Cuisine/Dining
NCL has recognized the increasing trend away from formal restaurants (purpose: dining) toward bistros (purpose: eating faster). For cruising, NCL has championed more choices in dining than any other cruise line, except parent company Star Cruises, which started “Freestyle Dining.”
This allows you to try different types of cuisine, in different settings, when you want. In practice, however, it means that you have to make reservations, which can prove frustrating at times, and getting it just right takes a little planning and, often, waiting.
Freestyle Dining works best aboard the ships that have been specially designed to accommodate it: Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Pride of America.
On Formal Nights production show presentation nights, most people want to eat at the same time in order to see the shows, which has caused massive prime-time congestion, slow service and utter frustration. However, the ships now have plasma screens in various locations so you can make reservations when you want, and see at a glance the waiting times for a table; an updated version of its “Silverware” reservation program was being introduced in 2009.
After-dinner espresso/cappuccino coffees are available in the dining rooms without extra charge – a nice feature. Once each cruise, NCL features a Chocoholics Buffet with paper plates and plastic cutlery. The wine list is quite good, with many excellent wines in the $20–$30 range. But the wine is typically served by table waiters, whose knowledge of wines is minimal.
Cabin service breakfasts are very basic, with only Continental breakfast available and no hot food items – for those, you’ll need to go to a restaurant or self-serve buffet. The non-breakfast Room Service menu has only two hot items available throughout the day: Oriental soup and pizza – the rest is cold (salads and sandwiches).
The Coffee/Tea Factor: Regular Coffee: Weak and poor. Score: 2 out of 10.
Espresso/Cappuccino coffees: Score: 4 out of 10. Some bars have espresso/cappuccino machines, which are extra-charge items.
Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2010
