The cruise we recently took on the Norwegian Star through the Panama Canal was .the worst in over 100 days, and 6 lines of cruising. It was our third NCL and our last.
Our trip started at a Hotel in LA. (Well actually it started on a FANTASTIC, first time ever, on Virgin Air flight). The hotel was OK. Expensive, but right at the port. Nothing fancy, no free coffee, and the Hot Tubs did not open unit 8am - making it hard to get started on our vacation early. The worst part was the fact that the hotel only had ONE 12 person shuttle. We stood in line for almost an hour just to get on the shuttle. NEXT time we stay farther from the airport and pay for our own transportation.
Once at the terminal the lines got WORSE and organization was non-existent. We were dropped, with our bags, about 100 yards from the terminal entrance. Once inside the line wound round and round and round. Must have been a mile long. Fortunately for us we were with my mother (78) who had a hip replaced about 5 years ago. Someone noticed she was limping and rushed us to the front of the line. Hence, it took us only 45 mins. to check-in, and get on the ship. WEW!