This was our 7th cruise with NCL and third time to Alaska. Overall it was a wonderful vacation, but I really noticed the cutbacks on this trip. The crew was very good and the ship was lovely but the first missing perk was noticed the first night when we got to our cabin after dinner. No more Andes chocolate mints on the pillow before bed. (Not a huge deal, but yeah, I always loved that!) The first sea day was nice, but the second budget cut was noticed here. Arts and Crafts used to be much better. Now it's pretty much just 3 days of origami, and the other crafts were prepackaged journal, memory box and cards. Really nothing crafty to learn. In fact most craft classes they gave out the package and said "The instructions are inside and it's just stickers, have fun" and left. Years past I learned how to make earrings, wine glass markers, flowered hair clips, you know.... actual crafts. This was kind of sad. The ports were great and the kids adored the Splash Academy. The shows were good too. (although I missed the comedian's show) I really enjoyed the Bijou Circus and the magician. Another missing perk was the lack of lobster night. I don't care for it, but my husband was bummed about this. I thought the food was really good and we ate at the specialty restaurant twice (Cagney's and La Cucina ) Both of those were nice, but I liked the food in the main dining just as much so couldn't justify paying extra.

The other difference I noticed was the latitudes party. They used to give us a letter that you'd turn in and they'd do drawings for prizes. Not anymore, now it was pretty much just a chance to get a drink and listen to them try to convince you to put down a new cruise deposit. Even the hors d'oeuvrs were pitiful. It was just cubes of cheese and water crackers!! It was the most boring Lat party I have ever seen!!

Anyway, our group had a great time, and I know we will cruise again, but just wish it was more like the past.