This is our first Norwegian cruise after a 7 year hiatus .We came out of Boston on the 7.30am Bolt Bus arriving at 34th and 11th and 12th around 11:45am. We planned on taking a cab but we could see the ship from the road closet to the Hudson. so we decided to walk. We walked on the bike path about 3/4 mile and we checked in and were in the dining room by about 12:45. We were surprised to hear that the cabins were ready. I guess the CTN prior gave the staff enough time to open the rooms early.

On a side note, the service was not very good that first afternoon in the Pacific. We asked for lemonade and iced tea that never came. The portions were very small. The tapenade came with 3 pita chips. The shrimp salad which was delicious was about four tablespoons. The small portions would be a theme to the cruise. At least I would not gain weight.

We ate in the Magenta the first night. Again the service was slow and very small portions. We did get our lemonade and drinks this time; however I didn't get my sweetener until the end of the meal. The surf and turf was delicious (again very small). I could't eat the onion soup which was way too salty (and I love salt). That first meal took about 2.5 hours and we missed both the shows. We did choose to eat with other people. After that we chose table for 2 and felt that the meal did go faster. Read more