This was a trip for Daydream Excursions; the itinerary included Port Canaveral Florida, Great Stirrup Cay/NCL’s private Bahamian Island, and Nassau, Bahamas. This trip was our first time in a real suite and NCL did not disappoint as we received the highest level of service by far on any cruise we’ve ever experienced. NCL’s Suites and Villas come with Butler and Concierge service along with complimentary breakfast and lunch served in Cagney’s. Further, the concierge will assist you with priority tender access and show seating in the main theater.
NCL’s the magnificent service started almost immediately with the Director of all food services approaching my family at Cagney’s on embarkation day to discuss our son’s needs regarding his food allergies. This lady actually assisted us in cutting up food for our toddlers. I don’t think that is in her written job description but came straight from her heart.
Juremar, our butler, provided us with first rate service as trying to take our toddler twins out of the room to dine proved an exercise in futility!
Port Canaveral is a great jumping off point for day trips the the various theme parks in Orlando along with a visit to the Space Center. Great Stirrup Cay was great especially since NCL is using ferry boats instead of running lifeboats back and forth. Additionally, the ferry boats from ship to shore had a little water jet system to spray your feet/sandals with a jet of water to help clear off the sand prior to boarding the ferry…thought that was a great idea to mitigate the amount of sand piling up all over the carpet on board the Jewel. Nassau, Bahamas is also a jumping off point to for a day visit at the resorts in Cable beach or Atlantis on nearby Paradise Island. As there were 4 ships docked when we pulled in, exiting the pier area and entering Nassau by foot was quite crowded. While in Nassau, we spent some time at the British colonial Hilton. This hotel is a quick walk from the pier and located very close to the Straw Market. (A new straw market facility is currently under construction.) This Hilton offers a pool and small beach and is in a great location for a business trip to Nassau. In addition to the pool and beach, this property also offers a very nice restaurant, expansive lounge and a nice pool bar just off the beach.
I will add that the under two zoo in the Congo meeting room was really an afterthought and not up to par with other children’s facilities. I also had feedback from other guests that the organization of the Kids club, specifically wristband identification/alphabetizing could use some improvement.
PS, The bartender at Maltings knew how much I looked forward to my glass of Stella!
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- The Suite Life
