we were so excited to be going to see bermuda and the free style dining was just what we all wanted. Unfortunately the two main dining halls had 40-90 min. wait time no matter if we tried at 5:30 or 8pm and we could not seem to get reservations for the specialty restaurants. The food at the Venetian and the Aqua was always over cooked and the wait staff much too harried to remember what we ordered or brought both courses at the same time. We had the option of 1 chef special each night otherwise it was the same menu for 7 nights. There was quite a selection of food for the buffet, yet it too was over cooked, too salty and always cold-even when we sat for breakfast at 7am. We just showed up at Cagney's (steak house) at 8:30 one night and was shown to a table by the window and had wonderful service and great food. Why were we told that we could not get a reservation at any of the specialty restaurants each day we tried yet there were many empty tables during our entire time we dined at Cagney's???? Too bad it cost us $25 each to dine there. Too bad also, that Bermuda was closed on thursday and friday due to the cup match.The good part was that there were no crowds. The bad part was just about all of the shops, museums and most churches were closed. The transportation was on a limited holiday schedule. Why did NCL not mention this when booking (many at the info desk seemed surprised and all gave different info) and why did they not make special plans for all of us this week??? We found this common line of conversation from most everyone we met. Having to wait and or pay for everything became the running joke whenever 2 or more couples were on line or in the elevator together. The snuba and snorkeling were great and the water was clear and warm. Also the shows were varied and pretty good. NCL had better fix it's dining-no one should have to wait on a cruise, especially for poor quality food, poorly prepared accompanied by poor service. To sum up our general over-all experience the the cruise did not measure up to the standards of what is to be expected for the amount of expense and time devoted towards what should have been a memorable experience. P.S It was memorable but not in the positive sense. Next time we will cruise with Royal Carribian.