Good things and bad things happened on this cruise through the Panama Canal to Miami. The pre-cruise hotel, Airport Hilton at L.A., booked by NCL cost £200 for a double, for 1 night, no breakfast. Shabby worn room, total rip-off. The embarkation procedure took 2 hours, standing in a queue. The balcony cabin was great, clean comfortable, but the trim panels creaked all night in rough weather, making it difficult to sleep. The steward was very good, very attentive and friendly. The general impression of the cruise that it was aimed at the cheaper end of the market with an emphasis on bingo and gambling and no cultural activities. The "Freestyle" dining was a fiasco." Eat when you want, where you want" was the mantra, but in reality that meant queuing for a pager, and for me a 40 min wait. There are 11 restaurants on the ship, 5 complimentary and in 6 a supplement, of up to £50 each must be paid. This attempt to extract money for dining causes an imbalance in demand and must be resolved. The restaurants were of a good standard of comfort, with one exception, although the live music was too loud. The exception was the "Market Café", which resembled a factory canteen, a bun fight in fact. Plastic tables plates and glasses, although I understand the reason for the plastic plates etc, as it is close too the pool area. The food was of a good standard, although too salty. The shore excursions were, as is usual on cruises, over priced, but good. The live entertainment was of a high standard, but a total absence of anything cultural. Front desk staff were hostile. Gratuities automatically added to you account were $13.99 p.p. per day, but could be revoked if you persevered long enough with front desk staff. Overall not a bad cruise but you get what you pay for! Fantastic destinations, great transit through the Panama Canal. Probably not booking again with NCL.