This was my fifth time on NCL. Previously enjoyed the Dawn and the Jewel twice each on New England and Canada cruises. So the price was right and I decided to go on this one. Originally was scheduled for 4 DEC, but then the need for drydocking to repair the azipod thrust bearings cancelled it. NCL offered us a choice of another date close to original at the fare we paid, plus a $100. on board credit to sweeten the deal. Fortunately, I live only twelve miles from the pier, and can change my vacation easily.

I joined the roll call once we were booked, and met some very nice folks. We then watched the misfortune of the Jewel that was drydocked a week ahead of our ship. It ended up sailing a full day late, that shortened that cruise by a day. Unfortunately, its delay sort of snowballed into our ship also being delayed getting in to the drydock. Our ship finally sailed about 5 hours late.

Rather than getting into Port Canaveral too late for folks to take their shorex over to the Orlando theme parks, they decided to slow down and get to Port Canaveral at 8AM on the third day, and stay a full 12 hours. The only problem was that now we had to forgo entirely the call at Great Stirrup Cay. We went directly to Nassau instead, then returned to regular schecule. We received another $100 credit for our trouble. There were a lot of disappointed folks that wanted the day at the island. NCL took care of rearranging their shorex, but I don't know about those that arranged there own. Read more