I took the same cruise in same cabin category last year and this year was so much different. Last year the family and I were bummed because we left a day late and didn't get to go to Juneau due to a propellor problem. We felt the compensation provided by NCL wasn't fair and pretty much swore off taking NCL to Alaska again. I'm glad we tried again because it was like a totally different cruise.

Embarkation this year was extremely quick. Last year the line was winding around outside the building and this year we walked right in, got a number and waited about 15 minutes and we were on our way. We arrived at 11:15am both times. It was so much more of a party atmosphere this time around, the pools and hot tubs were packed on day 1, the outdoor BBQ was going and it was a great start to the vacation.

The mini suite was just as expected. The one thing that still stands out is that tiny TV, it couldn't be more than a 13" screen. I also think a ship 5 years old should have some interactive features like booking excursions or specialty restaurants. The room was just fine although in 19 previous cruises we have never experienced such noisy neghbors as this time. Too many poorly behaved, loud, jumping yelling kids and parents next door. I left a note on their door and it helped a bit, but what are you going to do? It wasn't so bad that we complained to anyone, but it did get annoying at least a couple times a day. Read more