Tired Ship with Great Ports but So-So DIning and Amenities

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 40

Overall rating:

3.9 out of 5
Norwegian Star

7 Night Greek Isles (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: October 06, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

Overall a very good experience due to cabin and ports (although not enough time is provided to fully enjoy them). The ship is older a bit tired. This was our least favorite of many cruises that we have taken. Also, beware the cigarette smell which permeates the main desk as smoking is permitted in the casino.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
We had a suite so received preferencial treatment

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Specialty dining rooms were very good but main dining rooms were just okay. Buffets were a nightmare as only servers could handle food or beverages due to sanitary conditions which caused overcrowding and long lines.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Participated in bingo, deal or no deal, social contests, etc. All were a lot of fun with good staff members.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Stage shows were varied. Some were good such as the Aerialists and others like Vegas were like high school musicals. Musicians were good and fun to dance along.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
Staff were not very enthusiastic and some with whom we spoke agreed that this ship was their least favorite and couldn't wait to move on. However, our cabin steward was first rate.

Ship Quality

4 out of 5
Cleanliness was outstanding as we suspect a norovirus was onboard. Staff were continually cleaning the railings, the floors, the rugs, the handles, the WALLS, etc. Announcements were made to please report any gastrointestinal issues immediately.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The cabin was spacious with a very comfortable bed, small couch and table/chairs. Plenty of room to relax and ample storage space.

Ship tip

Be aware that you will need tenders in 3 ports. Get your tender ticket ASAP or you will have issues especially if your shore excursions are not through NCL.

Ports of call

Venice, Italy

5 out of 5

Kotor, Montenegro

1 out of 5
Disaster with the tenders. The ship arrived late and had issues with tenders. Caused our shore excursion to leave 2 hours late, be reduced from 4 hours to 2 hours, and beyond rushed. Back to ship to again wait in long tender lines. Only 2 hours in Kotor. What a waste of a port.

Corfu, Greece

4 out of 5
Skip the excursions at this port. It's just a 15 minute walk into the center of town which you can easily visit on your own including exploring the forts and churches. We took an excursion and ditched them as we want to experience the port not just walk by them.

Argostoli, Kefalonia, Greece

5 out of 5
Great port with a great excursion through Shore Excursions Group. Visiting a fort, an organic farm and a lighthouse.

Santorini, Greece

4 out of 5
Very crowded but absolutely beautiful space.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

5 out of 5
Another terrific city as we are Game of Throne fans. We took NCL excursions which were very crowded but guides were good.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
We had an early flight so were in first group to disembark. No issues.
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2 Comments

GerryBCruisin    3 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to share your review of the Norwegian Star. Sounds like you made the best of it and had a great time.

bobduck1993    5 years ago

Sounds like you had a great cruise !

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