This ship’s design and layout is similar to that of Norwegian Pearl, and features a “pod” propulsion system for vibration-free cruising. The ship’s white hull has a colourful, funky string of pearl design along its sides. There are plenty of deck lounge chairs (in fact, more than the number of passengers carried). Water slides are included for the adult swimming pools (children have their own pools at the ship’s stern – out of sight of the adult areas).

Inside the ship is an entertaining mix of colors and decor that you probably wouldn’t have in your home, and yet somehow they all work extremely well in this large resort ship setting designed to attract the young, active, and trendy.

There are 11 bars and lounges, including “Bar Central,” four specialty bars: martini bar, champagne and wine bar, beer and whiskey bar, and a cigar bar; these interconnect with the lobby, yet have distinct personalities. The lobby houses a Java Bar, plus a large movie screen, typically used to show sports events. One neat room is the “Bliss Ultra Lounge & Night Club,” located at the aft end of the ship; rather like a South Beach club, it houses a 24-hours a day sports bar and lounge complex, including a bowling alley with four real bowling lanes – the cost is $5 per person, including special playing shoes, and it is limited to six persons per lane. The lounge doesn’t actually have many seats, but does have a couple of beds, as well as video games.

Because NCL is all about cruising with families of all ages, much space is devoted to children’s facilities, all of which are thoughtfully tucked well away from adult recreation areas, at the aft end of the ship. Children of all ages will get to play in a superb wet ’n’ wild space-themed water park (the Aqua Kid’s Club), complete with large pool, water slide, and paddle pool; there’s also 30-ft by 19-ft climbing wall at the ship’s funnel. There’s a room full of cots for toddlers to use for sleepovers. Teens, too, are well catered for, and have their own cinema, discotheque with dance floor, and hot tub.

Plenty of choices, including many dining options, add up to a very attractive holiday package, highly suitable for families with children, in a contemporary floating leisure center that really does provide ample facilities for you to have an enjoyable time.

The dress code is very casual (no jacket and tie needed, although you are welcome to dress formally if you wish). Although service levels and finesse may be inconsistent, the level of hospitality aboard NCL ships is good – made better and brighter by the addition of a good number of Asian staff. Despite the company’s name (Norwegian Cruise Line), there’s little that’s Norwegian about this product, except for some senior officers. There’s plenty of lively music, constant activity, entertainment, and food that is mainstream and acceptable but nothing more (even when you pay extra to eat in the “alternative” dining spots).

While the initial cruise fare is reasonable, extra costs and charges soon mount up if you want to sample more than the basics. The ship is full of revenue centers which are designed to help you part with even more money than what is paid for in the price of your cruise ticket. You can expect to be subjected to a stream of flyers advertising daily art auctions, “designer” watches, gold and silver chain by the inch, and other promotions, and long programme announcements three times daily by the cruise director.

The onboard currency is the US dollar. Gratuities for staff (cabin attendants, dining room waiters, etc.) are automatically added to your onboard account at $10 per person, per day; you can, however, reduce or otherwise amend these if necessary before you disembark. In addition, a 15% gratuity is added to all bar and spa treatment accounts.

Berlitz Guide © Apa Publishing 2008