This was our 7th cruise and second one on NCL from NY. We are a couple in our mid to late 40's and were not planning to sail this cruiseline again, but thought we'd give it another try. We have also sailed on RCCL, Carnival, and Princess. Our sailing was the first one after the Gem returned from it's difficult transatlantic voyage from Spain. Embarkation took two hours longer that day, but was hassle free. The outbound trip to Port Canaveral was very tough and rocky although it was not too cold. Our two day return trip to NY was much smoother although too cold to be outdoors on both of those sea days.

The ship is a beautiful one with many cozy lounges. There were loveseats all over the place, even at the pool. And finding a spot in the shade was always easy. The cruise director was professional. And this ship even has four modern bowling alleys located around a cozy lounge with beds and music. The production shows were excellent. The buffet food and atmosphere in the Garden Cafewas a disappointment. Be careful of what you eat there that very first afternoon and stay away from the salad and water. Stick to the main dining room and specialty restaurants. And make sure your room is cleaned well before you enter it that first day. Seasickness was not the problem on this one, it was gastrointestinal illness. You would never think this, I sure didn't. NCL does get high marks for their efforts by sanitizing your hands. Their Washy Washy, Happy Happy, Smiley Smiley staff are fun. It will be something you remember after your cruise is over.

Our mini-suite cabin was fine and the balcony was completely covered for shade, but the closet did not have room for our luggage and was in an awkward locating blocked by the bed. Our cabin stewards knew our name and greeted us politely each time they saw us. You will get billed a service fee of $12 each day and do get nickled and dimed as on most cruises. Read more