Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Dream Reviews

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Good Points: na

Bad Points: everything

General comments: Subject: NCL Dream Nov 14 2004 sailing Nov 22, 2004
The cruise mentioned was my 29th cruise overall. I have to say it was also my worst cruise experience and for many reasons. The ship though old was in fair to good condition. Our cabin was nice though the furniture was worn and the carpet needs replacing. It was unique though, as it faced forward and that was a great view.The problem I ascertained concerning NCL is they are cheap. By this I mean they are cutting corners with all amenities. I will make a list of all the things that I think they are lacking in.
1. You cannot get anything to eat after 10:00 pm. No midnight buffet. I never heard of any such thing.
2. Freestyle dining is a joke. We went to their main dining room twice for dinner and both times the experience was just plain awful. We went at two different times so it wasn't because of a certain rushed hour. After signing up, you then sit in a lounge for thirty minutes. Then they call you. After being seating it is at least a fifteen-minute wait until your order is taken. I noticed both nights that many tables around us had not even been bussed. A waiter would walk by from time to time on those unbussed tables and literally pick up one fork or plate and carry it to the dirty dish tray. The food was acceptable, but not great. The portions are small and the waiters do not know what utensils to place on your table for some items. Both dinners took near two hours to complete. I am convinced the reason NCL went to Freestyle Dining is to increase profits. They can control the passenger flow to their liking and thus reduce staff.
3. The other restaurants were better but not great. The Terraces is good for lunch and we had pretty good luck in the Trattoria. However, again the portions are very small. Steak Dianne in the Trattoria was pretty awful when you were expecting Steak Dianne. It was a tough round steak covered in some unfamiliar sauce. Yuk!
4. I like ships with assigned seating and times. It gives you the opportunity to meet fellow passengers and know your waiter. We never had the same waiter twice. Also on all ships there are alternate restaurants and you always have choices.
5. The afternoon buffets by the pool were popular, but I laughed when I looked at a pork chop just off the grill. It was about 1/4" think and cooked to the consistency of shoe leather.
6. Room service is available 24 hrs but with a very limited menu. We asked for a hamburger one afternoon and you would have thought we were asking for the moon. We did get it however.
7. The lounges are well staffed and for the most part the staff very friendly. My favorite lounge was the Observatory. It is on deck 12 and has a 270-degree panorama view. Three of the staff there were wonderful. We all became fast fiends. But again the money saving efforts of NCL showed its ugly head. Every night they had Karaoke instead of a nice combo. There was a good jazz band that appeared there from time to time but only for an hour at a time. Karaoke was the dominant theme and most nights was not well attended. The reason in my opinion is NCL saves money. Think about it, the nicest romantic lounge wasted on a poorly attended noise feast.
8. The Sports Bar is the Dream's answer to most Lido decks. It is buffet and to be very honest, the food is inedible. Again poor quality costs less.The first day out we had some high winds and moderate (12 - 15 Ft.) seas. We were three hours late arriving to Cozumel thus ruining many of the passenger's plans.
The ports of call included Cozumel, Roatan, Belize and Cancun. We had a good time in each and thought the itinerary was good.
Overall I must say I will never travel with NCL again. I do not recommend them or the Dream. The most important commodity they have is we their guests, and I think they have lost sight of that. Maybe they should study Holland America's attitude and ships. They could learn something.

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I liken this cruise ship to a ferry. As it is only ship out of Boston for an extended stay in Bermuda during May, I would take this tub again. But, it is my understanding both Dream and Majesty have been sold (2008)and are now leased back to Norwegian for season. So HOPEFULLY Boston will be offered a better ship in 2009.
Norwegian Dawn is a beautiful ship but you have to travel to Bayonne to cruise on Dawn.
We were suppose to land in St. George's for 4 days. But Captain decided not to attempt ...

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I think this ship is very dated, the food is poor. The ship is not very clean! Please don't waste your hard earned money and vacation time! Just for the record I'm not a first time cruiser, this was my 10th cruise and my last with NCL