This was my first time sailing with NCL, I have sailed previously on one other cruiseline several times. I was not sure what to expect; in some things I was pleased and others not so pleased.

Embarkation: My wife and I took an early flight into LAX to avoid any potential problems with the airlines. Imagine my surprise when we arrived at our terminal two hours after the ship was to have arrived and there is no ship. We were told we could wait in the terminal but entering the building we were quickly told to leave by security, nobody was allowed in even to use the restrooms. After finally tracking down an NCL staff member it was explained to us about the engine problems and that the ship had been delayed. After about 30 minutes we were allowed into the terminal. The NCL staff tried their best to get us processed so that when the ship was cleared for boarding we could get aboard quickly.  Sandwiches and juice were provided but only a small amount at first so only a handful got anything. The actual processing to get on board was the quickest and smoothest I have gone through. After all was said and done, we did not get onto the ship until about 2:30.

Ship: I was impressed by the ship. Most of the decor, excepting the Carousel Bar, was very tastefully done and I thought it was more elegant then previous ships that I have been on. The navigation did take a little to get used to but I have seen worse. The public restrooms were spacious and were always clean. Read more