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This was our first cruise on NCL. The balcony room was much smaller than we have experienced on other cruise lines but adequate for the amount of time one spends in a room. The balcony did provide some excellent views of the scenery and we thoroughly enjoyed having it.
The biggest thing we didn't especially care for was the much touted, "anytime dining". Several nights we spent more time waiting in line than would appear appropriate for being able to select the time to dine. We gave up one night and selected to go to the Steakhouse and pay the extra money. We had excellent service and a fantastic meal. (The steaks were among the best we have ever eaten.) Although you can select to share a table, there is something to be said for the way night meals are done on other ships - i.e. meeting the same folks each night....sharing stories and having a set time to help plan your day/night's activities. Meals in the main dining rooms at night left a lot to be desired....food was not as good as other ships we have been on.
I used Cruise Critic to find suggestions from other travelers on tours/excursions and as a result saved half of the price the ship wanted and got great tours. Valley Isle Excursions (Maui Rd to Hanna), Blue Hawaiian Helicopter, and Marylou's Tours (Hilo) were GREAT....provided the same or better tours and at a great savings!
On a positive note, the entertainment on the ship was wonderful and the shows were among the best we have seen on a ship. Most every night we were delighted with the offerings and variety of entertainers.
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