Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	395
Accommodation	200	153
Food	400	264
Service	400	271
Entertainment	100	66
Cruise	400	278

How this score is created

Norwegian Crown is a well-designed and built ship, originally constructed for the now defunct Royal Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line operated the ship for several years, before it was transferred to Orient Lines in 2000, and then back to Norwegian Cruise Line in September 2003. The vessel has a relatively handsome exterior profile, and is now an all-white ship again (the royal blue hull having been painted white).

One nice feature is a full, wrap-around teak promenade deck outdoors, although it does become quite narrow at the fore part of the vessel; a jogging track is also to be found on the uppermost deck outdoors. There is one swimming pool outdoors on an aft lido deck.

Inside, there is generally a good passenger flow, ample space and fine-quality interiors. Generous amounts of warm woods and marble have been used in the decor, although there are many mirrored surfaces. A refurbishment in March 2003 changed some public rooms for the ship’s role change from an Orient Lines ship to a Norwegian Cruise Line ship incorporating “Freestyle Dining”.

The ship has a spacious layout and a good array of public rooms, including a lobby that is two decks high; a large, gold sculpture of the world (by Pomodoro) is located on the lower level, adjacent to the semi-circular staircase that connects the two levels. On the upper level there are boutiques, a piano lounge with bar, and a casino.

At the top of the ship is an observation lounge (called Top of the Crown) with panoramic views, which, in the evenings, becomes a nightclub. Other facilities include a library, an Internet Center (with four computer terminals), a cinema, and a palm court area. There is a center for children. Teens have their own separate hangout, with dance floor and high-tech sound and light system, and juice bar. A video arcade separates the teens from the children’s center.

Norwegian Crown should be a good choice for passengers wanting destination-intensive cruising in a ship that has some semblance of European quality, style, and charm, for what is really a very moderate cruise price offering value for money. A friendly and accommodating multinational crew helps make a cruise aboard the ship a pleasant, no-hassle experience.

Some of the paneling in passageways is scuffed (due, in part, to its light color), and lets down an otherwise pleasant, but undistinguished ship. While staff hospitality is generally good, there is little polish or finesse to service. Congestion occurs between first- and second-seating passengers on days when the captain’s cocktail parties are held in the showlounge, and a line forms outside.

NCL has sold this ship to the UK-based Fred Olsen Cruise Line. It will be renamed Balmoral and handed over in November 2007, when one of NCL’s newest ships will take over the itineraries operated by Norwegian Crown

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008