We had never taken a cruise before and wanted a warm weather cruise of 1 week duration as a starter cruise. We selected NCL due to family and friend history with NCL and the great reviews. We were in the Haven and this boarding process was expedited and we went directly to the boarding area after a 5 minute stop to get our room keys and ids checked. We then boarded at 1145. We were greeted in the Haven and went straight to our stateroom. We then re-assembled in the Haven lounge for a briefing from our Concierge Hanno Meyer. We were directed to Margaritaville for a complimentary lunch while the rest of the passengers joined the ship. After lunch, we toured the entire ship and then retired to our balcony of the stateroom and watched as we sailed out of Miami. Our bags showed up at 1800 that evening.

The specialty dining venues we sampled were the Cagney's Steakhouse and La Cucina Italian. We had great meals in both. Service was outstanding. We bought the dining and drink package for the cruise and ate the rest or our meals in the Haven restaurant. We saw the Circus and Steam, Comedian, Million Dollar Quartet and burn the floor shows. All were outstanding. The circus and steam show was a dinner and a show venue and the food was outstanding even for a mass serving of about 250-300 people.

Service at all venues and contact points was fast, courteous, informed and excellent! They have the routine down and dialed in.