Just returned from the Norwegian Sea

[vette]

We just arrived home after a week on the Norwegian Sea. Had an absolutely fantastic trip.

 

We flew in the day before the cruise and stayed at a hotel near the airport (IAH). They next day we boarded the NCL shuttle bus at the airport. Our trip to the ship was quick and easy. Boarding was a snap. We are Latitudes members, and there was no waiting in our line (the regular lines were very long).

 

We arrived at our Cabin, met our wonderful room stewards Fernando and Jutien (sp?). The cabin was small, but very usable for two people. Lots of storage space. Left our carry-on's there and went up to the Pool Deck for lunch and a BOAT DRINK! I met up with our Cruise Critic group at Coconut Willy's and enjoyed getting to know all of them. They all made our week that much more fun!

 

When we went back to our room, about an hour later, our bags were already there. That was the fastest delivery ever. Enjoyed the sail away party, listening to the steel drum band called "JOY". For supper, we ate at the Seven Seas all week. We found a fantastic waiter name Cozroy and his beautiful assistant Estella. We decided then and there that we would try to sit at their station all week (and we were able to do that every night except one because of the aide of one fantastic maitre'd).

 

I spent the remainder of the evening at the Casino then went to enjoy a restful night of sleep being rocked to sleep by the motion of the ship.

 

I will write more later, but if anyone has any questions, please ask away.

 

Vette

[teacup754]

we are booked in december on the sea.. want to hear all your experiences!!!

[douglinc@msn.com]

Vette,

Glad to see you made it home ok, we got in about 7pm. on Sat.

Doug

[vette]

Hi Doug,

 

Glad you made it home safe and sound.

 

Teacup,

 

You will have a blast. I will write more later. Trying to get the laundry done before going back to work tomorrow.

 

Vette

[scubajeff]

Vette,

 

I am on the Sea in Jan 05. I wanted to set it up similar to the way you did it. We are flying in the night before and then meeting up with the NCL shuttle the next day back at the airport. I was wondering what hotel you stayed at and about how much it was for the night. Please let me know.

 

Thank you,

 

Jeff

[ute_fan]

We were on the Sea in January, and also stayed at a hotel near IAH since our flight was fairly late arriving. We stayed at the Amerisuites for $49 per night. It was a nice, clean hotel, with a great breakfast bar (more than just a continental breakfast) included in the price.

 

We were part of a large group that had arranged transportation for the next morning with a private bus, so we didn't have to worry about getting to the ship the next day.

[vette]

Hi Jeff,

 

We stayed at the Sleep Inn. It cost about $68 plus tax. It was not fancy, but was neat and clean and had a nice pool to swim in and a nice breakfast in the morning. There were several other hotels all together in the same area. There was a Hyatt, a Comfort Inn and several others. Lots to chose from.

 

Donna

[vette]

Sunday - Day Two - at Sea.

 

Woke up to a beautiful day. Went out to the jogging track (our Cabin was on floor 6) and joined Jennifer (don't know what her title is, but she organizes all the activities) for the Walk-a-Mile, the aerobics class, and the stretching class. Boy, one day and I was beat already. Of course, I had to spend a few hours in the pool to revive myself from all the exercise.

 

For the rest of the day I explored the ship, went to the art auction, went to the casino and napped to get ready for supper. I believe this night was the Captain's dinner. He had a cocktail party which I attended and imbibed some of the liquid refreshments. MMMMM-MMMM good.

 

Tomorrow I will tell you all about Cozumel.

 

Vette

[4 cruisers]

Vette, I was so happy to see your post this morning! My Aunt Lucette, a friend of hers and my Uncle were all on your sailing and I was glad to hear all had gone well for you! I just got e-mails and then a call from them and they felt the same way you did about the trip! I was relieved because we love NCL's Star and Crown and I kind've encouraged them to try the Sea. I just love cruising and am so happy that they all (and you too:) ) had a great trip! Thanks for posting!!!

Nanette

[vette]

Nanette - Glad your Aunt and Uncle had a great cruise. The Sea is perfect for first time cruisers - she is small and cozy and friendly.

 

Monday - Day 3 - Cozumel

 

We pulled slowly into the dock and what did we see - the Caribbean Princess docked right beside us. We have reservations for February to sail on her and she is huge - she made the Sea look like a rowboat sitting there.

