This was our second cruise on NCL. We have cruised on Carnival, Princess, and Holland America. I'm a bit of a cigar lover. I would like to enjoy an unpersecuted cigar or 2 each day on my vacation. NCL's Humidor Lounge is the perfect venue for this. But, what we have found to be superior on both NCL cruises thus far is the entertainment. Jersey Boys was "Legit". Havana was of the same quality, but, not as entertaining. The point is that there were 2 main stage shows that were of better quality than anything we have seen at sea (with the exception of Rock Of Ages and Cirque on the NCL Breakaway 2 years ago. Additionally, the Cavern Club, Beatles Tribute Band was chilling in their authenticity. They performed 2 different shows during the week, and then they combined the 2 shows into a main stage performance on the final night of the cruise. I wondered why they didn't do more. But, then you realize that the Beatles are famous for about 30 songs, that average about 2 and a half minutes each.

We ate at 5 of the specialty venues, La Cucina, Cagney's, Los Lobos, Food Republic, and Teppanyaki. Shocking, as it was to me, Teppanyaki was hands down the best. I say that because its the only restaurant that is truly better than the land based restaurant on which it is based. La Cucina had osso bucco on the menu, and it was very good. The dessert at Los Lobos was so good, we went back after dinner and paid a' la carte to have it again a couple night later. The staff was very accommodating in letting us come back just for dessert. Cagney's was (I hate to say it) a little disappointing. We went with friends. 3 of the 4 steaks had to be sent back. The second round was better, but, I'm beginning to think that the steak house is very difficult to execute at sea. We have had similar disappointments at other over the water steakhouses. They are aiming at an experience comparable to Flemings or Ruth Chris. I'll go back, because I love a good steak, and their's are much better than the one on the main dining menu. But, I've lowered my expectations. The best steak I had was at Teppanyaki. It was fun, and the food was great. We didn't eat dinner at Food Republic. I got a snack, and my wife loved what she got. I should have paid more attention. My opinion is that if you like what you see on the menu (like my wife did), then you will like the food you will receive.

The Local makes a great option for dining without any surcharge. We had several items there throughout the week. The main dining rooms served a great breakfast. You can order breakfast for your room without the room service charge. There are some menu items that carry a charge, but, if you want something before an early excursion, you can tip your server and go. Read more