The Sickness Cruise

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 53

Overall rating:

2 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Star

7 Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 07, 2016

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8168

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

We were delayed boarding and found out that the previous cruise had an outbreak of norovirus with a number of the passengers and crew getting sick.  Once we were allowed to board we were met with staff who were gloved, our hands were sprayed every time we walked into a room, a restaurant, or on and off the ship.  The crew was constantly wiping everything down, and the ship smelled of disinfectant the entire week.  I wonder how toxic that stuff was that we had constantly sprayed on us or were asked to administer from those sanitizing stations that were everywhere on the ship.  We missed some meals because we had plans, or shore excursions we had to get to, and the food lines were extremely slow as the staff had everything roped off and they had to serve all the food for the entire week.  This meant they consolidated the food service into one or two lines instead of throughout the cafeteria.  You had to wait in line just to get a glass of water or cup of coffee because a staff member had to get it for you.  They also seemed short staffed, although I don't know if this had anything to do with the outbreak.  We were told that a few passengers also got sick on our cruise.  The staff tried to make the best of it but you couldn't get a straight answer from anyone. 

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
the cabin service was good and the room was always neat and clean.

Ship tip

The ship is looking a little dated these days. The crew was fantastic in spite of the problems with norovirus on the ship.

Ports of call

Tampa, Florida

3 out of 5

Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5

Belize City, Belize

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5
Was this review helpful? 53

4 Comments

stevez    8 years ago

Was not the entire week Better safe then sorry. Staff did a good job considering issues.

SvetlanaS    8 years ago

We was on 21days cruise with huge outbreack couple years ago. Team was awesome, everybody including entertaining people was on washing duty. At first few days we was told that we may have to go back and we will not allowed to go through Panama canal.After a week of nonstop cleaning we was allowed to take our food by yourself and keep bread basket on the table. Yes it was smell and some people had an accidents, but it was one of the best cruises we ever had. We met great people, had a lot of fun, washed our hands every few minutes but was healthy and happy. Success of your cruise totally depend of your attitude.

garythack    8 years ago

Rather be safe than sorry Cruised on the star January Great trip They are only trying to protect you

misstipsy    8 years ago

I had early morning excursions but never missed any meals. Knowing it was slower, I just made sure to get up earlier. NCL has always done the washy washy even if there is not an outbreak. It's better to be safe than sorry. I had a great time despite the few hiccups.

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