I just returned from my first NCL. This is cruise number 31 for me. I have never been so disappointed. The boarding process was crazy like they never have done this before. The food was like eating at Apple'B's which I hate. We did not see a cabin steward for 3 day and on day 3 he called the cabin because my do not disturb light was on and he asked if I would get up so he could come in and do his work!!! OMG I saw a Carnival ship and was ready to jump off. Then the dining is horrible. They have more pay restaurants than regular dining options and for someone that does not eat at buffets that is not a good thing. Also since its freestyle people don't think they should bathe or put on fresh clothes for dinner so they sit in the sun all day and then they just wobble down to the dining room with any and everything on. They smell and look very bad.

They wont ever have to worry about me cruising them again. I would not go if it were free. I like the structure of the other lines. I like knowing my dining staff and cabin steward. I like the friendly staff you find on Royal, Celebrity and Carnival. Also NCL demands that you pay service charges of $13.50 per day per person and they will not refund you at the service desk you have to email them after your trip. You cannot bet I will not pay for service that I am not given. This is another reason their service is so bad their staff does not have to earn it. The spaces on the ship are very confining and tight there is smoke everywhere. They really don't enforce any rules other than the ones that have to do with them making money. It's really FREESTYLE!!!! This has given me a new found appreciation for the other lines and they service and amenities they offer. You even have to pay for the adult area they really do charge for everything. No SERVICE just PAY!!!