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Norwegian Cruise Line

SS Norway

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Crala Cooper
# previous cruises: 1
Date of Trip: May 20, 2000
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

This was my first cruise, so I was very excited. My family has been taking vacations together every year and this year we decided to try a cruise. I looked forward to being aboard an "Ocean Liner" of yesterday, with chandeliers and wood paneling. That is not the Norway, but it was still a great ship. We took are 2 children (6 & 3) and they had a lot of fun. I guess if you've sailed on newer ship you might not like the Norway. Don't get me wrong, it has been very well maintained. However, things like a grand atrium and lots of balcony cabins are not part of the Norway.

We really enjoyed the International Deck. This was a glass enclosed deck, which was comforting for us with 2 small children. They could look out at the views, and I wasn't nervous about them hanging over a rail. This deck also had great shops (good sales), the out door restaurant (good food) and the children's program. it was a good place to meet up with the rest of our family. Also, the Club International is a classic. I loved the elegant atmosphere it conveyed. I enjoyed afternoon tea here twice (my husband actually joined me and enjoyed himself).

I enjoyed the food very much and we have been to some particularly fine restaurants (travel in the military). My older son became a bit bored with the children's menu at lunch though, so we let him order from the regular menu. He felt so grown up! Both dining rooms serve the same menu and both have great service (we tried the other one for lunch once). If you have children in the children's program you pick them up at 11:30. We went to lunch at 12 and our youngest fell asleep (twice) at the table. We decided to let him nap first and order room service or eat late in the outdoor restaurant.

Out quad cabin was a little bigger than the rest of our group doubles. Norway has some many different cabins, we were just fortunate and got something bigger. However, they had a tub/shower combo and (which the brochure did not indicate) and we had a rather small shower.

We went to a few shows (the women did) and really enjoyed them. The men preferred relaxing and taking in a movie or the ESPN Sports Bar.

I like St. Maarten and St. Thomas. I did not enjoy their private island in the Bahamas. It was crowded and too hot for a beach barbecue. The days at sea were just as enjoyable as the days on shore. The children's program was in two hour increments while at sea (9:30-11:30/2:30-4:30/8:30-10:30). While on shore, only the last increment is available, which worked out perfect.

I saw a lot of mid 30's to mid 50's and few younger and older. There were children on board (not a lot) but you never knew it (no crying babies while trying to enjoy your dinner). My husband and I each sat next to one child and constantly reminded them to be on their best behavior so they could go back and play with their new friends. At the end, several diners at the next table commented how well behaved they were. Of course, they didn't hear the threats we will quietly making through dinner! Enjoy!