We chose this cruise based on past experience on the Gem, but this was quite disappointing. It seems that NCL is more interested in increasing profits than in providing a good experience for the guests.

From the moment we arrived at the cruise terminal, the service was terrible and chaotic. We were to have priority boarding, as we were booked in the Haven, and are also Gold level Latitudes members. We had to work our way through crowds to get to the room where we were to check in. The check in room was poorly organized, and the staff did not seem to know what they were doing. When we finally were able to board the ship, we had to walk quite a distance outside, in the cold, until we were led inside.

Once inside, and in Cagney's for lunch, we asked for soda, and had to wait more than half an hour for straws. Our sodas were watered down and warm before the server came back with them. We had asked what Pepsi products were available, and could not get an answer from any of the staff. Not even the Food and Beverage Director knew what Pepsi products were available on the ship. The food on the ship was of poor quality, and did not have much taste. Most of the food was served barely luke-warm. The potatoes served with breakfast were covered with garlic and inedible. We had one meal in Moderno, and asked for the steak to be well-done. We were brought a few pieces that were charred on the outside and pink on the inside. The servers seemed to push the sausage, but were scarce with the better cuts of meat. Read more