This was my second NCL cruise, the first was on the Epic where I had a studio cabin. Although I did not visit the solo studio area, the single traveler's meeting each night was in a cocktail lounge as the studio lounge was not comfortable for group meetings. This was unfortunate as the experience in the Epic really allowed one to socialize in a separate environment. NCL is missing out on this special opportunity.

I had a mid-ship balcony cabin, the size of which was adequate for sitting and drinking morning coffee or continental breakfast and such.( Note that this is the only meal in which you are not hit with a ridiculous $7.95 service fee for room service. Shame on NCL for doing this. Being near a stairway is definitely an advantage on this ship as the hallways are very long. I ate only in the complimentary restaurants in which I found the food very good although the service was spotty and most of the time slow and not coordinated. I had not experienced this on the Epic. The main dining room does get crowded after 8PM and usually had a 20 min wait. The restaurants Taste and Savor were less busy and a good option for breakfast daily and lunch during port days. The Garden Buffet can get crazy with people bumping and dodging each other reach for the food.

Apparently NCL is training food staff from China for the soon to be launched NCL Joy. September and October are "new hire" months getting ready for the season. Entertainment was very good but the comedy acts during the adult hour were a little over the top in sexual content. I assume the audience wants to hear that after 11PM. Some of the theme nights in H20 Spice aft desk were less attended and so NCL should figure out what works and what does not. On sea days, of course, the pool area is crowded and the hot tubs are always occupied with drinking passengers. The water slides and the rope course attractions are fun and usually not that long of a wait. The Spa has frequent specials and even when they do not, you can still ask as unless they have a busy week, they are willing to find a special for you. The marketing of skin products gets annoying but everyone needs to make a "dollar". Read more