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Reinventing Norwegian

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Perhaps no company has had more revolution in the top management than Norwegian Cruise Line, which has had to structure new roles for executives following the $3.03 billion acquisition of Prestige Cruise Holdings and its two brands, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. 

Closing the deal in November set off a cascade of changes that began with a new corporate structure under a parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH). 

Next, Prestige President Kunal Kamlani resigned, followed two months later by NCLH CEO Kevin Sheehan.

With former Prestige Chairman and CEO Frank Del Rio stepping up to take Sheehan’s place, openings were created for Stuart, 51, and Montague, 41, to step into brand president roles. 

Stuart, a 27-year Norwegian Cruise Line veteran with a long history on the sales side of the company, said in an interview after being promoted that he would continue to be more involved in sales than the average brand president.

“The key part of this role really is driving demand for the brand,” Stuart said. “I’m going to be very, very involved with travel partners.”

For their part, travel agents are thrilled to have Stuart in such a high-profile role because, said Signature’s Sharpe, they credit him with the line’s “Partners First” initiative and its support for the agent distribution channel.

“I keep getting members calling me,” Sharpe said. “They’re so happy for him and for us.”

Only time will tell whether all the change at the top is ultimately good for the cruise industry and travel retailers. But like Sharpe, Wall is optimistic that the positive energy of new blood will outweigh the loss of experience and institutional memory at some lines.

“It’s easy to have tunnel vision and automatically assume the way to go is the way it’s always been,” Wall said.

Coggins, too, said that on balance the changes are positive. 

“If you bring someone in from another industry, they come with fresh ideas,” Coggins said. “They bring the perspective that will help attract the first-time cruiser.”

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed it’s itineraries for 2016 and 2017 including some new routes.

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Highlights include the addition of San Juan, Puerto Rico as a seasonal homeport for Norwegian Gem, along with new eight-day Eastern Caribbean and six-day Western Caribbean Norwegian Escape sailings from Miami. In addition, all guests sailing a Western Caribbean itinerary in 2016/2017 will have the opportunity to enjoy a visit to Harvest Caye, Norwegian’s new island destination in Belize.

Seasonally, Norwegian also continues to offer three ships in Alaska, four in Europe, two in Bermuda, as well as a variety of exciting South America; Bahamas & Florida; and repositioning cruises. Norwegian will also continue to offer its unique inter-island Hawaii cruises year-round on Pride of America from Honolulu and short Bahamas itineraries from Miami year-round on Norwegian Sky. The new itineraries open today for group bookings, and go on sale on December 16, 2014 for our Latitudes Rewards guests and President’s Club travel partners and on December 18, 2014 for all bookings.

“Once again, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to offer a wide variety of exciting cruises for our guests to choose from in 2016 and early 2017,” said Drew Madsen, Norwegian’s president and chief operating officer. “Guests can cruise to the Caribbean year-round while experiencing the incredible innovations on Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Getaway. In addition, we continue to offer the best of Europe on four beautiful ships including Norwegian Epic year-round, and the opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of Alaska on some of the youngest ships in the industry.”

So lets take a look at some of the itineraries that NCL has announced below:

Bermuda

Norwegian will continue its tradition of sailing from both New York City and Boston to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda between April and October, 2016. Norwegian Breakaway will return to Bermuda, sailing from New York City on seven-day cruises every Sunday from April 24, 2016 through October 23, 2016. From Boston, Norwegian Dawn will sail seven-day cruises, departing every Friday, from June 3, 2016 through September 2, 2016 and from October 7, 2016 through October 21, 2016.

Caribbean

Norwegian’s newest and largest ship, Norwegian Escape, will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from Miami year-round. Ports of call include St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Escape will sail an eight-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Miami on July 23, 2016, August 6, 2016, and August 20, 2016. Ports of call will include Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Escape will also sail a six-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami on July 31, 2016, August 14, 2016, and August 28, 2016. Ports of call include Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico. This six and eight-day itineraries can be combined to create an incredible 14-day Caribbean vacation.

