Norwegian Star Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,583 reviews

Generally wonderful 21-day cruise

Review for Trans-Ocean Cruise on Norwegian Star
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davidandjie
6-10 Cruises • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Oct 2016
Cabin: Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole Window

The Star is a beautiful ship, and the price could not be beaten. We booked a guaranteed-rate oceanview cabin, which meant that Norwegian picked the room. Previous experience suggested that, for my wife and me, a balcony was not useful as we don't smoke and we prefer to eat in a dining venue. We received a cabin containing a queen bed and space to walk a few steps, with a porthole rather than a picture window. It had a great shower, with hot water always available instantly and good water pressure. The cabin was serviced at least twice per day, and was maintained spotlessly (although we had to request sheet changes).

We ate in the two main dining rooms and the buffet, and were consistently pleased with the food (although the use of frozen fish when we are going to seaports almost daily was a puzzling disappointment). The service in the dining rooms was excellent and we appreciated the Freestyle policy that meant we could get a table for two at any time without a reservation. However, the meals came very slowly, particularly in Versailles. When we didn't want to devote two hours to dinner, we went to the excellent buffet. The one disadvantage of the latter is that it was usually impossible to tell what was in the dishes, whereas in the dining rooms I could check whether ingredients to which I am allergic were included. I did experience adverse reactions twice. I suggest that Norwegian label the buffet dishes and provide nutrition information. Ideally that information could be posted somewhere in advance to aid diners in choosing what and where to eat. We tried the Chinese restaurant once, and my Chinese-born wife pronounced the dishes unsatisfactory. We never ate in the restaurants that required a surcharge, not only because of my inherent cheapness, but also because we reasoned that they are limited by the same availability of fresh ingredients as the main venues.

We appreciated the presentation of 45-50 minutes of live entertainment nightly, and took full advantage, The entertainment varied in quality. The house band and cast of singers and dancers were excellent. Unfortunately, the cast only appeared in 4 shows. So guest acts were imported for the other nights. I suggest that Norwegian abandon comedians, as they were not very funny and verbal humor does not play well across a culturally diverse audience. I enjoyed the singers and the magician; the acrobats did amazing things but ten minutes is enough.

Cabin Review

Mid-Ship Oceanview Porthole Window

Cabin OF

Port Reviews

Naples

Good panoramic view of Naples Bay. Sights not exciting

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