This was our fourth cruise on NCL, and unfortunately, we found it disappointing compared to previous sailings which were all top-notch.
We sailed to the Western Caribbean in December from New Orleans. We stayed at the Hotel St. Marie, where we had a good deal right in the heart of the French Quarter. The taxi ride to the pier was interesting as our driver told us they have been changing the procedure each week as they try to figure out the best logistics for the cruisers. With all the misturns, I was glad the taxi rate is a flat fee. Nevertheless, we arrived at the pier a little early, checked our bags, and walked through the Riverwalk where we were able to take some nice pictures of the ship. With priority boarding due to our suite booking, we sailed through the embarkation process during which time we were introduced to Patrick, our concierge, and taken to Cagney's for an elegant lunch while we waited for other family members who were not in suites to embark.
Our cabin was ready early. The suite was set up basically like other cabins, but a bit larger, with a curtain to separate the bed from the rest of the room. Room 10726 is a corner suite, which means a nice deep aft balcony and no neighbors on one side. There was more than ample storage, an espresso coffee maker, a full size tub (what a treat!), two lounge chairs on the balcony, and a bottle of sparkling wine waiting for us in the room. We started enjoying the room, the balcony, and the wine and missed the CC meet-up at the Bier Garten entirely! Although our initial impression of the room was positive, over the seven days we gradually noticed little things like baseboards falling off the wall, grimy doors, and trinkets that were evidently left in corners by previous suite guests, that made us question both the overall maintenance and the routine cleaning. This has not been true on any other NCL cruise and we were surprised to have threadbare towels and one day a slightly stained bed cover. Each thing we noticed was minor by itself, but overall the sheer number of small things started to build.
Nice balcony in the aft-corner of Deck 10. Across from supply closet, some noise in the morning. Mostly quiet. Lots of storage, full tub, nice vanity, espresso maker, table and 4 chairs.