Norwegian Sea, Just Returned!

[Chopperdon]

Just returned from the Norwegian Sea last week.
Excellent Cruise (except for bad weather...not NCL fault).

Post your questions, and I will respond with my point of view.

ChopperDon

[zahr03]

[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

No questions - just an agreement - we loved her when we sailed the repo from Philadelphia. Flew out and sailed home!

6/6/2004 NCL Star to Alaska
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[kadao]

chopperdon - thanks! What did you do in Cancun?

NCL SEA 6/19
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Sapphire Princess 6/11
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[Pyrdog]

I'm on the 5-8-04 sailing.
What was the weather like, and how did it effect your cruise experience?
Thanks

[vickintx]

hi im going may 1, what did you do in Belize and Roatan? i have 2 small kids w/me.

[TEXASMUNK]

vickintx...we too are on the May 1 sailing.
We are snorkeling throughout...In Belize, there is a great snorkeling trip to swim with sting rays and nurse sharks (the kind that don't bite). In Roatan, snorkeling again...it is considered by world experts as the third best diving location in the world.
Cozumel.....end the day at Carlos N Charles!
Cancun...kick back and mellow out on the beach.
My wife has been on a special project at work for about 5 months..putting in 10-12 days, she is zoned in on getting on a ship and not thinking about computer stuff for 7 days.
Me..I have been ready for the SEA since a year ago!

NORWEGIAN SEA....MAY 1, 2004 A RETURN VISIT

[Chopperdon]

Kadao, In Cancun, we did the Tres Rios excursion from NCL. Tres Rios is a "state park" kind of place about 50 miles south of Cancun on the mainland. There you can snorkel in the clear river down to the ocean, canoe up river, sea kayaks, beach chairs and shade, pier, horseback riding, biking, hiking,and a place to eat. I belive the trip was $49US and that included the airconditioned bus ride to and from. Great place if you like outdoor adventure away from the crowds. Also a playground is there. This was a very beautiful nature area. Good to do with kids and get away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun Beaches.

Pyrdog, the weather on our first at sea day was very windy, overcast, cool,and spitting rain. Was not a great day to hang at the pool. This weather was with us throughout most of the trip, althought Cozumel was Hot and Humid. We missed Belize due to wind and high seas. The tenders cannot run out the 8 miles or so to get you from the ship. The Ship cannot dock due to the shallow reef system there. This was very dissappointing as it was our primary reason for this cruise. But it was out of my and NCLs control. We just had another "day at sea". They refunded us our port tax and had free Rum Punch for one hour.

Vickintx, As I have stated, we did not make Belize, so I cannot help you there. In Roatan, we did the NCL Tabyana Beach excursion. This is a great place to take you kids. Fun ride to beach from dock, great beach, lunch, snorkling, locals (not pushy) selling trinkets, etc. Also saw a parrot and iguanas. In Cozumel, we just walk around the town as we have been there many times. But for you, I would suggest Sally's Minigolf and Paradise Beach. These are inexpensive and lots of fun. In Cancun, I recommend Tres Rios excursion. See Above.

In all, a cruise is what you make of it. We could have gotten all upset about the weather and missing Belize. But as experienced cruisers, we understand some things are out of your control and you need to accept it and roll with the punches. We had a great time in spite of the weather, etc.

ChopperDon

[kadao]

Chopperdon- thanks for the info. It's always helpful to get someone's opinion who has actually done the excursion.

vickintx - here are some websites that may be helpful: Belize
[url="http://www.belizeexplorer.com/"]http://www.belizeexplorer.com/[/url]
[url="http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/Belize.htm"]http://www.caribbeanportreviews.com/Belize.htm[/url]
[url="http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/BelizeExcursions.htm"]http://belizecruiseexcursions.com/BelizeExcursions.htm[/url]

Roatan
[url="http://www.fostersroatan.com/shoreexcursion.html"]http://www.fostersroatan.com/shoreexcursion.html[/url]
[url="http://www.roatanonline.com/"]http://www.roatanonline.com/[/url]
[url="http://www.7blueseas.com/destinations/port.asp?pid=214&rid=25"]http://www.7blueseas.com/destinations/port.asp?pid=214&rid=25[/url]
[url="http://csiroatan.org/missionaries.htm"]http://csiroatan.org/missionaries.htm[/url]

NCL SEA 6/19
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Sapphire Princess 6/11
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[i am bill]

Where would you recommend snorkeling, Roatan or Cozumel? Which is better? I've read that both are world renowned.

[TEXASMUNK]

i am bill....
you ask a very wide open question...The answer: It depends!
For example, Roatan is considered the third best snorkeling destination in the world and off of Tabayana beach you can be surrounded by spectacular coral and zillions of fish very close to shore and easy access. In cozumel you can drift snorkel the Pelacar reef which is spectacular. But those are only two choices out of lots more.
So the answer is.....do both!

NORWEGIAN SEA....MAY 1, 2004 A RETURN VISIT

[newmexicoNita]

As for snorkeling I think I would opt for Roatan if I were only going to go once; the weather, last time we sailed out of Houston the first day the weather was windy and cool. Maybe it's part of the plan to make us appreciate the rest of our cruise. LOL

NMNIta

Commodore 1984, Costa 1985, RCL 1987, Chandris 1989, NCL 1989, Commodore, 1991, NCL 1997, Carnival 1997, Carnival 1998,NCL 1998, NCL 1999, RCL 2000, RCL 2000, NCL 2002,NCL 2003, Celebrity 2003, NCL 2004