Overall excellent cruise experience. Our party of 7; 2 age sixty-five couples, 1 age thirty-five couple, 1 age thirty single lady, all family and friends. 3 balcony cabins and 1 studio. Our goals, getting together for good dancing, both hip-hop and ballroom, good dining and fun activities.

Dining was great, including food, presentation, ambiance and service. Our party liked all the complementary and specialty restaurants we tried. For an old paisano like me who likes Cuban fare along the lines of ropa vieja with black beans and rice, Bayamo was a bit unexpected and it may take a couple tries to appreciated the upscale menu. Also, perhaps the extra surcharge should be dropped. We ignored Margaritaville because of the charge on everything including drinks. Food Republic was a hidden delight. There are no signs directing one to Food Republic, and stashed in a forward corner of the ship unless you are trying to find it you won’t. That may account for the small number of customers Friday evening. However, their dishes were excellent. Their kimche fried rice was tasty, with just a hint of kimche. We would have liked more but only a hint is understandable to keep the dish closer to the average western palate. O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill has taken the concept of ‘pub grub’ too seriously. Everything does not need to be deep fried.

Entertainment was good with one notable performance. After Midnight was special. Asking around not everyone got it and some preferred The Million Dollar Quartet, so I guess it is good to have two very different performances available. However, if you liked the 1943 classic “Stormy Weather” with Lena Horne, Cab Calloway and the Nicholas Brothers, especially the big show at the end of the movie, you will love After Midnight. It was so professional, so exciting and so funny. We’ve seen many cruise ship shows, but this one we will remember for a long time. Thanks NCL. Read more