Cruise planning began about a month prior to the cruise, with the idea that my sister-in-law and I needed to get away to simply relax and unwind. It was to be my 10th NCL cruise, and my sis-in-law's first cruise, and first trip out of the country ever. I chose the ship and itinerary based on the ease of getting to the embarkation port (a short drive for us) and the relaxing itinerary. I booked with NCL's Casinos at Sea program (by far the best cruise line casino program), offered a comp penthouse suite, which I upgraded to an A3 Courtyard Villa. About a week prior to sailing, prices dropped dramatically, so I phones CAS and was offered a complimentary upgrade to the AA Owner's Suite - my second favorite suite on that ship - kudos to CAS for this! The others on our roll call were also able to upgrade their cabins at no or very little cost as well.

We were dropped off at the port in NYC and immediately our bags were checked and we were off to check-in. Security line was short at 11:30 am, they saw the bottles of wine at x ray and we were sent to the desk to pay corkage fees (expected). Then through the VIP check-in, into the concierge lounge, and whisked onto the ship by our butler, Arnulfo Corona (Arnie). A great beginning to a great cruise, we were seated in Cagney's for lunch by 12:30. Cagney's breakfast and lunch is a great benefit for suite guests, and we used it more than usual for this cruise, as it was not very port-intensive.

Our cabin on the port side of deck 10 in the very bow of the ship was amazing. Having sailed in the same cabin on deck 9, we liked the layout of the 10th deck a bit better, although it felt a bit less spacious. Our suite had a large living room with a sofa, chair and lounger, TV, a small bar (smaller than the 9th deck suite), and a nook with table and chairs. There was a half-bath right off the entry door. The bedroom was separated by a curtain and contained a king bed, a desk, a bench and lots of spare room. The bathroom was large and contained windows that the 9th floor AA does not have, making it bright and airy. The closet was huge, with plenty of storage to spare for two ladies who packed waaaay too much. From our forward balcony with loungers, we could watch the action on the bridge and down by the crew pool. Our side balcony was large as well, and contained a table with two chairs, plus two comfy chairs an ottoman and a small table. The cabin seemed in tip-top shape, although I was dismayed that it did not contain the Bose Sound System that the AA on the Pearl had. As soon as I asked Arnie (the butler) about this, he promptly offered the use of his Bose speakers for my iPod and brought them right up. That above-and-beyond action was the start of amazing and wonderful service from Arnie, one of the best butlers I have ever had! Read more