Good points: ship was in very good condition, especially as it's 15 years old; it was very smooth but the sea was very calm; food was decent though rarely piping hot; quite a big ship so didn't feel too crowded; embarkation and disembarkation was straightforward; good choice of ports - all excellent destinations (Copenhagen, Warnemunde, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki and Stockholm); the all-inclusive drinks package is well worth having but be warned - you can't bring mineral water on board and a bottle is $6.50 and not included in the drinks package. Cabin was excellent, comfortable and quiet.

Bad points: Staff generally helpful, though some are a bit surly. The friendly and happy ones were wonderful though, and from 68 different countries (apparently) so it's really cosmopolitan. Restaurant staff really need some training though in trying not to look shocked when they're told we had a pre-order due to a nut allergy (there are so many people today with special dietary needs that it's nothing unusual so they need to up their game with this). Their attentiveness is also lacking at times. The pool lifeguard was whistle-happy and way over the top - he really needs to calm down and give holidaymakers a break rather than telling people off all the time. Not including mineral water in the drinks package and charging an evil $6.50 a bottle, and not allowing it to come on board is absolutely scandalous. This is a new rule and staff told me they don't like it and don't agree with it either. NCL - if you're reading this please do something about it - your passengers and crew detest you for it, and it is pure greed on your part. The internet access is a total joke - very poor signal, unacceptable log-on and log-off times which adds to the cost, which is extortionate. There is always a long list of people seeing the Internet Manager to complain - again - NCL please do something about it, or just get rid of it. The restaurant service is quite slow.

Tips: Book your excursions online before you go (I did and it was just as good) - it will save you a staggering amount of money - anything booked through the ship will mean prices that make your eyes water. Read more