I am a retired teacher, age 57. My wife, 52, is the Personnel Director for our county. This was our 22 cruise, 3rd on NCL.

We committed the following cruise sins: We never ate at a buffet, took an elevator, took a shore excursion, attended a show, went to the chocoholics buffet, had a picture taken of us, went to port or disembarkation talks, booked a future cruise, bought the drink of the day, used the pool, gym or spa, dressed up, or played bingo. So you may stop reading now and not offend us.

None the less, incredibly, we had a thoroughly wonderful time. Freestyle is everything NCL promises. We never waited for a table at Aqua and Versailles. The concierge, Al, made some of our specialty restaurant reservations and we had no trouble making the rest for the same night for ourselves. On formal night, I wore slacks and a knit shirt and did not feel out of place, anywhere on the ship. So if you will have a seizure, having a different table and waiters, seeing people without suits and tuxes, or people in shorts at night dragging their football helmets full of beer around the decks, don't take NCL. Read more