Norwegian Getaway, Miami’s Ultimate Ship, will sail from Miami to the Western Caribbean on seven-day cruises every Saturday from April 24, 2016 to April 23, 2017. Ports of call include Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Norwegian’s newest destination Harvest Caye, Belize; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Norwegian returns to homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2016 on Norwegian Gem. She will sail a seven-day Southern Caribbean itinerary from San Juan on October 23, November 6 and 20, and December 4, 2016. Ports of call will include Bridgetown, Barbados; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Norwegian Gem will also sail a variation of the seven-day Southern Caribbean itinerary on October 30, November 13, and November 27, 2016. Ports of call include

St. George’s, Grenada; Castries, St. Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; St. John’s, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Norwegian Spirit will sail alternating seven-day Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing on Saturdays from Port Canaveral. The Western Caribbean itinerary begins December 10, 2016 and continues to April 15, 2017. Ports of call will include Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary stops in Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, from December 3, 2016 to April 8, 2017.

Norwegian Jade will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Saturday from Houston from November 19, 2016 to April 15, 2017. Ports of call include Cozumel, Mexico; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras.

Norwegian Dawn will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Sunday from New Orleans from November 20, 2016 to April 16, 2017. Her stops will include Cozumel, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

Norwegian Star will sail a seven-day Western Caribbean itinerary every Sunday from Tampa from October 23, 2016 to April 16, 2017. Ports of call will include Cozumel, Mexico; Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, Belize.

Alaska

Norwegian will continue to sail three ships in Alaska in the summer of 2016: Norwegian Pearl andNorwegian Jewel from Seattle, Washington and Norwegian Sun from Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska.

Norwegian Jewel, departing Saturdays, will sail a series of seven-day Sawyer Glacier cruises from Seattle between May 7, 2016 and September 10, 2016. Departing Sundays, Norwegian Pearl will set sail on seven-day Glacier Bay itineraries from May 15, 2016 through September 18, 2016. Both itineraries feature stops in Ketchikan; Juneau; Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

For those wishing to cruise on a longer Alaska itinerary, Norwegian Jewel will sail one ten-day Glacier Bay itinerary on September 17, 2016, and will visit Ketchikan; Juneau; Skagway; Icy Strait Point; and Sitka, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Norwegian Pearl will offer a 10-day Glacier Bay itinerary from Vancouver on May 5, 2016, stopping in Juneau; Skagway; Sitka; Icy Strait Point; and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Norwegian Sun will sail seven-day Glacier Bay one-way cruises between Vancouver, British Columbia and Seward, Alaska every other week from May 30, 2016 through September

5, 2016. Sailing north from Vancouver, guests will enjoy a cruise through the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and visits to Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau, Alaska. On Norwegian Sun’s Southbound seven-day Sawyer Glacier one-way itineraries from Seward, Alaska, sailing every other week from June 6 to September 12, 2016, guests will cruise the Inside Passage, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier and enjoy stops in Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska. Norwegian Sun’s one-way cruises give guests the opportunity to see more of beautiful Alaska and make their cruise an adventure by adding on a pre or post-cruise CruiseTour, giving guests the chance to experience more of Alaska.

Norwegian Sun will also offer three seven-day Glacier Bay roundtrip cruises from Vancouver on May 16, 2016, May 23, 2016, and September 19, 2016. Ports of call will include Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska, and will include cruising the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay.

Europe

Norwegian will offer a four-ship deployment in Europe during the summer of 2016. Norwegian Epic will remain in Europe year-round from her homeport in Barcelona, sailing seven-day Western Mediterranean itineraries from April 17, 2016 to November 20, 2016. Her exciting ports of call include Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Cannes, France; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

On November 27 and December 28, 2016, and February 19, March 12, and April 13, 2017, Norwegian Epic will sail a 10-Day Canary Islands & Morocco itinerary. Her stops will include Tangier, Morocco; Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; Funchal, Madeira; and Granada (Malaga), Spain. Norwegian Epic will also sail an 11-Day Western Mediterranean itinerary on December 7, 2016 and January 7 and 18, February 8, March 1 and 22, and April 2, 2017. Ports of call include Cagliari, Sardinia; Messina, Sicily; Naples, Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain.

