We sailed on the March 14, 2004 sailing of the Norwegian Star. There were 2 families--our has 1 child (11 years old), the other family has 3 children-- ages 7, 11, and 13. This is our 3rd year in a row doing a cruise for spring break. We did Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas last year, and 1 week Disney Magic Cruise the year before. Our overall experience on the Norwegian Star was good, but there were some shortcomings on this cruise.
First the cabin: We were in a "mini-suite" with a balcony. Although they call it a mini-suite, it is far from that. The outside cabin with balcony on Disney was slightly larger, so I would call this cabin a "deluxe" outside cabin w. balcony, rather than a "mini-suite". Although there are only 3 of us, this cabin was very tight. There are 2 twin beds pushed together and a sofa that opens up to a double bed at night. There is very walking around space in the cabin when the bed is open. Last year on Navigator, we had a Grand Suite (approx $1500.00 more than this cabin), but much, much more room. Also, the cabins on this ship creak so loudly when they is amy rolling of the ship, mainly because of the fact that there is so much teak wood in the mini-suite and suites.
The bathroom is a nice concept with sliding doors between each area (bathtub, wash area, and toilet), but with the doors closed made for tight spaces. Our friends had a penthouse suite which was incredible. It had 2 full bathrooms, 2 sleeping areas, 4 televisions (including a plasma over the whirlpool tub), and slept 5 with no problem. It includes concierge service (with Julie, the best concierge we have ever had the pleasure to meet), and many other special amenities. If you have the chance to stay in one of these, they are well worth the difference in price.