Looking for the France on the Norway
Nov 29th, 1999, 10:20 AM
#1
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Looking for the France on the Norway
I am taking a Caribbean cruise on NCL's flagship, the Norway, in Feb. 2000. The main purpose of my trip is to see and experience the S.S. France (the Norway's former name). I am a fan of "old-time" transatlantic travel (I have been on the QE 2 twice and will be going again in July 2000). I know the Norway is no longer the height of taste and elegance as she was from 1962 to 1974 as the France, but does anyone think I'll be severely shocked and/or disappointed? Or is there enough still there to this ocean liner fan?
Nov 30th, 1999, 03:23 AM
#3
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Hi Michael, <BR> <BR>I have read many posts like the one posted by Merriem about the S/S Norway being a bad experience. I have no desire to start any sort of flame war on this subject so I will just say that my wife and I cruised the Norway twice this year and had very positive experiences both cruises. The Norway is not for everyone. <BR> <BR>We cruised the Eastern Caribbean in January and the westbound transatlantic in August. Merriem is absolutely correct regarding the deep draft contributing to a very comfortable sailing even in the 15-20' seas of the north Atlantic. <BR> <BR>If you are going with the knowledge that the Norway IS an old vessel with her roots set in tradition then, in my opinion, you should have a wonderful time. You will definitely experience much of the original S/S France still present on the Norway. <BR> <BR>The Club Internationale is virtually the same as when it was the first-class smoking lounge on the France. There are many photos and memorabelia(sp?) throughout the ship dating back to the days as the S/S France. The twisty, right-angled corridors, 6-stair towers, 3 of which that only service the lower decks (a left-over from the "class system cruising" days) and the dining rooms with no windows or even port holes (another left-over, this time from the transatlantic crossing days) all make this ship all the more special to someone who is cruising her for what she is. <BR> <BR>There is a hidden area on the Fjord deck that is not on any of the deck plans. There used to be an enclosed court yard for the former first-class cabins. This is where the mid-ship pool was placed. There are two translucent blue panel doors, one on the port side and the other on starboard, that still lead into this area. There is a narrow corridor that surrounds the pool, between the pool and the existing staterooms where you can look into the pool through small portholes purposely built into the pool. <BR> <BR>If you are looking for the decor of the Titanic era ships, you will be disappointed. There is not the extensive wood paneling or grand staircase. There is the 1960's color scheme, futuristic, by 1960's standards, fixtures and enclosed promenades on both sides of the International deck. <BR> <BR>I must admit that I boarded the Norway with a certain degree of trepidation on our first cruise. By noon on the first full day aboard, while we were still getting lost, felt very much at home. <BR> <BR>If you have any specific questions, either post them on this forum or I'll be happy to answer them via email. <BR> <BR>Wishing you smooth seas and gentle breezes... <BR> <BR>R4 <BR>
Nov 30th, 1999, 07:45 AM
#4
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Michael, the previous poster had many good comments. I guess what bothered us the most was, if this is the flagship of NCL, why was the ship so poorly maintained. It is a shame to not care for something that there will not ever be another. Have a nice trip.
Dec 1st, 1999, 07:50 AM
#5
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The Norway has just undergone a complete updating with new carpets, etc. throughout. I hear she is spruced up and looking very good. NCL even had her entire hull stripped and repainted! <BR> <BR>I am not a fan of the Norway, being one who much prefers the newer and more modern cruiseships (though not the Vegas style glitzy ones!). However, with that said, I think you will find the SS France in her. <BR> <BR>The pluses for me were: great ports of call; SMOOTH ride; nostalgic feeling of the ship; good shows; good bar service; and inexpensive price. My complaints about her include: lousy service; long buffet lines; not enough seating for buffets; mediocre food; and a musty smelling cabin. I won't even go into how bad our waiter was, but that's the luck (bad luck) of the draw sometimes! <BR> <BR>
Dec 20th, 1999, 04:47 PM
#10
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Sailed on the Norway for my honeymoon in <BR>86..as my only other cruise had been on <BR>CCL's original ship the Mardi Gras (anyone remember her?) this was a step <BR>up. I thought Norway was beautiful, and <BR>Club Internationale was breathtaking.Since then I have been on newer Carnival ships and Norway's main <BR>drawback are those dinky shoe-box cabins <BR>in many instances. I see the prices are <BR>very attractive and I would like to sail her again..I would just make sure my cabin was nicer.. <BR> <BR>Mitch
Dec 22nd, 1999, 01:18 PM
#11
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Thanks, Mitch, for your response...and, yes, I have booked a large stateroom on the uppermost deck...due to her former status as a transatlantic liner used for transportation, not vacation, the Norway does have some unpleasantly small former tourist-class cabins (which were booked back then by people who just wanted transportation at a low price!)
