Cruise Ship Reviews : Norwegian Cruise Line Reviews
annedee4 saw things this way:
First sailing on Norwegian was disappointing, August 26, 2011
Reviewer: annedee4
Pros: Second City troupe
Cons: Freestyle dining, poor service, mediocre entertainment.
Date of cruise: August 14, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 6079
I've been on 18 cruises and this was my first on Norwegian and it was disappointing. I do not like the Freestyle Dining. I saw many couples sitting alone and by the end of the cruise, there was little conversation. There were three of us traveling together and one night we asked for a large table in the main dining room, for an opportunity to meet and talk with other guests, and were dryly told that was not available. Also, the seating availability posting on the monitors was almost always yellow, denoting "filling up fast", and although there were often lines to get in, there were many open tables. Seemed like they were very disorganized. I also had some problems with my room: No electricity and intermittant phone service. Our second room's shower was stopped up. Service was very SLOW! Entertainment was mediocre and we left twice before the show was over. Several shows were in the Galaxy which has very little seating. We would arrive early and then others would arrive late and stand in front of the seating area and no one would care,even the Cruise Director. We complained to him and then to his boss, who sent a letter stating the CD would contact us, but he never did. Also, they provide very faded pools towels, along with a notice that they will charge you $25 each if they are not returned. The pool area is small and many chairs were empty for most of the day but had personal belongings on them. According to their literature, after 30 mins. belongings would be removed from unoccupied chairs but that never happened so there was usually no place to sit. We signed up for a sailing excursion in Cozumel and a city tour of New Orleans on our return which were great.
kadao saw things this way:
I have never been on a bad cruise -- but this wasn't one of the best ones, July 16, 2011
Reviewer: kadao
Pros: The food was delicious, the entertainment and ports were great
Cons: Lack of variety of food in the main dining rooms
Date of cruise: July 3, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 5517
Good for teenagers: No
Embarkation was quick and smooth. The ports have changed a lot over the years, but they were still really good. NCL charges about double for shore excursions for what you can get off the ship. The ship is one of the smaller ones so there wasn't as much of a variety of activities like I've experienced on other ships. My main complaint is this: There are so many specialty restaurants (8) that the food in the main dining rooms isn't too exciting. There are not many choices, and it gets old quick. They often encourage everyone to use the specialty restaurants (for an additional fee). Out of over 20 cruises, this was the most boring menu I've experienced. However, the food was delicious so at least they did that well! The shows were pretty good, too. For awhile shows on ships all did basically the same thing so it was nice to see variety coming back. The kids groups were kind of noisy compared to other cruises. Overall I would rate this cruise about a 7.
ocsportsmom saw things this way:
Caribbean fun on the Spirit, May 20, 2011
Reviewer: ocsportsmom
Pros: Great port itinerary
Cons: Ship needs a makeover
Date of cruise: May 6, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 9078
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The Spirit is a great ship that is clean and well maintained, just needs a more modern look. The food was much better than the last time we cruised with Norwegian. The spa was great, but the gym is way too small. The staff was great, even comping wine for bad service in the main dining room. All in all, a fun time in the Caribbean.
momof three saw things this way:
NCL and the Freestyle Cruising concept are hard to beat, September 8, 2010
Reviewer: momof three
Pros: Four interesting and varied ports of call were a plus.
