1st Cruise with Norwegian. We booked with a Travel Agent who prior to sail date booked the 2 major shows and 3 specialty dining restaurants (Cagneys, Ocean Blue, Onda) for us. Could only get 9:00pm times but ok because we like to eat late anyway. Traveling with Parents, brother and family of 8. Kids were 13, 17 and 19. Overall enjoyed cruise. Food was very good in all the places we ate. The Manhattan was very good. Although I wish the Buffet had better pasta stations. Minor complaint: Bagels were lousy but anywhere outside of NY that is the case! Liked the Local which you could go to anytime you were hungry if the buffet or Taste and Savor had closed for Breakfast/Lunch. Didnt try Starbucks, The American Diner (extra cost) or Ice Cream shop/Bake Shop. Why someone would pay extra when you can dine for free for all the money you pay to me isnt necessary, The ship is beautiful and new. Was crowded on elevators and at pool but otherwise people were spread out. Cabin and service from steward was very good. Found most staffers were happy and service was good especially in the specialty dining. Didnt try room service. $7.50 fee. Choir of Man was good. Kinky Boots good but too long. Comedy show-went to one 6:00 and one 10:00 show. Liked the MC, didnt care for the main comics that much. Not headliners in my opinion. Tip: Make your reservations as soon as you get on the ship at one of the wall kiosk screens. They are on most floors so no need to wait in line on Deck 6 area. Race cars fill up fast as does the Comedy Show reservations. Laser Tag had spots throughout the week. This was a full capacity cruise (Christmas Break Week) However, we got in on a standby line to the comedy show with no problem. People dont show up and there is room. Activities were fun: A lot of various game shows with a chance to participate (Music Trivia, Team quizzes, Dance lessons, etc at different times during the day. Bingo is $39 to play. Too expensive and only offered inside the theatre. Would have been fun by the pool with a lower fee like on other cruise lines. My kids liked the Laser Tag which they did once and the Race Cars were fun. Did a few Virtual Reality games for $8 each. Didnt see the need to spend much time in there as it can get expensive and who wants to be indoors much when the weather is nice out. Water Slides were cool but waits of at least 30 minutes for both. My son liked the teen club which he went to every day. Came and went. Pool was crowded. If you dont get there by 8:30 you might get shut out of chairs for 4 people. Kids aqua park area looked like fun for the little kids. Pool games were fun for the 18 plus crowd. Music was a little loud at times from DJ and Bands. Service for drinks was great. Many servers. We had the unlimited Drink Package. My complaint is with the Haven. Having to charge for an adults only area is Especially when there isnt enough space for everyone at the pool area. Yes. I did witness a few arguments about people taking up too many chairs but this was minor. Didnt need the laser Tag area. Took up too much space. This could have been use for more outdoor lounges and/or basketball-play area like other ships have. Could have had more planned activities for my daughter (19) who was in between the 17-21 year range. Maybe some kind of meetup which a staffer mentioned but was not on the schedule that I saw. Casino was good with $10 Blackjack tables and plenty of slot machines. Did not go to the Pulse fitness center but my daughter wanted to sign up for a class which was filled on day one. Get there early to sign up if you want to do that. Didnt go to the Spa. Played a few video games in the arcade. You just swipe your room card and it gets billed to your stateroom. Pool table is hidden on deck 7 behind the Local -good deal for $2 a game. The dance club was good for the younger crowd. Music was too loud though. DJ should adjust volume a bit. This is a small room. You did feel the boat rocking a bit but not too bad. We were on deck 11. Some people felt it more than others compared to other ships. No one got sick except for my wife one day from too many Pina Coladas! Bars are great throughout the ship. Check out the District Brew House on deck 8 especially if u have the drink package. Great to try as many different beers as you want!

The observation lounge was quiet if u want to chill and read a book-like the walking area on Deck 8 which is quiet with outdoor couches and chairs. Did some Karaoke in the Cavern Club one night. Tip: Arrive early to sign up or you will get shut out. Very Loud in there! Bought both the Social Media Package ($85) and the Ships app service ($10 per phone for week). I found the service spotty at times and slow. The app is good for texting between your family for a reasonable price so I recommend that. Download the free NCL app BEFORE you board or else you wont be able to use it. I find the shops ok. Would have liked to see a daily newspaper for sale but not sure how they would get them! Didnt take any formal photos. The prices are way to expensive ($25 a photo). $300 for a custom book which you can make on shutterfly for $35. I guess they would rather throw the prints out then sell them at a reasonable price.

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