Embarkation was smooth and without problems. The registration lines were short and the desk staff was friendly and helpful. The Norwegian Star is a clean and well maintained ship. The greatest asset of the ship was the friendly staff who provided us with service that was exceptional. All crew members from cleaning crew to cabin stewards, ships officers, waiters, and reception desk staff were helpful and willing to go the extra mile to make our cruise enjoyable. The cruise director did not make announcements all day long to interrupt the relaxed atmosphere on board. The entertainment in the Stardust Theater was professional and well presented. The performers in several other venues on board were very talented and provided a variety of options for various tastes. Freestyle cruising may not be for everyone but but we enjoyed the freedom to dine when and where we chose to do so. The wide range of restaurants allowed us to select meals that were different and unusual. In all restaurants the food was served hot and the waiters were dedicated to pleasing the patrons. Deck chairs are plentiful and the pools and hot tubs were not crowded. Since this was February and most schools were in session, only about two dozen children were on board...a definite plus The Port of Acapulco is beautiful. We did an excursion to see the famous cliff divers...very worthwhile.

The ports of Cabo San Lucas, Xtapa, and Puerto Vallarta are sunny and friendly since their only industry is tourism. There are many ship's excursions to interesting places but we usually choose to get off the shop and walk through town to explore on our own. We felt safe in all the ports but the peddlers do hound you as you stroll, trying to sell you their wares. A simple "no" usually dissuades them. The Mexican Riviera cruise aboard the Norwegian Star was flawless. We have been on twelve cruises and "freestyle cruising" although not for everyone, allowed us many options and the freedom to explore without worrying about when we could dine. Debarkation had a new option: "Express Debarkation." If you were not booked on a flight and were being picked up a the pier, or had your own car parked in a lot, you could take your own luggage and disembark any time you chose without waiting to be called to the gangway. This was the option we chose and after a hearty breakfast, we toted our bags and leisurely walked off the ship. By doing so, we avoided the hassle of choosing our luggage from among thousands of bags in the terminal and hiring a porter to wheel our bags out to the street.