I always recommend Norwegian to first-time cruisers. My trip on its latest $860-a-person ship shows exactly why.

Norwegian invited me on Luna's complimentary three-night non-revenue test cruise in late March, almost a year after I first sailed on (and loved) Aqua. After my many years of reporting on cruises, I still found myself impressed.

Upon stepping on board, I was instantly met with a list of amenities for all ages, from excitable children to their weary, piña-colada-seeking parents.

The youngest travelers are sure to be drawn to the Moon Climber (a netted obstacle course), the water playground, and the Glow Court's LED walls and floor that can instantly transform into different sports courts.

Its robot arm catapults riders upward of 31 miles per hour into the waterslide tube, which then becomes an unexpectedly slower, leisurely ride. The thrill, followed by the peaceful chill, makes it one of my favorite amenities on Luna.

It's sure to accrue long lines during a traditional sailing — but at least it's free, unlike the $5-per-player 12-hole mini-golf course and the pay-to-play arcade games, which range from open-air country fair-like booths to high-tech virtual-reality simulators.

Drop the youngsters off at the kids' day-care center and head to Vibe Beach Club, an outdoor adult-only lounge with pool chairs, hot tubs, a bar, and little perks like chilled towels and fruit — although you will have to pay an admissions fee.

For those who enjoy an afternoon walk, the wraparound open-air walkway on deck eight, Ocean Boulevard, is free (albeit not age-exclusive) and lined with more loungers, infinity pools, and a glass walkway with views of the ocean below.

Some lounges are exclusive to travelers staying in studios (solo cabins) or the Haven (the ship's highest-end suites). The rest are open to all guests, and average about $15 per drink without a beverage package.

I'm especially partial to Swirl Wine Bar, a cozy nook with an expansive global wine list and decor that makes it look like an upscale New York City watering hole.

For a more rambunctious evening, head to Syd Norman's Pour House for the cover bands. Or, for a daytime hang, head to the Bull's Eye Bar for a cocktail and a round of high-tech darts.

If you'd like a taste of a popular chain at sea, travelers can even stop by Luna's full-service Starbucks.

Of the ship's 15 or so restaurants, around half are up-charged.

Venues such as the Mexican, Mediterranean, and French restaurants all cost extra, ranging between $40 to $60 per person. I'm partial to the Thai restaurant Sukhothai, which serves dishes such as papaya salad and red curry with roasted duck breast.

The Local Bar and Grill serves sandwiches and bar-food classics, while Surfside Cafe dishes up casual burgers and pizzas. The ship also has traditional main dining rooms and buffets.

Skip these and head to Indulge Food Hall, which features 10 diverse stations (ranging from Spanish tapas to Texan barbecue) that can be ordered using digital tableside tablets.

Forget the "cruise food is bad" stereotype — it doesn't apply at Indulge.

The noodle station served surprisingly authentic dan dan noodles, while the Indian stall prepared better-than-expected curries paired with tandoor-fresh naan. For warm Caribbean afternoons, the plant-based stand's refreshing salad bowls were a perfect light lunch.

Indulge is quick, convenient, and stacked with more options than you could try in one sailing.

Norwegian Luna has a slew of options for live entertainment.

"Elton: A Celebration of Elton John" marries the classic song-and-dance show format with a well-choreographed rotating stage, acrobatics, and even a (clothed) pole dancer.

If you love acrobatics, you'll enjoy "Hiko: Innovation meets Wonder," an elaborate production with aerial silks, trampolines, and impressive projections. It's less song-and-dance, more Cirque du Soleil.

The raunchy show features some lightweight burlesque (as in, a bit of cheek) and endless explicit jokes.

The biggest perk? Your $45 ticket includes four cocktails served throughout the show.

The biggest downside? You could be called onstage to perform humiliating tasks. I felt sorry for the young woman who was called up, bent over, and asked to say something suggestive into the microphone.

Accommodations range from a windowless inside cabin for solo travelers to a two-bedroom, two-story penthouse in the Haven.

The cruise line assigned me an aft family balcony cabin on the tenth deck, which had all the expected stateroom amenities: a queen bed, a separate pull-out couch bed, large closets, and a spacious shower.

When booking, cabin placement is definitely worth considering. My stateroom overlooked Ocean Boulevard, which meant I heard a steady stream of loud (and at times, drunken) chatter throughout the day whenever I left my balcony sliding door open.

The ship is spending its inaugural year operating weeklong round-trip cruises from Miami to Caribbean destinations such as Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's private island), Mexico, and the Virgin Islands.

Prices range from $860 per person for a windowless inside cabin to over $6,580 per person for a Haven suite.

The cost could be worth it if you're looking for a cruise vacation with a high-end hotel ambiance but plenty of kid-friendly amenities.

The lounges feel sumptuous with their contemporary and minimalist decor, while the activities offer micro-theme park-like amenities without looking too flashy or contrived (which Carnival and Royal Caribbean can lean into). And perhaps just as important: The food is great. I still miss the curry from Indulge Food Hall.

If you're looking for the biggest, most exciting cruise ships on the market, Royal Caribbean's mega-ships (like Icon of the Seas) should still be your go-to. However, if you like a balance of fun amenities with well-designed spaces, then I think Norwegian Luna is one of the best options on the market.