This was the first cruise we have taken. I read a lot if the reviews and felt very prepared for the worst and the best. As a first time cruiser, there were a few things that we felt should have been explained more clearly. For example, we were told that we could leave our bags in the baggage area and they would be delivered to our room. However, we opted to take them with us when checked in. Our room was ready, so we were able to go directly to the room and put them inside. We discovered later, that bags aren't put in your room, but merely placed in front of your room door.

When we first boarded the ship, we had no idea where we were or how to get to our room. There wasn't any ship personnel standing in the lobby that we could ask. We knew we were on the 11th floor so once we located the elevator it was easy to figure out (we did walk around the whole floor before realizing even rooms were on one side and odd were on the other). The room was a little awkward but I'd watched the Youtube videos and read some reviews, so I knew what to expect ( and even how to find the hidden light switch over the sink). The room showed its wear and tear ...and I could tell the cleaning/turnover was rushed but I always bring Clorox wipes to re-sanitize the commonly touched areas, doorknobs, toilet, etc. We had a balcony room and their were toenail clippings and hair on the balcony floor (gross).

As for the freestyle eating, it was great. We don't like a lot of fuss when it comes to meals so we were happy to eat when and where we wanted. Our first time, we picked up food at the buffet and couldn't find the silverware or didn't know if we were allowed to sit just anywhere. So we searched for a few minutes for silverware thinking we may have missed it. We didn't realize it was on the tables because so many people were dining, they were having a hard time keeping the bins restocked. Again, no one explained that to us ...so if you are first timer on Norwegian, just sit at any empty table and the silverware is the bin with the ketchup and mustard :-). We also searched for the ice maker but you must contact your room steward for this. Read more