I know this thread is old, but since it came up again, someone trying to make a decision might want a more updated experience.

We did a cruise on NCL Epic last year with DD and GD, age 4&1/2 at the time. The food in the cafeteria was the best we have had on 7 cruises on 5 different cruise lines. The entertainment was really, really good, especially Cirque du Soleil which did cost extra, but was worth it. We enjoyed all the other adult entertainment as well.

The children's programs are extraordinarily well organized and we felt totally safe leaving GD in their care. NCL has that down really well. They set a high standard that other cruise lines should emulate.

One thing was super fine - their photographers. Unfortunately, I do not know about other ships, but one on this ship had a degree in photography. I used to teach photography and was so impressed, we ended up having a private sitting and buying a very expensive package of pictures of GD. I have never done that - anyplace - ever!

Dining rooms were a little tight in seating, but it was not noisy and service and food was very good.

The only criticisms of NCL's large ship is that layout was a little confusing and they have increased the number of passengers, but not the size of the pools. Much of the space that could be a pool is taken up by the water slide and fountain sprays.

It is a great ship though, especially for families.

Meant to say, the Epic was our only NCL experience, so know it was not the same ship the OP complained about, but I would certainly cruise with NCL again.

Just a small correction: Cirque du Soleil does NOT perform on NCL ships. The dinner experience on Epic is Cirque Dreams & Dinner, and it's from a completely different troupe called "Cirque Productions".

Oh yes, Doug is absolutely correct about Cirque! Thanks.