We like NCL, but this ship proves that bigger is not always better and that it may be virtually impossible to provide a consistently positive experience for 5000 passengers. This is the fourth NCL ship we have sailed on and we will not be sailing on it again.

We were in 8064 port toward the front pretty close to one of the two banks of elevators on each deck. Pretty good location for me and my two boys. Even though the cabin will technically sleep three, it is small even for two and has this undulating interior design that is truly weird. The bathtub/shower is directly to the right as you enter - with accordion glass doors. On the left side is a smallish toilet ( Class C RV size)t with a glass door as well. The sink is exposed to the cabin next to the toilet enclosure. A strange set-up. The third person basically sleeps on the undulating couch which calls for a somewhat unnatural sleeping position. The main bed is over by the sliding glass door to the balcony and is comfortable enough for two. There is plenty of storage everywhere. There are only two electrical outlets in the cabinet under the TV. Not very convenient. The balcony is fungible with two cheap web chairs and a couple of small metal end tables. The balcony overlooks the lifeboats so there is no direct view down to the sea - everybody on the port side has the view. To call this a "minisuite" is hyperbolic indeed except for the "mini."

The food was, overall, mediocre particularly for NCL where we have traditionally found pretty decent fare. The breakfast buffet was standard and you can get eggs/omelets to order and the usual array of pre-cooked eggs, meats, fruits etc. You can get fresh juice for extra $. Dinner at Cagney's steakhouse was subpar - my porterhouse was comparable to something you might find at Kroger for $9.99 a pound. Teppanyaki was similarly uninspired. Cuccina was the best of a bad lot with a nice view and good pasta. My boys convinced me to eat one "Asian" dinner at the Garden buffet - I found that experience the worst of the lot. The Manhattan restaurant was nicely decorated in a subdued way and served up pretty decent (but not really good) fare, albeit generally warm instead of hot. The other "main" restaurant Taste we found unattractive (many of the tables can be observed from the deck above) and tried to avoid it. There are bars everywhere and the bar staff is competent and can make a good martini. On that subject, get the Ultimate Beverage Package - it includes high end liquor and other drinks so long as there is not a lot of mixing involved. Grey Goose vodka comes with that package, for example. The wines by the glass are pretty good. Read more