This being my first cruise I wasn't sure what I would expect. I live on Long island so driving to Manhattan Cruise terminal was not a big deal. Arrived early walk through security very quickly. Waiting no more than 15 to 20 minutes. Proceeded to go to the line that matched our edocs. just one tip this is where they give you your boarding number. Then proceeded to go to check in and set up our pictures and cruise cards. Then we took one picture by picture of the ship. ( and let me add this was the only time during the whole entire cruise that anyone bothered us to take a picture, we did see photographers and if you chose to take a picture we could have spoke to them. So people who say that they are bothered and they're very pushy are extremely exaggerating). Sat down and waited to be boarded. As I was sitting down I realized everyone but us had a boarding number. Ask one of the crew members that were they are what we should do, he told us as soon as they start calling numbers come up to him and he'll put us in a line. So we were able to board the ship right after the Haven customers. The whole process took maybe 40 minutes at most before we were on the ship and drinking. The ship itself was very very clean and beautiful. I will say that the smell of smoke is very strong in the casino. We were on the ship even before anyone was in the casino smoking,so if you're sensitive to smoke I can see it being a problem. Immediately booked our shows and change some dinner reservations. Very easy to do at the touch screens. Found another bar and had a few more drinks. Had the ultimate drink package that was one of our perks in the cruise and I would never cruise without one. Nothing that we drank the whole Cruise was over the $15 limit..No need to switch and pay for the more premium drink package it's not necessary. Had lunch in the Savoy restaurant. It was practically empty, I'm sure everyone was at the buffet or at the pub. By the time we were done with lunch our room was ready. We were on the 15th floor in the back of the ship with an angled balcony. The rooms I can see being on the small side but for two people it was more than enough,four people though I can see it being a tight squeeze. We had extra space on all balcony which was wonderful. But I will say if you're prone to seasickness definitely do not have the back of the ship cabins. You can really feel the ship moving. Met our room Stewart, Rochelle, immediately. She was absolutely wonderful the whole trip. Anything we needed we got. Our room was always clean and neat. Not a problem at all. By this time we attended the muster drill, it took about 30 minutes and it was over we proceeded to go to" it's 5 somewhere bar"and sit outside for departure. Got to see everything from this location, all the buildings, statue of liberty, and it was beautiful.

Then because the weather is still a little cold in November in New York we went to the spa. We paid for the weeks pass prior to leaving, and it was worth every penny. It was wonderful and we never had a problem of anyone from the spa trying to upsell us any of their products or sessions. Also it would be quite impossible for people who don't have the pass to sneak into the spa. You have to go past the whole entire desk of employees and they have to open the door with a different key. You also have to leave your card at the front desk. So people who left other reviews stating that anyone can get in the spa is a lie.The only negative thing about the spa was that the snow room was closed. It wouldn't be much of a big deal if I happen to know that it was closed and August and also October. So it doesn't look like it's a priority to Norwegian to fix. Would have loved to gone from the steam room to the snow room. But even with that it was worth the money.

I would have to say that all the food even at the buffet was very good. Service in the restaurants that come with the cruise was excellent. We never received are meal right on top of our appetizers. The servers in those restaurants do an excellent job. All the bar staff that we dealt with through the cruise was top-notch. Allall the crew that we've came in contact with throughout the whole entire ship was always smiling polite and happy. Never saw anyone that wasn't smiling.Hardly ever had to wait for a drink at all. Went to the two specialty restaurants, and they were also very good. At the Brazilian steakhouse BBQ I will say that the service was a little slow. We also saw all the shows that the ship had to offer. I felt they were all done very very well. Not everyone has the same taste, but the cast and everything we saw was top-notch. The pool itself I will completely with most reviews I've read, is very very small for 4,000 people. We spent most of our time up in the spice H2O lounge which was adults only. But the cruise being in November when most children have school there weren't many kids on the ship. If you have a problem dealing with children I would suggest taking a cruise when school is in session. Disembarking the ship in Manhattan was a little chaotic. The elevators open on people on the lines, everyone yelling not to cut them off, not enough Norwegian crew out to keep the lines in order. But got on top of it as quickly as they could, and it only took about 45 minutes to disembark the ship with the self checkout. I would highly recommend Norwegian to anyone who would like to take a cruise. Enjoyed the trip immensely.