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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Wind

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Karen Diaz
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: November 22, 1998
Itinerary: Caribbean Western

There were about 1700 passengers on the Wind, this sailing. About 400 of these were kid's. Still, the ship did not feel over-crowded. We all had a very good time. There was plenty to do and see.

This is a trip I had been planning for a year and a half. I was able to put a group together of family and friends, for a total of 9 cabins. To be honest, I don't know that I will ever use Norwegian Cruise Lines again. Their administrative staff, during the planning time, was extremely difficult to deal with. It took both my travel agent and myself calling them to get everything straightened out. Phone calls were not returned, and the worst thing was, you never talked to the same person twice. So we had to rely on each agent writing the correct information into the computer. Things were promised then not given, leaving us to ask for the Manager, who never called. Finally, it all worked out, but with great frustration on my part.

There was too much wind on the top deck for the evening dances and buffets. Too bad there isn't a large area inside for these activities. There were two sea-water swimming pools for the kids to enjoy.

With our room at the front of the ship, I would have expected for our dining room to be close to mid-ship. This was not the case. We dined in the Sun Terrace, which was at the very back end of the ship. The engines rumbled during the dining time, making some of the passengers, including my husband, fairly ill to their stomachs. The food was good, but not great. All of the people at our table agreed the steaks were very tough. I returned mine at the very beginning of the cruise, and didn't bother to order any steaks again off the menu. I had the Rainbow Trout one evening, but it was full of tiny bones. I decided to stop while I was ahead. The Lobster was delicious, too bad they only served it one evening. I enjoyed the smoked salmon, cream cheese and bagels at breakfast, but towards the end of the trip, the salmon started to smell very strong and was turning colors. As I said, the food was good, but not great. The desserts were delicious. There was only one problem found with the dessert. I found a very large, jagged, piece of glass in my Cherries Jubilee's. The glass was just the right size to fit inside my spoon. My lip was cut. I gave the glass to my waiter, who in turn brought the Maitre D over. The Maitre D was making a fuss, asking for my name and cabin number. Promised to tell the Chef and that someone would call me. No one called..., matter of fact, the next evening when I questioned the Maitre D, he sshhh sssh'd me and acted like it never happened. I never did receive an apology or an explanation. I don't even know if the chef ever found out. Our waiter, Walker, was wonderful. Very, very polite, and was so nice to my kids!!

The chocolate buffet was fantastic. But, it was so rich, I could only eat on it one night.

We had trouble getting drinks around the swimming pool at the back of the ship. If we wanted one, we'd have to get up, climb stairs to the bar at mid-ship to get a drink.

We stayed in one of the Owner's Suites, at the front of the ship, which was very large and accommodating. There were two, very large picture windows to look out of. During the day we could look out, but no one could look in. At night, we had to keep the curtains drawn, since those outside could see inside. We loved the room! Our Cabin Steward, Oscar, was wonderful. We hardly ever saw him, but all our needs were taken care of. .

The entertainment was very good. I didn't go to all, but my son did and he truly enjoyed the shows.

The kid's had a great time on the ship. The Kid's Corner Activities were fun for my 8 yr old daughter. The crew was very nice. The 14 yr old made many friends and enjoyed her time with them. I personally feel that there should have been a curfew for anyone under 16, unless accompanied by their parent. There were too many children left to just run the ship, at all hours of the day and night.

The ports of call were all nice, except Cancun. The salespeople in Cancun are ALL too pushy. Constantly badgering you to buy in their shops. When you said no, they verbally reprimanded you by asking, "Why you no buy from me? Why you no shop in my store?" This got on my last nerve. Cancun was not enjoyable. Be careful in Cancun, the taxi drivers will charge differently upon arrival to your destination, than what was originally quoted.

In Grand Cayman, we swam with the sting rays. This was a really neat experience! Grand Cayman was beautiful! NCL's private island was beautiful also. Cozumel was quaint, nice shopping. The people here were more polite. Don't forget to argue over the prices. You can get some really good deals, especially late in the day, before the ship is ready to leave.

The other passengers were all very nice. All were very polite to other passengers.