Staterooms

Staterooms, in the usual varying sizes and categories, are beautifully decorated in a whimsical primary color scheme with a faux cherry wood backdrop. Standard inside and outside staterooms have the usual twin/queen bed configurations. One incentive to upgrade from inside to outside is the bathroom: in outside cabins, like balcony staterooms and suites, it's laid out in a really nifty three-part design. The shower (bathtubs for minisuites and beyond) has a sliding glass door as does the toilet compartment.

Balcony cabins come with a small seating area, with a couch that opens up to make a twin-sized bed (the main difference between these and the minisuites, which are simply larger, is that the latter's couch is a double-sized bed). It's important to note (for those sleeping on the pull-out) that it's rock hard. Our enterprising steward solved that problem by giving us an extra duvet to put under the sheet.

Storage space is adequate but not generous. Balconies are outfitted with blue mesh adjustable chairs and a small table.

There's a variety of in-cabin entertainment on television, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and ESPN, plus a variety of movies and sitcoms. One nice touch is in-cabin coffee makers. One oddity (for those bringing along laptops to plug in) is that, for Americans, the only 220-volt outlet is by the vanity, not by the table. Ask at ship's reception for an adapter. There's a mini-fridge but it wasn't filled (which we loved because we could stash our own stuff in it).

NCL has made much ado about its two Garden Villas. These are, we must admit, fabulous (we toured 'em, didn't stay in them, alas) and could be worth the $26,000 per villa charge particularly if you split it with a group of friends. Each has a private outdoor garden area (didn't quite get the use of fake plants, however), otherwise lovely, with a whirlpool. Each also has a private sunbathing deck and steam room.

The cabins are essentially average for today's modern mega-shipsperfectly adequate and comfortable, but most are not expansive. All cabins feature a safe and a refrigerator and TV, as well as adequate closet and somewhat limited drawer space for a seven-night cruise. Inside cabins are approximately 142 sq. feet, outside, approximately 158 sq. feet and balcony cabins, approximately 166 sq. feet. Balcony cabins and higher categories come with a very small couch that constitutes a sitting area, and mini-suites on Deck 11 have slightly more room. The Owners and Penthouse suites were substantially larger, with separate sitting rooms.

This ship boasts probably the two largest suites at sea, the Garden Villas, which occupy two entire decks, perched above the pool area. In addition to an expansive sitting room with a piano and bar, each suite has three bedrooms with accompanying gigantic bathrooms, complete with floor to ceiling windows onto the ocean. Aft, there is an amazing deck area with a garden, babbling brooks, a covered whirlpool and a covered patio. One deck above is a vast open deck space that seems to be more room than can possibly be used by people. For the ultimate experience, both Garden Villa suites can be combined to form one truly expansive, 10,000+ square foot suite.

Outside cabins on Deck 4 have small portholes, while the rest have large picture windows. The 12 furthest aft cabins on either side on Deck 11 (11660 to 11688 and 11160 to 11188) have balconies where the partitions are at an angle, making for a less private experience than one might like. Mini-suites and above get the exclusive use of a concierge, who can arrange priority tender disembarkation, priority immigration service, and an invitation to an exclusive cocktail party with the Captain. Most helpful, however, is the concierge's assistance in booking shore excursions and priority restaurant reservations.

Garden Villa Deck: Deck 14 Garden Villas A1 are multiroom accommodations offering panoramic ocean views, each with a roof terrace and private Japanese- or Thai-style garden, open-air dining, whirlpool, and totally private sunning and relaxation areas. In addition to a living room and dining room, the villas also offer three separate bedrooms, each with a private luxury bath. The master bedroom features a full bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Also in the villa are a baby grand piano, minibar, TV, CD/DVD player, safe, refrigerator, personal computer, and printer. Butler and concierge service available. 5,802-sq.-ft. villa, including balcony.

Owner's Suite Deck: Deck 9, Deck 10 Owner's Suites AA feature a large balcony; a bedroom with king-sized bed and walk-in closet; a living room with minibar, refrigerator, CD library, DVD/CD player, TV, personal computer, and printer; a dining room; safe; and luxury bathroom with separate shower and whirlpool tub. Butler service and concierge available. 900-sq.-ft. suite, including balcony.

Mini-Suite Deck: Riviera Mini-Suites AE feature two lower beds that convert into a queen-sized bed, large sitting area, large picture windows, private bathrooms with shower, hairdryers, TVs, and mini-safes. Concierge services available. Approximately 190-sq.-ft. suites.

Penthouse Deck: Deck 11 Penthouses AB feature a private balcony, large living room with minibar, dining area, refrigerator, CD/DVD player, TV, safe, separate bedroom with queen-sized bed, and luxury bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Butler and concierge service available. 574-sq.-ft. suite, including balcony.

Mini-Suite Deck: Deck 11 Mini-Suites AF feature a sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, TV, minibar, safe, refrigerator, and luxury bathroom with shower. Concierge available. 283-sq.-ft. mini-suite, including balcony.

Balcony Stateroom Deck: Deck 8, Deck 9, Deck 10, Deck 11 Balcony Staterooms BA feature a floor-to-ceiling glass door that opens to a private balcony, bedroom/living area with two lower beds that convert to a queen, TV, safe, refrigerator, wardrobe/dressing table, and bathroom with shower. 166-sq.-ft. stateroom with 37- to 54-sq.-ft. balcony.

Oceanview Stateroom Deck: Deck 6, Deck 8 Oceanview Staterooms C feature a picture window or porthole, two lower beds that convert to a queen, a TV, safe, refrigerator, and bathroom with shower. 159-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom Deck: Deck 11 Inside Staterooms II feature two lower beds that convert to a queen, a TV, safe, refrigerator, and bathroom with shower. 142-sq.-ft. stateroom.