Cons: Entertainment on this ship was not that entertaining
Date of cruise: February 7, 2010
Departure port: New Orleans, LA
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Cabin number: 6516
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: No
This was the first time my husband and I traveled with NCL and experienced the Freestyle Cruising concept. We were skeptical at first as we always enjoyed being seated with other "cruisers" in the evening and hearing how they spent their days. However, we were hooked by the second evening. Freestyle Cruising gives one lots of freedom in deciding when and where to enjoy their meal. One of the main dining rooms offered seating primarily for couples to enjoy dining by themselves and the other tended to seat couples together at larger tables. It was the best of both worlds. My husband thought the food in the dining rooms was excellent. I am a vegetarian and found the choices very limited. Breakfast and lunch buffets were better for the vegetarians and many healthy options could be found. This was the first time I didn?t gain several pounds on a cruise. We also enjoyed a bottle of wine at dinner on several occasions and were pleased with the selection and prices. Service was always excellent in the dining areas. Entertainment on this cruise was not up to the standards we have experienced on other cruises. We did attend every show that was offered and found each satisfactory but nothing great. The staterooms were nice. We had an outside cabin which offered good views and plenty of room for two people. The shower was good as well but, in general, the bathroom wasn?t as clean as I would have liked. Soap residue and scum on the shower door was evident. The cruise ship itself was very clean and beautiful. All public restrooms and dining areas were clean and well maintained. A library was available with convenient hours and good availability of reading materials. One could always find quiet space around the ship to enjoy a good book for a few hours or so. It was a bonus to have four ports of call on this cruise. All four had a lot to offer. For the Belize and Guatemala stops it was not advisable to go into the towns on your own. Booking a trip either through the cruise ship or through a local tour group upon arrival was the only way to see much of those areas. At both of those stops we bookd with a local tour group and were very happy with them. We were able to book cheaper tours and tailor the excursions to our needs. On the whole, we enjoyed the cruise and will definitely cruise with NCL in the future.
KruisinKidds saw things this way:
Great trip to introduce reluctant family members to cruising, August 20, 2010
Reviewer: KruisinKidds
Pros: Ease of boarding, relaxed atmosphere, all buffets were wonderful
Cons: Food in formal dining room was not great
Date of cruise: December 1, 2008
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
We took our parents on their first cruise and had a wonderful time. The ship is well cared for, easy for handicapped to get around. Activities are spaced out so you never feel rushed but enough going on that you aren't bored either. The buffet meals are convenient and delicious - our two attempts at the formal dining room left us all disappointed. Kids in multiple kids programs had a great time - they do a nice job of tailoring activities to age - and parents can really relax knowing the kids are safe and having a blast. Staterooms are laid out in a way that made four people in a room actually all fit - that in itself is high praise and not always the case on a cruise ship!
kv5669 saw things this way:
The staff was excellent and overall conditions were acceptable, August 1, 2010
Reviewer: kv5669
Pros: The staff and promptness of services
Cons: One night our room service was not delivered
Date of cruise: July 9, 2010
Departure port: Boston
Region visited: Bermuda
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 11792
Good for children: Yes
This was the first cruise we have taken with our 4- and 7-year old girls. The kids program was great, we felt comfortable to leave our children with them for a couple hours at a time and they enjoyed it. The shows were also a plus, all family friendly so there was always something for us to do.
theresa1 saw things this way:
We will remember this cruise as one of our best times ever!, July 22, 2010
Reviewer: theresa1
Pros: The food was better than most of Boston's restaurants
Cons: The ship could be more modern
Date of cruise: June 11, 2010
Departure port: Boston
Region visited: Bermuda
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 11110
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
My husband and I went on the Spirit from Boston to Bermuda in June of 2010. From the time we arrived on the ship we got the attention one needs on vacation. The staff was always smiling, offering their services and our balcony room was always impeccable. The food was amazing - even the buffet tasted gourmet and we had so many options that sometimes we didn't know what to do or where to eat. The cruise director did a great job entertaining people and all the shows that we saw were very entertaining. I can't wait to go again!!
Norwegian Spirit reviews
Average customer rating:
3.87 / 5
3.87 / 5Average Rating based on 7 Reviews:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
3.71
4.29
3.43
3.25
3.43
4.00
4.00
5.00
4.29
4.29
3.43
3.25
3.43
4.00
4.00
5.00
4.29
annedee4 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
2
4
1
2
4
2
4
1
2
4
2
First sailing on Norwegian was disappointing, August 26, 2011
Reviewer: annedee4
Pros: Second City troupe
Cons: Freestyle dining, poor service, mediocre entertainment.
