This was my first experience with Norwegian Cruiselines, I always had in my head that it would be nicer than Royal Caribbean but that was not the case. However, I DID enjoy the cruise very much and would do it again. The ship is on the smaller side, was kept up well but definitely needed a little TLC - we joked with some of the Captains that they needed to give the windows in the main dining rooms a good cleaning. The staff were all very friendly and helpful for the most part, our cabin steward was amazing and very accommodating. I guess our biggest complaint would be the quality of the food. You always here people rave about how great cruiseline food is...this one was definitely lacking and seemed to be the consensus with everyone we met and talked with.
Our first port of call was Casablanca, we arrived in the morning and didn't leave until midnight. Not a whole lot to see and do here, we thought about taking the train to Marrakesh but didn't like the idea of being on a bus or train for 4 hours EACH way. We did the Hassan Mosque highlights tour, the mosque is quite beautiful and something to see (make sure you get to go inside). Once back on the ship we wavered back and forth on whether to venture back into town to try to find a restaurant to have some authentic Moroccan food for dinner. We finally pulled up our big girl panties and hopped on the shuttle bus that takes you into town. As soon as we stepped off we asked the shuttle attendee where we could go for dinner, he took us down a couple short streets to a place called Restaurant Imilchil. It was FABULOUS! Order the Pastella (sp?)....omg, SO good! One taste of this food and we both were transported to heaven and forgot all about our initial fears of coming into town after dark by ourselves.
Funchal Madeira - we did the excursion with the cable car ride and the wicker basket rides down the hill and Nun's Valley. Amazing experiences, scenery and the town of Funchal is gorgeous. This was probably my favorite port of call.