We flew into Barcelona 4 days before boarding the ship. The cruise line offered to book a hotel in the city but we declined. We booked the same hotel online for half the rate rate quoted by NCL and took a cab to the dock instead of the NCL-supplied shuttle. In Barcelona, getting to the port is not a problem - unless you want to walk there. Boarding was efficient, although for some reason it took time sorting out credit card charges. Once on board we relaxed, ate, and walked around the ship until our room was ready an hour or so later.

The room was wonderful, with separate shower and toilet, plenty of space and lots of storage. We didn't feel cramped at all. The bed was very comfortable and long enough that our feet didn't hang over the edge - we're over 6' tall.

The food on the ship was generally excellent and the restaurants had varied menus. We ate in the Garden Cafe, Manhattan Room, The Great Outdoors, Cagney's, and the Spiegel Tent. Service was excellent is all places (Garden Cafe and Great Outdoors are self-service.) Read more