Full disclosure: this was my first cruise since a high school booze cruise to the Bahamas (30 years ago). This was a long-planned cruise with my wife, 12 year old daughter, and two other families (a total of 6 adults and 6 children under 13). Our ship traveled from Seward Vancouver.
Our number one goal was to cruise Alaska. Goal two was reasonable pricing. Based upon our travelers' collective discussion, we chose Norwegian. The price was good, and the drink package was a good deal. It was important for us to have an outside balcony and an over-sized room. The price was right. Norwegian's online booking and pre-cruise information were pretty good. Getting on the ship and into our room and obtaining our luggage were easy.
The ship was clearly older, but was pretty well maintained in common areas. This is not one of those ships with grand open areas surrounded by restaurants and shops. Restaurants are scattered throughout the ship. Bars are everywhere. Let me say now that the Ultimate Beverage Package was a great deal, and the alcohol selection was surprisingly diverse with upper end alcohols available under the package. Here's a weird aspect, though. The minibar, which was stocked with mid-range alcohols, was NOT part of the package. That's ridiculous.