We cruised on the Norwegian Star to the Adriatic Sea on June 4-10. It was a birthday celebration for hubby, and he was pleased. I was glad that we did not have to tender into any ports. Everyone from the captain to the "Washy, Washy, Washy, Happy, Happy, Happy" did try their best to please and serve, which really made us feel welcomed. The ports were all interesting, which was why we picked this cruise. The food was fine for the most part, especially at Cagney's. The shows were good - especially impressed by Wu Lan, the beautiful contortionist. Vincent, the Jude Law look-a-like cruise director really revved up the spirit and instilled a feeling of family for the entire cruise. The Soul Brothers were rocking - fun running into them at the ports. We made some nice friends, which made our time on and off board very pleasant. Booked for next year already!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Specialty dining was good. We dined at Cagney's (great), Moderno (great, but bad shrimp), Le Bistro (great lamb chops and mushroom soup, bad and puny shrimp - the Maitre'D gave me a compensatory chardonnay). Versailles (mostly great, bad linguini with white clam sauce). I think there is a seafood deficiency inventory issue. Aqua - lovely, more contemporary. The food Market cafe - We did hang out there and were appreciative of all the shifts and clean up. The food was mostly good, very hectic and crazy. They try to do a theme night each night. There is always some Indian food. Really like O'Sheehan, kind of casual pub feel, and if you are lucky, catch a booth looking at the water.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The production cast was good. It was obvious that they were lip syncing while dancing. Paradies was good - the whole crew came on the stage for a farewell on Thursday, followed by a confetti shower - impressive and very sincere. Michael White, the Magician and his fiance, Wu Lan, the contortionist were awesome.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everybody was friendly, calm and helpful. Vincent was a riot - very talented and knowledgeable. His cruise presentation was good - saw his professional, non goofy side.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We appreciated Denzel's friendliness and helpfulness, and making towel animals and a birthday cake towel for hubby. We only tipped him on the last day, but he was helpful nonetheless. The shower lacks pressure. Overall, as we expected.
Ship tip
We did not book any excursions through NCL, as they could be 3-10 the cost of regular excursions. We mostly did DIY or chance it to get the bus tours outside of the gates. These outside buses and cabs are not scary mafia, no insurance bandits because they also want to have good reviews.
We spent a week there in an airbnb in Mogliano, veneto, and trained in. The apt. was huge, good town to walk around and dine. In Venice we booked the Venzia Unica for the one week Vaporetto and museum pass http://www.veneziaunica.it/ Well worth it. San Marco (check back pack to skip the line), Companile (get ticket on line and pay extra 2 Eur to skip the line )
Gorgeous place. We bought the Dubrovnik card for 23 eur pp. Well worth it - buses, city wall, fort, about 10 places. But a few are closed on monday's, and many close around 4. So, make a mad dash with a plan. I can see why G.O.T. filmed there. Can still see there gears and wires lying around for the next season.
I was worried for this one because of the shifty public transportation system, and the scary mafia type taxi described by some people. Be assertive, and get a group going - ether get a taxi, a van, negotiate a price. We got 10 people together, and there were signs of "Autobus" held high. hubby went to ask what the deal was, the guy said 10 Eur for a bus tour. Olympia site and museum is extra. After the tour, a lady got in and said they were offering a discounted tour the next day for 20 eur. These tours were through Geo Travel. Very good for the money.
Took that discounted bus offer for 20Eur. We got there 20 minutes before set time, and a bus was already packed and ready to go. We waited along time to get another bus. I started to go to another line to inquire, they quickly got a bus for us, but the bus had stayed in the dock yard too long, and got a ticket. We got a really nice and knowledgeable guide. There were just a small group of 20 of us. So, we lucked out. The bus took us to the Syntagma-changing of the guards (we missed it), Oympic Stadium and the Acropolis. the line for the tickets were not too bad. The guide went up with us. We had a little time to shop. We heard about tours with the same itinerary, but zoo-like crowd and unintelligible tour guides.
I took a Cruisesonly.com open bus tour for $25. We found out that this is through Apodos. They were accepting people at the bus for 20 Eur. The tour started out at the Diocletian Palace and a panaramic tour with explanations by a real guide. Ours was a beautiful local italian and Croatian college professor.
*Cruiseline.com is not a booking agent or travel agency,
and does not charge any service fees to users of our site. Our partners
(travel agencies and cruise lines) provide prices, which we list for our
users' convenience. Cruiseline.com does not guarantee any specific rates or
prices. While prices are updated daily, please check with the booking site
for the exact amount. Cruiseline.com is not responsible for content on
external web sites.
Contact us
Submitting...
Need help from a personal vacation planner?
Loading...
Find the perfect cruise with weekly tips and cruise deals for as little as $30/night!
Sign up for weekly cruise deals
Join other subscribers and get the best
cruise deals of the week in your inbox every Thursday.
