Please click on the individual photos to see their full size.  Background images and other accompanying graphics created exclusively for this review by Steve.

Introduction / Overview

To preface my review of the S/S Norway, I must state that this voyage was so much more to me than just a cruise to the Western Caribbean for 8 nights.  I have always had a deep passion for cruising and cruise ships and that has been what motivated me to pursue shipboard employment for the past two years.  The beauty and grace of the Norway have only fortified my love for the sea and ocean-going vessels, indeed.  The Norway is in a class of her own and she continues to ply the waters with strength, dignity, and grace even after her many modifications in her post-France years.  I have sailed on the Norway before and have been to the Caribbean countless times so I shall dedicate this review primarily to the ship herself and the many wonderful onboard experiences she continues to offer. 

We flew in to Miami one night prior to be refreshed for embarkation morning as I always prefer.  We stayed at the Sheraton Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami and had a view of the Port of Miami.  Upon awakening on Saturday, April 7^th, my eyes were drawn immediately to the twin-funnel graceful lady S/S Norway among a line-up of newer cruise ships by Carnival, NCL, and Royal Caribbean.  After a light breakfast, we caught a taxi to the Port of Miami.  Although the Explorer of the Seas did indeed dwarf the other vessels in port, my pride and emotions were drawn to the sleek lady two berths down.

The embarkation process left a little to be desired as we were in the “Latitudes” queue and were surpassed by the general boarding guests and also by others not following the signage.  Nonetheless, it was painless and it was time to embark the S/S Norway.  There were two gangway entrances provided and we proceeded to that further forward.  We walked onto the Norway after having customary photos taken with some of the Jean Ann Ryan cast in full costume.  Having a stateroom on Norway Deck (N 110), it was an effortless task to find it. 

My first impressions of a ship are always very important to me and carry lasting significance. The carpeting in the embarkation lobby and cabin corridors appeared like new with very little wear.  My next observation was that of the recently installed sprinkler system.  This was eventually required for continuing service and was sped up by a push of the U.S. Coast Guard.  In some areas of the ship, the hardware is nearly concealed save for the actual sprinkler heads.  The fully visible hardware in the corridors and other public spaces makes it apparent that the addition was mandatory and speedy.  The amazing aspect of this addition is that it took place while the ship was cruising, closing one deck off at a time.

	One of S/S Norway's embarkation lobbies.
	A partial view of the sprinkler system in a cabin corridor.

Embarkation day for me is always hasty in that I try to accomplish many things before actually setting sail, such as photos, phone calls, and even a quick bite to eat.  I did manage to fit all of the above in before the 3:45 p.m. lifeboat mustering.  I stood at station 20, port side aft with a view of Government Cut.  The S/S Norway commands attention for the drill with her whistle, intercom bells, and remote klaxon horns.  The mustering was very thorough and announced in several languages, much to my liking.  Shortly thereafter, it was time for one of my favourite events of the cruise – sailaway!

	A photo that I took upon disembarking for just a few moments before lifeboat drill.
	My mom and I upon the conclusion of the lifeboat mustering drill.

Cruise Director Rich Clesen, along with his staff, hosted the event on Pool Deck aft.  I always enjoy sail away from the upper decks and this day was no exception.  An exhilarating experience was being surprised by a blast of the ship’s whistle while standing directly beneath it.  On this day, the Norway set sail first leaving sister Norwegian Wind in the light wake.  There is nothing quite like sailing for open waters on the Grand Dame of the high seas.

	The Norway sets sail before the other ships bidding farewell to the Norwegian Wind.
	The Cruise Staff introduce themselves and the activities to be offered around the ship.
	Approaching the Carnival Triumph and Imagination.
	I personally love this photo - the aft view of our sail away from Miami.

Besides the shipboard experience itself, meeting new friends is certainly what cruising is all about.  I happened to meet another ship buff on board who was very knowledgeable on the Norway.  This was his 15^th cruise on the Norway and I certainly learned a lot about the ship from him and for that, I am truly grateful.  It was fantastic to tour the ship, share ship industry knowledge, and enjoy the onboard atmosphere.  A group of us from the Cruise Critic also met on the first sea day in the Sports Bar on International Deck.  That was a delightful experience as we all have a great love for the Norway and they were also a very genuine and sociable group of people.  We then spotted each other throughout the voyage and exchanged greetings.

	One view of our Cruise Critic gathering in the Sports Bar.
	Another view from the opposite direction - just to get everyone in!

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