 

We had plans for our group to go to Mr. Sanchos for the day. Found a taxi and off we went. Mr. Sanchos is a beautiful white sand beach. There is no entry fee and the beer is cold. While there, several of us had a massage (wonderful) and we spent several hours swimming. There was a quick rain storm while we were there, but it didn't stop any of the fun. I found a couple of souvenirs at the little shopping area there then we headed back to the ship.

 

When we returned the ship was fairly empty, so we went to the Pool Deck, listened to the steel drums and enjoyed the warm waters of the hot tub. All during the week you could easily find deck chairs and the pools were usually uncrowded. Most afternoons, weather permitting, the Sea put on poolside BBQ's. This was the best thing they every thought of. They had hamburgers, hotdogs, sausages, chicken and one day they had whole pigs. That roast pork was the best I have every tasted - melt in your mouth. And they had all kinds of salads to go along with it.

 

At supper, we found our wonderful waiter, Cozroy, enjoyed a fabulous dinner and prepared for our day at Roatan tomorrow.

[kchartsf]

We leave on the Sea on Saturday! I was so excited to read about your trip. Thanks for sharing!

[asrey04]

Reading your report makes me even more excited for my cruise on the Sea Jan 15. We are planning on a hotel near the airport and then the cruiseline shuttle also. My question is: did you need to reserve the shuttle in advance. I see on the NCL site you can book it but they want the airline # and time. If I say my time it would be obvious I did not just get off a flight. What did you do? Am I making too much of a problem of this? Also, what time did the shuttle leave the airport and when did it arrive at the port? Thanks for your help and I am looking forward to more info about your other ports of call.

[douglinc@msn.com]

We stayed at the Best Western in LaPorte, $59+ Tax & they let us leave the car there. When we got ready to go to the ship, I asked the manager to call us a cab, a van if possible as we had 4 people and quite a bit of luggage. When he called the cab co, they said they didn't have any available, so he unloaded his van and took us his self. I almost had to struggle with him to let me pay him for his trouble! I would recommend him anytime in the future!

Doug

[douglinc@msn.com]

Well gang, I did it again, got home and found that some family members had booked the Carnival Elation for 2-6-05...........you guessed it.....I just booked it too. Off to the high seas again!

Doug

[Just Enough]

Thank you for your posting, Vette.

 

How did you like your cabin on the Promenade Deck?

 

We have just found through our advance registration that that is where we will be too for our Oct-9 sailing.

[vette]

Hi All,

 

Doug - we just can't keep you down can we?

 

Asrey04 - We booked the shuttle with NCL. It doesn't matter if you come in the day before. The NCL staff will meet you at the baggage area on departure day. We left the hotel at 10:30. Our NCL shuttle left the IAH airport around noon and we arrived at the Sea around 1:00. We went to the Latitudes line and we were on the ship in a matter of minutes. They want your flight and time in case you are flying in late - there will be someone there to meet you and they can hold the last bus for you.

 

Just Enough - The promenade deck is nice. We just pretended it was our own big balcony. People on the jogging deck can't see in unless the lights are on. And it is central to all activities; three decks up to the pool deck, one deck down to the casino, two decks down to dining rooms and purser.

Be prepared, though, the rooms are small.

 

Vette

[vette]

Tuesday - Day 4 - Roatan Island

 

Roatan has to be my favorite place in the whole world. It is a beautiful little green island in the middle of the ocean. We have visited there twice before, so we were looking forward to finding some new spots to explore. DH wanted to visit the Iquana Farm so that was a given, then we wanted to go swimming.

 

We found a taxi inside the gate that would take us where we wanted to go. We split the fare with two other couples, so it wasn't too costly. Outside the gate we picked up a young boy who hopped in the taxi and announed that his name was Joe and he was our tour guide. He spoke excellent english and the taxi driver only spoke Spanish so he was a welcome addition to our tour.

 

Joe rode with us to the Iguana Farm, which is actually a preserve for the large lizards. On Roatan, they eat them, so the iguana's know they are safe and fed at the farm. The owner also cares for a couple of monkeys, some sea turtles and some large tarpon in a protected enclosure.

