|
This was our first cruise with NCL, our second cruise to date. We were tickled pink with the smooth, fast, embarkation in Vancouver. These people really have excellent skills. The welcome champagne was thoughtful and started our cruise on a high note. Our cabin was ready so we proceeded to drop off our carry on bags and our jackets. We chose a balcony cabin aft and we were travelling with another couple who chose the identical cabin on the other side of the ship. I feel one must have a balcony on an Alaska cruise and since we had friends across the hall, it was a bonus to see both sides. We had agreed to keep each other informed via stateroom phone if anything of interest was passing so we managed to run back and forth and likely did not miss much. We witnessed a huge school of dolphins feeding and whales breaching just by keeping in touch with our friends on the other side and they didn't miss anything either.
Our cabin was comfortable but the beds need to be updated soon. I had read other great reviews and had higher expectations. The dresser drawers were hanging off and we had to be careful pulling them out. I would have liked to have had our bed linen changed once during the cruise but that did not happen. And the carpet did not get a vacuuming at all. Not sure if this was cruise ship policy or cabin steward neglect. The bathroom was small as expected with very clean with lots of fresh clean towels.
We were fortunate to have a cabin steward who impressed us by remembering our names and always addressing us personally by name anytime he saw us in the hallway. He did an excellent job with towel animal surprises in our stateroom and since our friends we not as lucky with their steward's creativity, we called them over for photos and laughs.
We had a fantastic anniversary package delivered to our room and to theirs. We choose dinner at La Bistro and it was awesome! Most of our meals were taken in the Seven Seas and Four Seasons. Both were enjoyable. Not exemplary, but enjoyable non the less. The staff is outstanding in all three dining venues. We did find that the "heart healthy" options were not very heart healthy. Lots of sodium and cholorestorol.
We tried the Garden Buffet a few times for lunch and found that seating is definitely an issue. There is plenty of outside seating but on an Alaska Cruise in September, outside is not an option. Room service was quick, hot, and tasty.
We attended the entertainment most nights and it was enjoyable.
We are not big consumers of alcohol, but we did have wine with dinner one night with our anniversary package and it was OK. Afterward I thought I should have asked for an upgrade choice on the wine, but did not think of that at the time.
The serenade by the entire dining room staff was unexpected and much appreciated.
Embarkation in Vancouver was excellent, well organized and quick. We really appreciated choosing our time to leave which left us time for a great final breakfast in the dining room before the bus trip home.
We enjoyed the Captain's daily briefings and appreciated him notifying us of interesting scenery coming by soon on our journey.
Choosing our time to dine and where to dine was a plus for the 4 of us. We could sit where we wanted, when we wanted and enjoyed not having formal nights. Having cruised before, we enjoyed the formal nights once, but it is not something I would like to do on every cruise.
|
