I've done 2 NCL cruises both on Norwegian Crown. One was was in the late 90's to Bermuda BEFORE NCL introduced Freestyle Cruising. The second was about 3 years ago. The difference was amazing! I love the traditional dining and we were told on the 2nd cruise that it was still available...WRONG! The new idea of "traditional" is you stand in line every night to be seated at a different table every night with different waitstaff so they never get to know your likes and dislikes. I think the biggest problem was the Crown being an older ship was not set up for Freestyle! We had a great cabin so we actually opted for room service dinners several nights of the cruise.

Did I have a good time? Oh, yes! No such thing as a bad cruise for me!

As far as paying $4 for daily newsletters???? BIG rip off! I never heard of such a thing! And, spitting 12-year-olds? Where were the parents???

I wish you had enjoyed your cruise more, peebeegee.

Terry

Completely agree with you Liz - so did we which is why we booked. Last night on Dawn; steak or lobster on the menu and both great. Star had no such options and would you believe that the "Captain's Farewell Dinner" has been abolished in favour of a "Chef's Dinner" Yes you probably would!
Cheers Paul

In our house "Chief's Dinner " means left overs ! Hope it was better than that type of dinner.

To end this we received a cheque in the post this morning reimbursing us for the internet charges The attached letter hoped that this experience would not stop us cruising with NCL again
Princess - here we come
Cheers. Paul

Nice to hear something good came out of this unhappy cruise experience.

Booked something with Princess yet?

Too right we have (in fact it was booked long ago)
Sapphire Princess - Beijing to Singapore - November 2006.
Hence asking about the Wake Bar.
Cheers Paul

Too right
Booked months ago on Sapphire Princess - Beijing to Singapore in November 2006 hence my comments about the Wake Bar
Cheers. Paul

Great itinerary Paul...should be a fascinating trip...and hopefully, the refund from NCL will buy a couple of cocktails at the 'Wake Bar'

Darn, Sorry to hear about your experience peebeegee.

I was on the Jewel early February & I have no complaint as far as the food or service goes. Daily News Letter was on our bed everyday without the extra charges.

The only complaint I have is that the drinks are too expensive although we manage to board some in our luggage but that another experience by itself

BTW Kids spitting over board is a parent issue & not a cruise liner issue.
Cheers

Marc

Marc; I completely agree with you about the parents being responsible - or at least in this case being totally irresponsible - but if you had seen the sorts of so called adults onboard then you would not be surprised. Whether it is that particular itinerary or ship, whether it is a concious decision of NCL to try to attract that sort of customer I have no idea but won't be attempting to find out with NCL again. We too sailed on Jewel back last year and had no such problems.
Cheers. Paul