This was our 5th cruise, 2nd on NCL, and we will definitely sail NCL many times in the future. A week before the cruise, we received an upsell from a minisuite to an A3 Courtyard Suite. The 2nd bedroom allowed us to invite my Mom and Step Dad to join us on this cruise. This was their first cruise and they are now hooked. Better late then never.

We arrived in Miami and stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown. We had planned on going to Bayside and spending a few hours there. We were happy to find that the next building over was a station for a tram system known as the Miami Metromover. This is a free driverless tram that takes you to several stops in downtown Miami including Bayside. EMBARKATION - On Saturday morning at 11am, we took a shuttle to the pier. The line was pretty short to get thru security and then we went into a room for Suite Guests. It was very quick and we were on the ship. The regular lines looked to be just about as quick. Our Butler, Lanie, took us up to the courtyard area to drop off our carryons even though our room wasn't ready. Overall, it took about 30 minutes from the Shuttle to the Courtyard.

SHIP & STAFF - I was very impressed with how beautiful and clean the ship looked. The layout of the ship was very nice and easy to learn, even though we never once saw where the Summer Palace Main Dining Room was. The staff seemed cheerful and friendly. We also saw the captain and hotel director several times at different venues on the ship. The captain had a good sense of humor and was willing and able to answer many of our questions. Read more