Star out of Tampa

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

boblartz

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 65

Overall rating:

4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 29, 2015

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 11022

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

Overall had a good cruise. Things that some reviewers complained about were non-existent. I have been on over 40 cruises. My saying is, there are no "bad" cruises, some are just better than others!"

Service: No problem. All went out of their way to be of service.

Food: I've had better, but nothing really to complain about. A tough piece of meat or no lobster, hey, get over it. Nothing is perfect. It seems the more a person can't really afford a cruise, the more they will find to bitch about!

Entertainment: Ranked right up there with the best I have ever seen. The house band was great, the 16 dancers and singers, fantastic. The comedian Bud Anderson, so original, so funny, so talented. No wonder he has done 570+ shows on cruise lines.

Cabin: No problem and good service.

Yes, you wil notice cutbacks here and there. Like I miss the daily one page newspaper with happenings around the world. Or only one daily Sea Program to share with all in your cabin. But these are things t help hold down the overall cabin rate you wil pay. Drinks, yes high priced by my standards so what do I do? Drink as little as possible on board, then have a "bang up'" time in port!

Could have used a bit more Trivia, one of the more popular past times on a cruise. Seemed NCL was pushing to many "health seminars" all day.

Any cruise is a good cruise if you do your homework and pick out a cruise suited for you and at the right price. I was very happy with my T.A. and "Entertainment".

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

Didn't have a problem except I gained 7#

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

Could have used more Trivia. I don't lay around the pool for 3 hours at a time so I had some 'dead' time.

Entertainment

5 out of 5

Finest on the high seas! Good set designs and staging. Cruise director comes on strong at times, (he's his best fan) but he did OK. Did a great magic act on the last night.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5

Only from what I could see, it looked like they took good care of the kids.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Everyone friendly. You wil get back what you give. It's that easy !

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Modern, airy, clean, no problems

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Only problem is what everyone says about the mini suites, no drawer or shelf space. The shelves are inside the closet on the extreme left side. After you hang up your clothes, it is impossible t retrieve anything with out pulling out half your clothes and having a flashlight :-)

Ship tip

The selection of free juices 24 hours a day is nice. AND one thing you can still get is Smoked Salmon. They have not taken that treat away. Oh, and don't forget to try some of the optional dining venues, some free and some with a charge. Had a great time at the Brazilian Steak House.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

5 out of 5

I live here. Go to Ybor City ( eebor city ) it is the original Cuban section of town. Safe, good food options, nice décor.

Thumbs Up 2

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5

The straw market just outside the port gate. 2nd floor. FREE Wi-Fi and $2 Margaritas!

Thumbs Up 4

Belize City, Belize

3 out of 5

If you don't take an authorized shore tour, do NOT leave the dock. Nowhere to go anyway and you want to come home with your wallet. Lots of 'cheap' drink and snack bars right on the water front dock ! What a surprise.

Thumbs Up 0

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

One of our favorites. Take the $4 ride to the town/beach 3 miles away. "Everyone" goes there. Beers, Ceviche, free chairs on the beach, JUST DO IT !

Thumbs Up 4

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Woody's Bar downtown, right off of the town square. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff & owners. Chankanaab Park is the place to go on this island.

Thumbs Up 1

Traveler Photos

13 Comments

Tiredofsnow 8 years ago

Good review. Understand ship has no huge tv screen for the game, oh well not like can't make do. Hope they do something for Mardi Gras

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beckyherchler 8 years ago

We always use locals once off boat and off port/cruise property. This is much less expensive and typically better experience. In Belize, we talked to the captain on the tender. He told us to go outside of the port and find a local cab. $150/4 adults, 6 kids and included ruins and cab stayed until we were done. Driver full of info! Bring lots of bug spray! HUGE Mosquitos!

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misstipsy 8 years ago

What did you do in the other ports?

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mmpineda1 8 years ago

your so welcome.!! best thing I did wonderful pictures.. but bring bug spray !

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misstipsy 8 years ago

That is the one I was looking at, glad to know it is worth the price.

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mmpineda1 8 years ago

it was the only excursion I booked thru the ship

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mmpineda1 8 years ago

I did it was 125 a person but honestly the best money I spent!

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misstipsy 8 years ago

Did you book your tour through the ship?

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mmpineda1 8 years ago

we went to see the mayan ruin and river safari. it was nice. great tour guides and see many monkeys... and they were very informative. afterwards we had lunch and went back to port. did a little shopping then went back to the ship. it was a great day .

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lezp02 8 years ago

Thanks for sharing! I love cruising and look at this the same way. I look forward to our trip on the Star in February! What did u do in Belize?

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mmpineda1 8 years ago

I agree! I was on this cruise on the 29th thru the 6th. it was my first and already booked another !

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misstipsy 8 years ago

Thanks for the good review. I will be on the one leaving superbowl Sunday also.

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loganpbrown 8 years ago

Great review,! I was a bit worried with the reviews, but it looks like you approach cruising the same way I do so I should have a good time. I just realized I'm going on Super Bowl Sunday, so I'm just going to expect some service issues that first night, cruise ships are rarely designed for everyone to do the same thing at the same time.

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Other reviews of this sailing

Cruise for 2

Great trip, but could have been improved.

Very relaxing vacation