Since I live in New York, it was a pleasure not flying to and from a port to get on the ship. I could pack as much as I want without worrying about weight and costs. So I bought 14 pairs of shoes!
Embarkation and Disembarkation - could of been less hectic. There are over 4,000 guests on this ship and even though they stagger the times you can get on and off, it is still very chaotic - almost two hours to disembark. (2 stars)
Accommodations - Rooms were very nice. Bathroom shower was very large. The 5th floor is really their first floor of rooms, but it is not at the bottom of the ship. No problem.(4 stars)
Food - We ate at the Manhattan Room the first night, and found the food was OK. One night at the Brazillian Churrusaria and the Seafood restaurant (extra charge for the two). Great service and the food was excellent. We frequented the Buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Best buffet - plentiful and varied. Every night there was a theme. On Caribbean night, they had Oxtails, peas and rice and plantains! So good I had to personally compliment the chef. Italian night, Asian night with grilled lamb chops and I could go on. All were fabulous. (5 stars)
Entertainment - So much going on all day and night - 5 stars - The ship is equipped with 22 bars. Something was happening at each and every one of them after 5pm. The main atrium was non-stop all day long. Comedy show was entertaining. Broadway show lacking.
Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club - I want to include this separately because this show is awesome. Different show each night. Interactive, bluesy, and entertaining. I was part of a Tina Turner dance off to "Rollin on the River" Hilarious.(5 stars)
Atrium - adult section - you can lay out in the sun, cool off in the water falls, bathe in the hot tub and have your drinks bought to you. Great sleeping and reading area during the day. (5 stars)
Kids/Teens Program - Excellent. I bought my 16 year old grandson. He immediately made friends on the first day. I hardly saw him throughout out the week. (5 stars)
Bermuda - We docked there for two days. This is a unique port of call because you have to take a taxi, boat or trolley to see the Island. The boat docks at the Navy Yard which is touristy and pricey. There are souvenir shops, and access to a beach that is part of a prepaid Norwegian excursion. If you are a beach person, take a taxi and go to Horseshoe Bay beach (pictures below). A little crowded but a nicer beach. We went to Hamilton for a festival and parade. Again Bermuda prices are not for the faint of heart. (five stars)
Pros - Hot dog carts! Late night food at O'Sheehans, all inclusive ultimate drink package was included in price, Excellent DJ, 80's party and dancing under the stars. Entourage--the teen program. The App that allows you to stay in touch with others by way of a text is a plus. You need to download it before you leave New York to save on international data charges and it cost approx $10/day. It would of saved me personally a lot of time checking on my grandson throughout the cruise. The water slide and the children only pool.
Cons - The adult pool was too small and was dominated by the 18-35 crowd daily, and the same at Bliss the nightclub. If drinks were not included as a promo, I personally don't think it's worth getting the package as the drinks were not of the same quality as you would get outside. Too many sea days would have liked to visit another port of call. Gym was crowded and too small. Internet slow and crashed often.
This was a great cruise and a great ship. I highly recommend it for small groups and those that live in the tri-state area. This was one of those....."I need a vacation after my vacation" kind of trip.
