This was our first Freestyle cruise with NCL (my wife and I had sailed NCL back in the mid-90s). We were a group of 11 including 3 children (8,6,3).

We drove to Miami and apparently arrived about the same time as everyone else. We were forced to park about two miles from the terminal from which we sailed, as one garage has been taken down and the other parking areas were apparently full. Once the drivers reunited with the rest of the party at the terminal the waiting began. Line up around the building, then inside to present paperwork. Strangely we were then sent upstairs to get key cards. More lines for that. Once on the ship, we waited in yet another line on the deck to be let into the atrium. Finally inside the ship, the announcement came letting everyone know that cabins were accessible and off we went to drop carry ons.

The cabin itself was inside and as small as expected. My wife, two daughters and I were surprised to find that there was only one fold-down bed. The other appeared at night between the two beds on the floor. It seemed like it would be a tough fit, but really worked just fine. The bathroom was one of the finer we've had on any cruise. Pretty spacious. Nice touch with the shower door rather than curtain. The toilet is arranged quite oddly and necessitates a side saddle approach for those who are tall. Read more