This was my first NCL experience. I came prepared with lower expectations, but I was wrong. I am an avid cruiser with literally dozens of Royal, Celebrity, Holland, Princess, and Seabourn cruises. I was expecting mediocre and received outstanding service on this cruise.

The staff had an amazing positive attitude and 99 percent of the crew we came in contact with were far superior to your average cruise. I know how hard it is to create that incentive to perform and maintain great morale for jobs that are hard and demanding. Dining Room staff was well trained, gracious, and we received consistent service in the dining room, with the food arriving hot all the times we were at the Pacific or Alizar restaurant. There were five entrees that were the same and available daily and at least five more each day. Food was well presented and far superior to Royal and Princess. No filet mignon or lobster on the menu, but good choices, tasty and again beautifully plated for a cruise in this category.

Buffet had everything one could wish for. Different roasts, hot entrees, pasta cooked to order station, salad bar, Asian and Indian station, and hot vegetarian selections. Service at the buffet was excellent with fast and professional staff. Tables got busy quite often and sometimes I had a little struggle to find a place to sit. Pastry and breads can be improved. There is variety but quality can be better. Read more