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Norwegian Cruise Line

SS Norway

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Nancy B.
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: June 2, 2002
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

There were a number of families and teens on this cruise. We had doubts after reading the reviews, but after going we are very glad we went! If you don't mind an older ship and tendering, then this may be a cruise for you or your family. The only real problem we found was the on board credit. You stand in line on the ship after you have just stood in line to check in. NCL must lose millions with this disorganized process! There has to be a better way. If all of NCL ships do this then I know they lose millions on top of millions, because many guest were not aware that you could charge before going through this procedure. Otherwise it was great!!

The Norway and its public areas were in very good shape. The outdoor bar and grill was very busy, but if you have just a little patience, then you will be fine. Just know that you will have to look for a table at lunch and breakfast, because 1,000's of people are out there at one time. If you just go to the International Deck then you will find everything you will need. The Pool deck has the Saga Theater and the Casino, and Photo Gallery. We found the Photo Gallery to be closed most of the time. We found that to be a little frustrating, but the quality of the photos were the worst of any cruise we have been on. The photographer was RUDE,RUDE, RUDE! Many people refused to buy pictures, just because of her rudeness. All of the public areas except the ones mentioned were very roomy and very clean.

WHAT CAN I SAY? We all gained at least 10 lbs.!! The food was WONDERFUL! The variety was great also. The outdoor bar and grill was good and the dining room was great also. Our table for 6 was roomy and our waiter and busboy was great. We could not have asked for better service. The afternoon snacks stayed opened until 6, which was a nice change, because most ships we have been on, closes around 4-5. We were never hungry. The only thing we noticed, No midnight buffets! There were snacks provided in different places each night, but since we had late seating we were not hungry again. The chocoholic buffet was said to be great, but again we were asleep during that, so I couldn't really tell you about it. The food on the private island was hotdogs and hamburgers and were good. They closed early so many people didn't get to eat and were frustrated. So my advice get your food around 2, so you won't be hungry! IF AT ALL POSSIBLE GET LATE SEATING, BECAUSE THE SHORE TIMES ARE LATE GETTING BACK ON THE SHIP

We had cabins Viking 158 and Viking 162. They had connecting doors if we chose to use them. These rooms were great!! BIG, BIG, BIG!! I chose them because of the location. Perfect. Most things were 1 floor above or below. Very quiet also! We saw other rooms and they varied a great deal, so make sure if you want bigger than a 10'x10' room, you better make sure of this before you go!! The price was the same for our cabin which was 296' compared to 70' rooms below us. We had port holes, and also had blinds which reduced the sunlight, which was nice. The air conditioner worked great and we never got hot. The room had TV, refrig., and a huge tub, shower. Always plenty of water pressure and hot water. Our cabin steward was wonderful and kept our room spotless! Always had a smile on her face too!!

One word here, AWFUL!!!!!!!! If you need some extra rest, then you should just forget the shows and get to bed. We never have heard such poor entertainment.

Bingo was expensive this time. $19- $29 just to play!! Casino's was always smoke filled, so we didn't go there much. The activities on board were limited, but we didn't mind, we had our own fun!!

In St. Thomas we did the Sailing the Virgins tour, IT WAS GREAT. Cost $56 per person, but worth every dime. Some of us had sore throats and runny noses now from the snorkel equipment, but it is still worth it. The snorkeling was good also.

When you go on shore to St. Marteen, I would suggest going by cab to DAWN Beach! Cab ride is $15 per cab or $5 person if a full cab. Worth it to just pay $15 and get over there as fast as possible. You will never regret it!! Go to the chairs with the blue padding. Cost $10 for 2 chairs and an umbrella and complimentary drinks. The beach is beautiful and has good waves to body surf on . The beach pub and grill Mr. Busby's is great!! When you first get to the beach a man will come out and tell you that you must sit and pay for his chairs, but his doesn't have padding, and it is better to go on down the beach to the right and pay the same, and get better service!! Shopping of course is great in both places, but in St. Marteen you can deal better and they come down much more than in St. Thomas!

The private island is good also. We didn't get to stay there long, because we had to stop the ship and helevac a man off with chest pains. It wasn't the crews fault, and they gave us an extra hour on shore!! Our advice, the tendering service is NOT BAD, but BE PATIENT!!! you have to go to the SAGA Theater and get tender tickets the morning of going ashore for each island. BE THERE EARLY, so you can get on the first one out!! In St. Thomas, a little hint!! When immigration inspects everyone, be first in line. They go by which dinner seating you are in, but they DON"T check that, so go early, because they will give out your tender ticket at the same time!!!!!!!!! BELIEVE ME THIS IS THE WAY TO DO IT!! OR WAIT FOR @ HOURS AND GET OFF LATE!`

My fellow passengers were my family, and nobody went overboard, so I guess they were fine!!