This was our first time cruising. Read all the message boards in advance and decided to go with NCL star for various reasons. embarkation was an easy process, especially since we didn't know what we were doing. We were a bit overwhelmed when we got on the ship. So many people, elevators jammed up with waits, didn't know where to go, etc. I would say it took a good day to "fall into things." Was surprised how demanding the ship was to walk back and forth and do so many stairs constantly. Didn't mind it though, and it was a good workout. I would say leave your heals at home though- I never touched mine.
Ship- we found the ship to be in great shape and very clean/pleasing to the eye. Plenty to do at all times, and once people fell into their respective routines, things evened out around the ship. Our cabin, a mini suite was fabulous. Very pleased with it, the layout, storage, cleanliness, balcony, etc. TIP- BRING A SOUND MACHINE of some sort for white noise. We did and it saved us. Generally the ship is quiet, but we would hear kids running through the halls up above and the ship would creak at times.
Food- We didn't have ridiculous ideas about what food would be served considering the 2200 passengers, so without lofty expectations, we were happy with the food. Breakfasts- lots to choose from on buffet, nothing thrilling for sure. Fine with me as breakfast is not that important to me. By the end of the week, i couldn't bare to look at the buffet! enough! tried versailles one morning, but I wouldn't recommend it- just go to the buffet and get exactly what you want. Lunches were good- we enjoyed poolside bbq's, blue lagoon, buffet one time for lunch. We dined at endless summer twice and really enjoyed it- the food was great, the atmosphere was the best as the venue was smaller than the other restaurants, and being just above the lobby, the live music would drift up. They serve tex mex, but the atmosphere was very formal, not what you would expect. Our favorite main dining was Aqua- the food was always great and we loved the atmosphere. Versailles was good too- just a bit more "foo foo" atmosphere. We tried to get reservations for la Trattoria, but never could. fine with me as it is just the buffet converted to italian. Reservations can be tricky to get, I'll admit, but if you cant get them, just be happy with the main dining which was always very nice and we only had to wait a few minutes one time to get in. our young girls loved ordering off the adult menu and having 4 courses of options. it was a great time to expand their palette. WARNING...be prepared that dinner is basically an hour and half process. plan accordingly and you wont be miffed. we enjoyed that time to just relax and have some family time.