Norwegian Star Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,583 reviews

Not the same NCL

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Norwegian Star
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royal3
10+ Cruises • Age 50s

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Sail Date: Mar 2015

It has been 6 years since we sailed on NCL. During that time we have sailed on several other brands. We were surprised how much NCL has changed. Lobster Night, available on every other brand we sailed on, exists no longer on NCL. Also gone are their signature fruit soups at dinner. These delicious soups have been replaced with French Onion Soup EVERY NIGHT. The food in the main dining room has gone down hill. From under cooked pasta, to dry steaks, we have to agree with other people who have posted that it is almost like they are forcing you to eat in the many pay extra restaurants. There was little change to the menu each night. The only bright side of the food was a good selection (not quality) in the Market Cafe for late night snackers. If other cruise lines can provide good free food why not NCL? Another thing that has changed is that if you want to pre-purchase a soda package for your child, everybody in the cabin must buy the package. Luckily we followed advise posted on Cruise Critic and were able to buy the single soda package once be boarded. Why you cannot buy the single package prior to the cruise is anybody's guess.

The Star had just come out of refurbishment. Although the carpets were new, the paint on the ship had rust and many chips. Since the flower lights by the pool were still being worked on, and the new bar was still being built, it appeared the refurbishment was not finished as scheduled and they sailed the ship with work still to be done. Although there was work being done, it had little effect on the passengers except those who wanted to try the new bar.

On a positive note, the crew was outstanding. From Melvin and Edgar in the dining room, to the many pleasant "hellos" in the hallway. The crew seemed refreshed and happy after their two weeks in dry dock. Also, embarkation and debarkation was very fast. It took only 20 minutes to board the ship (versus 1 1/2 hours with Princess in the same port just two months ago) and 25 minutes to get off. In the entertainment area, we saw one of the best shows we have ever seen with Russian acroabats.

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