A nice break from the cold

All in all was a nice cruise. I especially like the Waterfront, the walkway/outside diners/bars around the ship. It was nice place to relax several times a day just sitting on comfortable chairs while the sun warmed the shaded areas. It was also a nice place for many of us to walk around because the walking/running path on the upper deck was pretty small and crowded and after 9:30 too many people in the area to use. 

The ship was very clean, our room was a bigger porthole room and very comfortable and spacious. The dining was very nice, the Savor and the Taste Restaurants were clean, good food and very friendly staff. The Garden Cafe was very good, we went there several times a day for breakfast and lunch and a few times in-between for coffee breaks. 

My biggest disappointment was the Atrium on deck 6, we didn't want to sit around much the first 3 nights because of the smoke coming from deck 7 which had the casino. After it filled up with people the perfume and movement of the people helped a little. We learned to sit back by the guest services desk away from the smoke. We have never experienced that much smoke on any other ship. There was always smoke in casinos on other ships but we just chose not to go there. I have all my life been around smoky areas, bars etc. but as I get older it bothers me more and choose not to be exposed to it. I'm afraid that's a deal breaker for me for Norwegian ships. 

This was the first time on a Norwegian ship after 5 cruises on Royal Caribbean. After R.C. cruises especially the Oasis and Allure of the Seas this ship had a lot to live up to. We didn't feel there was as much variety of food, especially the sweets, pastries etc., places for free coffee other then the Garden Cafe as R.C. had. 

I do like the over 18 area better on R.C. because they have bigger and more whirlpools, and also had a cover over the seats where you could either be in shade or sun whatever your liking where Spice H2o was all in the sun. Spice did have a nice cool water area to go into which was a plus.

In Summary if they get a better filtration system for the smoke I will consider the Norwegian once again, the rest was very nice, not great, but very nice. I don't regret one moment for this experience. I'm also under assumption that the rocking of this ship, more then I've felt on any other ship was from the undercurrents from the cold weather from the north which caused a lot of cracking and banging in our room for a couple of nights. That's what we were told anyway. 

We don't usually get off more then an hour at ports to just check out the immediate small shops outside the ships so can't comment on the ports. We usually like the quietness of the ship while everybody is off anyway. BTW the entertainment was top notch, shows, piano players, bands, and especially the illusionarium, that was the best magic/comedy act I've ever seen on any ship or most any where else. 

I had to give it 3 stars instead of maybe 4 or 5 especially because of the smoke. If that don't bother you this will be a good experience for you.