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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Leeward

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Jean Wilson
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: April 9, 1997
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

We took the 4-day cruise from Miami to Key West FL and Cozumel Mexico.We had only a few hours in Key West, and would have liked more time to explore the island. We had plenty of time in Mexico.

NCL was very well organized. They met us at the airport, took us to our hotel, and got us from the hotel to the ship in a professional manner. I was very impressed with the personnel who handled our transfers.

We booked the cheapest outside cabin, and it was fine for our needs. We spent very little time in our cabin, however. The cabin steward was very efficient.

The food is the low point on this cruise. Waiter service was only average, and although the food always looked very appealing, when you took a bite, you had flashbacks to the school cafeteria. They frequently recycle the leftovers into other dishes, and it's obvious. The midnite buffet is also primarily leftovers. If you miss the dinner bell, your alternative is the Sports Bar, where the same menu is served daily, mostly hamburgers and the like. Even the Sports Bar buffet closes at non-mealtimes, and we sometimes found that no food was available if we wanted a snack. First time cruisers seemed satisfied, while veteran cruisers were not.

In Key West, you can tour President Harry Truman's little White House, and Ernest Hemmingway's home. We walked down to the southernmost point in the USA. (We should have rented a motor scooter.)In Mexico, the big activity is snorkeling and Scuba diving. On board, shows vary from good to fair. They really promote their casino. The music in the lounge was a little loud for our taste, but then we're old folks! This is a small ship, so there are not the variety of activities that one finds on the larger ones. The pool area is wall to wall people, but they have a great band playing and the bar service is excellent.

There is a full gym on board, but there are no windows, so it's like exercising in a big closet.

We saw some very small rooms dedicated to children, and we understand that babysitting is available.