We are platinum members with NCL, but had not cruised with them for three years. I couldn't help myself but to make comparisons with my previous cruise in July with another line. Let's start with embarkation, slow and it was a painful process. Some of the staff at the terminal appeared as if they didn't want to be there and were very rude. You asked a question or direction and you were ignored or given incorrect information.

The ship itself is in decent shape and clean. Our balcony cabin was very small and very little storage for clothes, moving around was a challenge and it was just two of us. The food at the Garden Cafe was mostly average although the layout is a nightmare on sea days when everyone runs like starved maniacs without manners making it difficult to find a table. The complimentary restaurants were good and the food was fine and served at adequate temperature.

The prices at the specialty restaurants are higher and we had dinner at five of them as it was our chosen perk when we booked. We both felt that we were served in a rush and it was not a relaxed dining experience as it used to be in the past. Shows were good except for the magician which we did not care for. I also want to let everyone know that you need to be cautious when walking on the decks during the winter sailings. On the morning that we docked on Jan. 2, the temperature was very cold and there was a very thin layer of ice all over deck 13. They had no "caution cones or signs anywhere" to make passengers aware of the ice. I had gone out for a cup of coffee and unfortunately slipped and took a good fall. I am lucky that I didn't break any bones. Read more