Overall Score

BERLITZ'S RATING
	Possible	Achieved
Ship	500	424
Accommodation	200	156
Food	400	290
Service	400	284
Entertainment	100	66
Cruise	400	303

How this score is created

This ship, built from 67 pre-assembled blocks, and whose basic design and layout is similar to that of Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star, features a “pod” propulsion system for vibration-free cruising. The ship’s white hull has a colourful, funky string of pearl design along its sides. There are plenty of deck lounge chairs (in fact, the number is greater than the number of passengers carried). Water slides are included for the adult swimming pools (children have their own pools at the ship’s stern – out of sight of the adult areas).

Inside the ship, you’ll be met by an entertaining, eclectic mix of colors and decor that you probably wouldn’t have in your home, and yet somehow they all work extremely well in this large resort ship setting designed to attract the young, active, and trendy.

There are 13 bars and lounges to enjoy, including “Bar Central,” three specialty bars that interconnect with the lobby, yet feature distinct personalities.

Much space is devoted to children’s facilities, all of which are thoughtfully tucked well away from adult recreation areas, at the aft end of the ship. Children of all ages will get to play in a superb wet ’n’ wild space-themed water park (complete with large pool, water slide, and paddle pool). There’s a room full of cots for toddlers to use for sleepovers, and even the toilets are at a special low height. Teens, too, are well catered for, and have their own cinema, discotheque with dance floor, and hot tub.

Plenty of choices, including many dining options, add up to a very attractive holiday package, particularly suitable for families with children, in a contemporary floating leisure center that really does provide ample facilities for you to have an enjoyable time. The dress code is very casual (no jacket and tie needed, although you are welcome to dress formally if you wish).

Although service levels and finesse may be inconsistent, the level of hospitality aboard NCL ships is good – made better and brighter by the addition of a good number of Asian female staff. Despite the company’s name (Norwegian Cruise Line), there’s little that’s Norwegian about this product, except for some senior officers. There’s plenty of lively music, constant activity, entertainment, and food that is mainstream and acceptable but nothing more (unless you pay extra to eat in the “alternative” dining spots).

While the initial cruise fare is reasonable, extra costs and charges soon mount up if you want to sample more than the basics. The ship is full of revenue centers which are designed to help you part with even more money than what is paid for in the price of your cruise ticket. You can expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches, “inch of gold/silver” and other promotions.

The onboard currency is the US dollar. Gratuities for staff (cabin attendants, dining room waiters, etc.) are automatically added to your onboard account at $10 per person, per day; you can, however, reduce or otherwise amend these if necessary before you disembark. In addition, a 15% gratuity is added to all bar and spa treatment accounts

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008