At the outset, I should point out that booking your first cruise is best done directly through the cruise line. I obtained mine thru Delta Skymiles where I bank my mileage since the 90's Northwest era. Having been awarded several free international flights , I thought it was a no brainer to add 5000 extra miles. Now, I can tell you that you are best served by cruise reps directly if there are concerns that you should be aware of, like traveling with minors and using the cruise liner's own drafted parental consent form for unaccompanied teens in your party. After all, leave the planning to the sea experts. Celebrating my daughter's 18th birthday on board turned out to be a life event that we are looking forward to do again.

After overcoming initial changes and call back on three-way calling with cruise reps and travel agent who didn't have direct access, we were ready to sail. The checklist sent by NCL was helpful but it makes sense to pack separate day wear and evening cocktail dresses, counting the number of formal sit down dinners you intend to have. Just think of what you'd wear to a broadway show if you were invited, accord the same respect to the Entertainment Director who worked so hard planning themed parties and theatre performances. I was pleasantly surprised to discover nightly photo sessions by studio artists who took family portraits with a different backdrop each night. Another reason to get dressed for dinner, and a true value for your money since you can only pick the photos you want at the end of the cruise.

The art auction by Parkwest Gallery did not disappoint either, the film presentations and lecture about the Masters were great eye opener to my daughters for appreciating the finer things in life. We were split with our dining choices since teenaged kids prefer buffet but I made it a point that they joined me for sit-down dinner. Savoring the daily Chef's specialties had been an adventure by itself, and worth going back to. Best of all, it's free except for the French restaurant we loved, the French cuisine did not have the raw tartare but they served traditional favorites. It's worth your bucks to add a bottle of wine that you can store for a second dinner. We didn't try the other specialty restaurants because the items on the menu were also served by the Chef at either Magenta or Grand Pacific hall. And don't forget to TIP your waiters. They get a share from the extra money paid at specialty restaurants, but it still makes sense to give them anywhere from $5 to $10 per dinner. It's different in the buffet section, you can spare a dollar or two for special favors, why not? If you want to know the true story of whether or not they get their fair share of the gratuity added on by the cruise line, all you have to do is ASK. It used to be that crews get as low as $50 salary and rely on tips, but the world has changed. They get fixed salaries, plus whatever tips you'd hand them. The gratuities you pay thru the cruise line is not certain to go to your servants- YES I KNOW. Read more