1st and Last Norwegian Cruise

[mrsbojamp]

I do agree with several posters who believe service has declined, most likely due to a cut in staff. We cruised the Breakaway this past January, and the Gem in April. I would not characterize either cruise as a disappointment by any means, however the service, particularly in bars and lounges, was poor. If I'm paying 18% gratuity either way - then my preference would be to remain seated while I enjoyed the entertainment, rather than get up, mosey to the bar, fight the crowd, try to get the bartender's attention, wait for my drink, and then try not to spill it as I make my way back to the seat. It's not stopping me from cruising, even on NCL, but it has been my experience recently.

[newmexicoNita]

I agree 1000000% about the coffee. It was god awful, even at the coffee bar thT charged a fee. So glad I'll have a coffee maker in our suite next cruise. That is the best ship coffee ever. I believe all cruise lines have a competition going on who can serve the worst coffee. On RCCI adventure class the coffee in the promenade bakery was excellent and FREE! Won't stop cruising because of yucky coffee

 

I also think the coffee on the ship is awful, especially in the buffet.In the MDR is it ok, but weak and in the VIP guest dining room, regardless of which restaurant they use, it is way too strong. Crisa, I happen to think NCL, all their ships we have sailed have the best buffets at sea. Of course we have not been on the Breakaway or the Getaway. As for the decline in service, I think it is a hit or miss. For the mostpart we have found the service to be outstanding and very friendly, but we have had a few issues as well.

Edited May 26, 2015 by newmexicoNita

[camarodrivenrs]

 

BTW: do you have any idea how hard it was to read your so called review It you had used paragraphs it would have been a lot easier.

 

 

Very right. I've no idea what your review said because its basically impossible to read that way.

[sjnyc323]

Just curious to you let officers know of all these situations while on board so they could fix them or did you wait until you got home to complain on cruise critic???

[suecruises]

Just curious to you let officers know of all these situations while on board so they could fix them or did you wait until you got home to complain on cruise critic???

 

We complained to the Maitre d' - Anna Marie, repeatedly. So to answer your "question" - we did not wait until we got home to complain on cruise critic????????????? - and now realize what a waste of time it was to post anything on these boards as all it does is open you up to attack. Some forum.

[pfm18]

We complained to the Maitre d' - Anna Marie, repeatedly. So to answer your "question" - we did not wait until we got home to complain on cruise critic????????????? - and now realize what a waste of time it was to post anything on these boards as all it does is open you up to attack. Some forum.

 

As I've repeatedly said "Anna Marie" and all of the other staff on the ship are abused 3rd world citizens, perhaps if you would show a little respect then we wouldn't be having this thread.

 

 

Thankfully you're leaving NCL so all NCL cruisers can cruise safe in the knowledge that you won't be there.

[sjnyc323]

We complained to the Maitre d' - Anna Marie, repeatedly. So to answer your "question" - we did not wait until we got home to complain on cruise critic????????????? - and now realize what a waste of time it was to post anything on these boards as all it does is open you up to attack. Some forum.

 

 

I meant higher then the maitre D. Not attacking you . I always go straight to the Hotel Director with any issues I have to get taken care of.

Edited May 26, 2015 by sjnyc323

[All-ready2cruise]

We complained to the Maitre d' - Anna Marie, repeatedly. So to answer your "question" - we did not wait until we got home to complain on cruise critic????????????? - and now realize what a waste of time it was to post anything on these boards as all it does is open you up to attack. Some forum.

 

And with that, we now all understand the problem. "the Maitre d' - Anna Marie" has a very specific job to do. Do you have any idea of what it is?

 

I've only cruised 4x's on NCL (have 3 more booked) but b/c I've read this forum and asked some questions and while I'd never consider myself an experienced cruiser, I do know the difference between speaking to a Maitre'd and a CD. Unfortunate that you didn't take the time to research your ports and the cruise line.

 

Sorry that you basically wasted your money when your experience could have been so much better.

 

I hope your next cruise will be better and much more enjoyable with whomever you choose to cruise.

[suecruises]

As I've repeatedly said "Anna Marie" and all of the other staff on the ship are abused 3rd world citizens, perhaps if you would show a little respect then we wouldn't be having this thread.

