This was a three generation vacation consisting of my husband and I (early 30's), his parents, brother, and our two children, ages 2 1/2 and 7 months. None of us had ever cruised before, so we have not made any direct comparisons with other cruiselines or ships, but evaluated our experience on its own merit.

We arrived in Vancouver a day early "just in case". We stayed in a great suite hotel - Times Square - within walking distance of Stanley Park and a short, $7 cab ride away from Canada Place.

EMBARKATION - quick and easy. We got to the pier right at noon. There was a line, but a lovely NCL rep walked by and saw that we had children, so she whisked us to the front of the line. Nice. We had our photo memento taken (the first of many) and boarded the ship. The champagne reception was a nice touch. The staterooms were not ready, so we headed to the outdoor garden cafe for lunch, and then explored the ship. Read more