NCL where not open and honest

Item: Norwegian Star
Rating: 3.8
Author: Skeggyboy

Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Transatlantic

Skeggyboy

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

3.8 out of 5

15 Night Transatlantic (Rio De Janeiro To Barcelona)

Sail date: March 19, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 8556

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

This was our 4th cruise with NCL which had been booked for over 2 years. We had high expectations as we have always had a good experience with this cruise line. It was our first cruise on The Star. Even though we had our niggles and moans with the cruise, we did not let it spoil our holiday. We made the best out of everything on offer and avoided what we did not enjoy. The port stops were all great (except for Motril!)

Embarkation

2 out of 5

Boarding in Rio de Janeiro was straightforward but then the niggles started. We quickly became aware from other guests that there was a 25% tax on food and drinks (including food and drink packages) whilst in Brazilian waters. This was for the first 5 days of the cruise! Staff members all remained vague throughout the cruise about when and where taxes would apply and finish. For many guests the 25% tax was a major issue and we have never seen the bars so quiet. The atmosphere on ship was subdued. A 10% tax also applied when we entered Spanish waters later in the cruise.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Overall, our dining experiences were mixed. The food variety, choice and quality in the Garden café was very good. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Our only complaint here was at busy times you could not find a seat for long periods. The Versaille Restaurant was one of our favourites, a nice ambience, good food and friendly staff. We occasionally visited there for breakfast also. O Sheehans has always been one of our favourite places for food and drink with NCL, but we were disappointed on this cruise. We only went twice for food waited 30 minutes to be served and longer for the food to arrive. The food was awful and ambience poor as the bar area was often taken over by big loud groups, drinks were taxed and as such our leisurely drink and tasty pub food never materialised. Again, the Ginza disappointed, we waited 30 minutes for a table which was fine, but then waited another 30 minutes to be acknowledged by the waiter. The wait for food was not worth it as it was cold and uninspiring. French and Italian were both just ok, but the jewel in the crown is Cagney’s! Wow amazing food and service.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

There was plenty to keep all tastes busy

Entertainment

4 out of 5

We enjoyed a lot of the entertainment around the ship, singers, bands, pianists and Sabrina and Charley Blue in the Stardust theatre were amazing. The dancers and singers performed west end style shows in the theatre, all excellent but for us personally we found them a bit old fashioned and dated. The same with the bands, they were great but more geared to an American audience.

Service and Staff

4 out of 5

Staff in main were friendly and professional. We only experienced a couple of rude and unhelpful staff

Ship Quality

3 out of 5

A beautiful ship in our opinion. On arrival and for the next couple of days our room was not cleaned to a good standard

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Our cabin was nicely located and we enjoyed the balcony. Initially it had not been cleaned properly, dust on surfaces and bits on the carpet etc and aircon was suspect. This was dealt with when we escalated our concerns but was disappointing. Our suitcases did not arrive to our cabin and had been left at the end of another corridor. Reception was rude and abrupt with us! All these niggles are minor but combined they did not give us a good first experience.