This was our first Norwegian cruise. We've cruised Royal and Carnival many times, but we found a great time and deal and decided to go. We were looking forward to trying another cruise line and with Norwegian being freestyle we were excited. I can honestly say we will be back, however we also learned a lot about the pluses and minuses (in our eyes) of the freestyle aspect.
Embarkation was not uneventful, but also not difficult. We were on the NCL Dawn and it had just arrived from a repositioning from Boston. We cruised out of NOLA and due to the new staff and we also heard some new crew we had some slow processes for embarkation. It was still quite manageable as we arrived around 9:30 and were on the ship having lunch by 12:30. Met some great people who became cruise friends while waiting so the time went by pretty fast.
I love having the option for a dining room lunch vs the buffet on embarkation day. It was slower to eat, but very peaceful as many went to the buffet for lunch. We went back to this dining room for dinner and it was SUPER SLOW!!!! The staff didn't even fill our water glasses or come by to ask how everything was or if we needed anything. We thought maybe it was first night issues, but came back another time and again felt like we should have gone elsewhere. This was at the Venetian. We went to the Aqua another evening and had such amazing service we tipped her extra money and told the Maitre'd what exceptional service we had. We ended up going back there and not to the Venetian any longer. We found the other cruise lines who offer the first and second dinner options much more special as the servers get to know you. However, once we found OUR special server at the Aqua, it seemed much nicer.
Our cabin was amazing for the size! We don't spend the extra for suites, but do for a balcony. We loved our room and it was SO VERY QUIET!!!! Highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a balcony cabin! We had cabins above and below and heard no noises from dining or clubs. Our friends had a suite and they were on the 12th floor and heard the chairs being slid around from the Garden Cafe before the sunrise!
New Orleans is not bad, but a busy and dirty city. We stayed at the Hilton Riverfront the night before our cruise. Hotel was very nice!!! We ate at the New Orleans Creole Cookery and it was amazing!!!!!
We have been to this port many times so just walked around. Every cruise port is beginning to look the same and have the same shopping options. Just an extension of the cruise.
We went off with some friends on our own. Had a great time at Playa de Cozumel. Food and snorkeling was amazing and the owners of this establishment are equally amazing! The taxi drivers tried to get us to a new place and we said no and glad we did. Found out they get kickbacks with those who get dropped off at the new place.
VERY NICE!!!!! This is a new private destination for Norwegian and we were the first ship to come there. We got to be a part of the ribbon cutting, which included local dancers, the First Lady of Belize, the VP/Sales for Norwegian and more. Champagne was passed out for all and it was quite fun! The Island has massive chairs and things to do. VERY, VERY Nice Port!!!!!
Beautiful port of call and probably the only one we've seen where they are still doing their local crafts. It's not too "cruise-i-fied", yet! There are the typical Diamonds and Tanzanite International, but also local places who are still showing off how they paint, craft, dance and more so it was fun walking through this port.