Norwegian Sea, the former Seaward, has undergone extensive renovations, resulting in a richer-looking vessel. She's still easy to navigate compared to the super liners. Additionally, she is the Norwegian line's third ship to adopt the Freestyle Cruising concept. In early 2003, Norwegian Sea underwent a multimillion dollar refurbishment. Enhancements include the addition of a new restaurant, new carpet, granite floors and countertops, wood floors, and new upholstery added to the ship's various public rooms.

Cabins are spacious, with ample storage space. There are numerous types, including 243 inside cabins averaging 114 square feet each (four of which are wheelchair-accessible and equipped for the hearing impaired, and averaging 248 square feet each). There are 216 oceanview cabins, including cabins with portholes (averaging 116 square feet each), deluxe/superior cabins with picture windows (averaging 150 square feet each), and suites (averaging 285 square feet each). No connecting cabins exist. All cabins except six have twin beds that may be combined to form a queen-sized bed. All hold TVs, radios, telephones, and hair dryers. Some contain safes. Norwegian Sea’s four suites have been completely redecorated with new carpet, new draperies, and new chairs.

Chef Henry Haller, former White House executive chef through five presidencies, has recently collaborated with the line's culinary staff to update cuisine. The Seven Seas Dining Room, located on Main Deck, is awash with tranquil blues and greens. The restaurant has been updated with new chairs, carpet, wall coverings, and granite floors. The Four Seasons Dining Room, also on Main Deck, has new carpet and has added teak woods, along with wall coverings, upholstery, and drapes in beautiful golds and teals. Passengers may opt to eat where, when, and with whom they choose. This eliminates the problem of rushing to change and get to an early or late seating on time, as well as being stuck with passengers not to your liking for the entire cruise. A Cooking Light option appears for appetizer, entrée, and dessert choices for both lunch and dinner. Lobster was not offered at the Captain's Gala dinner.

Dining options have been expanded. A fifth restaurant called The Pasta Café has been added to Norwegian Sea. The restaurant is decorated in burgundy and peach colors and serves traditional Italian fare, seating 40 guests.

The Big Apple Café on Pool Deck is a delightful, many-windowed room overlooking the stern. It features new ceramic tiles, wood floors, green wrought-iron tables and chairs, and numerous leafy plants. It's used for buffet breakfasts and lunches, yet tables are bedecked with tablecloths and flowers at the served-yet-informal dinners. The hiring of additional staff has alleviated long lines at buffets. This is also the site of a pasta bar at dinnertime.

A popular sushi bar awaits passengers at Stardust Lounge/Oscar's one night per three-day cruise, and two nights per four-day cruise. Judging by the long lines, this option might be expanded. Other food innovations include a very popular waffle station for breakfast on Pool Deck and an Indian vegetarian lunch station at Big Apple's buffet lunch.

Le Bistro, a small, romantic dining room on Sun Deck, has been transformed with new colors, including classic golds and greens, along with new carpet, draperies, and upholstery. Reservations are necessary for the 82-seat room. A $10 per person cover charge is added, yet some passengers choose to dine here nightly.

Lickety Splits ice cream parlor sells Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

The two-deck-high atrium features a crystal sculpture and is the site of the reception and excursion desks. Reception and shore excursion areas have updated granite countertops and floors, and new carpet. Stair towers, landings, and corridors on all decks have new carpet, chairs, and drapes.

The Internet Café is located near the gift shop arcade on International Deck. In keeping with today’s technology trend, Norwegian Sea guests can now stay connected with wireless access, or Wi Fi. They can check e-mail, send messages, and get work done at their leisure without having to be "wired" to their cabins 24 hours a day.

One of the most romantic spots is the intimate Gatsby’s Wine Bar on Deck 10. This area has undergone a dramatic change to a more romantic room with vibrant reds and greens, new wood paneling, and new Scandinavian-designed chairs and tables. Hors d'oeuvres are served with drinks; however, the service was spotty and the martinis costly (averaging $8.50 each). The Observation Lounge outside Gatsby's provides a quiet spot for reading during the day.

The Butterfly Lounge has been updated with new carpet, wall coverings, and draperies in this cozy library/card room simply decorated with several boxed butterfly sculptures. The wood-paneled Oscar's Piano Bar, All Around the Town, and Coconut Willy's Pool Bar provide additional venues to quench passengers' thirsts. Boomer's, the stylish disco, is aft on Norway Deck.

The Monte Carlo Casino on International Deck lures passengers with seven blackjack tables, one craps table, one roulette wheel, 132 slot machines, and two other gaming machines. For those who run out of cash, there's an ATM outside of Oscar's.

The newly refurbished Stardust Lounge, the main show lounge, features a rich burgundy and gold theme with new carpet, drapes, and upholstery for banquettes, chairs, and bar stools. Shows are produced by longtime cruise entertainment company Jean Ann Ryan Productions. The Stardust Lounge also hosts Big Band music, karaoke, and "adult" comedy.

Norwegian Sea's Internet Café offers 10 flat panel liquid crystal displays. Available 24 hours a day, they are located beside the gift shops on International Deck, with new Wi Fi wireless service now available.

Norwegian’s Sports Afloat program probably offers the most comprehensive athletic lineup at sea. A moderate-sized fitness center located on Sun Deck features angled ceiling windows and is open 24 hours daily. A golf driving area is nearby, with ping-pong tables located on Deck 9 and a basketball/volleyball court on Deck 6.

The pool area on Pool Deck pulses with activity. The large complex consists of two pools, two whirlpools, and a platform for live music. The deck in this area has been refinished. New deck carpeting has been added, as well as “teak-deck” around the pool.

Athletic activities begin with a Sports Afloat orientation the first evening out. In addition to stretching and aerobics classes, you’ll find cardio kickboxing classes, basketball tournaments, Wacky Olympics, and more. Deck 6 features an unobstructed jogging track.

Norwegian replaced the Steiner Spa with the new Mandara Spa, based on a Balinese program. Spa facilities are located in a small area and treatments are costly. For example, 50-minute massages range in price from $90 to $180. A beauty salon is also onboard.

Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, offers all of the water sports: Snorkeling, sailing, paddleboats, and air mattresses. Other activities include volleyball, table tennis, dancing, a barbecue lunch and bar, and hiking to deserted beaches.

While this vessel doesn't claim the extensive, state-of-the-art children’s facilities found on huge megaships, the size and number of passengers permits personalized attention. The Porthole, the children's room, is forward on Atlantic Deck, rather than aft in a hard-to-find spot. Year-round counselors conduct complimentary programs for children ages 3-17 in three or four age groups (depending on the season). There's also the almost-mandatory video arcade.

Norwegian’s athletic activities attract younger passengers, and the crew hosts a singles' table the first night of the cruise and a singles party early in the cruise.

A $10 per person, per day tip is automatically added to each guest's bill. Those who prefer to leave more or less may do so.

Most passengers choose to dress casually for meals; however, some dress up the night of the captain's farewell dinner.

• Former name - Seaward
• Type of cruise - Resort-Casual
• Total cabins - 751
• Private balcony cabins - 0
• Decks - 9
• Total crew - 680
• Ship size - Large
• Passenger capacity - 1504
• Tonnage - 42000
• Officers nationality - Scandinavian/International
• Registry - Bahamas
• Year entered service - 1988
• Ship length - 700

Copyright 2005, The Independent Traveler, Inc. All rights reserved.