I am not a veteran by any means (3 cruises, all NCL) but I would like to comment. We are attracted to the Free Style concept because we are fairly independent and like to make our dining flexible so that is why we have chosen NCL. Having said that, I have to say that we have had different experiences on the three NCL cruises we have taken. The first was Pride of Aloha, back in the day when they were struggling to stay afloat. It was our first cruise and we didn't know any better and we had a nice time. It was Hawaii after all! The second was on the Star to Alaska. We were very impressed! Complementary fruit basket in the room, robes in the closet, much larger state room, quality entertainment ( There was a Second City troupe on board that did 2 excellent shows). Our third cruise was two weeks ago. The Pride of America in Hawaii. What a disappointment. There were numerous areas on the ship that were sectioned off with yellow "caution" tape, including the elevators! Service in the regular dining rooms was average to bad. The dessert selection was great if you like cheesecake. It was as if there was a giant vat of cheesecake mix and they just added different flavors to it to create the different desserts. We were not expecting to be pampered, but we were expecting something a little better than dining at Dennys. One evening, it took us almost 2 hours to finish our meal and the restaurant was not crowded. The wait staff did indeed act indifferent and seemed to try to "act" professional, but really had no clue how it was done.
All in all, the fact that we were in Hawaii made up for everything. And I think that is what NCL is counting on. We left the ship every day and explored the beautiful islands and that it made it worth it.
.. So I am celebrating my 40th b'day and I figured what better way then take a cruise!!!!!!!!!!