Booked thru Diamond Resorts Intl, due to special deals they offer with NCL. Embark & disembark went smoothly and quickly. This ship is 15 years old, but seemed well maintained. Our stateroom with a balcony was not very well laid out. We kept running into each other while accessing closets and bath. Bath was fairly big, with a surprisingly big shower. Bath could have used more horizontal surfaces.

Not very many kids on board for this cruise, so the small pools were not too crowded. Hot tubs were always full and as a result not at all appealing. Why would 9 people want to sit together in a bath tub that has been fully occupied all day? Ugh!! Anyway, we travel to see places, not to be entertained on ship and there were several stops.

Food was a disappointment. This was our 4th cruise, 2 times on Princess & once on Carnival. Specifically, the buffet (which we always try to avoid) was undersized, extremely loud, and, of course, crowded. Several buffet entrees were flavorless. It was as if the chef had heard rumors about southern fried chicken or pizza or barbequed pork, but had no idea what they should taste like. Other cruise ship buffets always had freshly carved prime rib, ham, turkey, or pork loin available. On NCL prime rib at the buffet was a one-time special occasion. We were also amazed at how they could make so many visually stunning desserts with so little flavor. Read more