This was our second cruise with NCL and we were excited to go out of Manhatten. We booked a hotel n NJ that kept our car for the week, had free breakfast and included transportation to and from port for only $300. A great deal to say the least. The embarkation went quickly and our room was very nice. We chose a family balcony room as we had four travellers (two teens age 15). It was close quarters but we don't spend a lot of time in the room and would rather spend our money n other things. We spent the first day exploring the ship, it's a big ship. While at sea we were a little disappointed that there were not as many planned activities for families. Our previous trip on the Dawn always had things going on. We were also surpsised they held the popular game shows in the main lobby where there is definetly not enough seating for everyone and therefore people would go find seats hours before. The pool was nice and the hot tubs on the back deck were usually open. We tried out the ropes course which was fun though the plank was closed due to high winds. The mini golf course was a little run down and could use some tic but also, apparently people don't know how to play. They were running all over the place, cutting into our family's time. All staff was outstanding.

The ports- we didn't get off the ship in Port Canaveral, the weather wasn't that nice for the beach. At the private island we went kayaking and a highly recommend this. We booked right thru NCL and our guides were awesome. The kayak trip was calm and beautiful and we got to see quite a bit of marine life and even some large iguanas sunning themselves. Only thing I regret is leaving my camera n the beach shack with our shoes. The guide said it wouldn't be a good idea but the kayak trip was smooth sailing and it would have been awesome to have my camera. After kayaking we went back to the beach which was overflowing since everyone from the ship is down there. It is beautiful and clean, the cruise one plans lots of activities n the beach including a buffet.

What to say about Nassau - I won't go back! We walked up to the queens staircase which looked so beautiful in the pictures, well not so much in December it looked like a back alley in Brooklyn with stone steps. Very dissappointing. Then we walked up to the Fort which took all of 8 minutes to explore. One good thing is the market at the Fort. You can get some great deals, don't pay full price for anything.we got 5 tshirts, 2 hats, 5 key chains and a bag for $45. Then we walked back downtown to the beach. If you can call it a beach as it is dirty. There was trash all along the fence. The kds though they would snorkel and were disappointed there weren't fish n the water like in Bermuda. Read more