We are pretty avid cruisers with experience on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess, Disney, Cunard and (our current family favourite) NCL. In fact NCL cruises have been our main vacation choice since our family expanded (we average 2-3 cruises a year since the birth of our daughter who is now 4 years old). We love the NCL crew - their warmth and kindness keep us coming back again and again.
Coming from Canada, we always fly in at least a day or so early to avoid travel delays. This time we decided to fly to Fort Lauderdale and spend a few nights at the Hilton Doubletree by Sawgrass Mills (I needed a shopping fix). Normally we rent a car (Alamo) to putter around in and drive to Miami ourselves but this time it was cheaper to take a shuttle (QLS) from FLL (vs dropping off the car in Miami). Every one we encountered along the way was great (except for Elizabeth at the AC gate in FLL - who is one nasty woman). So we highly recommend Alamo, Hilton Doubletree and QLS - all top notch!
Embarkation/Disembarkation: Both were easy. Sure there was a bit of a line to work through but NCL was organized and efficient. On arrival, our cabin was ready so we put our bags away and decided to head straight to Splash Academy to register our little "turtle". Then it was off to Taste for lunch (much less hectic than the Garden Buffet). Luggage arrived and we had time to unpack a bit before the Muster Drill (NCL does a great job making this as comfortable and quick as possible - organized and clear emergency instructions). When heading home, all was well organized. Luggage was collected and easily found onshore. Breakfast was relaxed in Taste. Very quick disembarkation as we left before 9am just before the rush.
We have tried a variety of cabins in our cruising history (inside, outside, balcony, aft-balcony), but we gravitate to the inside due to value. While the cabin is small (just enough room for the bed, no extra sofa like the older ships), it is well designed so we can comfortably store all our daughter's gear (stroller, car seat etc) plus my overpacking away out if sight. Bathroom is great - bright and clean. The television is well positioned but could use some better programming - especially for kids in the evening. We love the location of this room, quiet little hiddenhallway at the back of the ship; short walk to the aft elevators and sandwiched by cabins (no public area above or below). Suggestions for NCL: (1) Add in a few more hooks in the cabin (2) offer some free on-demand shows/movies especially cartoons for the kids (3) find a better way to store the dirty room service dishes - maybe carts or a curtain.
Taxi to Brewers Bay beach. $8 per person each way. No entry fee. Changed in restaurant restrooms -yucky. Beach was nice. Lots of shade. Rocky at waters edge and very wavy! Prefer Cane Garden Bay.
Day pass to Hilton. Little kids under 5 are free. $65 per adult but includes a $40 food bev credit. Food was good - fish sandwich, ribs, hotdog. Beach was nice but stayed by the pool this time. Towels and chairs included.
Taxi to Magen's Bay. $8 per person each way. $5 entry fee (little kids free). Great beach, sands, water.