I see NCL has some great deals on the Norway.<BR>This is the first ship I cruised in 1983.<BR><BR>Has anyone been on her lately. I wonder if I should book. <BR>Any help?

Hi Elaine,<BR><BR>It's not the ship it was in 1983. Go with an open mind and keep saying &quot;I saved a lot of money, I saved a lot of money.&quot;<BR><BR>Paul

I WOULD NOT go, and save a lot of money on another ship. It is old, nasty, and stinks. With all of the bargains out there, the Norway wouldn't be one if it were free! Sorry........but it didn't age well.

Well, after all she is 42 years old!

Hi Elaine,<BR><BR>If you enjoy camping-out in the summer you will not mind the Norway. But as others say ..... there are plenty of good deals on other cruise lines if you look around.<BR><BR>Paul

There is no excuse for an old ship not to be maintained properly. The Cunard QE2 will be 34 next year and the Regal Empress will be turning 50. These ships are in very good shape as compared to the Norway which I believe was launched in 1961 which would make her 38 next year.<BR><BR>Paul

Thanks to everyone who replied to my post. Guess I will spend a little more and go for a different ship.<BR>

Elaine: The specials you see are nothing new. NCL has been running the &quot;AS LOW AS $299&quot; ads for a long time. Like most lines they advertise the lowest rate of the year and the least expensive cabin on the ship for that sailing. <BR>Over-all though, you'll find that the Norway is the least expensive ship out there and if you are willing to take into consideration what you're getting its not a bad deal. <BR>It goes to the same tropical ports all the other ships go to and will give you a clean bed, acceptable food and all the basics if you're willing to accept the other items mentioned by other posters. Carnival will probably be your next step up (price wise). Al

I have to say that if I were considering a $299 Norway cruise, I wpul;d seriously consider an all inclusive in Punta Cana as a better alternative. We've gotten one week all inclusives at Natura Park (4 star, fairly new, absolutly lovely resort on a stunning beach) for $500 -$600 a week total. All food ALL beverages (including alcoholic and soda), all sports like sailing, kayaking, tennis, mini golf, archery, kids programs etc), ALL TIPS and airfare<BR><BR>Don't forget, that includes airfare. With your $299 Norway cruise, you'll have to add airfare, possibly a precruise hotel, shore excursions, beverages, TIPS (this is substantial), and some activites. This will bring your total over the $600 you'll pay at a beautiful all inclusive.<BR><BR>And kids will pay even less at that AI.<BR><BR>Just something to consider if you are looking for a true bargain, not to mention real relaxation. No announcements, schedules, set dining times or formal nights.<BR><BR>Elaine, if you are seriously considering the NCL deal, I would consider this alternative.

We did the Eastern Caribbean on the Norway in Sept. 02' and had a blast! Yes, she is an older ship. Yes, she has a lot of old world charm. The rooms we clean, the food was wonderful, the people, both staff and guest, it goes to wonderful ports, there private island is wonderful, just like Gilligans Island! They work very hard to make up for an older ship. Remember you only paid 299.00. I would go on it again and again. And I have cruised on the QE2! It's in a class of her one! One woman that we met said that she was on the Norway for a 64 day trip in Europe and hit 4 hurricanes. She said the Norway was the ship she would want to be on if she ever hit a hurricane again...not one of the newer ships! Give her the respect she deserves!

Just skip the Norway, and spend your money where you get something for it. There are too many deals out there to bother with a ship that was going to be sold to be a casino. It's not nice, and not worth a free ticket........

Norwegain does not maintain their ships properly. They run them until they die and then sell them to foreign interests. They could not give the Norway to anyone. It would cost less to build a new ship.<BR><BR>Seriously, it is like camping-out. And if that is what you enjoy then sail the Norway and you will have a great time.<BR><BR>Go to cruisediva.com where you will see a recent honest review of the Norway by B.L.<BR><BR>Paul