First off, this is the largest ship our family has sailed on so far and the first one out of Miami.

The first day I was concerned because it is HUGE and the ship was at capacity. We sailed the week of December 17th. After the first night, the crowds got better and I had a better fell for where things were. The ship is very modern and pretty. I felt it was pretty well laid out overall. I highly suggest going to NCL's website and reviewing deck plans before you go... but most of the restaurants, clubs, theatre, etc are on 6, 7 & 8, Deck 16 had the pool and buffet. There are only two banks of elevators (one in the front and one in the back). Sometimes they were quick and sometimes you waited a long while to catch one. I heard many people complain about this. I did not think it was that bad.

Embarkation and disembarkation: We drove from Alabama to Miami and parked a the port. It was not that long of a walk to the terminal from the parking deck. It was $20/day in covered lots. I know there were cheaper options, but we wanted to self disembark and had to leave quickly. I did not want to wait for someone to pick up and drive us to another lot further away. Embarkation went smoothly. My only complaint was when we got our ship cards. When we booked the cruise, we received the Ulitmate Dining Package with our booking. The NCL rep came out and said it was Ultimate Drink Package and she had to get that off our 13 year old's card. I explained that was not it. Anyway, she went to others and finally came back asn said we were good. When we walked on to where you give your card to get on the boat... guess who's did not work???? The answer... go to Guest Services. I was not sure if she deactivated it or what, but standing in line... then told I have to stand in line again because my daughter's card did not work did not set well wth me. Anyway, after getting her a new card... we grabbed lunch at one of the restaurants (I can not remember if it was Savor or Taste... they are across from each other on the ship and have the same foods) rather than fight people at the buffet and on pool deck. Bags were quickly delivered to staterooms. We self disembarked and it went very smooth. I do wish we had not listened to the announcements that told us the ship was cleared and we could come down to get in line. It wrapped around like a snake through the casino. It moved quickly, but it was long. Once off the boat, customs went quickly and off to the car we went. Read more