My wife and I flew from Australia on the 21st May, 2012 and had a 2 day stopover in Dubai prior to arriving at the Embarkation port of Venice on the 24th May where we stayed 2 days in beautiful Venice prior to the commencement of the cruise.

On the 26th May embarkation day about 11am we caught the People Mover from Venice to the Cruise Terminal which is only 1 stop and very easy. Walked out luggage up to the Norwegian Cruise Staff and dropped it off. Entered the building and did all the embarkation paperwork and were through onto the ship about 12 Midday. This operation went very smoothly and the staff should be congratulated.

When onboard looked through the ship briefly and was very impressed. Had sailed on the Norwegian Star previously and thought the ship was very similar. Went to the pool deck sat in the lovely afternoon sun and had a couple of drinks until our cabin was ready about 1.30pm. Put all the luggage away then the Muster Drill about 4.30pm which was over about 5pm..Went upstairs for the Sailaway and listened to the band ( Sound Bytes ) which were very good. What a sailaway it was standing up the top of the ship with drink in hand watching beautiful Venice as we sailed out through the heads. Weather was absolutely perfect and couldn't of ordered better. Read more