Thoughts on NA 10 day cruise 1/13/18

[cruizn2escape]

We had cruised on NA in 2014 and booked this 10 day cruise kind of late for us in December of 2017. We stayed in Ft. Lauderdale 2 days prior to the sailing. Left the hotel at 10:10am the day of the sailing and expected to wait outside the terminal as the paperwork said it wouldn't open until 11. We were able to get inside the terminal as soon as we got to the port, were in boarding group 1 and on board by 11:45.

We had a balcony cabin on the Upper Promenade deck. The balcony was larger than a standard balcony. The loveseat and the balcony furniture appeared to be new.

 

We only ate in the dining room (open seating) in the evening. The food was okay. We didn't care for some of the sauces and spices they use and also on some nights the selections were not to our liking. The service was rather slow as well.

For breakfast and lunch we ate on the Lido. We were always able to find something we liked at lunch, including the hamburgers at Dive In. For breakfast we found the omlettes and waffles to be the best. The bacon was often not cooked enough and the scrambled eggs were not good. Food is pretty subjective so these are just our opinions.

 

We did not go to any shows in the Mainstage. We did go to BB King's and was disappointed in the selection and quality of singing compared to our 2014 cruise. We also went to a movie in the theatre. Nice comfy seats and popcorn. The movies they show are also available on the cabins TV.

 

As for ports, we had been to all but Amber Cove in the past. We signed up for an excursion to Santiago in Amber Cove, however the vendor cancelled due to lack of interest. The only other excursion we took was in Bonaire - Mangrove exploration. Our guide took us in a flat bottom boat through the mangroves explaining about them and pointing out wild life. This was a very informative and relaxing, peaceful time.

At the other ports, we either stayed on board or got off and did a little shopping. We weren't able to go to Half Moon Cay due to high winds and waves.

 

We decided to pay for use of the HydroPool and Thermal Spa - $299 for both for the cruise. We used it everyday and sometimes twice a day. For us it was well worth the money. It was so relaxing we did not get our usual massages.

 

Despite washing my hands all the time and being careful, I contracted NoroVirus. After several times of vomiting, I contacted the Medical Center and was given a shot which almost immediately stopped the vomiting. I had to stay in my cabin for 24 hours, my DH was able to come and go and never got sick.

 

Disembarkation was quick. Overall we enjoyed the cruise and would sail on HAL and on NA again.

If you have any questions about NA I will try to answer them.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Thank you for your review.

Sorry that you got the Noro.

We haven't been impressed with HAL's dinner selection the last few years either.

[kazu]

Thanks for the report.

 

Sorry to hear about your Noro and inability to tender to HMC.

 

Hope you are feeling much better now.

[cruizn2escape]

We had cruised on NA in 2014 and booked this 10 day cruise kind of late for us in December of 2017. We stayed in Ft. Lauderdale 2 days prior to the sailing. Left the hotel at 10:10am the day of the sailing and expected to wait outside the terminal as the paperwork said it wouldn't open until 11. We were able to get inside the terminal as soon as we got to the port, were in boarding group 1 and on board by 11:45.

We had a balcony cabin on the Upper Promenade deck. The balcony was larger than a standard balcony. The loveseat and the balcony furniture appeared to be new.

 

We only ate in the dining room (open seating) in the evening. The food was okay. We didn't care for some of the sauces and spices they use and also on some nights the selections were not to our liking. The service was rather slow as well.

For breakfast and lunch we ate on the Lido. We were always able to find something we liked at lunch, including the hamburgers at Dive In. For breakfast we found the omlettes and waffles to be the best. The bacon was often not cooked enough and the scrambled eggs were not good. Food is pretty subjective so these are just our opinions.

 

We did not go to any shows in the Mainstage. We did go to BB King's and was disappointed in the selection and quality of singing compared to our 2014 cruise. We also went to a movie in the theatre. Nice comfy seats and popcorn. The movies they show are also available on the cabins TV.

 

As for ports, we had been to all but Amber Cove in the past. We signed up for an excursion to Santiago in Amber Cove, however the vendor cancelled due to lack of interest. The only other excursion we took was in Bonaire - Mangrove exploration. Our guide took us in a flat bottom boat through the mangroves explaining about them and pointing out wild life. This was a very informative and relaxing, peaceful time.

At the other ports, we either stayed on board or got off and did a little shopping. We weren't able to go to Half Moon Cay due to high winds and waves.

 

We decided to pay for use of the HydroPool and Thermal Spa - $299 for both for the cruise. We used it everyday and sometimes twice a day. For us it was well worth the money. It was so relaxing we did not get our usual massages.

 

Despite washing my hands all the time and being careful, I contracted NoroVirus. After several times of vomiting, I contacted the Medical Center and was given a shot which almost immediately stopped the vomiting. I had to stay in my cabin for 24 hours, my DH was able to come and go and never got sick.

 

Disembarkation was quick. Overall we enjoyed the cruise and would sail on HAL and on NA again.

If you have any questions about NA I will try to answer them.[/quote

 

I forgot to mention we attended the Mariners lunch. The food selection was limited, and not to our liking. We were served champagne and received our “tile”.

[Keith1010]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts from your cruise.

 

Keith