Unacceptable changes, Poor service, Lack of communication and Horrible maintenance issues

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Europe - Eastern Mediterranean

Linda50th

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 75

Overall rating:

1.9 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Greek Isles (Venice Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 03, 2019

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Oceanview

Cabin number: 8612

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

As a silver customer of Norwegian, I was extremely disappointed. I switched from being a Royal Caribbean user. Norwegian Cruise Line rerouted the Star vessel at the last minute due to pre-existing “mechanical issues”. After spending over $2000 on airfare and hotels to go on a Greek Isle cruise, the cruise only stopped at two minor Greek Islands and substituted one port for a location with no real tourist value. To compensate for not stopping at two destinations, the cruise line issued on-board credit, a discount to a future cruise and refunded the port taxes. This was unacceptable. The cruise line forced its passengers at sea for two days and the only compensation was to spend additional dollars with the cruise line. The changed itinerary could have been communicated during the check in process rather than via a paper notice placed in the cabin. The ambiguous term “mechanical issues” created panic among passengers, excessive long lines formed at Guest Services and none of the crew were able to clearly explain the discount being offered on a future cruise. It was next to impossible to reschedule tours that had been booked with outside agencies with such short notice. The itinerary was once again changed at the last minute on November 6 and communication was poor. Three of the cabins in my group experienced issues with their toilets, either not flushing or flushing by themselves at random. Maintenance was called several times. All five cabins were awaken each morning starting around 04:00 by banging noises and crew slamming doors. Dinner experienced at the Ginza room turned into a dangerous stampede when the restaurant opened. This forced my party to be separated. Half of my party never received their drinks. When this was questioned, we told they were busy. To which we had to go to the bar ourselves to get drinks. The food there was tasteless. My friends and I are loyal to NCL Cruise Line, we all have Cruise Next certificates on our accounts. This is not the level of service we have come to expect. Each of us filed a claim with Guest Services. The trip was a total disappointment. At least 50% off of a future cruise or two should be offered.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

A crew member noticed we had a handicap guest with us and moved us from checkin 19 to 15

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

Had to get our own drinks at the bar in Ginza. Breakfast meats were either undercooked or overcooked. Courses in several of the restaurants were not served in a timely manner. Tried to go to the buffet a few times and the lines were horrendous. Had to skip meals or go to sit down.

Onboard Activities

1 out of 5

There were not enough. Our Vegas show was cancelled because of weather. They should have played it another night. We were forced to have two at sea days because of mechanical failure. There were no additional activities or shows scheduled. It was like you had to fend for yourself.

Entertainment

1 out of 5

The first show was good and magician was ok. The Vegas show was cancelled and the entertainment throughout was lacking.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Service in the restaurants was lacking. Stampede at Ginza where we had to serve ourselves drinks. Food at Ginza was tasteless. Very disappointing. Ordered 20.00 laundry that was supposed to arrive two days later. I had to go to the front counter to request my laundry. My bill was wrong several times and I had to stop by each day to have it changed. I was being charged for things I didn't order. My family had the same issues. Steward was good but someone was rummaging through closets next to our room and clanging would go on from 2 am to 7 am every morning. I did not get sleep.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

My toilet would not flush or flush randomly. Had to call on several occasions or mention to steward. The room was a good size but I could not sleep. Each evening between 2 am and 7am there was clanging next to my room like someone was rummaging through a metal closet. Horrible. There was no cabin right next to mine.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Each evening between 2 am and 7am there was clanging next to my room like someone was rummaging through a metal closet. Horrible. There was no cabin right next to mine. Room was clean.