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Info On Norwegian Sea...Please

Looney4cruising

By Looney4cruising,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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houtexme

houtexme

Posted
Posted

About the Sea leaving Texas in April. I got on the NCL website and they are showing cruises on the Sea through July sometime. That's as far as I went. Wonder what happened to change their minds? Maybe the full ships they are sailing out of Houston.

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rho88

rho88

Posted
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just came back from the Sea. Sailed from Dec.25 to Jan.1.

1st time crusing. I went with 2 cousins and had great fun. But we did miss Cancun. See the pics for yourself. It was a beautiful day in Cancun but the captain decided to skip due to "bad weather"... ?!?

The ship is old and small. But the crew is GREAT! Shows were great, especially the comedians...

 

http://community.webshots.com/user/roger_ho

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duanesgame

duanesgame

Posted
Posted
About the Sea leaving Texas in April. I got on the NCL website and they are showing cruises on the Sea through July sometime. That's as far as I went. Wonder what happened to change their minds? Maybe the full ships they are sailing out of Houston.
I read on CruiseNews that Star Lines wasn't ready to recieve the Sea just yet.
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robtx100

robtx100

Posted
Posted

We were on the Sea in February and loved it. We got an upgrade to the owner's suite 6201 just two weeks before we sailed. I have some pics of that cabin posted at http://www.photos.yahoo.com/robandtodd The itenerary is great except for missing Cancun where we had planned on doing our shopping. I did not realize the ship was leaving Houston. We're booked on the Ecstasy later this month but will definitely plan on sailing the Sea again before she leaves.

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cruiserb

cruiserb

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Posted

Some internet cruise sites are showing cruises on the Sea in June. We are booked for the last week in April. We are looking forward to this cruise. We picked it for the itinerary.

 

My mom and stepdad have cruised on this ship at least a dozen times in the last 10 years. They love it. Of course, they live outside of Houston, she doesn't like to fly so the Sea makes perfect sense to them. My younger sister went on the Sea once and really loved it. Got her hooked on cruising.

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ute_fan

ute_fan

Posted
Posted

It was a great game! We ended up going, after all my complaining that I'd rather save the money for cruising -- my husband's boss gave us 2 free tickets, and that sort of sealed the deal. It was an absolutely marvelous experience!

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misguy "Live from...." Rare

misguy

Posted
Posted

We just returned from the Sea, and thought she was a wonderful ship. Had a great cruise, and will post more about the cruise later. We did make Cancun, but the Captain said there was only 5' of water under the keel. That is why when the waves are up she doesn't go in, be bumping the botom all day.

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newmexicoNita

newmexicoNita

Posted
Posted
It was a great game! We ended up going, after all my complaining that I'd rather save the money for cruising -- my husband's boss gave us 2 free tickets, and that sort of sealed the deal. It was an absolutely marvelous experience!

 

 

i bet it was a great experience:we got to go to the Orange bowl back in 1990 I think when CU was the national champians. What a thrill: my dad was a CU grad and got tickets. Of course it was held in the Old Orange Bowl which was a pit to put it mildly and we had seats just above the Nortre Dame band, but still just to say We Went!!! Then to have CU win in the last minute of the game.

 

I'm glad you got to experience the same thrill without the National Champianship that is. Of course my team (USC) are now the best there is. LOL., Football is gone this year, now it's time to cruise away!!!! NMNita

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BeagleMommy

BeagleMommy

Posted
Posted

Hello... Since I haven't managed to actually post a whole "review" of the Sea, I figured I'd toss an opinion out here. DH & I *sort of* just got back from the Sea - sailed 11/27 to 12/3/04. FYI The only other cruise we've been on is the Grand Princess (also Western Caribbean itinerary), so that's our only basis for comparison.

We thoroughly enjoyed the Sea, the cruise, and the ports. Cancun notwithstanding, of course - since it seems to get missed a lot, we didn't even plan a shore excursion - just stayed on board that day and had a truly lazy day, which we loved. My only negative comment on the itinerary is that I think the timing is lousy. She doesn't dock in Cozumel or Roatan until 11 and noon, respectively, and that kills half a day in each place. Of course I don't think they can make it across the Gulf any faster, but it's still a bummer. BUT, a half day in those places beats the crap out of a whole day working. :D

As for the ship, the Sea is just fine IMHO. Being an older ship it is smaller, as has been mentioned, and it doesn't have the just over-the-top opulence that we found on the Grand Princess. But it's still luxury, just maybe a "4-star" level instead of 5 is how I looked at it. I can see where people who are expecting the sheer opulence of the other ships would be disappointed, but so long as you understand that it's *just* a "really really really really nice" ship, and you're not looking for that higher level, it's a GREAT bargain.

We had a Deck 3 inside stateroom (3147), which seems mighty wee when you first open the door, but I was truly amazed at how functional the space was. We hardly tripped over each other at all. The "head" was REALLY small. Like, open the shower curtain and use the toilet seat to shave your legs small. But, again, with a little ingenuity we made it work pretty well. And again, for the price, TOTALLY worth it.

At any rate. Someday I'll have time to post a whole comprehensive "review" .... But for now, there are some thought on the ship.

