This was our first time with Norwegian. We picked the cruise (21 Jan, Canaries) because it was a good price anyway, but with the bonus of the Ultimate Drinks Package thrown in more or less free (not that either of us drink that much, but it's nice to be able to have one when you want one).

Embarkation at Barcelona was smooth. It looked like the ship had had a bit of a refurb - e.g., the sunbeds looked brand new, glass screen on the shower instead of a curtain. Other reviewers have found the ship 'tired', but I can't say I see it myself. After 4 cruises on the trot with P&O it was a change to find a good mix of nationalities on board.

The first night we tried the vast Windows dining room at the back of the ship, and never got any further. We've been used to long queues for dining, and delays of 30-40 minutes if you want a table for 2. None of that here: a couple of nights there was a shortish queue, most times we just walked in. The meal itself was a bit of a leisurely experience the first couple of nights, then suddenly everything was functioning promptly. Again, I can't understand complaints about the staff and service, they were as good as any other ship I've been on, as was the food. Be warned: pasta comes in industrial quantities. Read more