Now we've sailed NCL before on the Pearl and the Gem (same bahamas/port canaveral itin), so we are not newcomers.

however we decided fairly last minute to take a cruise out manhattan since we live close, and didn't want to fly. big mistake. our cruise fell on Jersey week, so there were about 1800 kids on board. ugh

Embarkation-- Being a Latitudes Member is supposed to give your priority to checkin. We got there at 11am even with the Marathon. I've done check-in's with other lines, Carnival, Princess, RCCL and done over a dozen cruises. never have I had to wait for 30+ mins to check in. Once we did get on, our room was not ready yet, so we headed for the Dining Room for lunch. Pretty good burger and cold curly fries, to my mom's fish and chips, Read more