The year 2005 saw the birth of a new star in the Norwegian Cruise Line. And a beautiful one she is, too. This stunning new $400 million dollar supership is loaded with more staterooms with more space, and better views, than ever before.

Sail forth from Seattle to the amazing wilderness world of Alaska, or join the ship in Los Angeles for an eight day cruise that gives you an overnight stay in Acapulco, along with stops at Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

Accommodations start with inside staterooms that are carefully designed to maximize their space, then proceed to Oceanview staterooms, each of which has sliding glass doors, a private balcony, and a private sitting area.

A little more is yours, when you book for a mini-suite, which will give you a sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen size, a luxurious tub/shower bathroom, and concierge service. Or, you can indulge yourself with the space and amenities of the Penthouse with its living area, dining area, separate bedroom with a queen size bed, a children’s bedroom, CD/DVD library, private balcony, a deluxe whirlpool tub and separate shower bathroom, with a concierge and butler service.

When out of port, you can keep in shape with a jog or walk around the onboard track, or a session at the fitness center, then follow it up with the indulgence of personal attention in the Barong Spa.

While you’re enjoying the two pools and six hot tubs, the kids will be having a ball on their own, in the Splashdown Kid’s Pool, Video Arcade or at Planet Kids, with movies and videos for the older children, and nap areas for the younger.

Then everyone can meet up at Sprinkles Ice Cream Bar before deciding how to spend the afternoon.

Dining is an international gourmet experience, ranging from the Ginza Japanese Restaurant where staff wear oriental costumes while serving dishes of the Far East, to the Versailles Main Restaurant, filled with the crystal, linens and ambience of a French Chateau, with menus prepared by NCL chefs, all members of La Chaine de Rotisseurs. Unless of course, you prefer the All-American Cagney’s Steakhouse. Your menu for the evenings is equally as exciting, and offers as much variety, if not more.

There are 13 bars and lounges to explore with new friends, and make more friends as you go. Get very British with a beer, and a go at chucking darts in the Red Lion Pub, or take sophistication to a new level in Gatsby’s Champagne Bar, serving caviar and pate de foie gras, with premium champagnes and vodka to wet the palate.

Make a lounge stop the last item on your after dark agenda, after you’ve taken in a movie in the cinema, or had a few rolls of the dice in the Star Club Casino.