Cons: I found the Star to have very few public areas that were comfortable and with a view. The Spinnaker Lounge, unlike the one on the Gem, is small, dark, with uncomfortable seating and no windows. If you find yourself on a cruise where the weather is not the best, like ours where it rained for 2 days out at sea, you will find no area to sit and to either crawl up and read a book or just view and contemplate the sea. The inside lounge areas are small and chaotic with far too few seating options for the 2000+ passengers looking to get out of the weather.

There is limited seating out doors. If you wanted to get away from the busy pool area you could find limited seating on a back deck or the forward deck of the ship. There were no chairs or chaises on the promenade deck if you were looking to get out of the sun.

The buffet area reminded me very much of a school cafeteria. It was very plain and poorly laid out. A main aisle went down the middle of the seating area and you not only had diners constantly passing by your table but other guests as well who were trying to get from one part of the ship to another. It was very busy and not relaxing. Except for breakfast, the food served in the buffet I would rate as average or below. This would not be my choice for lunch or dinner. Read more