We are 2 professional couples in our 50's just returned from a superb cruise, our 5th together and our second with NCL. Our overriding thoughts, on reading some previous reviews, are " What do some people expect?". The staff and crew of this ship could try no harder to make your holiday perfect. We have travelled the world, expect high standards and NCL hit the mark! Embarkation: No problems, stayed over night in Dover and arrived at 11.45am set to cruise. Within 45 mins we had a glass of champagne in our hands, no stress!, Embarkation just like any other cruise or airline. Just chill, you are going on vacation!! Having done our home work we avoided any scrum and enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the Tsars palace until our cabin was ready( always pays to do research before any trip). Cabin: We did our home work again and booked 1 cabin on port and 1 on starboard, either side of the mid staircase. This meant ease of meeting our friends, we were central to most things and we always had a sunset to enjoy from 1 balcony while enjoying our pre dinner drinks. Cabins were fine, super bed and the balcony is a must. We liked the separate doors on the shower and toilet. Entertainment: The shows are great, curate's egg as some better than others( I am sure England has funnier comedians and Russia better magicians) but the Cirque Bijou and the Juggler were simply superb. We enjoyed the opportunity to see some again in the Spinnaker lounge late shows. The daily programme is extensive, surely enough to please anyone. We loved Ken's quizzes( mal de mer , Ken!!!) and our friends really enjoyed the dance lessons. We were never bored!! Dining: One criticism, it is getting a bit naughty to have so many restaurants where you now pay a supplement. Having said that we sampled every one and they were all excellent, never had a bad meal at all. The winner was Le Bistro where the food and service were absolutely superb. Mongolian hot pot was the surprise of the food, not sure what we were expecting but what good fun. Managed to put on 8lbs in 12 days so that speaks for itself. Again, do your homework, not quite sure why people queue in the garden cafe at breakfast for an omelette etc. when you can have it served in comfort and with zero stress in the Tsars. We had to smile on the final morning when a waiter was explaining what a sunny side up egg was to a lady - where had you been for 12 days? Value: Having traveled to the USA many times we struggle to see what people moan about with pricing. 15% is put on most drinks etc but it is just like holidaying in the States as a Brit. Again if you have done your home work you know what the score is before you arrive, so just chill and enjoy. We felt we got excellent value for our money overall. We work with the general public so totally empathize with NCL, you will never please some people. Our advice - you are on vacation, no one will try harder than NCL staff to make sure you enjoy it, so relax and enjoy their company and service. 12 days with no rain, just as we ordered. Thank you Don't forget, do your homework before any cruise!!