Norwegian Star will return to the Baltic, offering nine-day cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark on May 8 and 24, June 2 and 25, and July 4 to September 5, 2016. This exciting itinerary includes an overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia, as well as a scenic sail through the Stockholm Archipelago following the ship’s afternoon departure from Stockholm, Sweden. Other calls include Warnemünde, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; and Helsinki, Finland.

On June 11, 2016, Norwegian Star will sail a 14-day North Cape itinerary, during the summer solstice. This incredible itinerary will set sail from Copenhagen, Denmark and will visit the best of Norway including Alesund, Hellesylt, Geiranger, Trondheim, Leknes, Tromso, Hammerfest, Honningsvag, Molde, and Bergen, Norway. This itinerary can also be combined with a nine-day Baltic Capitals itinerary for the ultimate northern Europe experience.

Norwegian Star will also sail two seven-day Norwegian Fjords itineraries from Copenhagen, on May 1 and 17, 2016. This breathtaking itinerary will sail through the beautiful fjords of southern Norway featuring stops in Alesund, Geiranger, Flam and Bergen.

Norwegian Star will also sail a 14-Day Norway, Iceland, & Faroe Islands cruise from Copenhagen on September 14, 2016. Port calls will include Bergen and Alesund, Norway; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Thorshavn, Faroe Islands; Reykjavik, Iceland; Greenock, Scotland; and Dublin, Ireland.

Norwegian Jade will return to Venice and sail alternating seven-day Greek Isles and seven-day Adriatic, Greece & Turkey itineraries from May to October 2016. Guests may also choose to combine these two exciting itineraries to enjoy the ultimate 14-day adventure. The Greek Isles sailings will run from May 7, 2016 to October 1, 2016 with calls in Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, and Olympia (Katakolon), Greece, while the Adriatic, Greece & Turkey itinerary includes Dubrovnik, Croatia; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; and Split, Croatia from May 14, 2016 to September 24, 2016.

For an incredible combination of eastern and western Mediterranean itineraries, guests can embark on Norwegian Spirit’s 12-day Grand Mediterranean from Venice on May 19, June 12, July 6, August 1 and 25, September 18, October 12, and November 5, 2016. This incredible itinerary visits five different countries, with calls in Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Naples, Rome (Civitavecchia), and Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; and Provence (Toulon), France.

Additionally, Norwegian Spirit will sail a 12-day Grand Mediterranean one-way itinerary from Barcelona to Venice on May 7 and 31, June 24, August 13, September 16 and 30, and October 24, 2016. Her stops include Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; and Venice, Italy.

Norwegian Spirit will also sail a spectacular 14-day Grand Mediterranean open-jaw itinerary from Barcelona to Venice on July 18, 2016. Port of call include Provence (Toulon), France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples, Italy; Mykonos, Greece; Istanbul and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Bahamas and Florida

Norwegian Gem will sail seven-day Bahamas & Florida cruises from New York in 2016 from April 30, 2016 to May 14, 2016 and from June 18, 2016 to August 27, 2016. This popular family-friendly itinerary includes visits to Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral), Norwegian’s private island Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. Along with recent enhancements to add brand favorites Sugarcane Mojito Bar and O’Sheehans Neighborhood Bar & Grill, Norwegian Gem also features exclusive Nickelodeon? programming on board.

On May 21, 2016 and June 4, 2016, Norwegian Gem will sail eight-day Bahamas and Florida sailings that feature an additional sea day, as well as a full day in Orlando and the Beaches (Port Canaveral).