 

 

Thankfully you're leaving NCL so all NCL cruisers can cruise safe in the knowledge that you won't be there.[/quote

 

What a nice person you are - 3rd world citizen - you are a joke - she was as American as apple pie - you don't know the meaning of respect - thank God I won't have to read any more from you

[suecruises]

And with that, we now all understand the problem. "the Maitre d' - Anna Marie" has a very specific job to do. Do you have any idea of what it is?

 

I've only cruised 4x's on NCL (have 3 more booked) but b/c I've read this forum and asked some questions and while I'd never consider myself an experienced cruiser, I do know the difference between speaking to a Maitre'd and a CD. Unfortunate that you didn't take the time to research your ports and the cruise line.

 

Sorry that you basically wasted your money when your experience could have been so much better.

 

I hope your next cruise will be better and much more enjoyable with whomever you choose to cruise.

 

Gee I never knew that -wow, a CD - you would have been so helpful on my cruise - thanks so much for the education - such hateful, oops, helpful people on these forums

[moonieelf]

So, I've only been on one cruise, and it was the NCL Dawn the week of a hurricane. The port we were to dock at was all but decimated that week, so we were rerouted from Bermuda to the Bahamas (darn, right?) Even with the change in destination, and the crew basically having to fly by the seats of their pants, EVERY member of the crew was personable, kind, and funny! I'm sorry you had such a bad experience on the ship. Don't let one bad trip destroy your experience. Give them another chance to impress you.

[trinaM]

Thanks for posting your review

 

Thinking of trying something different the next time. Of the other cruise lines you've sailed on. Do you have a favorite and one that stands out?

 

I have liked Holland America for it's service quality (the stewards,mostly).

I have enjoyed princess. But ,more so in past ,as I don't like the diminished quality of entertainers and production shows as of late.

[All-ready2cruise]

Gee I never knew that -wow, a CD - you would have been so helpful on my cruise - thanks so much for the education - such hateful, oops, helpful people on these forums

 

 

Frankly, it would have been more helpful had you done some research but hey, live and learn... some learn faster than others...

 

don't worry you'll get there eventually.

 

Move on... you still have so much to learn.

[moonieelf]

Oh, we did have one badish experience on the ship. The blue lagoon served us cold fries. Not worth really getting huffy about, but we did complain on ship about it. The head of dining on the ship sent us to the Italian restaurant on ship as her guests. If you complain to the right people at the right time, they will trip over their selves to make it right.

[don't-use-real-name]

If after apologies, gratuities, olive branch, etc. - perhaps a return visit to the

offending restaurant to see if in fact appropriate changes were made!

Did heads roll - was there any significant change in the way the food was

presented/prepared - the help serving - the attitude of the Maitre de etc.

Then a talk with the Hotel Director (Not cruise director or Captain) commenting

about what was observed and the changes if any.

It is only FAIR that after voicing a complaint and the crew making an effort

to correct the shortcomings that the head honcho of the ship (Hotel Director)

be advised of your follow-up. If you do not go back then your complaint maybe

come worthless and nothing happens to correct the situation for cruisers with

the same or similar critique. Well we got rid of that complainer with a cheap

bottle of bilge water. Whew hope to never hear from that person again !

Opps !!!!! "They are back" We better be on our toes ! Ah er sorry your last

experience was not what you expected - heads off to the galley - the food must

be HOT and the ICE not melting - and I don't care - put two servers on THAT

table - NO complaints ya hear !

 

With a bit of hyperbole hope you do follow thru when apologies, gratuities,

olive branch, etc. are extended. It will go a long way to making the cruising

experience better perhaps for the next boat load !

 

Make your complaint - critique meaningful ***

 

*** but don't get escorted off the ship because of it - be reasonable - factual !

[spookyfudge]

I guess you eliminated the Norwegian cruise lines for me, thanks!

 

Sent from my KFTHWI using Forums mobile app

[newmexicoNita]

I have liked Holland America for it's service quality (the stewards,mostly).

I have enjoyed princess. But ,more so in past ,as I don't like the diminished quality of entertainers and production shows as of late.

 

We too like HAl, and yes, due to the quality of service, but we like the relaxed frinedly service on NCl. As for Princess, 3 cruises on them and none measured up to the hype we expected based on the Princess loyalists. No, they were not bad cruises by anymeans, but not the service we get on both HAL and NCL. As I said, NCL service for us, is good in a different way from HAL. I think this is why I am always shocked when I read a poster claiming the serice was awful.

Edited May 27, 2015 by newmexicoNita