Our ship, Norwegian Gem, was just the right size as we also had some friends joining us on their first cruise. As this was my first cruise on NCL I was a bit excited as I've, over the years, learned about this very free-style cruise line. The embarkation at the cruise terminal in Ravenna went well and the greetings were as per any mainstream cruise line.

The whole ship is designed, in my opinion, to keep you entertained, but not over the top as in some of the bigger ships. Entertainment throughout the cruise was very well distributed meaning that on this 9-day sailing you can more or less see, or take part in, most of the big events or shows.

The upper decks were laid out to get the most out of the sun. On deck 12 it had three whirlpools and two pools and 'Topsiders', a typical burger, hot dog, and drinks bar. The early bird cruisers took full advantage of the pool area while the rest, including me, were tucking into our breakfast.

The main breakfast area was on deck 12 at the ample size 'Garden Café'. It also served lunch and dinner all buffet style, on some evenings they had international-themed food. You also had the choice of al-fresco at the back. I was very impressed with this buffet area, including the happy chap with the hand sanitiser as you walked in!

Just one deck up you have the jogging track, 1 lap 668 yards, to be more precise 1 mile is 2 and 3/4 laps. So there you go.

For dining, together with Garden Café, were four other complimentary restaurants:

O’Sheehans - Great for the night owl and party animal, or a quick snack. You had this Irish Pub open 24-hours which served typical pub food.

Orchid Garden - Asian restaurant, that served very tasteful cuisine. This was tucked in between two other specialty Asian restaurants - Sushi and Teppanyaki and for good measure you also had the Saki bar.  

Grand Pacific, is one of the two main restaurants. Situated on deck 6 but a bit awkward to get to as you have to go via deck 7 and walk down. Designed with a maritime backdrop the food was exquisite, a perfect combination.

Finally, Magenta the other mainstream restaurant on deck 6 midship. Although similar menu to Grand Pacific any restaurant in central London will struggle to match the service and food.

NCL has a freestyle service, hence no set times, 1st or 2nd, you just turn up. To ease the flow it's advisable to book your restaurants beforehand. You also have displayed on screens an up-to-date timetable of availability for all the restaurants. With the drinks and Wi-Fi upgrade you get one specialty night of dining, we chose Moderno, a Brazilian Churrasqueria. One word of advice…skip the salad buffet at the start, save space for the later courses! Try out the Mojito bar which is next door.

Staying with the open deck you have two smaller platforms in the sun deck (13/14). Albeit there is not much shade but it does compensate for privacy. Especially when you have a band playing on the main deck below.

At the back, you have a large open area for football, Basketball, or padel tennis, and it comes with a small seating area. By the funnel, you have the climbing wall. Tucked on either side you have two golf practice areas.

The other open deck, number 6, with its wide area is welcomed for lazy strolls. You also have large chess or draughts board/pieces to play a game. The typical shuttlecock is also there- looks easy!

There are plenty of lounges and bars, some more popular than others pending the event. Spinnaker lounge on deck 13 is in place for early evening events, themed nights such as ABBA, Queen, and 80's songs. The music is by either a small band or DJ. On some themed nights, the ships entertainment team will choreograph the evening, and were very lively and engaging. Still, on deck 13 midship you have the Bali bar, where you can enjoy cocktails and cool drinks whilst overlooking the main pool area or sea. Smoking is allowed here but not by the bar.

The other lounge, 'Bliss' is geared more toward karaoke and late-night disco. As with any cruise ship, the theatre is a pinnacle part of the guest's entertainment. The Stardust Theatre was busy with different shows each evening.

The atrium sits on deck 7 with a small open bar on one side followed by the in-house desks such as shore excursions, future sailings, and the reception desk.

The Gem casino situated on deck 6 has ample playing stations, just next to it, you had the laid-back Shakers Martini and Cocktail bar, where jazz is played in the evening. Just next to it, the Corona Cigar Club room is available, ironically you can't smoke any cigarettes there!

As you walk past the Martini Bar to end up in the Maltings Beer and Whiskey bar. Designed for those moments to savour a good Scotch.

Just off the shore excursion desk, you have the art gallery, where you are always invited! The Internet room and photography area are also close by. Tradewinds is the shopping gallery, from jewellery, day-to-day toiletries to your typical cruise line brands.

The spa and gym are located on deck 12. Both the card room and library as well as the kid's area Splash and the video arcade are on the same deck.

Specialty restaurants are dotted throughout, Il Bistro, Cagney’s and La Cucina are all highly recommended.

In the swimming pool area on deck 12, the bandstand is used throughout your cruise, from sail away to the famous White Party, or as NCL calls it, the Glow party.

The Observation deck is on deck 13 at the bow end giving you a port to starboard view of the ship.

I would sail again on this ship.