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-day cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami departing Fridays and Mondays. Ports of call include: Nassau, Grand Bahama Island, and Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island.

Norwegian Getaway will also sail a one-time two-day Bahamas itinerary from Miami on September 2, 2016, stopping in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Canada & New England

Norwegian Gem will again offer two summer Canada & New England roundtrip cruises from New York City in 2016. These six-day sailings on May 29 and June 12, 2016 call in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Portland, Maine.

Norwegian Gem will also offer seven-day cruises roundtrip from New York City from September 3 to October 8, 2016, visiting four beautiful ports of call: Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Portland, Maine; and Newport, Rhode Island.

Norwegian Dawn will offer one-way seven-day cruises between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec City, Quebec from September 9 to 30, 2016. The northbound itinerary features visit to Portland, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspésie, Quebec; and Saguenay (La Baie), Quebec, while the southbound route begins with an overnight in Quebec City, Quebec and then visits Sydney, Nova Scotia; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; and Bar Harbor, Maine. These sailings can be combined for an ultimate 14-day Canada & New England experience.

Hawaii

The recently-enhanced Pride of America will continue to sail her very popular seven-day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday through April 2018. Offering more than 100 hours of sight-seeing time, ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawai`i; Kona, Hawai`i; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kaua`i; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Panama Canal

Back by popular demand, Norwegian Pearl will sail 11- and 10-day Panama Canal itineraries from Miami beginning fall 2016. The 10-day Panama Canal sails November 28 and December 19, 2016, and March 13 and April 3, 2017, with calls in Oranjestad, Aruba; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. The 11-day Panama Canal on December 29, 2016 will include port calls in Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

An alternate 11-day Panama Canal round-trip itinerary on November 17 and December 8, 2016, and March 23, 2017 will include calls in Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.

South America

Norwegian Sun returns to South America to sail 14-day South American one-way Westbound itineraries from Buenos Aires to Santiago (Valparaiso) and Eastbound from Santiago (Valparaiso) to Buenos Aires. The 14-day South America from Buenos Aires (Westbound) sails on December 3 and 31, 2016 and January 28, February 25, and March 25, 2017, with calls including Montevideo, Uruguay; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Ushuaia, Argentina; Punta Arenas, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; and Puerto Montt, Chile. During the cruise, guests will sail Cape Horn, across the Beagle Channel offering breathtaking glacier views, the Strait of Magellan, the majestic Chilean Fjords, the Patagonic Channels, and Canal Moraleda.

The 14-day South America cruise from Santiago (Valparaiso) sails on November 19 and December 17, 2016 and January 14, February 11, and March 11, 2017 with calls in Puerto Montt, Chile; Puerto Chacabuco, Chile; Punta Arenas, Chile; Ushuaia, Argentina; Stanley, Falkland Islands; Puerto Madryn, Argentina; and Montevideo, Uruguay. During the Eastbound cruises, guests will also cruise the Patagonic Channels, Chilean Fjords, Strait of Magellan; Beagle Channel, and Cape Horn. Guests can also choose to extend their South American exploration with a CruiseTour, providing an unparalleled opportunity to explore this region’s culture and spectacular destinations such as Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls and Easter Island.

Mexican Riviera

Norwegian returns to the Mexican Riviera, offerings cruises from two different homeports.Norwegian Jewel will sail a seven-day itinerary from Los Angeles from October 2, 2016 to April 23, 2017, with calls in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Norwegian Sun will sail an 11-day Mexican Rivera itinerary from San Diego on September 30, 2016 and October 11 and 22, 2016. Ports of call will include Acapulco; Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa; an overnight call in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán; and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Repositioning Cruises

In spring of 2015, Norwegian will offer a variety of once-in-a-lifetime repositioning cruises including Caribbean repositioning, Transatlantic cruises and Pacific Coastal itineraries.

Review: Norwegian Star 13 night Cruise.

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Review: Norwegian Star 13 night Cruise.

