We wanted a warm getaway in winter and Panama canal transit sounded great. Lots was available to do on the ship, but nearly every activity required extra $$$. In addition, there were several issues that either no crew working directly with passengers had info about, OR they had been instructed to say nothing to passengers. It started with the Norwegian-provided transportation from LAX airport to cruise ship. About 200 or more folks were in the baggage claim waiting for the shuttle for more than 2 hours, without even a seat for some of the older folks who can't tolerate standing for that long. The ship reps who lined us up couldn't -or wouldn't?- tell us what was the delay. It was all aboard time before shuttle got to ship. Then about 3 days before the end of cruise all the condiments were removed from tables and you could no longer self-serve food and beverage at the buffet (instead, stand in line and tell them what you want on your plate... and get all jammed up). Again no one could-or would- explain why beyond 'it's to keep you safe'. The rumors and suppositions about the issue were probably worse than reality. Finally debarking was all jumbled. We were to leave on a 'tour' that transferred us to MIA at 9, but were barely getting off the ship by 9, at which time we stood for 45 minutes in the skyway/walkway watching all the luggage passengers set outside their rooms for collection the night before being transferred to the cruise terminal so we could pick it up. Once more no one was able, or maybe no one was authorized, to disclose what was the reason luggage hadn't been transferred when we first docked.

Not communication issues, but other negatives: There were only 2 small pools for the majority of the approx. 3500 guests to use (altho the small number of Haven guests had a 3rd pool to themselves). The atrium was open to the internet cafe, guest services, shore excursions and cruise next areas making all the sounds run together so that it was difficult to think or hear responses to your questions.

Positives: Entertainment was better than the other NCL cruise I took, and there were 3 large main dining rooms in addition to the buffet, so it wasn't too difficult to get a table for 2-4 during open hours.