First, we started at the beginning of a huge storm, which was no fault of NCL. Seasick despite meds - also not NCL's fault. The cruise critic meet and greet was the best ever! The grab bag was fun. But, as seasoned NCL cruisers, the comparison was stark, especially since we last cruised less than a year ago on the same ship. This is our 5th NCL cruise in 4 years and the first that we did not put a deposit on the next one. One reason was that the tips are higher now (13.50 per day per person) and no longer included in package deals. The rest of the reasons are in the cons, below.

Cons: The worst was the tendering to St. Thomas. The last time, we tendered in far less than 1/2 the time! Getting off took 3 hours. Not enough tenders, confused staff. Getting back on required a long line in the sun. This was for a 1 day stop!!

Cutbacks in hours at buffet, qualities of menu items in main dining rooms (Last time I had salmon several times, this time it wasn't on the menu, last time cheese on top of "French Onion Soup" barely fit into the top of the bowl, this time it was hard to even find it). Staff cuts all over the ship were noticeable. Tables in the buffet area not cleaned as often. Several times, listening to WONDERFUL music by Leo, we wanted a drink but staff never came over before the end of the show, so we saved $. We don't understand why ear-splitting music is played so often at the pool. Even eating at O'Sheehans was not as enjoyable because the atrium volume was far too loud. We've been told that the volume has to be high because seniors have trouble hearing. We are two seniors who can't stand the overly high volume. We walked out of two shows for the same reason. Read more