We spent the past week on a Best Friends "50th Birthday" Cruise. We were mid ship with connecting rooms for 4 people. I have cruised NCL on three separate occasions, including the Escape last year and have loved the cruise. However, things appear to be changing with the NCL fleet and I am not sure they are going in the right direction.

Upon arrival to our room we realized the room had been rushed through and not thoroughly cleaned. We found a diabetes needle box in our bathroom, a clump of hair and left over hair ties on the balcony and a used towel under our between the desk and chair. Otherwise, in regards to the regular balcony rooms were spacious and nice and the bed was comfortable.

Of all the cruises I have taken, I have never been disappointed in the staff before this cruise. The first night we ate at the steak restaurant Cagney and our waitress was fun and spunky and the food was great. The second night we at in the main dining room and that could not have been more opposite. My understanding was they were going through some sort of training period. It took over an hour to get our food, we had to beg for water refills and our second round of drinks ordered never came. Not to mention that the meal itself was just ok. I am sure if I had paid the additional $24.99 premium we would have had a much better meal. The Italian and French specialty restaurants were great. The noodle restaurant is very over rated, however, it is extremely popular and included in your food plan. My question is, what happened to the days of Chocolate Midnight Buffets, or any midnight buffet for that matter? Read more