Russia for 2 days and Berlin was main stops. Booked with private tour agencies at half the cost. Staff gave us some run around trying to get off the ship in Russia timely for our tour by making us reserve a time to get off that conflicted with the time we needed to off for tour, but we got in line earlier than the reserved time and were accommodated after the ship's groups left. Been on Norwegian before and generally like the cruise line, but a couple of things have changed. Although it is freestyle dining, you now have to book the free shows if you want to guarantee a seat and don't wait until the day of the show or it will be full, otherwise you can stand in standby and take your chances. Dining is so slow. Plan on 2 hours. the shows do repeat, but the reservations are still a must. Food is the same in the Main Dining/Taste/Savor the whole trip, so arrange for specialty dining, or eat in Shanghai Noodle Bar or O'Sheehan's (always busy) for a change of pace. Le Bistro and Moderno are good, Teppanyaki is a great show, but food is bland. (we got 3 specialty dining free at sea choices) You will get different staff every time in dining areas. Jungle show is great. Get there early or you will be rushed through dinner portion. Buffet lacks adequate seating unless you don't mind eating in the pool area when it's cool outside. The Ultimate Beverage Package was definitely worth it for free at sea choice even if you are not a big drinker. Spa is better titled Thermal Suite. More of an adult retreat without perks- no lotion, poor flavored water, no cool face cloths for sauna, no snacks- just the basic therapies. Still we made good use of it since it was included in our room package. Plenty of dancing/music venues, but main Atrium for ship is too small for accommodating game shows and on board gatherings for other activities.