Relaxing and economical Trans Atlantic cruise

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Transatlantic

joendoodle190

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 6

Helpful Votes: 88

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

14 Night Transatlantic Westbound (Rome To Miami)

Sail date: November 05, 2018

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9052

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 2 years ago

Review summary

Being a T/A cruise during "school" season there were very few kids on this cruise. The Star is the same size as NCL's Jewel class, yet lacking the fwd spinnaker lounge. The crew is attentive and happy. Topside the pool deck does not have the features of the Mega ships designed for youth, such as a ropes course, climbing wall, waterslides and the like. Therefore this ship is better for retired folks like ourselves, the Mega ships are better for kids and those that are don't mind waiting in lines.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

This was a B2B cruise did not embark in Civitavecchia

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Cagney's remains the best steak on the Ocean. Ginza and the Shushi bar a great great change of pace. Breakfast and lunch in the MDR (Versailles) was very good. The quality and # of choices in the buffet has decreased. Lunch in the buffet had a fresh pasta to order station, this was always very good. 3' O'Clock the fresh baked cookies come out in the buffet.. a great snack. After dinner crepe's in the buffet remain an NCL trademark. My favorite drink was the Coca Cabanna, available only in the 5 O'Clock somewhere bar.

Cagney's Steakhouse

5 out of 5

Best steak on the Ocean, cooked perfectly every time (Med rare). Therefore I eat there frequently.My 8 oz fillet was always, The wife tried the Tuna steak it too was cooked to perfection.Implemented a menu change @ the beginning of the cruise, added Ahi tuna to the appetizers. Even though I love the Shrimp cocktail, the Ahi Tuna is awesome.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

Entertainment

4 out of 5

Band on the run was excellent, the acrobat team was excellent

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Crew to passenger ratio good compared to the "Mega ships"

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Recent refurb updated carpet and mattresses. NCL EDGE protocol eliminated the O/S aft buffet area, created spice H2O

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Slightly larger than on the Mega ships. Near fwd elevators. The Sliding door made noise in heavy seas, unless opened Our steward was attentive and friendly, a different towel every night of the B2B cruises...

Ship tip

"5 O'Clock somewhere" bar is a hidden gem.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Barcelona, Spain

5 out of 5

Due to the need to maintain the ship the itinerary changed, arrived 12 hours early, scheduled departure 2 hours late ( a bonus overnight stay) NCL corporate made this maintenance activity a plus for the guests. Plenty to see & do in Barcelona.

Thumbs Up 4

Funchal, Madeira Did not visit port

Inclement weather prevented this port call, and added an additional overnight in Barcelona

Thumbs Up 0

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

5 out of 5

Got to check the 12 metre America's cup Regatta off my bucket list... This was a great activity.

Thumbs Up 5