We weren't sure what to expect with NCL, especially an older ship heading to drydock soon after our cruise. We went in with low expectations knowing we would have a great time just because we were meeting up with a bunch of CC'ers. NCL excelled in many areas and before the end of our cruise we had put down a deposit for a future cruise (who can resist their generous offer of $100 obc for your current cruise?)

We got to the port a little too early (just before 11am) and they weren't quite ready for us, which was ok with most of our group. They had a nice comfy waiting area, where you could book reservations for the specialty restaurants or purchase your soda card. They also had juice,water and cookies available, something I have never seen on Princess, Carnival or RCL. We were on board by a little after 12, our staterooms were already ready, which was really nice to get rid of carryons before having lunch! We went to the Main dining room, which was virtually empty and had a tasty lunch.

We then went off to explore the ship before our informal CC Roll call meeting at the Biergarten at sail away. I booked 6536, an inside cabin, after research on CC showed it to be a large cabin. We were the envy of all of our balcony friends. Their rooms and balcony were quite small. We could easily fit all 10 of us in our room but then who stays in the room anyway?? We also didn't have the weird door that closes the toilet off from the rest of the bathroom. I LOVED our room. It is right below LeBistro so you do hear some cleanup some nights til 11 or 12, we were usually out late so this didn't present a problem for us. Read more