This was our first cruise. We wanted to visit this part of the world and decided to do it for our anniversary. We had a picture window ocean view cabin on the 5th deck, forward. Sea was very calm thru-out our trip and we had no problem with sea sickness. Cabin steward was very helpful, and cabin was bigger than it appeared in the pictures. Bed was large enough for us (concerned beforehand because we are accustomed to a king size bed). Met another couple on our first day during required drill who turned out to become friends that we socialized with on cruise. Solved another concern since ncl does not have assigned tables to meet others at.

Food was good in regular dining rooms, and above average at specialty dining rooms. Entertainment was fine, nothing special but enjoyable. Service was uniformly good on ship.

Excursions were a little overpriced, but OK in Wernemunde, Talin, and Helsinki. Very disappointing in St. Petersburgh, which was expected to be the highlight of the trip. My wife, who has an art background, was very interested in seeing the Hermitage. We booked what appeared to be the most extensive trip off the ship. Spent 1 hour in transit, 45 minutes in bathroom breaks, 2 hours at the hermitage (which we were rushed thru without seeing the things she really wanted to see) and ONE AND A QUARTER HOURS AT A SOUVENIR SHOP. They told us to look at this as another bathroom break even though it took place on the way back to the ship. I was very angry, my complaint got a partial refund, but did not get us the time back to spend at the Hermitage. I heard similar complaints from other passengers who used the cruise lines excursions in St. Petersburgh. Talked to other passengers who booked directly with Russian tour companies and they got much better tours for less money. Read more