I've cruised many many times in the past twelve years, averaging 1-2 cruises/year. I've cruised all of the mainstream lines as well as a couple of luxury lines. This was my 4Th cruise with NCL. The other 3 were fine, as was this one, but with NCL, I always have the feeling of a "no frills" experience.
Those who have cut their "cruising teeth" on things like multiple whole lobsters, escargot, jumbo shrimp cocktail and specialty desserts in the dinning room and a waiter you don't have to chase down for after dinner coffee ,plus mints on the pillow, quality shampoo and skin products in the bathroom and other niceties will know what I mean.
A friend and I chose to take this back to back E/W 14 day cruise because the price and time was right and it visited several of our favorite ports. My friend is also an experienced cruiser but had not sailed NCL before.