Like many, I read many reviews before and after choosing to book this ship. As a result, I had some reservations that this would offer little more than a moving hotel for our tour of the Hawaiian islands. Therefore, I sent my family’s expectations accordingly. Wow, was I wrong! Having sailed on four previous cruises (with 4 different cruise lines - one of which was Norwegian), I have a experiences to compare and can honestly say this was the best cruise we’ve had! We booked a family suite this trip. The staff were exceptional. I recognize some of this comes with the suite service, but the main dining rooms, bars, and guest services were all great too! If the four cruise lines we’ve sailed, the Norwegian staff have consistently been the best!
The ship is older than any other we’ve sailed, but it is kept clean and any problems are quickly addressed. The renovations a few years ago were well done. Our family suite was large and modern and easily fit our family of four (with 2 teenagers).
The cruise staff modified the itinerary to give us an opportunity to sail safely past the live lava flow on the big island at sunset. It was an unforgetable experience and pleasant surprise we learned about upon embarking!