I went with 3 other friends. We have all cruised before, but this was the first time on a Norwegian cruise. We were told the ship holds over 4,000 passengers, and boy did we feel it. The pool was so crowded with humanity that you didn't even want to go in, even if you could have fit. Hot tubs were the same. The sundeck on Deck 20 was a nice respite from the crowds, but there was no pool to cool off in. The worst part was that there was no drink service up there. We were there for many hours on 2 different days, and not once did a server come around

Part of the Sundeck was like a cruel joke - you looked over the area for The Haven on Deck 19, with their private hot tub, cushioned lounges and lots of wait staff. Obviously these passengers knew the right way to book their cruise.

Breakfast restaurants (Savor and Taste) are only open until 9:30 am, which is absurdly early. If you want to avoid the feeding trough atmosphere of the main buffet, which is teeming with what seems like 99% of the passengers, you have to wake up and get to one of these restaurants before 9:15. Read more