My wife and I decided to sail on a Baltics itinerary after meeting passengers on prior cruises who loved the ports. Our September 1 sailing was our 6th cruise and 3rd on Norwegian (both prior were Eastern Mediterranean itineraries on the NCL Jade). I enjoy cruising to sample cultures and regions foreign to Americans. The Baltics cruise with 5 ports in 9 days (only 2 sea days) would not be optimal for someone looking to enjoy a vacation at sea. SBP tours did an excellent job showing all 5 ports and we would strongly recommend their company for future cruisers.

Embarkation in Copenhagen was easy ' while we 'qualified' for the priority line we ended up in the main line which unsurprisingly moved much faster. Many times we have found status lines at airports or cruise terminals are much slower! We met our excellent butler Caesar who brought us to our beautiful suite in the front of the Star. The very spacious double balcony owners suite was amazing! Very well maintained, our 'Van Gogh' suite was a wonderful home to unwind in after the long days of tours. Having sailed twice in Haven suites on the NCL Jade, we really missed not having that facility on the Star but we really couldn't complain about our luxurious accommodations.

Many reviewers have commented on the excellent crew of the NCL Star, and I would echo that praise. Friendly and hard working, they really take good care of their guests. Our cabin steward Hernany kept our home in great condition. One contrast I noted from the NCL Jade is the more 'party' atmosphere which draws criticism from some reviewers. Perhaps because it was a summer sailing (our Jade cruises were in the winter) or the much higher percentage of Americans on board, loud American music filled the pool area, the atrium and dock area. I didn't mind it but our cabin was far away from the atrium and we didn't spend much time lounging around the pool. Read more