I just returned from a western caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Sun. I am Platinum on RCCL and I've cruised on Costa, Dolphin, Carnival, Celebrity and some I can't remember. I was not expecting much as the cost was quite minimal and I was going to help celebrate a special occasion.
The ship was lovely, cabins the same as most cruiseships. I was concerned about freestyle dining as I like getting to know the wait staff and their getting to know your likes and dislikes. First night we went to the four seasons dining room and the service was terrible. Food was quite nice. Next morning we went to the Seven Seas dining room and had a waiter named Florendo and his busgirl Andan. The service was great so we approached the Maitr'e De and arranged that whenever we came to the dining room we would be in this waiter's section. We were accommodated and it made for a great dining experience. Our beverages, everything, were at our fingertips as soon as we arrived or finished dinner. Most important, the quality of the food was outstanding. It was, by far, the best food I've had on a cruiseship. The cabin steward left much to be desired. He forgot to wash the coffee pot in the cabin, never left enough towels, etc. Nothing terrible, just not the feeling of being accommodated one likes when cruising. The entertainment too, was the best I've experienced on a cruiseship. The variety was very good with three production shows spread over the week and a comedian, hypnotist and fabulous singer, jane d. powell, filling in the alternate nights. The groups in the lounges could compete with any celebrity performer I've seen and in general it really exceeded all expectations. Boarding and disembarking were quick and easy and luggage was delivered quite early. I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information on NCL as I would have liked to have known more prior to leaving. I'm happy to say I would go on NCL again in a minute although remembering the advice of one of the crew which was to avoid the NCL Dream and the NCL Wind.