[ Cruise Reviews ]  [ Port Reviews ] [ Cruise Chat ]  [ Cruise Links ]  [ News ]

James Gentile

Age: 57
Occupation: Purchasing Agent
Number of Cruises: 2
Cruise Line: Norwegian
Ship: Crown
Sailing Date: October 31st, 2004
Itinerary: Bermuda

I felt committed to refute the negative comments made by several earlier reviewers. While I am not an experienced cruiser I'd like to think I have the intelligence and common sense to recognize if my money is being well spent. I must begin by saying that even though the Crown is a relatively small, older cruise ship it was well maintained and was clean in all areas. To a one the ships employees were very friendly, helpful and polite. Embarkation/Disembarkation- Both were well planned and proceeded without hiccups. We were onship within forty-five minutes of arrival and disemarked only slightly longer.

Food/Dining--
Freestyle Dining was wonderful. We never made reservations and never had to wait longer that ten minutes to be seated. We were always asked did we mind being seated with other people. While we never declined we observed people that did and they were seated just as promptly as us. We ate breakfasts and lunches at the Yacht Club Buffet and dinners at the Seven Seas Dining Room. For breakfast I suggest the omelet and waffle stations. Eggs on the buffet tend to be cold and runny. Food on the Buffet was tasty and above average. Wheras at the Seven Seas Dining Room it was excellent if not gourmet. Each Waitstaff team was superior to the best restaurants mainland. Keeping in mind they serve over 900 dinners each evening, we were greeted by first names when seated at a same waitstaff. High intelligence is the word that comes to mind when thinking of them.

Entertainment--
While the facilities limits Broadway production type shows, Simon, the amiable Cruise Director, offers a very enjoyable program for those that don't mind staying up past 10 PM.

Cabin--
I would book cabin 819 on the Lido Deck again. It was lower priced supposedly because of obstructed views. The lifeboats did not prevent having a good picture window view of Bermuda. It was clean and everything operated perfectly. The cabin stewardess was efficient and never in our way. She fulfilled every request made of her. We felt inclined to tip the ships service staff beyond the automatic assessments made on our bill.

Bermuda--
What can you say but a paradise on earth. The place to be if you were stuck in a "Groundhog Day" situation.

All in all a perfect vacation. Money well spent.

Ask a Question About NCL, Norwegian Cruise Lines