Norwegian-Star

Norwegian Star

By Dave Jones

17th November 2014 – 13 nights.

We had some idea what to expect when joining the Norwegian Star, as we have sailed several times on the Norwegian Jade which has the same layout or be it a bit smaller. We had booked the Family Suite on deck 12, because it gave us and our son (26yrs) more room than a normal balcony. As we arrived at dockside in Miami and got shown into the Suite guest’s check-in, where there were drinks and canapé if wanted. Check-in was over within a few minutes, and a Concierge took us past the normal check-in desks and up the walkway straight on to the Star. This was our first experience of being a suite guest and didn’t know what to expect or what it really meant.

Cagneys-Steakhouse-Norwegian-Star

Cagneys-Steakhouse-Norwegian-Star

We were shown to Cagney’s by our Concierge Hanno Meyer a German from just outside Papenburg, Dawn (wife) had to ask if he was any relation to Bernard Meyer of the Mayer-Werft family, unfortunately not, but he did tell us a bit about his home and how he used to watch  the ships sailing down the river, anyway Cagney’s is where the suite guests can have their Breakfast and Dinner, very nice.

Some of the main benefits to having a Concierge and a Butler are; priority tendering, canapes delivered to the room every afternoon, personal shore excursions booking, via the Concierge, and if we needed anything at any time of the day, one of them are at hand to assist.

Family Suite

Family Suite 12526

After a quick bite to eat we went to our Suite and WOW it was huge and overwhelming, a possible 2 double beds (one pull down and one settee bed) and a Queen bed, it had a seating area and a dining area, a large LCD TV (with Movies, ESPN sport, news channels, and the mandatory ship channels selling its wares). There was a espresso/coffee/tea machine with all the little plastic packets, refilled three times a day, a mini bar and complementary fizzy wine and water, flowers and more canapés complements from our Butler Romel Carandang from Bali. There were bedside tables with lamps and two draws, two end of bed storage units, and an array of draws in the unit under the TV and mirror. There is no balcony in this room but there are 6 floor to ceiling windows which gives a good view.

Norwegian Star bathroom There is a large wardrobe/dressing area with more hangers than we have at home, when the wardrobe doors open a light shines to give a better light, in one of the 4 wardrobes was the safe, its the normal size and normal operating systems. Bathrobes and slippers were also in the wardrobes with the life jackets. Extra storage for the suitcase’s could go under the Queen bed.

The bathroom consisted of a large shower with a ceiling hanging shower-head with a shampoo and soap dispenser, a medium sized bath not big enough for me being over 6 foot tall, a toilet on a strange angle and his and her sink units. There are also Elemis  soap (bars) body lotion and conditioner supplied and plenty of different sized towels, from face cloths, hand towels, to large bath towels.

Norwegian Star atrium

Norwegian Star Atrium

The Ship herself is very nice, all areas kept clean and quite a nice flow, although we heard some complaints about the lack of shopping, we found it has the usual shops including, the logo shop, duty free (alcohol and cigarettes), perfumes, watches and jewellery and toiletry’s.

The Atrium area had a nice staircase which in the evening doubled as a stage area for groups and bands, with the glass elevators in the back ground. The Bar/Cafe; Java cafe,  at the base of the stairs is now a Carlos Bake Shop, where some very tasty cakes and muffins can be purchased to go with a Latte or cold drink. Very nice but it’s a shame that it replaced a Free coffee and cake stand which I enjoyed while reading my latest adventure book, in the centre of the ship where everyone passes; also a great place to people watch. also in the Atrium is the Reception which did not have any stamps, Shore Excursions desk, and the Port o’Call shop selling perfumes, also there’s always a desk with the latest Spa offers being pushed.

Further along the Atrium going to the aft starboard side is the Photo Gallery with all the latest shore side Photos and sales of camera’s of all sizes, on the opposite side is the Red Lion Pub, which sells premium European beers such as Carlsburg, and Newcastle Brown Ale; which went down well. They also so Premier League Football and other European football leagues.