 

We then asked Joe to suggest a beach we could visit. He suggested Parrot Tree Plantation. It is a condo park in the making. There is a lagoon that is very warm and has ocean water circulating in and out. It is circled by a white sand beach. We were absolutely alone in this beautiful lagoon. We walked up to a small cafe nearby, bought some liquid refreshments and spent the next few hours enjoying the sand and sea.

 

On the way back, the driver stopped at a few places for us to do some sightseeing and shopping as we made our way back to the ship.

 

It was a long afternoon, so we looked forward to the cool pool on the ship before supper.

 

Tomorrow - Belize

[BigJay1]

HI

Thanks for all the info we leave on Oct. 30th. by any chance does anyone have any of thier freestyle dalies.We would love to see them.I have read in past posts about seafood/lobster and sushi nights witch nights are these. Any help will be very much appreciated.Thank you in advance Jay.

[vette]

Hi BigJay1,

 

The lobster night is Thursday night, but I don't know anything about sushi.

 

Wednesday - Day 5 - Belize

 

We had a ship excursion planned for today - the Catamaran Snorlkel. We left at 12:45 so we had plenty of time in the morning to have a leisurely breakfast and walk-a-mile, before catching a tender to go ashore. The tenders here are smaller, fast boats, so it takes no time to get to the dock. We walked around the little shopping area, and had something to drink at the Iguana bar.

 

We boarded the catamaran right on time. It looked like it held about 100 people. The cat took us out to a small island around 14 miles off shore (out in the middle of the ocean). The island had 6 or 7 palm trees and hundred of conch shells on it. It had a small reef circling the island. I didn't see too many fish, but DH stayed snorkling after everyone else had gone to the island, and he said the fish returned to the reef when everyone left. On the island, they had set up a bar, with rum punch, beer ($2) and sodas for everyone. They had floats and kayaks for us to use. I grabbed a float and a rum punch and enjoyed the remainder of my time floating in the turquoise ocean. It was beautiful.

 

On the ride back, they turned up the music (great music). We danced and drank rum punch and limboed all the way back to the ship. We arrived just before departure, and everyone on the ship heard our arrival!

 

It was a great day and a nice way to enjoy Belize.

[cruising_kenboy]

Thanks for the great review, I look forward to the rest of it, and will be sure to write one when I return. I'm going to try to go to the cruise terminal this weekend to see this ship off, and possibly get more excited for my trip!

 

Here's the roll call for the Sea cruise I will be on 12/11 to 12/18

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=64402

[BigJay1]

Thanks for the info my wife can't wait. Jay

[vette]

BigJay1 - Tell your wife she will have a great time on this cruise.

 

Thursday - Day 6 - Cancun

 

This is the only port that we had nothing planned to do. We got on the tender around 10:30. The tender in Cancun is huge and it takes a long time to fill up. On the tenders to and from the dock, they have vendors trying to sell stuff but they really become annoying. They just don't stop, and we're a captive audience.

 

We grabbed the free shuttle bus to the shopping mall and picked up some last minute gifts. We stopped in at Margaritaville and had a bite to eat and a few Margaritas then back to the ship we went. I enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in the pool.

 

Thursday night is lobster night. Had two! Also had the escargot.

 

The last day was at sea - went to the art auction - bought a piece by Medvedev and enjoyed the hottub and pool one last time. I also had lunch with all my new friends from Cruise Critic - hi Roger and Jackie, Doug and Pat, Chris and Ruth. Meeting you guys really made my week. Chris and Ruth were able to bring a bunch of stuff to the orphanage in Roatan - thanks for being so caring.

 

Vette

 

If anyone has any more questions, ask away!

[vette]

Cruising Kenboy - If you can try to get Cozroy and Estalla for your waiter in the Seven Seas dining room. He'll take great care of you. Have fun!

 

Vette

[cruising_kenboy]

I will write that down and remember to ask for them. Thanks. Great review. Only two lobsters?

[nizurc]

HI

Thanks for all the info we leave on Oct. 30th. by any chance does anyone have any of thier freestyle dalies.We would love to see them.I have read in past posts about seafood/lobster and sushi nights witch nights are these. Any help will be very much appreciated.Thank you in advance Jay.

 

Just returned from 9/18/04 cruise on NCL Sea. Free Sushi is served on Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00pm in Oscar's Lounge.