i was in my office the Saturday after my husband's funeral because I didn't want to be at home. I opened an email from one of the big travel sites, with a great deal. A 2 bedroom suite for seven days, including 2 adult beverage packages, the specialty dining package, a shore excursion credit and the third and fourth person go free. All for under $5,000. So, I booked it. I have been on Princess, HAL and NCL. This was my second cruise in a month. We arrived around noon. Because we were suite passengers, there was no waiting to check in. After taking pictures and giving credit cards, we were escorted to a waiting area, which had drinks and pastries. Didn't get a chance to try them as a butler escorted us promptly onto the ship and right up to Cagney's restaurant for lunch. I didn't like not being able to stop by the cabin because I had carry on luggage, as did everyone else. Holland America has the cabins ready when you embark.

As a suite passenger, breakfast and lunch was served in Cagney's/Moderno restaurant. At lunch we ordered a round of drinks. The wait staff asked for only one beverage card..only 2 of us had the adult beverage package. All the drinks were free. This was the case everywhere on the ship. The package includes drinks below $15.00 each, which is a great deal. Grey Goose all week. I wonder if NCL realizes that they are losing money. We found our way to the Sapphire Suite, which was amazing. Alex and his friend Margret had the second bedroom, which was an inside cabin with a separate entrance. The main salon had a large living salon with an espresso machine, table for four, couch, which became a comfortable bed for cousin Joan. Pocket doors lead into the main bathroom was bigger than the second bedroom, with dual sinks, a makeup table, a jacuzzi tub, with a TV above it, a separate shower with four shower heads and a separate commode. Lots of clothe space a drawer. Draperies separated the master bedroom from the bath. A comfy king size bed, with a small TV. There were some drawers for storage and cabinets with small shelves lined the walls. The balcony contained two cushioned chaise lounges. Our butler Maday was attentive. The champagne was cold and waiting for us. Ever afternoon he delivered hor d'ouevres from sandwiches to caviar canapés to chocolate covered strawberries. We always had fresh fruit sliced as well as in a bowl. I wanted a chocolate chip cookie, which I couldn't find on the buffet. Cousin Joan told Maday and we had cookies all week.

Even though it was the week before Christmas, the ship was packed and there were kids everywhere. There is only one pool, which has a water slide. The entertainers engaged the children during the sail away party, dancing and singing. I had a hamburger, which was well done and flavorless. There were always hamburgers and hot dogs at the pool. But I didn't have any during the week because the food was out in the open and the guests served themselves. It didn't seem to be refrigerated either. Read more