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Norwegian Cruise Line

SS Norway

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Kate McDonald
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: November 17, 2002
Itinerary: Caribbean - Eastern

This is an excellent cruise for both liner/history buffs and those looking for traditional cruising at a reasonable price. Most of the Norway's charms and faults stem from her origins as a liner, and those expecting an experience similar to a newer ship may be disappointed. I'd recommend this ship to anyone who is willing to put up with some inconvenience (tenders, lots of stairs) in order to enjoy one of the few "classics" afloat. I would not recommend this ship to anyone with mobility problems or those expecting to be enthralled by ship board malls or a variety of restaurants.

The public areas were pleasant, although crowded (especially the Great Outdoor Restaurant). The theatre allowed good views from most points and although full for many shows, didn't feel cramped. I'd recommend the Sun Deck pool over the main one for both space and privacy (for extra kicks, try to find the walkway around it on Fjord Deck - the space was once a first-class courtyard). The Club Internationale, the former smoker on the France, is a truly classy room for afternoon tea, cocktails, or dancing, and don't miss the murals in Trolland, the former tourist playroom. The Windward Dining Room is also largely the same as it was as the first class dining room on the France, although it is more crowded and a lot louder than the Leeward (former tourist class dining area). A few hallways and landings remain the same as on the France, with wall murals and treatments unchanged. The Internet Cafe also has an original mural along the back wall.

We had a late seating in the Leeward Dining Room and found both the food and service excellent. I ate beef most nights and found it tender and cooked to order. As we ate in the dining room each night, we saw no need to eat in the alternate, Le Bistro, so I can't comment on its quality. For most lunches and breakfasts we ate at the Great Outdoor Restaurant, which served average buffet food with the exception of their barbecues, which were great. This venue was very crowded at peak times, with diners forced down to the Pool deck or into the Club Internationale. Asian veggie snacks or tapas were available in the Sports Bar most lunch hours, and these were nice alternatives. The two main midnight buffets, Caribbean and Chocoholic, were excellent, although crowded (especially the Caribbean one, being in the Great Outdoor Restaurant).

Service in general was good - friendly and not intrusive. For some reason bar orders were very slow, but I feel that was due to their billing system (paper), which needs to be upgraded.

Our cabin was an inside on the Norway Deck with twin beds that could not be moved to form a double. It was very spacious, with two dressers, two full closets, a dressing table with mirror, and a large (for sea) bathroom with bathtub. All of the light fixtures, the dressers, table, and bathroom vanity were vintage 60's, but in good condition. Our only complaint was the unpleasant odour from the toilet that seemed especially bad on the third day out, but this was easily mitigated by keeping the lid shut (I've encountered this problem on other ships so I'm not sure if it's a Norway problem or just a problem with dodgy contained waste systems). Our steward Wayne kept us tidy and well-stocked. We did sneak peeks into some of the suites on Sun Deck (very nice) and into the older suites on Norway Deck (also nice, but no balcony).

The Jean Ann Ryan Company performed 3 Broadway-type shows during the cruise. They were well performed but not in our taste (more for an older crowd). We didn't see any of the comedic shows so I can't comment on them. The Norway Show Band and Portofino provided nice dancing music and the pianists in the Club Internationale were very talented. The disco was busy from midnight 'til 2 or 3 every night with a group that included all ages (20's to 60's).

While on board make sure to seek out France features and enjoy tea or a cocktail in the Club Internationale. Go as high up as you can for some sun and relaxation (but mind the wind). The fitness area offered a good array of classes (some free, some $5.00), although I didn't attend so can't comment on the instructor(s). Make sure to circumnavigate the ship on the Olympic Deck. If you can, make friends with the occupants or book the Presidential or Royal Suite (Princess Grace used this suite) - they originally included servants' quarters. The ports of call, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, are lovely and have great shopping and beaches - snorkel if the weather permits. Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's island) was a stop we missed due to weather, but having been there before I recommend that you bring sun screen and relax.

Our fellow passengers were a mix of all ages and interests, and I actually could invite our table mates home to dinner since it turns out they live about 15 minutes away. Seriously, there seemed to be a group of pax interested in anything, so all types of shows and activities had good attendance.