This was my first cruise with NCL. I choose it for the price, and boy do you get what you pay for. This is my third cruise, and having previously sailed on RCCL's Enchantment of the Seas, I had similar expectations. After reading reviews on this site, I quickly changed my expectations.
Boarding the ship in Miami was quick and painless, just as I expected. Only downside here is the $20.00 charge per night to park your car (not NCL's fault). Upon boarding, there was the typical welcome aboard buffet, and this set the tone of the cruise for me.
I enjoyed the concept of freestyle cruising, casually dining whenever and just about wherever you want. I didn't like the food choices. I didn't expect hamburgers and hot dogs and french fries on the buffet everyday. The food just seemed to be on the cheap side.
Cabin was somewhat small. Really, just big enough for beds, love seat they kinda just threw in there (there wasn't enough space to move the table in front of the sofa to sit on it). They should just remove the sofa so it will feel bigger. Closets are adequate, as are the bathroom.