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Name: Heather Schubert
Email: schuhe46@sfcc.cc.fl.us
Age: 44
Occupation: Athletic Secretary
NumberOfCruises: 9
TravelAgent: No
Ship: RoyalCaribbean-NordicEmpress
SailingDate: July 23-26, 1998
Itinerary: Nassua/Cocoa Cay
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 98
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 97
FoodLidoDeck: 97
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 98
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 92
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 100
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 100
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 98
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 98
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 97
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 98
Stabilization: 100
ShopsOnBoard: 100
SpaceRatio: 98
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Aug 1998
Time: 15:02:18
Remote Name: 150.176.70.120
Remote User:
Comments
This was our 2nd cruise on RCCL, our last being on the Grandeur
of the Seas last November. We decided at the last minute to take
a 3 night cruise to
celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary. We took a friend with us
and shared our cabin with her. After being married 9 years, we
didn't mind sharing a
cabin!!! Considering we booked only about 4 weeks prior to
sailing, we got upgraded from an inside to an outside cabin at a
cheaper price! The Nordic
Empress was extremely spacious considering it was only 1/2 the
size of the Grandeur. What a magnificent Centrum! I was
absolutely amazed at the
waterfall at the top of the Centrum. I spent almost 2 days trying
to figure out where the water went. Upon entering the Centrum,
there is a man playing a
white baby grand piano to set the atmosphere. Our cabin was quite
comfortable. Could have done with a bit more drawer space. We
packed lightly, as
experience from previous cruises told us we always overpacked! We
did manage to fit our belongings in the dressers, though. The
overall comfort and
size of the cabin was great. Again, the bathroom shower stall was
too small and the shower curtain kept getting 'sucked in' by the
A/C. This made the
shower stall even smaller. The curtain stuck to you while you
were trying to shower. I made a comment about this on their
comment card which they leave
in your room. They need to use a heavier vinyl curtain.
The dining room was gorgeous. This was the first time we got to
sit on the upper level. Our waiter and assistant waiter were
absolutely wonderful. If I was
20 years younger (and single), look out! Our waiter's name was
Nuno and he was from Portugal. What a sweetheart. I would love to
have adopted him
and taken him home with me. All our dining room staff were
attentive, friendly and funny. The menu was very extensive and
the quality of food was great.
Even when I couldn't finish my meal, or if the waiter saw food
sitting on my plate, he showed concern. 'Is everything okay'?
'Don't you like that'? I told
him I was just too full to finish it!! He spoon fed all us ladies
at the table the Cherries Jubilee - talk about service. During
dinner, there is music playing very
softly in the background (the piano player and another man
playing a string instrument). Music was a real nice touch - not
at all intrusive on our
conversation with fellow tablemates. We did not eat the buffet
breakfast, just lunch. the buffet lunch was great - lots of
variety.
The lounges were very comfortable and we got to know a lot of the
staff. The DJ knew me as soon as we started the congo line on
deck prior to leaving
Port Canaveral. I requested a song and everytime he saw me after
that, he'd say the song to me or play it in the disco. What a
fabulous disco!!! The
bottom level went out onto the deck from the dance floor, so you
could go outside and dance on the deck, sit in a lounge chair, or
just stand at the back
of the ship and look at the stars or watch the wake of the ship.
You could still hear and see the action from the disco even
outside. Ronnie G, the DJ, got
us all to do the YMCA, showing us how to do the motions of the
song. One of the cruise directors tried to teach us the famous
John Travolta dance, but it
was too much like algebra for me - I had to give up and sit down!
Had fun watching others try to learn it! The waiters were a blast
- so funny especially
when they heard a song they liked. I've never met so many waiters
and bar tenders from St. Vincent as on this cruise. Wonderful,
warm people.
Did not use the casino much, as I am not a gambler. I just go to
watch my husband play. I did get to cash in his winnings though!
First night, we won over
$80 on the slots. I won $112 at bingo on the last day and the
only reason I played was because it was for the $1500 jackpot
prize.
Nassau did not excite me as this was my 9th visit there! The only
reason I went into town is because our friend had never been
there. We lated exactly 1
hour and had to come back to the ship. Couldn't stand the
hounding at the Straw Market by the locals. Been there, done
that, don't need a T-shirt!!
Finally got to see Cocoa Cay, as on our last cruise we had to
abort the trip due to rough waters and go into port at Nassau
instead. So, I really enjoyed
this island. What a perfect place. Hammocks everywhere - found a
nice, secluded beach away from the snorkeling area, where most
people tend to
'hang'. We had a wonderful breeze coming off the sea, had a bar
and restrooms right nearby. Just had to walk about 10 minutes to
get our lunch. Didn't
want to leave this island at all, especially since it was our
last day. There were people parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling,
swimming, lying in the water on
beach chairs, or just floating on the water on beach mats. It was
pure paradise.
The bon voyage party on board was great - did a congo line,
electric slide, macarena and other dances. Then in Nassau, while
docked overnight, they
had another deck party with buffet outside and the steel band
playing. Not as many poolside activities as Carnival (hoola hoop
contests, lip synching,
etc.), but they do have Karaoke in one of their lounges and this
place was packed almost every night. They sure had some talented
passengers who
could sing! I understand Miss Norway 1998 was on our ship. I
heard that she was paged on Cocoa Cay by the Dive Shop personnel.
The Nordic Empress was truly a beautiful ship and had a fabulous
crew. I just wish she sailed from Port Canaveral year round
instead of just the summer
months. I would sail her more often if this were the case. We
were told that the summer months are the most expensive time to
cruise, plus you have the
threat of tropical storms, etc. We thought we'd take our chances
and go in July and we were very lucky to have calm seas and no
rain! We normally cruise
at the end of November/beginning of December. I highly recommend
the Nordic Empress to anyone wishing a short cruise on a small
ship with a 'big
ship' feeling. Bon voyage!
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