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Norwegian Star Cruise Review to Europe - Northern Europe

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 129

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Verified Review
Norwegian Star

11 Night Northern Europe: Norway Iceland & Svalbard (Tromso To Reykjavik)

Sail date: June 12, 2023

Ship: Norwegian Star

Cabin number: 1060

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Second time we have been on this ship and it does not disappoint. Ricco and Jeffrey at the Gatsby bar are exceptional. Very friendly and engaging. We will definitely go on the Star again depending upon the itinerary.

Embarkation

3 out of 5
New port facility and they didn't seem prepared for us and were short staffed.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5
The food was basic cruise ship food, typically the same daily food at the buffet. With the exception of the specialty dinning. The staff was exceptional.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Cruising the Arctic you'll find many hot tubs available :o) Fitness center was very good sized to accommodate us all on non-sea days.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Two shows a night were not an option each night so it was challenging to coordinate dinner and a show each night. There was variety, but many seemed to be off of the show, Who's Got Talent and not what we expected.

Children's Programs

We didn't bring any children.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All of the staff interactions were exceptional. Each person was very accommodating and friendly.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Seems to me like most cruise ships have similar layouts and design. Everything was spotless.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
We got what we paid for this balcony. Great location, no obstructions, typical room that was very clean. There was ample storage for two people.

Ship tip

There are many places to be searched out where you can be by yourselves, so make the time to discover them. Each bar has a different menu, so seek those out too.

Ports of call

Tromso, Norway

5 out of 5
Taking the cable car is a must for an incredible view. It was too windy for us and closed. Next best was the Roof Top bar in the Clarion hotel. Friendly folk and an easy walk around town. Check out the Polar museum and enjoy the local cruisine.

Harstad, Norway

3 out of 5
Not much to do other than stretch your legs. Nice views if you walk to church. Other ways, there are cafes and a mall.

Hammerfest, Norway

3 out of 5
Not much to do but to stretch your legs. Must go to Sweet Fantasy's cafe and have a waffle, they are not too sweet and people are very funny.

Alta, Norway

3 out of 5
The titanium church was the highlight. Make time to go to the basement (fee applies) to see the Northern Lights museum and well worth it.

Honningsvag, Norway

5 out of 5
You must make time to visit North Cape! Plan on a few hours to explore and take in the incredible view. Walk about town and make your way to the church for a great view. If you want to experience fresh King crab, you must do it where they catch it. They can't sell to local restaurants. Take a tour of the island, some wonderful fishing villages to visit. Check out artist, Eva Slavek's work!

Longyearbyen, Spitzbergen, Norway

5 out of 5
One of our favorite ports. Take a tour to see the World Seed Vault and around the town. Very fascinating. Tom Cruise just finished filming a movie here. Note, no polar bears in the summer.

Akureyri, Iceland

5 out of 5
Take a tour and explore the waterfalls, lava structures, dairy farms, geo-thermal baths, Pseudo cater area where Neal Armstrong trained for the moon, platonic plates and much more.

Isafjordur, Iceland

5 out of 5
Take a day tour and explore the South Coast, a must see port. Waterfalls, black beach, glaciers, Icelandic horses, lava columns and much more.

Reykjavik, Iceland

5 out of 5
Take the HOHO bus and you can see the town in one day. The Perlan museum is a must, plan on a few hours. The Blue Lagoon is an hour away, but blue. However, this town has a much smaller version but is not blue.

Disembarkation

3 out of 5
Still feel as if NCL was not prepared for this. Short staffed and the lines were long. There was a free shuttle into town, but we found out from others about it. Taxi line was incredibly long so make sure you have travel plans made ahead of time.
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7 Comments

javawoody    1 year ago

Thanks for the review

BeeKimball    1 year ago

Thanks for the detailed review!

tavo6    1 year ago

Thanks for your review glad you enjoyed your cruise 🚢

cruising2004    1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience. Great itinerary and review. Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

Lesliev58    1 year ago

Planning for this cruise in 2025. I’m looking forward to this itinerary, especially Longyearbyen. Thanks for sharing.

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Great itinerary. Appreciate your detailed feedback especially on the ports of call. Glad you enjoyed cruise.

Gwbigdog    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us

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