First time on Norwegian Cruise Line, with kids 8 and 5. We only sailed Disney before this cruise. We sailed NCL's Norwegian Getaway. Overall, we had a great time hence the 4 stars. Here are things I'd remember for next time from a mom's point of view:

Tips: 1. We booked last minute so ended up having 2 rooms. If you can do this, this is very nice so your family can spread out. Better if you have an adjoining door 2. For the port days (we did St Thomas and St Maarten), if you plan on doing the beaches, don't bother booking the beach shore excursion on board. We walked right out (without the 45 min briefing and having to stay with the huge crowd) got a taxi and went to the beach (St Maarten we did water taxi to beach across from the ship and for St Thomas went to Meagan's bay). I brought small snack for kids and re-fillable water bottles. At these beaches, you can rent chairs, and sometimes they also give you free rental of beach toys be sure to ask. You save a lot of money grabbing the taxi and not doing shore ex 2. When going to the pool bring socks and shorts. The kids always wanted to do the rock wall or spider web which requires shorts and socks (and you cannot be wet). This way you save the walk back to your room. 3.Bring a bar of soap, they are not supplied ;) 4. Kids can wear jammies to last night kid club party. 5. There is a glow party and white party. I brought dollar glow sticks from home. 6. There are great photographers on board. Plan ahead and get a family picture 7. Everything is extra (restaurants, shows, etc) try to decide and book first day as the good times run out. Especially Cagney's steak house. 8. The Kid's club is not open all day like other ships. So look at schedule to see open times. Try to ask when the T-shirt decorating day is, and kids can get a free NCL t shirt. 9. Lots of Meet and Greets available with the Nick characters. 10. Some pools are salt water, may want to bring goggles. 11. Tons of things for the kids to do, my kids favorite was the mini golf. There is also a ropes course, rock climbing wall, this "spider web" climbing thing, and a trampoline. Not to mention the pool and slides, oversized chess, arcade, and bowling in the Irish restaurant. And lots of family friendly shows. Service was not so great, but it was spring break at full capacity. Overall we had a great time. This Ship has a really fun and laid back vibe :)