We've always been pleased with NCL cruise lines, perhaps what we like the most is that you almost feel as your a part of the family with the staff of the ship. Many of them come to know you by name and are always smiling and pleasant, not to say that there aren't a few sourpusses, but the majority are great! The ship was a bit on the tired side and had peeling/chipped paint throughout, including the rear balcony cabin I was in, but the layout was great. One thing I noticed though, by having the rear cabin it seemed like we were walking a lot more than usual, but even that was good. The entertainment was great especially the comedian on board and Lloyd the Teppanyaki chef was entertaining enough to be worth the extra fee for this restaurant. I'm not crazy about all the extra money seeking (ship lotteries, pull tabs, increase your drink package to include top shelf) all extra. Additionally not crazy about how the food, while still good, has changed so significantly over the years. I wasn't even able to pay a fee at Cagney's to add a lobster tail to my steak. Surf and Turf now means shrimp and Le Bistro stopped serving the seafood pastry that was so much a delight. That being said, I still would travel NCL as I DO feel I receive something else, a feeling of being a part of their family. While the Zodiac whale watching experience was fantastic in Puerto Vallarta, the same experience in Cabo San Lucas was horrific and we felt as if we were taking our life in our hands due to the Zodiac Captain in Cabo.