:cool:

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amunhotep

amunhotep

Posted
Posted
Here is a short review of the NCL Sea.

Arrived in Houston on Jan. 1, representatives of NCL were near the luggage area, just inside the terminal doors. Directed us to busses, drove around the airport to pick up other passengers. Out to La Porte. Our bus driver decided to stop along the way to get a drink at a gas station (not very professional).

After being used to nice Miami port facilities, La Porte is a letdown. Chemical and refinery plants for miles, then the ship docked beside thousands of cargo containers. Check in was easy, but long walk to ship, especially for those with big pieces of luggage. Greeted on board, escorted to our cabin.

8201, cat. CC cabin was a pleasant surprise, compared to our first cabin on the Sea in 1988. This is a "mini-suite", well appointed, queen bed, two large windows, sofa, small table, mini-fridge, vanity, lots of storage space, full size bathroom w/tub-shower. Concierge service and daily amenities. Carlos, the concierge was wonderful, looking after us constantly. A real gentleman.

Ship has been well maintained, although showing signs of age. Public areas refurbished, but cabin decor is virtually unchanged since '88.

Concierge meeting with Carlos as we left port. We oriented ourselves easily, and watched east Texas coast go by as it darkened in the late afternoon. First night was very foggy, first time I have heard fog horns used on a cruise. The rest of the cruise was ideal weather-wise.

Entertainment onboard was OK, not particularly great, but enjoyable. Was disappointed in quality of production shows, the old Jean Ann Ryan company was much better. Shows tended to lack logic and dancing on the first night was not much better than a high school musical. Sam Griesbaum, comic was quite good, George Solomon, singer was average, poor voice but lots of energy. Magician was good. Most of our laughs came from the audience participation activities like Not So Newlywed game.

Food was very good. Big Apple Cafe and deck cook outs are typically like cafeterias, but the sitdown resturants were very good. The Pasta Cafe was excellent.

Excursions were a lot of fun and interesting for us. Cozumel catamaran, snorkel and beach tour was crazy, with all of the margaritas and beer you wanted, lots of music, dancing on the boat, and activities on the beach. Beautiful fish and coral. Roatan eco hike was nice, but I spent more time watching my footing on the mountain trail up and down, and did not see a lot of the vegetation. Guide gave us some samples of edible plants. Beach was very nice, lunch included, no sand flea problems as the beach is raked everyday. Mayan temple tour to western Belize is long, but scenery along the way is great. Xunantunich is a fascinating site, and commentary by guide superb. Lunch was at a resort dining hall, and very good. We stayed onboard at Cancun (been there too many times). Nice quiet time around the pool.

Staff was VERY helpful and friendly. We never had any one be rude or unattentive. Our cabin stewards(Martin and Romel) were fantastic. At the Latitudes cocktail party we brought along the inagural cruise book given to us in 1988, and got signatures of officers and staff. As a surprise, we were introduced from the stage, and given two free Mandara spa massages to honor us as inagural passengers on the Sea(ward). Captain, cruise director and hotel director were thrilled to see the book and relive memories from the "old" NCL with us.

First day at sea met with one other Cruise Critic couple from Idaho, enjoyed meeting with them. Misguy, we "missed you". Sorry we did not have a chance to visit and get acquainted.

All in all, this was one of the best cruises we have taken with NCL. We wish we could go on her last voyage, next July, as she departs American waters for good. Thanks, NCL for a great ship, Norwegian Sea, 1988-2005.

The Smith's
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newmexicoNita

newmexicoNita

Posted
Posted
[quote name='amunhotep']Here is a short review of the NCL Sea.

Arrived in Houston on Jan. 1, representatives of NCL were near the luggage area, just inside the terminal doors. Directed us to busses, drove around the airport to pick up other passengers. Out to La Porte. Our bus driver decided to stop along the way to get a drink at a gas station (not very professional).

After being used to nice Miami port facilities, La Porte is a letdown. Chemical and refinery plants for miles, then the ship docked beside thousands of cargo containers. Check in was easy, but long walk to ship, especially for those with big pieces of luggage. Greeted on board, escorted to our cabin.

8201, cat. CC cabin was a pleasant surprise, compared to our first cabin on the Sea in 1988. This is a "mini-suite", well appointed, queen bed, two large windows, sofa, small table, mini-fridge, vanity, lots of storage space, full size bathroom w/tub-shower. Concierge service and daily amenities. Carlos, the concierge was wonderful, looking after us constantly. A real gentleman.

Ship has been well maintained, although showing signs of age. Public areas refurbished, but cabin decor is virtually unchanged since '88.

Concierge meeting with Carlos as we left port. We oriented ourselves easily, and watched east Texas coast go by as it darkened in the late afternoon. First night was very foggy, first time I have heard fog horns used on a cruise. The rest of the cruise was ideal weather-wise.

Entertainment onboard was OK, not particularly great, but enjoyable. Was disappointed in quality of production shows, the old Jean Ann Ryan company was much better. Shows tended to lack logic and dancing on the first night was not much better than a high school musical. Sam Griesbaum, comic was quite good, George Solomon, singer was average, poor voice but lots of energy. Magician was good. Most of our laughs came from the audience participation activities like Not So Newlywed game.

