I will start off with a couple of positives. For the size of this ship, the boarding process was effortless. Once we arrived at the terminal, we were on the ship within 15 minutes. The food was really good at every spot. I didn't find anything I didn't like. I had the drink package and so did my husband. They allowed you to get two drinks at a time which was really nice because seating in the public places was very limited. The beds and pillows were very comfortable.

Ok now for the negative. I have been on 20+ cruises. Mostly on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival. I am a smoker. There was absolutely not enough space for smokers. There was a 3ft by 10ft section on the back deck on floor 17. It was always crowded and no place to sit. The smoke stacks were spewing debris which were staining your clothes. The first day they closed this for a private function for 2 hours leaving you with nothing but an even smaller place to smoke, the cigar bar. They were kicking the smokers out because it was meant for cigars but that didn't last long with this group. The other place was the casino which was only open while sailing also with poor ventilation. One of the specialty restaurants, Ocean Blue, was located on deck 7 in the middle of the ship between two bars. It was a busy area of for entertainment and shops. All you smelt was seafood (which I like) but it was very off putting for most. That's something they should relocate. Also most ships take pictures off to the side or on the stairs but no not NCL. They did theirs in the main walk ways of each busy levels constantly stopping traffic. Like I said I had the alcohol drink package. I could get wine, beers, hard liquor, soda and juices but a bottle of water I had to pay for. This infuriated me to no end. One night I was in the night club late and decided to get some filtered water out of the machine before I went bed. They locked the doors to the buffet and dissembled the water machine and juice machine located on the pool deck. I was livid. I found most of the bartenders and deck help very rude. You would say "Good Morning" passing by and nothing. The bartenders would just walk up to you and stand there waiting for you to talk. I never experienced this on any other cruise. They are always up beat and really make your vacation special. Not here. Granted we were heading to Alaska but there were no sail away parties and very little entertainment on the pool deck at all. The infamous White Party that NCL always promotes was nowhere to be found. They never listed it in any of the daily schedules. We were also told they do a cowboy theme as well, never saw that announced either. I heard that you had to make reservations ahead of time but it really is ridiculous when everything is sold out and yet when you go there it's half empty. Not to mention that you have to pay for laser tag and go carts. On Royal Caribbean zip-line, flow-rider and much more....all FREE!

Although Alaska was breath taking I would suggest a different cruise line. If you do chose this ship here's a tip....any card work in the light slot so you can still charge your electronics while you are out of your room.