Thanks Greg for some great drinks and company

Thanks Greg for some great drinks and company

On deck 6 7/8 forward from the Atrium, there are various speciality restaurants, La Cucina (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Teppanyaki, Ginza (Japanese, Chinese, Thai fusion foods), and Sushi, and the Blue Lagoon restaurant (included in your free dining option). Around these restaurants are a few bars, Sake bar, and Gatsby’s Champagne bar, which we all had some great nights with some good music but most of all the Bartenders Greg and Donnie and their waiters, the guys were exceptional at their job, also willing; if you are, ready to try new Cocktails out. We had some good chats with the guys, and other passengers even meeting a great couple from Glasgow, thanks for all involved.

Other bars onboard include the Spinnaker Lounge; where they hold Bingo and Zumba Latin American fitness dancing, at night they hold special

shows such as an adult only nights. Topsiders Bar and Grill, on deck 12 just opposite the Oasis Pool,

Bier-Garten-Norwegian-Star

Bier-Garten-Norwegian-Star

just above Topsiders is the Star bar where you can have intimate drink while a musician plays, overlooking the pool area is the ‘Bier Garten’ where you can get cocktails, beer, spirits, and our favorite Frozen Cocktails, such as BBC and a Passionate Kiss (not from the bar tender) to cooldown those warm days at sea.

Where as the Bar Tenders did their job extremely well and with high enthusiasm, it can’t be said for the majority of the staff in the Versailles and Aqua, Main Dining Rooms, the service was slow (they seem to have too many tables and tasks to perform) not as attentive as on the Norwegian Jade and Epic, and when the food arrived Eingang-zum-Versailles-Main-Dining-Room-Norwegian-Starit seemed to have been hanging around under the heat lamps to long (plates hot, food warm), and the food was nothing special, unlike the ‘Didju’ on the Carnival menu, where you could try food that you could not make at home. I’m not getting at the staff in these dining rooms, but they do seem to have to do everything, such as drinks ordering and fetching from the nearest bar, table clearing, ordering from 5 tables (25+ passengers) and resetting the table, its just to much for them. we waited an average at the table 30 minutes for the first course to turn up, we went down to Versailles as it opened at 5pm in order to have dinner and a drink in a bar before the 7pm show starts, after 1 hour 30 minutes we had our starters, dry and very cold, not good. We did the same at the Aqua Dining which opens at 5:30pm, pick two course’s main and dessert, and nearly missed the show!

The garden Cafe self service restaurant was probably the saving grace, food wise for choice and did put on different different varieties, from Pizza, Pasta, freshly made sandwiches, Burgers, hotdogs, and chinese food, there were some very tempting desserts, cookies, and flapjacks. This area is always busy and probably tells us something about the main dining restaurants!

Stardust-Theater-Norwegian-Star

Stardust-Theater-Norwegian-Star

As for the shows, the first thing to mention is the sound system, very poor compared to the Jade , Epic and other cruise companies; hopefully they will rectify this problem when shes in dry dock. The Stars singers and dancers put a lot of effort into the shows, but they were average and the shows sometimes confusing. The special acts that came on weren’t up to much, The Divas of Motown were poor, but that could have been down to the sound system, and the comedians had trouble rising a chuckle, and could not flog their CD/DVD’s after the shows. The Juggler was very good and funny at the same time, a tribute group ‘Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ who had their own sound system were fantastic, they did all the classics from ‘Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry and Valli’s own hit Grease (is the word)’. Another great show was a comedy troupe called ‘Second City’ who have permanent show’s on the Epic and Breakaway class of ships,  they did some of their normal routines and some about what goes on behind the scenes on a cruise ship, very funny. Other to these there was a Guitarist from Argentina who was excellent playing, but hopeless interacting with the audience, a Aerial Acrobatic show called ‘Marrambolla’  did their show very well, but it’s not new and we have all seen this type of show on other ships, they were very fit and the show flowed, even included their 7 year old son, who did well.

