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Norwegian Sea Cruise : Trip Report
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The Ship

The combination of the recent refurbishing of the Norwegian Sea and fantastic bargains on the Western Caribbean itinerary ($199 per person on our itinerary) made it difficult to pass up. This was also the first time we've been on a cruise. We were not disappointed. The best part about this itinerary is that it departs out of the very convenient Port of Miami. When we got underway around 5pm we took in the view of Miami and Miami Beach just before sunset.

The ship itself has 9 guest decks, is 700ft long, 93ft wide and carries up to 1518 passengers. By modern cruise ship standards its a small boat. The rooms are very small as is typical of cruise ships. None of the staterooms have balconies on this ship. There are four restaurants, several bars scattered throughout, a casino, two pools, sports facilities and an internet café. You can find detailed specs on NCL's website.

Lily and I opted for a larger stateroom since we were traveling with a baby. The ship also provided a decent crib that still just barely fit. Even with a bigger room it was a tight squeeze with two adults, a baby, scuba gear and baby supplies.

Our fitness instructor Jennet kept us trim. We participated in the Ocean in Motion program so we can "earn" a free t-shirt with golf contests, walks on the deck, basketball contests and assorted stretching/yoga, you-name- it activities. Despite the activity we all still gained weight on this trip.

The crew was very very friendly and got us everything we needed including a crib (new, and setup in our room). Baby Jasmine was a celebrity on the cruise. Most people would stop, say hello to Jasmine. Especially other parents with children of their own. One older lady outstretched her arms to me and said "I'll take her!" Another said "Is that Jasmine? I saw her yesterday [with Betsy on the shore excursion to the Caymans]." Jasmine was given lots of attention by the waistaff! They would hold her and coo to her while we ate.
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The Norwegian Sea docked in Miami.
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Typical Inside Stateroom.
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Before picture of Betsy and Howard.
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Taking in Miami Beach as we left.
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Howard trying out the driving range.
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The girls just relaxing.
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The jogging track on the 6th floor.
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Dated decor in one of the lobbies.
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Sitting area near elevators.
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The two story lobby.
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A closer view of the crystal sculpture which we referred to as the 'bones'
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The back of the ship docked in Cozumel.
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The Dining

The food and service on the Norwegian Sea was excellent. The Seven Seas and the Four Seasons featured identical menus and white glove service -- very fancy! If you bought a bottle of wine and didn't finish it, they would save it for your next meal. Dress was casual but no shorts, t-shirts or tank tops. Food varied ever day and always included a lighter option and a vegetarian option in addition to the usual beef, chicken and/or fish selections. I usually opted for the light options which were all very good. Some didn't seem very light however. Maybe they meant that in comparison to the regular offerings?

At dinner we each could not decide between the appetizers, entrees, desserts so we often ordered all of them (A typical line from Howard was "I'll have orange, pineapple, grapefruit juice, the vegetarian entree, the seafood and beef entrees, and three of the desserts, please"). For example, one night we have proscuitto with fruit, escargot, soup, salad, Beef Wellington, Seared Halibut, ice cream sundae and more. That's how we gained so much weight!

The food in the buffets on the other had was spotty. If you don't mind just basic pancakes and scrambled eggs for breakfast and burgers, pizza or pasta for lunch/dinner then they're ok. I guess if you don't want to dress up it's fine but we're here for the food so we usually skipped them. The main exceptions were the paella and sushi. Both were quite good!!! The smoothies were delicious.

There was a SPECTACULAR chocolate bar -- truffles, dipped fruit, candies, mile-high sculptures and heavy tables laid 100 feet long times 2. Howard and Betsy brought Ziploc bags so we had plenty to snack on for the next couple days. I had already crashed for the evening, mostly from eating too much all day.
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Howard about to try the tapas.
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Betsy chose the healthier cantaloupe.
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That's a lotta paella!
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The Seven Seas dining room.
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The Four Seasons next door.
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Free sushi!!!
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In Summary

We had a good time! We all gained weight on this trip despite doing every on-ship fitness activity we could make. Ugh. The only thing that could have made it better would be less time at sea which is difficult to avoid on such a short trip.
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Betsy and Howard.
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Greg and Lily.
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A beautiful sunset the last night at sea.
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