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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Wind

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Julie Lee
# previous cruises: 6
Date of Trip: August 13, 2005
Itinerary: Hawaii

We had a very nice time. Good food, nice cabin (category CC, deluxe ocean view), awesome ports, overall very nice crew. Only real negative was a group of "out of control" kids, which is more the parents responsibility than the ships. I would definitely go again in the future, only while school is in session!

This ship is older than the other ships I have cruised, but very well taken care of by the friendly crew. The layout of the ship takes a little getting used to because of the "stretching" that was done a few years ago. We preferred the Four Seasons dining room and ended up eating the majority of meals here. The observatory was a great place to hang out during sea days with an awesome view. The pool area was okay, and there is no casino on Hawaii cruises. Gamblers had the get their fix in Bingo and it was very popular.

I will start off by saying that I am not very picky, and definitely not a gourmet. Overall ,I thought the food was very good. I always found something on the menu that sounded good, and I always liked the taste as well. None of us went hungry and usually ate way too much! The "Chocoholic Buffet" was incredible, but a very long line, so bring a book and get there early. A plastic container for the leftovers would be good too! Service was good to exceptional with friendly wait staff (especially if you treat them with respect, as you would like to be treated). We really didn't eat at the buffet with the exception of a couple breakfasts. I'm not a big breakfast person, but everyone raved about the waffles.

We were in category CC, superior ocean view cabins on the 10th deck. Cabin is a good size with TONS of storage. The shower is small, but do-able if you don't have claustrophobia. The only noise problems came from the teens that were prowling late at night, knocking on doors and windows. A phone call brings security, but they were always gone by then.

I felt the cruise staff was very helpful and polite. We did most of the craft classes and enjoyed the time. You could tell the polynesian cast really enjoyed their job and we enjoyed their shows and classes. Personally we did not enjoy the "stage shows," although their were always people that stayed and seemed the enjoy it. There was an excellent couple in the Observatory Lounge, Jose and Patty (I think), that were very talented and played all types of music. As word got out, their shows got really crowded! One activity that we really enjoyed was the "Murder Mystery Dinner." There is very limited space (only 150 people), so if your interested watch you dailies and get in line early!

We loved the itinerary. In Hilo we took the "Volcano and Waterfalls" trip with Safari Helicopters. It was breathtaking and one of the highlights of the trip, their prices are also very good, especially compared to the ships tours! Just reserve it online in advance, it sells out when ships are in port. Maui we rented a car one day and went to the Maui Ocean Center. We wandered Lahaina and Kaanapali beach the other day. Kauia we rented a car and drove north to the end of the road. Fanning Island was awesome! We did the Napali Beach excursion and spent the whole day floating in the water, kayaking, sailing, and napping. There are no restroom facilities, or food at Napali. We had planned to stay until lunch, but were enjoying it so much we stayed from first tender over to last tender back. We shared a protein bar, but wish we had brought some snacks! Kona we did the "Body Glove" snorkel excursion and it was okay. Would not do it again because I just didn't care for the snorkel location. It was a small area we were allowed to snorkel and there just wasn't that much to see. The kids all seemed to have a great time with the water slide, watching video of themselves, and handling some creatures that were brought up by the divers.

Like every cruise I have been on,we met some very nice passengers and some with definite attitude problems. I think if you take a cruise with an open mind and an easygoing manner, you will have a great time. If you go expecting to be catered to every minute with no understanding of "stuff happens, get over it", the nothing can live up to your expectations.