The first day of our Norwegian Cruise was spent at sea. I like having a day at sea because it gives you a chance to relax and explore the ship. Enjoy it because depending on destinations, you will be on the go the rest of the cruise.

Although I’m writing about my 1st day on my ship, I’m on Day 4 and can say I’m really disappointed in Norwegian. I’ve been on several cruises before and the hospitality on this ship has been less than stellar. Our steward assistant has been less than welcoming. He barely speaks to us. He doesn’t clean or replenish items like soap or toilet paper. We always have to ask. I spilled some conditioner the other day and it’s still there. On other cruise lines our steward assistants have been awesome. I think it’s just his personality or he’s not feeling us. But when we walk by other steward assistants in the hallway, they are lovely and speak.

The food is pretty good but you have to pay extra for options like steak and lobster, where as on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity you don’t. It’s part of your meal plan. Norwegian nickels and dime you. There also isn’t set dinner times. You can eat whenever you want. There is a plus an minus side to this. One one hand you aren’t locked in to a time. But on the other hand, there might be a long wait and the waiters don’t know you. On most cruise lines you have a set dinner time and assigned seating. This is wonderful because your waiter gets to know you and what you like. For instance, on my last cruise my waiter always had my favorite drink waiting for me when I sat down. Also, the level of cleanliness was subpar during dinner. They didn’t even brush off your bread crumbs during the meal. When it was time for dessert, the waiter set my dessert spoon down in a pile of bread crumbs. We also ordered room service for breakfast TWICE and it never came. Here’s the kicker, you order it the night before and it’s only a continental breakfast. Croissants and Danishes. No bacon, eggs or pancakes – that’s extra. So it’s not like they had to whip up a great meal. So twice we left out for the day without anything to eat. And traveling with small kids that’s not good.

It’s that little attention to detail that’s lacking. It’s also little things like having to register to see a show. On other cruise lines you just go. No reservations are needed. It’s first come, first serve.

ASOS Ruffle Off The Shoulder In Rainbow Stripe
At sea.
Asos off the shoulder striped top
At Sea
ASOS Ruffle Off The Shoulder In Rainbow Stripe | Forever 21 Denim | Steve Madden Madylynn Sandals | Yellow Leather Crossbody from Italy
ASOS Ruffle Off The Shoulder In Rainbow Stripe | Forever 21 Denim | Steve Madden Madylynn Sandals | Yellow Leather Crossbody from Italy

We paid almost $700 for a cruise sponsored tour that absolutely sucked. It was the worst. Here’s a little tip, don’t buy the cruise sponsored tours. You are better off navigating the destination on your own. Rent a taxi. Take the train or some other form of public transportation. It’s worth it because you aren’t on a timed tour. You can explore and see things at your leisure and not feel rushed.  If I was traveling by myself, I would have done that but my mother was scared of missing the ship.

The best part of this cruise has been their kid’s club. I’ve been able to drop my nieces off for hours and let them play. They absolutely love it. Every day they ask if they can go. So that’s a plus.

This isn’t a post trying to bash Norwegian. It’s more of a comparison post to other cruise lines. I just wouldn’t choose this one if you haven’t been cruising before. Although this cruise line doesn’t rank high for me, it won’t discourage my love for cruises. I will always have the other cruise lines.