrived we
had a double bed and a pull out couch.
Luckily, the three of us on in this particular cabin were close childhood friends, and had
spent many a night engaging in
sleepovers. The other girls were not so fortunate. Our cabin steward, who shall remain
nameless, was AWFUL. Contrary to the
adage "you never see them until it's time to tip" was a gross falsehood. We
couldn't get rid of him. He hung about our rooms,
walked in a awkward moments, and was caught fondling the underwear of one of the girls.
Our group was split up for dinner,
and we were lucky enough to have a waiter who was sentient. Others fared worse. One
waiter, aptly named Romeo, flirted
heavily with one tabel of French Canadienne girls (this is not uncommon, indeed, expected)
and when they refused to join
him in his cabin on the third day - they no longer got service AT ALL! I had a similar
experience with a Norweigan Officer in
the night club. I was not out to "meet" anyone, indeed I was on my way to New
York to meet my Internet Love interest for the
first time (we're now married!), and was too full of anticipation to even think of
flirting. This Officer refused to let me off the
dance floor after I had agreed to dance with him, in fact he started to touch me in ways
with which I was not comfortable -
"no" and "bugger off" had no effect - I had to be rescued by a fellow
shipmate. The food was unexceptional, except in the
Bistro, where we enjoyed the food and service immensely. The ports were interesting and
there is always something of
interest for everyone. Beware of St. Bart's however, you need to mortgage your home to buy
anything. For the French
speaking contingent among us, this was real treat, though! St. Lucia tends to be rainy,
but a trip to Windjammer Landing may
give you reason to crow, a lovely private beach, and a room tour will give you pause for
thought...we should come back! I
disembarked early to leave for New York, and deserted my group to do so, but I understand
it was a long and boring wait (as
usual). But we had plenty to discuss, especially our final incident - once again the
steward> The second to last day, I had
instructed my group on how and whom to tip. One of my party gave the stewards envelope to
the front desk - not particularly
wanting to encounter him in person. When our steward arrived with his hand out, she
informed him his tip was at the front.
He threw what I can only call a "hissy fit". We all agreed that we should go and
take back our envelopes. We didn't and I
regret that. In short, with a few exceptions, whom I will endeavour to name, the crew were
frighteningly rude. Ritchard in the
nightclub, however was a stellar employee. He would stay at the disco until 6 am if you
wanted to dance. He played ANYTHING
you wanted, even if it was wierd or unpopular, and was kind and courteous to all the girls
never flirting too much, but
providing hours of entertainment and speculation. The Hotel Manager was terrific, taking
care of any complaints we may have
had, and the beauty salon staff were brave in afce of adversity as we all descended upon
them at once to have our hair done
for our group photo. I would not travel NCL again, and have disposed of my Latitudes card.
Name: Larry Baker
Email: bubba@thevine. net
Age: 50
Occupation: attorney
NumberOfCruises: 10
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: 9/15/97
Itinerary: Vancouver-Los Angeles
FoodDiningRoom: 75
CruiseDirector: 75
CabinComfort: 80
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 60
CabinAmenities: 75
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 80
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets: 80
CabinSteward: 90
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 75
DeckService: 80
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff: 80
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 80
TenderService:
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 75
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 80
OverallPortsofCall: 80
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 60
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 75
AirSeaProgram: 70
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 75
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 80
Stabilization: 60
ShopsOnBoard: 70
SpaceRatio: 80
OverallCruiseValue: 75
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 21 Sep 1997
Time: 00:53:47
Remote Name: 207.155.40.3
Remote User:
Comments
My wife and I took Windward's relocation leg from Vancouver to Los Angeles. We flew from
Los Angeles direct to Vancouver in order to avoid
the cruise line's air-sea program, bussed passengers from Seattle. The ship departed
Vancouver three hours late due to traffic problems
encountered by the Seattle arrivals. At first sight the ship is impressive. It's spotless
and nicely laid out. Not spectacular a la RCCL'S atriums.
More intimate. That was about all of the good news. When we boarded we were pointed in the
direction of our cabin, not escorted. Our next
onboard experience was dinner. The menu was limited and boring. It remained that way
throughout. Dining service was friendly, but slow. At
fifty, I was the youngest at my table by at least 25 years. No effort was made to seat us
with persons in our age group. Throughout the cruise
we heard no announcements from the bridge. The staff simply seemed detached from the
passengers. This was particularly distressing due to
very rough seas for a full 24 hours. There were simply no updates on the forecast. It was
quite discomforting. The ship rolled and pitched, even
when the seas settled. There were other complaints: The crew seemed to be going through
the motions. There was no enthusiasm. Once the
weather cleared there was no live music on the pool deck. The entire experience was, at
best, bland, a real shame for such a nice vessel. In
all, it was the most disappointing of our 10 cruises.
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