This was our 15th Cruise and our first with NCL Freestyle Cruising, or anytime dining, etc. We were and still are fans of Traditional Dining although I can see where some would like this type of format as it is nice to adjust your eating time to what you want to do, or if you are traveling with a large group. For us though we always sat at a table for four where we usually ask for the largest table we can get. The others at your table are only strangers the first day and familiar faces there after. We also like it when the wait staff knows your likes and dislikes and have little things like fresh lemon waiting for you.

Now the Cruise: We arrived at the Pier at about 12:00 after spending two nights in the French Quarter at the Hotel Monteleone pre-cruise. We were on board before 12:30 and having lunch in Raffles and checking out the ship until we could get to our Cabin at 2:00. We had planned a CC Group meeting for 3:00 at Raffles Bar, but no one was there as the Temp was only in the low 50's and too cold to be sitting outside. Muster Drill was at 4:30 and our luggage had shown up just before that.

Dinner that night was in Windows and getting there about 7:00 we only had to wait about 15 minutes to get our table. Service was good throughout the Cruise, but a little rushed at times compared to Traditional Seating. The Show that night was an Acrobat Family that did a nice enjoyable job and we tried the Casino for a bit after that. The Bed was not really soft, but I have had worse and heard they are going to be upgraded to more Pillow top mattresses that we have seen on Princess and RCL on two prior Cruises. In the mean time I would ask for an egg crate for now. Read more