I have probably been on at least 10 cruises. This was my 3rd time on NCL. The embarkation lasted only about 20 minutes. We had a great time. Ate in all of the specialty restaurants...loved Cagney's and the Impressions the Italian restaurant. The service was great in all restaurants, including the two regular main dining rooms;Aqua and Venetian. I always left tip on the table. Who knows how they split the money up that gets added on your tab. Won in the casino...which is always good. The Jean Ann Ryan shows were excellent as always. I had been to Tortola on my last cruise..and hired a cabbie for $75 to take us all over the island and stop at a beach for 3 hours...definitely worth it. We are not shoppers and took the Ferry over to St. John (booked through NCL) and went to Trunk Bay...oh my! No words can describe it....unbelievable. In Samana we took the Safari tour which ended with hiking to and swimming in a waterfall. This port was the highlight of our trip. Yes, this part of the island has no paved roads, electricity or running water. It was great to see once again, how lucky we are in the United States to have all of these things. Also, how wonderful the people were smiling and waving to us as our jeep rolled by! Happy with the life they are given. It pains me when I read cruise reviews commenting on how poor islands are...and why do ships stop at these ports...If you don't like it-stay home, watch T.V and continue to be the "ugly American" the rest of the world knows and hates. All in all we came home relaxed and wishing the cruise was longer...One week is never enough! Thanks NCL