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Mark & Cheryl
Age: 55 both
Occupation: Machine shop co-owner
Number of Cruises: 3
Sailing Date: December 27th, 2005

As this was our 3rd cruise with Norwegian we were really looking forward to it because of our great past experiences, one being on this very ship before it was extended. We convinced the other owner and his wife to come along with us. They have cruised once before with Princess and had a great time.

Sorry to report that we both did not enjoy the same experiences on this cruise as we had in the past. My husband and I were very disappointed in the ships over all appearance from the last time. It is very well used. We still found the cabins and the bed comfortable even though as one person in a review put it, it's like sleeping on a futon. The people who made up the rooms were great they surely do deserve part of the 200 dollar US mandatory tip applied to your bill at the end of the Cruise. They had our cabin clean, beds turned down, fresh towels (made the towels into creatures) every day and they were always smiling and very polite.

The free style cruising was good. We never had to pick a time to eat we could eat when and where we wanted. The food was great and if you didn't like something or wanted more of something all you had to do was ask. In the dinning rooms the staff was friendly and attentive.

We were disappointed the night of the chocolate midnight buffet that happened from 11:00 to 12:00. The four of us went to the show. They had a great comedian and he ran over the allotted time. When we all proceeded down to the buffet we were greeted by one of the young ladies in the dinning room telling us that there was nothing left. You could tell she was very upset. People were a little upset and continued to make their way into line to get some of the treats. The staff had no choice but to get back into the kitchen and bring out more of the chocolate goodies. That whole experience was bad, as they advertise this great feast. Needless to say we had a couple of treats and quickly left the room before things got any nastier.

The entertainment was good but not as good as the past cruises with NCL.

The most brutal part of the trip was the day we arrived back to the Hawaiian Island from Fanning Island. Getting through customs was a nightmare for a lot of people who had booked shore excursions to Kauai. There were only three customs officers for the whole ship. Our friends that went with us never did get to see the canyon because they were still trying to get through customs when their buss left without them.. There was another bus their and it tool them to some coffee plantations and some sight seeing, not at all what they had paid a lot of money for. They complained and after 2 days were told they had to make out a form and submit it for any reimbursement. They did and they finally received half of their money back. This was a little to late as they had missed their opportunity that they may never have again. They were really upset. It kind of put a damper on the rest of their trip. Also the final day in Honolulu they booked another trip to Pearl Harbor and after much discussion with the trip excursion desk people were assured that they had plenty of time for the tour before their flight home. My husband and I were still waiting for them at the airport when the airline was announcing last call for all passengers to please board. We could see them running to the terminal their belts and shoes in hand trying to get to the plane. They just made it back with maybe 5 minutes to spare before the plane would have left with out them. Our trip to the north shore was on time and great. So needless to say if yoy are booking any side trips be aware. Also some of the trips had different departing and completion times depending on which piece of paper you were reading.

All in all the whole trip was not a disaster. It was an experience, but we will not being cruising with Norwegian again. We just feel that they use to be a 5* and now they are maybe a 3*.

All 4 of us are still talking about our trip and we will for a long time to come. What a trip!!!!!!!
 

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