"Freestyle Cruising" well done - Letters - Letter to the Editor

Cruise Travel, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Dean Massingill

Much has been written about Norwegian Cruise Line's "Freestyle Cruising," which gives passengers a choice of when and with whom to eat, and also regarding the lack of dress-up nights.

On a recent trip on the Norwegian Sky, we found that NCL has solved this problem admirably. Unknown to many, it seems, is that you have the option of telling the maitre d' that you prefer "same table" seating, and this is honored. Alternative? If you see someone you would be interested in chatting with, simply ask: "Excuse us, would you like some company, or would you rather be alone?"

As to formal nights, NCL designated one of the two main dining rooms for formal night. If you care to dress accordingly, simply go to the designated dining room. If you care to dress unaccordingly, go to the other dining room. Result? Everyone gets what they want, with actually more flexibility than before.

Much has also been said of the wait staff's presumed lack of need to serve well, as they by policy have a guaranteed tip. We found the opposite: Except for one isolated instance, duly noted, waiters and busboys seemed more attentive and eager to please than ever. One possible reason? Each table has a rating card at each meal for each sitting, keeping far better control over courtesy and speed than a single all-inclusive card at cruise end.

Bravo, NCL, you've done it well.

Dean Miassingill, Miami, FL