I am a "loyal to royal" fan (32 cruises with RCCL) also AZAMARA,CELEBRITY,COSTA and MSC

I was rather apprehensive as this was my first cruise with NCL.

1.We checked in at 2.45pm.Check in was swift and the staff at Barcelona were just excellent. 2.We were greeted by friendly NCL staff and offered champagne or juice (start to take note RCCL)we were then greeted by an attendant who took our carry on bags and escorted us to our cabin. 3.Cabin was smaller than RCCL but was very clean and compact. 4.Cabin Attendant Eduardo greeted us straight away,he was always around to assist but never bothered you.Never saw him in the cabin but cabin was always made up and clean. 5.The dining on board was good and varied and the buffets offered more than enough choice and I am fussy. The Grand Pacific and Magenta were very good and the service excellent(we always dined about 8.15pm )we had really good dining experience in all the restaurants...not one bad meal.I particularly liked the efficiency and attentiveness of the staff in the buffet areas,used plates etc were cleared immediately and staff always polite ,smiling and friendly.Waiters were always available to assist you with your trays,particularly elderly. I liked the compulsory hand Sanitizers through out the dining areas.The ship was spotless through out. 6.I purchased $75 spa pass for week which was worth it.Gym was very good and again staff friendly. 8.Ship had some real funky areas and huge relaxing chairs in lounges and on sun decks. 9.Pursers desk were always friendly,helpful and smiling (big problem with RCCL) 10.Shows were different and entertaining and onboard singers and musicians were excellent. 11.Disembarkation and embarkation at ports were hassle free.And disembarkation on last day was the easiest and quickest ever ! (we took our own suitcase) 12.My only negative points were smoking areas were not adhered to,pool area was a bit tacky and sun beds often reserved with towels.. from early morning. Some of the guests were a bit inconsiderate. 13.All in all this was a great cruise and I was pleasantly surprised after reading so many indifferent reviews.It was made all the more so by the attentive and friendly NCL staff.Ships officers were always walking around at dinner greeting passengers.Freestyle cruising is a great concept and NCL have created their niche. NCL really do deserve a pat on the back.They focus on traditional customer service and you feel they are really trying to make a difference in the cruise industry .. not bigger or grander ships.just good old fashioned customer service..watch out RCCL !!