NCL's "Norway".....Final Transatlantic Voyage....Mr. Therault?
 

Hello! <BR> <BR>I've booked on the 16-day September "Final Voyage" of the Norway, Miami to Southampton. I've booked one of the catagory "CC" (formerly known as "A") supierior deluxe outside staterooms (these were the former top-of-the-line first class cabins when she was SS France). It is 264 sq ft with 2 portholes on Viking Deck amidships. <BR> <BR>Does anyone know much about these accomidations? I was wondering if they are still somewhat "original". <BR> <BR>Now here's my big question....do you think NCL will be running a tight ship on this voyage, or will they let her go to "pot" as she is leaving? I've saild previously on the Norway (in a penthouse in Jan 2000) and I liked the ship but I DID NOT like NCL at all! We had loads of problems (inc missing embarkation in Miami (!) due to NCL air/sea program AND a suitcase the vanished 3 days later btw the tender and the ship at the first port of call) and we received no help while aboard. We were told to write a letter to NCL as soon as we got home and "all would be taken care of". Well, FIVE certified letters, 10 phone calls, and 10 faxes later,.....we received at coupon for $100 off of onboard expenses of next NCL cruise! I swore I would NEVER give NCL business again, but I can't resist this trip (I'm a classic liner buff). <BR> <BR>I respect the opinions and comments of so many people on this board. And I'd like to hear from Mr. Paul Therault, although I'm afraid it'll be bad news! (Paul is a TA who always posts level-headed replies and is not a fan of NCL). <BR> <BR>Hope to get lots of replies from you all out there! Thanks! <BR> <BR>Michael <BR>NYC

I was going to go on this voyage, but decided not to after hearing "mixed reviews" about the Norway.

I'm hoping it'll be a great trip!

Where is the Norway going? Is she to be scrapped?

I've heard the Norway is going to Asia to be used as a floating gambling ship. I can't confirm this.

I've heard that the Norway is a bit "tired" and I've even heard that some of her staterooms smell musty and old!

Hi Michael,<BR><BR>Since you are a passenger that loves the old ships and I imagine the price is reasonable. Go.<BR><BR>Try to keep an open mind and not be critical.<BR><BR>Just do not expect the elegant SS France. The time has taken it's toll.<BR><BR>Who knows, Star Cruises may turn it back to it's old elegance. I sure hope so.<BR><BR>I sure you will enjoy re-living that old ship experience. Have a safe trip.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

The cost of this 16 day trip was $2100 per person. I think it's more than reasonable! I know not to expect "SS France" service and glamour, but I hope NCL does a bit more than they usually do for the regular 7 day Carib run!

Why does it take 16 days to go transatlantic? Are you making lots of stops? <BR><BR>I've heard some real "doozies" about NCL! I hope everything goes well for you, but don't expect much.

Hi Dori,<BR><BR>We leave from Miami on September 2nd, sailing to Southampton. Our ports of call on the way are NYC, Halifax, St John NB, Glasgow, Dublin, and Le Harve.<BR><BR>The Norway's top speed is only about 18 knots, as half her engines AND two of her four propellers were removed during her conversion from the transatlantic liner SS France (where speed was important, 32 knots) to the cruise ship Norway, who was meant to sail leisurely through the Carribbean. So, it will be a slow crossing, unlike the speedy ones of the past.<BR>Another interesting note: When the two new upper luxury balconied decks were installed in 1990, the unused engine room was filled with tons of concrete to give the Norway the now-needed ballast!

Interesting posts Michael.<BR><BR>Now I know why you wish to sail this classic old lady.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful cruise!<BR><BR>Paul

I was able to get a last-minute cancellation for this trip. It's a tiny inside single, but at least I'll be aboard. <BR> <BR>I, too, am wondering about the condition of the vessel? Any comments, Fodor Posters?

I just back from a 7-day Carib cruise. I noticed that the carpets seemed new! My inside cabin on Pool Deck was small but comfy with a double bed and a stall shower.

We sailed the Norway last week to the eastern Carribean and found the service, the food and the friendliness of the staff to be head-and-shoulders above our Holland America cruise last year. It is an older ship, of course, and could certainly use refurbishing. Unfortunately, this ship has now been detained at Miami this week due to safety violations and repairs must be made before being allowed to sail again. This week's cruise has been cancelled and the passengers sent home. What a huge dissappointment that would be. We also had an unfortunate incident when a crew member jumped overboard in the middle of the night. He was located alive a few hours later and the captain said he almost ran over him in the rescue attempt. Rumors were rampant about what caused him to do this.

The news of the ship's detention in the Port of Miami certainly was distressing to hear! <BR> <BR>I wonder why that crewman dove off the ship?

I can't resist sharing this thought from another poster from another web site: <BR> <BR>"It's looks like NCL has also pracaticing "Freestyle Maintanence". <BR> <BR>Hahahahaha......how funny!

We had a small, outside cabin and it was very clean. There were details in the bathroom that showed signs of age, but they weren't cleanliness isues. We saw much bigger cabins that were lovely. She was ship-shape, and we had great service. We did have one problem with lost luggage courtesy of the airline, and the girl at the purser's desk was rude and of no help. We tried to deal with the front line at the Purser's desk but got nowhere, so we called and requested the Chief Purser. She got things done and was very apologetic about how we'd been treated. Thanks to her diligent efforts calling multiple airlines, we were reunited with our missing bag on our flight home. The airlines lost our bag twice, and had it not been for her follow-up I don't know if we'd recovered it.

<BR>To the last poster: Wow, that really is awful to lose a bag and not have it for the cruise! This happened to me on the Norway once (it was NCL's fault) and I was given $300 to buy new clothes onboard. But as you know, men's clothes on a ship are a) not cheap, and b) not very fashionable! But at least I got something out of NCL. The bag was on the wrong ship and had a trip to Mexico w/o me, and was riflred through by Mexican Customs, who helped themselves to cuff links and studs. Oh well. <BR> <BR>To the recent posts about Paul Therault being a charlatan: Oh please! Who would do that? He's just a man who knows a lot of info, and some folks don't like it when someone is smarter than they are! I 've always found his advice to be on the money!

<BR>Thanks for your kind words Michael. <BR> <BR>I am anxiously waiting to hear your report on the Norway that you are sailing in September. <BR> <BR>The old grand dame is leaving the U.S. forever. Sort of historic, what say? <BR> <BR>Paul

Yes, this is a very historic trip. The ship is still, even with all the new giants, the LONGEST ship in the world! (No longer the largest, thought)<BR><BR>She is quite a sight to behold in the harbor. But, alas, she is leaving!<BR><BR>I just hope her interiors match her splendid exterior!