First: I am a solo cruiser. I am also from Texas, so the port of Houston (Baytown Cruise Port) is highly convenient not to mention the easiest embarkation port I've been through in a long time! Not only was the drive convenient (3 hours) but the parking was right outside the cruise port with easy access to Houston Hobby airport, if needed. Embarkation started with friendly faces, fast moving lines, and a smooth transition onto the ship to dine on the pool deck. I was greeted by one of the officers in charge (Nelson of officer in charge of Customer Service) and had fun practicing speaking a little (very rusty) French while getting acquainted with the ship, and picking up a glass of wine. What a great way to start a week's get-a-way. How sad I was to learn that NCL will no longer be sailing from this port after April, 2016. NCL can you change your mind? Please?
In any event, this was not my first cruise. I've done about 7 cruises on various cruise lines. In my estimation NCL falls somewhere near the higher end of the mid-level cruise lines. I would place it about 2 steps above Carnival and about 1/2 step below Holland American and about 1.5 steps below Celebrity lines. Of course, I know all you readers have your own favorite lines - but I don't. Truly. I go cruising for the experience of meeting people and a quick 7 day getaway from a very busy work life. I like the expereince of meeting people from all walks of life. I also think each cruise line has appeal to it's certain type of cruise patron.
The NCL patron is one who likes to feel free to party (if they want) or to spend quiet time on deck sunbathing or playing in the pool. On this cruise, which was post the Holidays, most people on board were 34-55 year old. Some had kids (a few) and there were more than a number of family reunions on board this trip. By the way, NCL is the perfect cruise line for Family Reunions. This is partially because NCL has the "Freestyle Cruising" thing going, which lets each of the family members choose how to use their "free time" -- whether it is sitting by the pool or studying art -- and plenty of meeting places for family members to hang out. There is also a 24 fast food bar near the pool where I saw lots of family meet-ups.
Quiet, clean, beds needed to be updated. Balcony drainage problems when it rained heavily.
white sand beach, food and rum punch, snorkel and boat ride all inclusive
Discover Scuba
Nice place to travel from