Date of cruise: August 14, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 6079
I've been on 18 cruises and this was my first on Norwegian and it was disappointing. I do not like the Freestyle Dining. I saw many couples sitting alone and by the end of the cruise, there was little conversation. There were three of us traveling together and one night we asked for a large table in the main dining room, for an opportunity to meet and talk with other guests, and were dryly told that was not available. Also, the seating availability posting on the monitors was almost always yellow, denoting "filling up fast", and although there were often lines to get in, there were many open tables. Seemed like they were very disorganized. I also had some problems with my room: No electricity and intermittant phone service. Our second room's shower was stopped up. Service was very SLOW! Entertainment was mediocre and we left twice before the show was over. Several shows were in the Galaxy which has very little seating. We would arrive early and then others would arrive late and stand in front of the seating area and no one would care,even the Cruise Director. We complained to him and then to his boss, who sent a letter stating the CD would contact us, but he never did. Also, they provide very faded pools towels, along with a notice that they will charge you $25 each if they are not returned. The pool area is small and many chairs were empty for most of the day but had personal belongings on them. According to their literature, after 30 mins. belongings would be removed from unoccupied chairs but that never happened so there was usually no place to sit. We signed up for a sailing excursion in Cozumel and a city tour of New Orleans on our return which were great.
kadao saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
4
4
5
4
5
3
3
4
4
5
4
5
3
3
4
I have never been on a bad cruise -- but this wasn't one of the best ones, July 16, 2011
Reviewer: kadao
Pros: The food was delicious, the entertainment and ports were great
Cons: Lack of variety of food in the main dining rooms
Date of cruise: July 3, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 5517
Good for teenagers: No
Embarkation was quick and smooth. The ports have changed a lot over the years, but they were still really good. NCL charges about double for shore excursions for what you can get off the ship. The ship is one of the smaller ones so there wasn't as much of a variety of activities like I've experienced on other ships. My main complaint is this: There are so many specialty restaurants (8) that the food in the main dining rooms isn't too exciting. There are not many choices, and it gets old quick. They often encourage everyone to use the specialty restaurants (for an additional fee). Out of over 20 cruises, this was the most boring menu I've experienced. However, the food was delicious so at least they did that well! The shows were pretty good, too. For awhile shows on ships all did basically the same thing so it was nice to see variety coming back. The kids groups were kind of noisy compared to other cruises. Overall I would rate this cruise about a 7.
ocsportsmom saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4
4
4
2
2
4
5
5
4
4
4
2
2
4
5
5
4
Caribbean fun on the Spirit, May 20, 2011
Reviewer: ocsportsmom
Pros: Great port itinerary
Cons: Ship needs a makeover
Date of cruise: May 6, 2011
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 9078
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
The Spirit is a great ship that is clean and well maintained, just needs a more modern look. The food was much better than the last time we cruised with Norwegian. The spa was great, but the gym is way too small. The staff was great, even comping wine for bad service in the main dining room. All in all, a fun time in the Caribbean.
momof three saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
4
4
2
4
5
4
5
4
2
4
5
4
5
NCL and the Freestyle Cruising concept are hard to beat, September 8, 2010
Reviewer: momof three
Pros: Four interesting and varied ports of call were a plus.
