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Age: 58
Occupation: Post Secondary Teacher
Number of Cruises: 20
Cruise Line: NCL
Ship: Norwegian Wind
Sailing Date: December 25th, 2004
Itinerary: Hawaii

I have been on over 18 cruises with Princess – with a Chinese cruise up the Yangtze and a float trip down the Colorado thrown in- and I took this identical cruise (the 10 day version) over the Christmas of 2002—having said this- I would like to say that I have never been on a cruise that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.

Again – over the Christmas and New Year of 2004 – I was treated to another relaxing cruise with the Norwegian Cruise Line on the Norwegian Wind.

I found the ship to be clean, well maintained, well staffed, and small enough to enjoy. I have to say that ‘mixing it up’ between cruise lines is not something to be avoided... everyone of them offers unique differences that I find refreshing.

Some pointers: I had a balcony two years ago and opted for an outside this time as I found that the sitting area in every outside room to be very nice and it saved lots of money-- that was better spent on going to the ‘Bistro’ every other night, ($15.00 cover), but well worth it! The ‘spa’ also offers great delights (for a price), but again with the outside room savings- truly affordable.

Is it better to live in an expensive house and not have the personal extras that make life special or live in a nice house and spend the difference on the special indulgences. Well you know my opinion- at least on this ship.

I found the shows to be very well done. I found that going to the early show was the best for several reasons. First, less crowed- going 20 minutes early – guaranteed a good seat. Second, everyone & I do mean everyone wanted to eat early- and if you didn’t want to sort through trying to get seated, finish dinner, and make the show—well you get the point. My ‘Bistro’ nights were no problem- as the reservation process and attention to service made the place a real hit. The specialties are to die for...

NCL pre-cruise and post-cruise packages are reasonable and worth consideration. Bring your Pass Port when ever you leave the mainland—I watched a woman refused passage because she didn’t think that she needed one. I can’t imagine how she didn’t know as that requirement is written everywhere, so heads-up.

I understand that NCL is selling/transferring the Wind to Europe this fall- so if you fancy a trip to Fanning Island on a classically driven ship.. the time in now!

Don’t get me wrong about my love of “Princess” they just don’t go everywhere yet! I have read some of the other reviews about the Norwegian Wind only to wonder what these people are like when they are home... I think that I have met some-- haven’t you?

I wish all of you great cruising.....

Home Based Travel Agent