Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.
>>> Reader Reviews >>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery >>> Join Our Cruise Club.
Latest News...Norwegian Cruise Line today announced additional details for its private island transformation on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas headlined by a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in summer 2026, and more incredible experiences to bring unforgettable adventures and endless relaxation for its guests. From cliff jumps and jet karts to swim-up bars and splash zones...
Latest News...Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) today reported second quarter Earnings per Share ("EPS") of $4.41 and Adjusted EPS of $4.38. These results were better than the company's guidance due to strong close-in demand, lower costs driven primarily by timing, and favorability below the line driven primarily by the outperformance of TUI Cruises and lower....
Latest News...Holland America Line is unveiling an evolution of its onboard entertainment experience, rolling out across the fleet now through next year. The enhancements include more live music, revitalized World Stage productions, immersive cultural programming and a dynamic new entertainment team structure. Guests are already seeing the transformation on six ships, with more to follow by year's end. ...
[ 04-03-2009: Message edited by: GregD ]
For now I like what I see when it comes to interior design, the water slide looks cool too.
I'm starting to think that if NCL play their cards right they could have something with this ship - something like Easy Cruise at a larger scale, but the cruise fares would have to be low for a 7-day cruise compared to the competition.
My concerns are too many restaurants, perhaps not enough lounges with dancing, very crowded pool area, limited stairs/elevators, and the density. They layout will either handle the crowds very well, or this ship will feel very crowded. We won't know for sure until she starts sailing with full loads (and of course there will be plenty of kids).
Overall this will be a ship I want to try, which I have said all along. Unfortunately nothing will be able to help the hideous exterior.
Ernie
La Cucina looks unforgivably kitsch (why can't an Italian restaurant on a ship be stylish?) but otherwise most of the restaurants look sleek, modern and quite appealing.
And I still like the cabins though I'm not sure about the bathroom design or the "studio" concept.
The various nightclub/lounge areas (mostly revealed quite a while ago) all look pretty dreadful though.
Altogether this will be interesting ship if one can get over how outrageously ugly it is on the outside. As Ernie points out, the high passenger density and poor crew assenger ratio are concerns though.
quote:Originally posted by eroller:"My concerns are too many restaurants..."
Is that possible?
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman:... (why can't an Italian restaurant on a ship be stylish?)...
But the problem with Italian restaurants on American cruise ships is that they generally cater for a crowd which thinks "pizza and pasta" (or Olive Garden) when they think of "Italian food" - a crowd which, in general, has seldom or never encountered real Italian food.
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman:why can't an Italian restaurant on a ship be stylish?
Surely Princess's Sabatini's restaurants are a cut above. Certainly no way they can be described as as pizza and pasta parlours.
quote:Originally posted by greybeard:Surely Princess's Sabatini's restaurants are a cut above. Certainly no way they can be described as as pizza and pasta parlours.
They are excellent. Better than many Italian restaurants I have dined in in Italy. The lovely presentation and high quality of the ingredients made the difference.
quote:Originally posted by Waynaro:
Dining AND dancing in a stunning multi-deck dining room w/skylights. I can almost see 'Nonnie' singing 'The Morning After' on the bandstand.
[ 04-07-2009: Message edited by: lasuvidaboy ]
quote:Originally posted by lasuvidaboy:They are excellent. Better than many Italian restaurants I have dined in in Italy. The lovely presentation and high quality of the ingredients made the difference.
quote:Originally posted by Globaliser:What about Il Adagio on Norwegian Sun
Yes, there are a few Italian restaurants on ships that are pleasant-enough looking but most of them are hopelessly kitschy. I would like to see something really stylish, sleek and modern! After all, Italy is renowned for its modern design, even if that is not what the theme-park version of Italy looks like....
quote:Originally posted by dougnewman: Italy is renowned for its modern design, even if that is not what the theme-park version of Italy looks like....
If I really want good Italian food MSC is the cruiseline answer.
Just in Italy we had a fresh pork loin sandwich from a bodega in Rome. The head of the pig was in the window and must have been slaughtered that day. We had a gelato near the Trevi Fountain which made the ice cream on the Galaxy taste rancid.
My partner is Italian American and have had culinary delights from oral tradition recipes passed down from many villages in Calabria. Proper ingredients are at the South Philly Italian Market.
Doug, you mother is Italian? Dad Jewish?
I call it Pizza Bagel.
Ultimate Bulletin BoardTM 6.1.0.3
More Vacation & Cruise Specials...