Cons: Entertainment on this ship was not that entertaining
Date of cruise: February 7, 2010
Departure port: New Orleans, LA
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Cabin number: 6516
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: No
This was the first time my husband and I traveled with NCL and experienced the Freestyle Cruising concept. We were skeptical at first as we always enjoyed being seated with other "cruisers" in the evening and hearing how they spent their days. However, we were hooked by the second evening. Freestyle Cruising gives one lots of freedom in deciding when and where to enjoy their meal. One of the main dining rooms offered seating primarily for couples to enjoy dining by themselves and the other tended to seat couples together at larger tables. It was the best of both worlds. My husband thought the food in the dining rooms was excellent. I am a vegetarian and found the choices very limited. Breakfast and lunch buffets were better for the vegetarians and many healthy options could be found. This was the first time I didn?t gain several pounds on a cruise. We also enjoyed a bottle of wine at dinner on several occasions and were pleased with the selection and prices. Service was always excellent in the dining areas. Entertainment on this cruise was not up to the standards we have experienced on other cruises. We did attend every show that was offered and found each satisfactory but nothing great. The staterooms were nice. We had an outside cabin which offered good views and plenty of room for two people. The shower was good as well but, in general, the bathroom wasn?t as clean as I would have liked. Soap residue and scum on the shower door was evident. The cruise ship itself was very clean and beautiful. All public restrooms and dining areas were clean and well maintained. A library was available with convenient hours and good availability of reading materials. One could always find quiet space around the ship to enjoy a good book for a few hours or so. It was a bonus to have four ports of call on this cruise. All four had a lot to offer. For the Belize and Guatemala stops it was not advisable to go into the towns on your own. Booking a trip either through the cruise ship or through a local tour group upon arrival was the only way to see much of those areas. At both of those stops we bookd with a local tour group and were very happy with them. We were able to book cheaper tours and tailor the excursions to our needs. On the whole, we enjoyed the cruise and will definitely cruise with NCL in the future.
KruisinKidds saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Staff and Service
4
5
4
3
2
3
3
5
5
4
3
2
3
3
5
Great trip to introduce reluctant family members to cruising, August 20, 2010
Reviewer: KruisinKidds
Pros: Ease of boarding, relaxed atmosphere, all buffets were wonderful
Cons: Food in formal dining room was not great
Date of cruise: December 1, 2008
Departure port: New Orleans
Region visited: Caribbean - Western
Cabin category: Outside
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
We took our parents on their first cruise and had a wonderful time. The ship is well cared for, easy for handicapped to get around. Activities are spaced out so you never feel rushed but enough going on that you aren't bored either. The buffet meals are convenient and delicious - our two attempts at the formal dining room left us all disappointed. Kids in multiple kids programs had a great time - they do a nice job of tailoring activities to age - and parents can really relax knowing the kids are safe and having a blast. Staterooms are laid out in a way that made four people in a room actually all fit - that in itself is high praise and not always the case on a cruise ship!
kv5669 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Staff and Service
4
4
4
4
4
5
4
4
4
4
5
The staff was excellent and overall conditions were acceptable, August 1, 2010
Reviewer: kv5669
Pros: The staff and promptness of services
Cons: One night our room service was not delivered
Date of cruise: July 9, 2010
Departure port: Boston
Region visited: Bermuda
Cabin category: Inside
Cabin number: 11792
Good for children: Yes
This was the first cruise we have taken with our 4- and 7-year old girls. The kids program was great, we felt comfortable to leave our children with them for a couple hours at a time and they enjoyed it. The shows were also a plus, all family friendly so there was always something for us to do.
theresa1 saw things this way:
Value For Money
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
Cabin Design
Entertainment
Fitness Center
Food Quality
Ship Maintenance
Spa
Specialty Restaurant
Staff and Service
4
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
We will remember this cruise as one of our best times ever!, July 22, 2010
Reviewer: theresa1
Pros: The food was better than most of Boston's restaurants
Cons: The ship could be more modern
Date of cruise: June 11, 2010
Departure port: Boston
Region visited: Bermuda
Cabin category: Balcony
Cabin number: 11110
Good for children: Yes
Good for teenagers: Yes
My husband and I went on the Spirit from Boston to Bermuda in June of 2010. From the time we arrived on the ship we got the attention one needs on vacation. The staff was always smiling, offering their services and our balcony room was always impeccable. The food was amazing - even the buffet tasted gourmet and we had so many options that sometimes we didn't know what to do or where to eat. The cruise director did a great job entertaining people and all the shows that we saw were very entertaining. I can't wait to go again!!
