Norwegian Star Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,583 reviews

Excellent cruise except for nightmare Disembarkment

Review for Transatlantic Cruise on Norwegian Star
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Zoe747
2-5 Cruises • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Apr 2019
Cabin: Balcony

Our first transatlantic cruise! Originally scheduled to reach Barcelona but was diverted to Tarragona. Weather during the crossing was fabulous. Sunshine, warm temps and smooth seas. The Star was refurbished last year and was is great shape. Crew was wonderful. Entertainment ranged from great to hohum. Food was up to NCL standard. Ports were great. Could easily use NCL or go on your own. The Roman theatre in Cartagena should not be missed.

The nightmare began when we disembarked. We were warned that Tarragona was a small town with limited taxis and to allow extra time. We were not told that Tarragona is an industrial port and not equipped to handle cruise ships. First, the gang plank was extremely steep and dangerous for people with mobility issues and trying to carry off luggage. Then we got into the taxi line with 2000 other people only to learn there were only 5 taxis servicing the pier. There was no pedestrian walkway and the pier was lined coal and other industrial materials so it wasn’t safe to walk off. We waited 3 hours before they finally got a bus to start taking us to the city center and then we walked about 3 blocks to the train station where we had to buy new tickets since we missed our train. We thought allowing 3 hours was reasonable for a 2.8km trip. We never saw an NCL staff person of any authority on the pier accessing the situation. I don’t know how elderly or people with mobility issues endured this situation. It was such a shame to end such a wonderful cruise at such a horrible port. Avoid Tarragona.

Cabin Review

Balcony

Cabin BB

A little smaller then other balance cabins we have had on NCL, but was fine. They added two USB ports during the rehab.

Port Reviews

Cartagena (Spain)

We did Cartagena on our own. Very walkable city. Don’t miss the Roman Theatre and new museum. Then go above the theater to a castle tower for great views of the city. Back at the entrance to the museum, is a beautiful plaza and street filled with restaurants and shops. Was nice to walk and not be on a bus.

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