The main reason for choosing this cruise was the itinerary, mainly St. Petersburg and Tallin. While I was very interested in the Scandanavian cities, those I felt I could go to any time. I knew nothing of "big ships" and certainly was unaware that there was more than one embarkation port for this cruise (I now know this is important to know when making a cruise decision). My cruise mate was very familiar with 'big ships" from another cruise line so there was definitely a reference point for us. Because of the size of the ship, it is unable to dock in certain ports. This means that you are then docked a good distance from the port you are actually paying to see. While transportation to the prized port is provided, this takes much valuable time away from your actual time in the port to enjoy what you came to see.The entertainment venues were considerably smaller than on regular size cruise ships which meant you had more passengers trying to fit into much smaller venues. The Garden Cafe which was this ship's buffet became affectionately known as 'the hunger games" for breakfast. It quite literally was a fight to find a table, a fight to get to the food at the buffet, a fight to get back in the walk way after getting your food, a fight to navigate the walkway and a fight to get back to your table. You didn't get to enjoy eating breakfast together as one person always had to stay and secure the table while one went to get food then you would need to eat while your food was hot while the other person went to get food.

I absolutely know that no one has control over the weather, so when high winds prevented us from getting into our first port, I truly do not blame the Captain. However, this port could not be skipped as not only was it an embarkation port, but more importantly it was the main supply port. While I was happy to finally get the chocolate covered strawberries I paid extra for (instead of the candy they kept substituting), it in no way made up for losing out on the port of Tallin. It became very clear that the company's bottom line was far more important than the passenger's investment.

NCL is a good cruise line, but I would NEVER sail on one their "big" ships again!