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Name: James Drummond
Email: j.h.drummond@worldnet.att.net
Age: 52
Occupation: Marketing Consultant
NumberOfCruises: 6
TravelAgent: No
Ship: NCL-Windward
SailingDate: June 29, 1998
Itinerary: Alaska
FoodDiningRoom: 85
CruiseDirector: 40
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 60
CruiseStaff: 88
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 75
DiningRoomService: 90
CabinQuietness: 65
FoodMidnightBuffets: 70
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 75
GoodForHoneymoon: 75
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland:
GoodForFamilies: 80
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 60
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 50
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon: 60
EntertainmentPoolside:
CruiseActivities: 75
Casino: 90
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 85
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 85
OverallCruiseValue: 85
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 07 Jul 1998
Time: 08:07:02
Remote Name: 12.69.99.64
Remote User:
Comments
The Wind was refurbished and lengthened early in 1998 and it shows. The ship sparkles.
Everything appears new, cabins are clean and fresh, carpeting
and furnishings are top notch. While the Wind does not have the soaring glass lobbies and
drama of some competitor's ships she makes up for it with
plentiful deck space and tasteful decor. This ship provides a good combination of modern
amenities while still giving you the feeling of being on a real
ship, not in a floating hotel.
NCL claims they are working to improve their overall product but on this cruise
performance was decidely mixed.
Embarkation and debarkation procedures worked well. We rarely stood in line more than a
few minutes for anything. Our cabin was tastefully appointed,
comfortable and spotlessly clean. Most of the staff appeared eager to please.
Entertainment in the showroom was the best I have ever experienced on a
cruise ship. Two large scale productions from a talented cast and good supporting acts
made evenings aboard great fun. Musical talent in the lounges
well above average and the addition of a harpist was a nice touch.
Food was only average, about what we expected from NCL. No real improvement here. Room
service meals were mostly dry sandwiches and snacks, the
midnight buffets bland and unattractive.
The biggest negative overall was the cruise director and her staff. The emphasis appeared
to be on selling products and hawking onshore stores which
pay to be recommended. At least NCL acknowledges this fact in their newsletter. The
so-called Art Shows were very intrusive and the constant
annoucements on the PA about items for sale and services to purchase became very annoying.
Virtually every other passenger we spoke with
commented on this subject. At the same time, on board activites were few. Other than Bingo
and a theme night, there were few planned activities for
those who chose to stay aboard.
In Alaska the scenery is the star. It's hard not to have a great time when you are seeing
whales nearly every day, enjoying the cool, clean air and visiting
the interesting towns. The helicopter ride which lands on a glacier is not to be missed!
Our overall impression was of a truly beautiful ship, well run from an operational
standpoint. The overall level of service was satisfactory but the trip was
marred by the constant hawking of add-on goods and services and a cruise director whose
ego was far ahead of her ability.
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