After about 14 cruises, this may be one of the best Norwegian Cruises I've ever been on. Stayed overnight pre and post cruise at Springhill Suites near Hobby airport for free using points (used their shuttle to dinner and to purchase a case of water for the trip). We were at the terminal about 10 am to check-in the next morning using Super Shuttle from the airport, did organized boarding beginning at 11:30 am with Group 1 and we dropped of our luggage in our cabin by 11:45 am. It was very smooth. I've been on the Jade before and compared to some of the Carnival trips, I really liked the lay out of this ship. We were on deck 8 midship and since there was no center atrium open (as on other ships), the music didn't bother us. For example, we loved Deck 7 since we could walk around the ship at all hours. The food in the complimentary dining rooms was simply fabulous. I ate at some of the specialty restaurants on past NCL cruises and it's really not necessary. We had no wait for any dining room. My husband likes the idea of eating whenever we're ready rather than having a set time.

We enjoyed spending time on Deck 6 next to Le Bistro with the champagne bar and piano player. The Star Bar and Spinnaker Lounge was great for reading a book while watching the waves. We had the unlimited beverage package and the bartenders were very accommodating with us trying different drinks. The service each day was fine. The internet was very slow and I heard many people get frustrated. The only thing that would probably need some improvement would be the gift shop. It was a large gift shop, but not much variety, especially for kids. On a few recent Carnival trips, there were substantial 50% savings on their duty free items like perfumes, colognes, cosmetics and alcohol.

We did four shore excursions through NCL. Passion Island Beach Day in Cozumel was very good, the water was cold, food and drinks were included. There's a Starbucks at the end of the pier with free wifi. Altun Ha Ruins in Belize was also very good, 1 hour bus trip to the site, small restaurant with excellent beer and some shopping, free internet at the port with better shopping. Maya Key Beach Day in Roatan was the best, food was excellent, nice to see wildlife as well! There was also ziplining available at the port over the water for $30 or $40. The last excursion was being offered at the same price as a transfer to the airport and it included over 3 hours of a city tour in Houston with a few stops. We were off the ship about 8:30 am with the tour group.