This was our 3rd NCL cruise and by far the best one. We were curious to find out what it would be like traveling with 4,000 passengers plus the 1,600+ crew members. The ship is so spacious and well laid out that you never knew you were on board with that many people. Our cabin was on Deck 8 which is where the Waterfront is located. This outdoor promenade of restaurants and bars includes comfy lounges and oversized chairs to relax in while sipping a cold drink or watching the ocean. There are a total of 29 restaurants & bars on board and, needless to say, a week on the ship was not enough to experience all of them. Our favorite complimentary restaurant was the Manhattan Room where on certain evenings members from the cast of Burn the Floor perform right before you. Request a table close to the dance floor to get a good view. We also lunched at Moderna Churasscaria, a Brazilian themed steak restaurant, which offers a complimentary buffet at noon. It was quieter than the Garden Cafe, the main buffet on Deck 15. Also fun and delicious is the complimentary Uptown Grill where you can get a custom burger and chopped salad on Deck 16. O'Sheehan's Pub is another option for appetizers, Fish 'n Chips or other comfort foods. This has a sports bar feel...we were able to watch the Belmont Stakes on one of the pub's large screen TVs while sitting at a high top. They also offer an express breakfast which was served to us in no time. This is also complimentary, open 24 hrs. and located on Deck 7. Look for the hot dog cart on board usually around the main pool area.

The entertainment is phenomenal. My advice is to reserve online, once you do the online check in, because Rock of Ages (great music), Burn the Floor (mesmerizing) and the Second City Comedy Club (which was hysterical) were just a few shows I reserved in advance. Since these are complimentary they book up fast. Towards the end of the cruise there is a fantastic fireworks display on the port side of the ship...a truly amazing special treat.

As for the sun decks, we usually went to Deck 16 which is right above the main pool area. As always, the chaises get taken up quickly so arrive early to reserve yours. We found out about the Vibe Beach Club on Deck 17 but unfortunately too late. Guest Services told me that you must book your weeklong spots as soon as you arrive on the ship as it gets sold out quickly. We were able to get a birds eye view of it and it looked like something we will try to purchase next time. It had oversized lounges, umbrellas and a bar and is a private enclosed area if this is what you're looking for. There's also the Spice H2O Lounge on Deck 15 which is for sunning during the day and partying at night. It has a good amount of chaises, a bar and a huge TV screen and this is an adults only area. Read more