This trip/ship was chosen specifically because of the Panama Canal experience, and the timing in April to coincide with our 45th anniversary. While not our first cruise, our last one was on the old Royal Viking Sea back in 1991 [a 19 day trip from Hong Kong to Bangkok via Philippines, Bali, Java, Singapore, Malaysia]. Before that we did a short 4 day cruise in the mid 80s in the Greek islands. So.........
Embarkation at LA was smooth, if a bit slow. Stewards met our cab to take our checked luggage, and we proceeded into the terminal where we filled out a couple forms and then proceeded to check-in. We had to use the "first time with NCL" line, and it took about 40 mins to finally get to the check in person. We were issued our "key cards"; our passports were scanned; and off we went to the ship!
Couple of great tips we read about came in handy immediately: first, to bring a lanyard and a clear small plastic holder for the key card which we could slip around our neck for the duration. Very handy! I would guess about half the folks did this. The second tip was to ignore the recommendation once on board to go up to the buffet for lunch, and instead just go to the MDR that was open. We did, and had an uncrowded and peaceful lunch while waiting for the announcement that our rooms were ready.
More space than expected, and very comfortable. Surprisingly good water pressure and temperature control. Only cramped space was the toilet :)
Bed was comfortable. We slept well every night!
We used the balcony often...just sitting out there watching the ocean. We saw dolphins, turtles, a shark, some other kind of fish jumping -- and birds while cruising.
The hordes of cigar and silver hawkers became obnoxious after a while. But the port itself was clean, and we found a great place for lunch: "Uncle Tony's".
Just walked around the beach side looking for a lunch location, and found one that had great food AND fast free internet! A really peaceful little town for a cruise stop. But we enjoyed it.
After spending the previous 10 days trying to use my high school Spanish in every port [with some, but limited success], it was a change of pace to be in an English speaking place -- albeit one where the cars drove on the other side :) We actually had pre-booked a place for lunch before the cruise began at "The Lobster Pot", and we were well rewarded! It was located about 20 mins walk north of "downtown" on North Church Street on the beach. Wonderful! Lobster! After lunch we wandered around the town a bit. I'm sure this stop was a lot of fun for those who wanted to do water related activities like snorkeling and fishing etc as those opportunities seemed endless. A very small, but pretty town. Nice stop.