We just returned from attending our National Conference held on board the Norwegian Dawn. This is a seven night itinerary sailing round trip from New York. The ports of call include Port Canaveral, Miami, Stirrup Cay and Nassau with two days at sea. Some of my comments and observations below
[color:"red"] [/color]
EMBARKATION: [color:"black"] [/color] We arrived in New York on the day of sailing. Delta flight arriving LGA at noon. On time. I had pre arranged for a limo transfer to the pier. This was not a "good" day to get into Manhattan or to the cruise ship terminal <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />!! There were some special events taking place in the city in addition to four ships in port, the Golden Princess for her repositioning Bermuda, the QE II transatlantic, the Nordic Empress, also her last Bermuda for the season and repositioning and the Dawn. It was total chaos getting up to the passenger unloading area. From LGA to the pier; two hours!
The Dawn had arrived late that morning and was delayed clearing immigration. Hence, everything was late. After arriving at the pier, we had to stand in a line that must have been a good city block long; outside just to get into the terminal and go through security. We finally boarded at about 4PM. While standing on the sidewalk, I could only imagine what that would be like in the middle of January with blowing snow and colder than blazes! Not to mention, icy road conditions with traffic trying to get there. I have a far greater appreciation for the "guarantees" that NCL implemented for passengers on this itinerary.
[color:"red"] [/color]
CABIN: [color:"black"] [/color] We selected a category AF, Minisuite located on deck 11, forward. This was obviously a group and initially the reservation was made as a guarantee, so I was kinda hoping for an upgrade. Nope, got what we booked. Cabin approximately 210 square feet with a 50 square foot verandah. Large bath w/tub and shower and toilet in a small area to the side of tub and sink area with sliding privacy door. Two twins converting to king (extremely comfortable beds!), double closet. Dressing table and mirror are located at the foot of the bed just at the entry into the main cabin from the bath. Poor location as it creates a real bottleneck. There was a small square table with two side chairs (for room service meals), a full sofa and small cocktail table and a bar area and safe. Plenty of storage. I was very disappointed that the (honor) bar was not stocked, completely empty. Verandah had sliding door and two canvas type aluminium lounges and small table. The panal at the edge was glass so there was no vision impairment while seated.
[color:"red"] [/color]
FOOD: [color:"black"] [/color] In my opinion <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />, the food was not that good....lots of it, so if you measure by quantity, you'd be fine. Ten different dining venues, three carry an extra charge. We ate in Cagney's Steak House one evening. The most expensive of the extra charge restaurants at $17.50 per person. Good, not great! Another night in LeBistro at $12.50 per person. Probably the best restaurant on board. We did not get to the Oriental restaurant. Ate at the buffet, Bimini's, the Venizia and Aqua main restaurants. We learned, with the
"freestyle" experience, we did NOT look forward to having to make decisions about where to dine. Optimomly, one should determine the day prior, make reservations, or you would find yourself waiting in line to eat. Not having to make decisions is a treat for us!!! Room service was good, efficient and very fast.....
[color:"red"] [/color]
ITINERARY: [color:"black"] [/color] Since we were part of a group and attending conference functions, I did not experience the ports as a regular passenger might have. In Port Canaveral we were hosted by Disney Cruise Lines for a day in Epcot Center. In Miami, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean hosted a four hour party at Mango's in South Beach. In Nassau (only there from 8AM to 1PM), Holland and Carnival hosted a brunch and tour of Atlantis and Great Stirrup Cay is Great Stirrup Cay. Personally, I would have rather spent a whole day in Nassau and half day at the private island. Five hours (after getting off the ship) in Nassau is not enough time.
[color:"red"] [/color]
ENTERTAINMENT: [color:"black"] [/color] Again, due to private functions, I didn't see much of the ship's entertainment. They do have a full movie theatre. I was told by others in our group that attended some of the shows that they were very good. But, entertainment and their shows have always been a strength of NCL's.
[color:"red"] [/color]
DEBARKATION: [color:"black"] [/color] We arrived in New York at 9AM, originally scheduled for 10AM. Since we "fell back" to standard time and gained an hour, we were early. NCL does have "Express" debarkation. Independent travelers who choose to carry off all their luggage are called off first. I had booked a return flight leaving LGA at noon and was really concerned. Especially after the chaos of getting to the pier the previous Sunday. Fortunately only the Dawn and Radisson's Voyager were in port. That helped!! We were off, through customs and waiting for our limo at 10:30AM. Made is to LGA in thirty minutes. Curbside check-in and no stops through the TSA folks, we made it to the gate just prior to them announcing boarding.....shucks, minutes to spare <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> !!!
[color:"red"] [/color]
GENERAL COMMENTS: Overall! This is a great opportunity for the multitude of passengers within driving distance to the city in the dead of winter to "escape" to warm and be pampered in route. I hope NCL does very well with the itinerary. She was completely sold out last week! My next door neighbor was on her second trip and had a third booked for next month.
Some decks on her are difficult to navigate as you cannot walk the entire length of the deck. With so many dining areas, galley's in the middle of the vessel require going up a deck to go forward (or aft, whichever the case) then back down. So some decks have a "cut up" feel!
NCL provides a marvelous opportunity for those who have not experienced cruising due to "formal" nights and restrictive dining. NCL has instituted a cruise alternative that accommodates those tastes. Freestyle should answer most objections of those who want to try a cruise but not be dictated what to wear or where and when to eat!
The "Freestyle" claim to fame includes casual attire (country club casual), open dining, automatic gratuities and "freestyle" debarkation. I find the last one interesting. It means that you can remain in your cabin until the moment you are called off the vessel. I always thought that would make debarkation a little less of a hassle and more enjoyable. However, what I found and experienced is most (if not all) passengers still crowd into public areas so they can be the "first ones off the ship" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />!!! Had we not had such a tight air schedule, you can bet I would have slept in, had a leisurely breakfast and remained comfortably in my cabin. (I also would not make return flight arrangements prior to at least 2PM! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />)
The ship's gift shop is small by comparison to most new ships today. Rather than separate small shops, there is one large shop aft. More department store style. I thought (and overheard others say) the prices pretty steep! Never the
"sales" typical on most cruises where you can get T-shirts for what they are "really" worth. Most merchandise NCL is pretty proud of!
NCL are
"sticklers" in administering their "no alcohol" policy. Tried to sneak a small bottle on in Maimi, confiscated at security. They will not sell bottled liqor for cabin consumption with an add on charge....period! End of story!
We were really, really hoping that next year's conference announcement would be the Grand out of Galveston so one year we would be the one's fortunate to not travel. However, we are scheduled on the Millennium out of Ft. Lauderdale. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> A favorite ship, though! Maybe 2005...... Initially, our meetings were land based until 2000 when we did the QE II and finding space for a group our size was a challenge, at best. Evidently, three years later, there's a "waitlist" of cruise lines wanting us for our conference. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
In December, I have been invited to sail Radisson's Seven Seas Navigator. New this year and all suites. I am very anxious to "personally" experience Radisson....especially having sent a passenger on their "world cruise" earlier this year. Will report on her as well.
