Left long island and headed to pier, no problems, parked right at the pier. Got there around 10:45, and boarded around 11:45-12:00. Went to guest services to inquire about an up-grade only to be told the ship was sold out,,then 3 seconds later he says unless you want to pay a little more?????? HUH! The rooms were nice, no problems there, we actually had 2 rooms next to each other. My 1 child loved the kids club, the other was done after the first night. But they really do a great job with the kids..The room stewards were fantastic Sudesh and Christina, They made towel art for the kids everynight, and were always talking to them. Those were some of the good points about the cruise..THE BAD: Smoking is terrible, just walking to the cabin in hallways was so bad that my younger one had this constant cough whenevr we walked near smoke. They were by the kiddie pool smoking, there rooms,(the smell just seeped out the door), It was pretty bad, but not enough to ruin our cruise.A few of the workers were very pleasant, but then there were some who were just down right rude..Especially at the Blue lagoon, and the lady who did the salads at the Buffet salad bar. The Main dining rooms almost always had a wait, except for the first day we boarded, we went rigfht in for lunch and it was very good and wait staff was very nice..The layout for buffet area during peak times was terrible, a few times i ate standing up. Then on the last day in NY it was around 40 something degrees, and when we asked one of the workers if there are any seats available, he tells us "Outside", Is he kidding me? It is 40 degrees out..Very odd.We ate in the kids lounge often, because there was usually a seat there.Some of the shows were good, and others just terrible..Bruce Smirnoff was the worst..Sinan the cruise director was fantastic, and before he introduced Bruse at 1 show, he had me rolling,he was that funny and good..But then along came Bruse, and thank goodness my younger one was acting up, because i was able to ditch the show.My kids did like the Wii game set up in atrium.I Do not think we will be taking NCL anymore..You def. get what you pay for. I am going back to RCCL next time.