Food was very good. Big Apple Cafe and deck cook outs are typically like cafeterias, but the sitdown resturants were very good. The Pasta Cafe was excellent.

Excursions were a lot of fun and interesting for us. Cozumel catamaran, snorkel and beach tour was crazy, with all of the margaritas and beer you wanted, lots of music, dancing on the boat, and activities on the beach. Beautiful fish and coral. Roatan eco hike was nice, but I spent more time watching my footing on the mountain trail up and down, and did not see a lot of the vegetation. Guide gave us some samples of edible plants. Beach was very nice, lunch included, no sand flea problems as the beach is raked everyday. Mayan temple tour to western Belize is long, but scenery along the way is great. Xunantunich is a fascinating site, and commentary by guide superb. Lunch was at a resort dining hall, and very good. We stayed onboard at Cancun (been there too many times). Nice quiet time around the pool.

Staff was VERY helpful and friendly. We never had any one be rude or unattentive. Our cabin stewards(Martin and Romel) were fantastic. At the Latitudes cocktail party we brought along the inagural cruise book given to us in 1988, and got signatures of officers and staff. As a surprise, we were introduced from the stage, and given two free Mandara spa massages to honor us as inagural passengers on the Sea(ward). Captain, cruise director and hotel director were thrilled to see the book and relive memories from the "old" NCL with us.

First day at sea met with one other Cruise Critic couple from Idaho, enjoyed meeting with them. Misguy, we "missed you". Sorry we did not have a chance to visit and get acquainted.

All in all, this was one of the best cruises we have taken with NCL. We wish we could go on her last voyage, next July, as she departs American waters for good. Thanks, NCL for a great ship, Norwegian Sea, 1988-2005.

The Smith's[/QUOTE]


Great review and I couldn't agree with you more on almost all points. I miss the Jean Ryan company, no one can compare. As for Carlos we thought he was a doll. The port is a joke, but we just laugh when we arrive: done it twice now. I have heard they are going to build a new port. Lets hope so.

NMNita
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amunhotep

amunhotep

Posted
Posted
Thanks for the nice comments on our review. Just wanted to pass along one "disturbing" note on the Jan 1 Sea voyage.

The ship was decorated very nicely for the holiday season when we boarded, and late on Friday the decorations were taken down. However, as we watched from the promenade deck on Saturday morning back in Houston, those decorations were simply thrown away in the dockside dumpsters. This included beautiful elaborately decorated trees(I would have been honored to have them in my home), large figures of Santa, snowman and such.

Yes, I realize that storing those things might be difficult, but perhaps donating them to a worthy charity or organization that could use them next year might be more appropriate. These items were not cheap by any means.

Just my ramblings!

D Smith
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MARIE D

MARIE D

Posted
Posted
[quote name='mhenry48']We are considering booking this cruise in June. We would love to hear about it. Also, will our 16 and 13 y/o teenagers enjoy this ship? We have cruised 2 times before and loved it. Thanks, fellow Missourian we are in Columbia MO (go tigers).[/QUOTE]

We took our 15 year old daughter with us on NCL Sea Feb. 04. She had a blast! Met several kids her age, went to the disco and arcade, she didn't run out of things to do.
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tnbtracey

tnbtracey

Posted
Posted
Our family is cruising Apr 16 on the Sea. Celebration of Mom and Dad's 50 wedding anniversary. We're excited but...

Does anyone have any info on arrival times back into Houston so we can plan flights home (to CT). We're told we can fly anytime after noon, but some reviews mention chaos leaving the ship. What is a safe flight time out of Hobby?
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hazeleyez3

hazeleyez3

Posted
Posted
[quote name='amunhotep']Here is a short review of the NCL Sea.

8201, cat. CC cabin was a pleasant surprise, compared to our first cabin on the Sea in 1988. This is a "mini-suite", well appointed, queen bed, two large windows, sofa, small table, mini-fridge, vanity, lots of storage space, full size bathroom w/tub-shower. Concierge service and daily amenities. Carlos, the concierge was wonderful, looking after us constantly. A real gentleman.

[/QUOTE]

Amunhotep... can you give me any more details on the room? I'm taking my parents on the Sea in May, and have booked Rm 8002 (cat CC). Is it a decent size for three grown adults? Also, the daily amentities... do you mean nightly [font='Times New Roman']hors d'oeuvres? Any info you could offer would be great.[/font]
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cmjsr

cmjsr

Posted
Posted
[quote name='cruiserb']Some internet cruise sites are showing cruises on the Sea in June. We are booked for the last week in April. We are looking forward to this cruise. We picked it for the itinerary.

My mom and stepdad have cruised on this ship at least a dozen times in the last 10 years. They love it. Of course, they live outside of Houston, she doesn't like to fly so the Sea makes perfect sense to them. My younger sister went on the Sea once and really loved it. Got her hooked on cruising.[/QUOTE]

Cruiserb,
We are going on the same cruise as you.
Check out our roll call
[url="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=98437&page=2&pp=25"]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=98437&page=2&pp=25[/url]
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