I been on 4 Norwegian cruises. (3 in the past 13 months). Most of the mass cruise lines with the exception of Princess uses Park West for their art auctions. I bought some art in 1997 when I cruised Celebrity. I went to a couple of art auctions on NCL and the opening prices were high! In 1997, the prices were alot lower. I bought because I liked the pieces, not because of any (perceived) appreciation. I have read some recent blogs about Park West being a rip off, etc.

As for soda, Celebrity charged $2 for a soda in 1997. Out of the 4 of us, my Aunt had one--I advised her they charged $2 plus auto tip for the can. None of us had any more sodas. NCL charges $2.01 per soda can that includes auto tip. (2007-2008).

www.cruisecritic.com is the FT of cruises.

I usually bring my own sodas on board. NCL serves diet Coke & I like diet Pepsi so I bring my own. NCL charges $15 corkage to bring on a bottle of wine. No liquor (beer/hard stuff) can be brought on board. Even stuff they don't sell like Peroni beer (Italian) won't be allowed to be brought on board. I wouldn't mind a corkage price to bring Peroni on board. Oh well!

I may be looking for a new cruiseline for my wife & I. Maybe Princess or Celebrity. I know that what was included in past cruises 10 yrs ago is now extra cost. (like speciality restaurants, etc). Our last NCL cruise was not up to snuff. Ports were great (Canada/New England) but some staff were not as professional compared to cruises in the past.

Do alot of research as the ship's staff may not be helpful on unbiased port information. On recent cruises, they really push the art auctions, bingo/gambling, jewelry, etc. The entertainment has not been as good as in the past.