EMBARKATION Embarkation very smooth. We were probably the last ones on the ship. NCL arranged our air and transfers and really cut it pretty close, and we were also delayed a bit at Heathrow because of lost luggage.

As we left check-in and entered the ship, there were crew and copy machines stationed in the hallway, where our passport was copied for us to use for our visit to St. Petersburg. Our group had come prepared and had our passport copies, but this is a nice touch if people did not know one was necessary.

Got on board just in time to grab our life jackets and head to muster drill. Three of our family members were detained to have their visas examined (they are from the Philippines), so they didn't make the muster drill. No make-up drill for them. It was a very low-key thing. Thought that was unusual. Read more