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Barbara Rymshaw

Age: 62
Occupation: Secretary
Number of Cruises: Total of 4 - 1st time we went on Norwegian Line
Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Crown
Sailing Date: May 16th, 2004
Itinerary: Bermuda

I would like to share some of my adventure on the Norwegian Crown. Embarking and Disembarking went very well at Philadelphia. Our cabin (4102-Coral Deck outside cabin) was very roomy. My only complaint was that it was not a handicapped room, since my husband is in a wheelchair. The ship is equipped with only 4 handicapped rooms, first come first served. They did accommodate us by putting us very close to the elevator. It was very difficult for my husband to step up with a walker into the bathroom each time he had to use it.

As for food, it was tremendous. The Seven Seas Dining Room was elegant, the waiters, waitresses, maitre'd's so warm and friendly. The Yacht Club Buffets were out of this world, especially at tea time, and the uncomparable chocolate buffet, which they had on Thursday of our cruise week. We tried the Chopsticks restaurant and it was pretty good. They only have 3 choices of entrees though! We wanted to try the Italian Cafe, which is outside, but going outside with a wheel chair was an ordeal. I think it was on the Odyssey Deck where they had a ramp leading out to the outside. You definitely needed someone to hold the doors, while you attempted this. When you went out the door you had to go over to the right and go down yet another ramp. Once we got out to look around, getting back in was a real disaster. We need lots of help with this. We never went out after that since it was such a difficulty. Handicapped entrances really need improvement. The LeBistro restaurant look elegant, although we never went there.

All this aside, we made the most of the pluses that were available to us inside the ship. We attend most of the shows, which were superb. We took part in the trivia at least once a day. After lunch each day, my husband and I spent a lot of time in the card room, playing Yahtzee, Scrabble, Racko or Cards. This was very relaxing since it overlooked the beautiful docking points. There was also a bar there so I would have a cocktail each day while my husband would have a non-alcoholic beer.) One night they had a 50's 60's hop which we enjoyed very much. The Crown Club always had something going on. I understand there was entertainment outside all the time too! (although we couldn't take part in outside things becaue of our handicap). We tried our luck at the Casino once or twice. They have a nice bar in the Casino too! There were lots of activities going on all the time. Bingo, Trivia, dance lessons ( I went to learn cha-cha!), psychology topics, music appreciation hours - this was very interesting! There was a pianist who played daily at set times. The shops on board were very nice, too!

On the whole me and my husband had a lot of fun and enjoyed our cruise. Like I said, even though it was an older ship, the ease of embarking, disembarking, the food, kind and accomodating service, shows, activities were big pluses. My number one and only complaint is that more has to be done to accommodate older and handicapped people.

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