This was our 4th cruise with NCL. Our first was the Jewel, then the Epic twice and then the Pearl. It's hard to go back to a smaller ship once you've been on the Epic. The selection in restaurants, buffet items, pools and entertainment is smaller. The quality of the entertainment was less also. It's hard to compare with Blue Man Group really. The pool area was nice but of course just one small slide. Lots of lounge chairs available. The specialty restaurants were just as good as the Epic and easy to get reservations at the time we sailed. The entertainment was just ok. Our kids didn't really enjoy the two main shows "That's Entertainment" and "Encore". They were lacklustre really. The magician and second city were good though as well as the Oh What a Night tribute act. The Main dining and Garden Cafe had the same quality food as on past cruises and it was good. Good variety and quality. The specialty restaurants really are a step up though. Especially Le Bistro. We love their food and the service is exceptional as well. This time there was a special discount if you booked La Cucina, Cagneys and Le Bistro so we did and because we booked a specialty restaurant on the first night we got a free bottle of wine. Excursions were good on this itinerary but our kids aren't that adventurous so we don't waste our money on many. We did Dunns river falls in Ocho Rios which was great. But the rest of the ports we just winged it with shopping or chilling on a beach.

For this trip my mother came along with her sister. They were booked in an inside cabin directly across the hall. My Aunt needed special assistance boarding the ship and she was extremely delighted with the service and attention she received boarding, walking around the ship, tendering and going to shows. Staff were always ready to help her out including officers who would offer their assistance in getting her to her destination. The service is really exemplary for those needing special assistance. I noticed a difference in the staff on this cruise. They seemed to be trying harder at customer service and it was appreciated. Everyone seemed to be enjoying providing great personalized service and it was refreshing. We will be sticking with NCL. Our next cruise will be on the Breakaway next december.