mandara spa

mandara spa

Dawn had a Thai Poultice Massage at the Mandara Spa, which she had at 8am (you get a free 15 minutes treatment) which she found very relaxing and felt good with all the different oils and scents used, the only down side was she was asked for an extra tip on top of the onboard gratuity being added and tried to push the products such as the body lotions and face cream for $40-$60 ago, which spoilt some off the relaxed effects of the $215 treatment. We both got the unlimited (60 guests per cruise) access to the indoor lap pool, jacuzzi, thermal suite, which we used nearly every day because the main pool and jacuzzis  were always very busy, but there is a cost for the suite $190 each for the cruise, we think we got our moneys worth out of it, when dawn was having her treatment I spent the time in the Jacuzzi and a on the loungers drinking juice and coffee and reading my book in total peace and quiet.

Star Club Casino Bar

Star Club Casino Bar

The Star Club Casino on deck 6 is a cordoned off area so  if you didn’t want to walk through the casino you don’t have to, there are washy washy, happy happy staff at the two entrance’s and these also stop the underaged from entering. The casino has all the normal tables; Black Jack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette, and a vast amount of slot machines, if you run out of Dollars they will at the cashier fund you more, or there is a ATM machine; with a transaction fee! James (son) had a few games of Blackjack we watched and the dealer was fair and offered some good advice, and some tips how to play, he still lost but a good time was had by all.

Splash-Down-Kids-Pool-Norwegian-Star

Splash-Down-Kids-Pool

On deck 12 is the Video Zone for kids of all ages including james and I, there is a good selection of video games from first person shoot ’em’ ups, car and boat racing, Guitar Hero, motorbike racing and the old favorite Air Hockey, all for a swipe of the cardkey, oh and $1.50 a play. There other ways to entertain yourselfs on sea days, such as 4 Shuffleboard courts (if they are called courts) giant Chess set, and two Golf Driving Nets with clubs, left and right handed supplied. To keep the kids and toddlers happy and cool there is a Splash Down Kids Pool, which comprises of; Kids pool, 2 whirlpools, 2 slides all situated on deck 12 aft, looks like a great area.

Norwegian Star library

Norwegian Star library

On deck 12 forward is the ship’s Library with a huge selection of books, covering a variety of reading options, such as love stories, murder mystery, biography, history books, language learning, and books on the countries you might be visiting. Every day there are new Crosswords, and sudoku puzzles photocopied and free to take away and complete, or take a seat and chill out and enjoy. The Library is manned during the day time and they can also book out a wide range of  DVD’s, to take back to your stateroom and return at a later date. On this cruise it was the first time i’ve seen the Library used so much, with the puzzles being done, people of all ages reading and some teens doing a bit of studying.

Overall The ship is a very nice ship and is taken care of (even if major alterations were being done prior to its drydock in 3 months time), and the crew were very attentive. Hygiene is very high on their priority, Washy Washy staff are at the entrances to all the Restaurants, and Casino, there are pump dispensers out side all other gathering points such as the Theatre, Library and bars. They also recommend  opening all toilet/restroom doors with a paper towel after washing your hands, good advice.

Would i pick this ship again, without a doubt, yes there are problem’s but nothing that could have ruined our trip. The crew make up for any shortcomings.

Our photos of the Star plus ports of call; Cartagena-Columbia; Puntarenas-Costa Rica; Huatulco-México; Acapulco-México; Cabo San Lucas-Mexico.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45642696@N07/sets/72157649685216732/

Marks out of 10

Ship and Amenitys ~ 9/10
Crew ~ 7/10 (main dining let them down)
Entertainment ~  8/10 (theater sound system let them down)
Spa ~ 9/10 (masseur asked for a extra tip on top of the manditory Gratuities)

Total ~ 8/1o Thanks for a great Holiday/Vacation.