Let me start by saying this vacation was intended as a late winter getaway for some warmth, sun, and fun. We hope to have another vacation in the year ahead so our intent was to let the ship entertain us.

Embarkation Day 1: We planned on taking a taxi to the pier but at the luggage carousel we saw a lady holding an NCL placard. Asked her if we could join...no problem. $20pp and charged to our on-board account. Once at the pier, lines moved quickly and before we knew it, we were on board and greeted with a spritz of hand sanitizer. You'll get used to that quickly! Went to Windows for a nice lunch and headed to our room. Inside cabin on deck 8; plenty large for our needs. Bathroom is spacious as well. Most importantly, clean! I recall feeling very welcome and thought it amazing that other cruisers had left that room mere hours prior. Had dinner at specialty restaurant Cagney's. $25pp with comp bottle of wine...California Merlot...very cheap but decent. Partner did not like t-bone steak. My filet was good and I enjoyed the Oysters Rockefeller (6) although they could have been a tad hotter. This was the only specialty restaurant we went for 1) because we've cruised NCL prior and tried the others, and 2) meals are really quite good at the main dining rooms and we found Cagney's food to be no better. You will notice the extra bit of attention and the quieter, upscale atmosphere. You decide if it's worth $50 extra per couple. ;-) Took in the Welcome Aboard Show in the theater and ended up in the Disco for dancing.

Sea Day 2: Rained leaving NOLA the night before and with us in an inside cabin could not readily tell what the day was like. Well, it was sunny and warm! Ate a nice breakfast in Windows and proceeded poolside. Dinner: Windows-just fine; Show: Broadway review-entertaining; disco for dancing and making more friends.Costa Maya Day 3: Having never been to Mexico, I was impressed with the pier complex here but we whizzed right through to the exit in the back to grab a taxi to our privately booked excursion to Maya Chan resort. We were a bit apprehensive about the van we were getting in (was it going to the right place?) but we got there, no worries. A bit bumpy of a ride but inconsequential otherwise. Cannot say enough about Maya Chan. Google it and go. You will not be disappointed. Everything was amazing!!! And do not say no to the 1/2 hour massage. You will feel totally pampered. Oh, and the best guacamole on earth. Back at the pier complex, beware Senor Frogs if you enter. While great energy and lots of decadent fun, they will force feed you multiple shots without you realizing what is happening and poof: a $20 bill, please. :) Dinner: Garden Room...to our liking as it is a bit more intimate and cozy. Again, food was well prepared and satisfying. Show: Magician: a bit hokey and predictable although the number with an audience member was hilarious and worth the earlier schmaltz. Disco for dancing. A routine is emerging. :-) Read more