Norwegian Star Review

The Magic Happened Again!

Review for Alaska Cruise on Norwegian Star
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msydpdx
First Time Cruiser • Age 60s

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Sail Date: Sep 2009
Cabin: Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony

Background: This was DH's and my tenth sail with NCL. We drove to Seattle from Portland so that we could switch out our large cruise bags for carry-ons as we were continuing with Norwegian Pearl on the one night cruise to Vancouver when we returned. We had second thoughts on taking this cruise having already done Glacier Bay two years ago. Glad we rethought it and went. The two are nothing alike and the intricacies of the cruise up Tracy Arm are amazing. The Captain and Officers did a wonderful job of maneuvering that big ship in and out. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it. If you haven't done it...do it! Embarkation: We arrived about 11:00 a.m. and were quickly whisked away to the VIP lounge (we booked a Romance Suite-aft/port). As soon as our documents were completed we moved on to see our wonderful Concierge, Simone Weigel—hugs all around. After chatting a bit and getting our key cards, we moved to a quiet area of the lounge to wait for boarding. I had the feeling that someone was looking at me and turned around to see Lucky, our Butler from Sky last January, smiling that big grin of his at me. Yes, even after just a four day trip he remembered us and said he was so excited when he saw our names on his list. He then escorted us to our suite and wished us a pleasant journey. Our cabin was not completely ready, so after meeting our Cabin Stewards (Clinton and Anvish), we stowed our bags in the closet, the crown jewels in the safe, and left them to their business. We headed to Cagney's for a delicious lunch and then it was time to see if the cabin was ready, which it was. After quickly unpacking our carry-ons we checked outside our door to see that our big cruise bags had arrived. We were unpacked before muster! The weather cooperated and we had a beautiful sail away from Seattle in bright sunshine, which we shared with another couple from our Cruise Critic group. It's always great to meet people you have been emailing and sharing the boards with for so long a time. Day One: Prior to the Meet and Greet, we had breakfast in Cagney's where Simone greeted us and then Andreas Dehmke, the Exec Chef, surprised us. We sat and chatted for some time to catch up on life since our last sail with him. He is such a lovely man and a superb chef. Cruise Critic Meeting: Due to a large group on board our meeting was held starboard side of the Aqua dining room. Our GSC, Janine Marshall, whom I have worked with twice before on Pearl, met with us to make sure all was in order. After setting up name tags and gift exchange table, the members began arriving and most all of the group attended. Ray Carr, our Cruise Director, arrived and we chatted a bit as other officers and crew arrived. In addition to Ray, Rosita Schandy/Hotel Director, Andreas Dehmke/Executive Chef, Janine Marshall/GSC, Ivo Belev/Food and Beverage Director, Jose Taveras/Restaurant Manager, Marites Sonza/Executive Housekeeper and Simone Weigel/Concierge all attended. Ray did a wonderful job as our Master of Ceremonies and members were given a chance to ask questions they might have. After chatting for a bit they bid us a wonderful cruise and departed. After welcoming everyone we then congratulated one couple on the occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. Then it was on to the big surprise. One of our members had found out that a couple aboard had never had never cruised, never had a honeymoon, had never spent time alone away from their two teenagers AND he had just returned from his third deployment to Iraq in five years time. So this lovely couple was invited to attend our meeting and we had "We Support Our Troops" stickers on all of our name tags. We thanked them for their service and presented them with a book about the traveling troop quilts, including handmade bookmarkers for each (his is the ribbon and says 'Thank you' while hers is a cross that says 'Amazing Grace'). Also included were two 'hugs' that the troops use to keep cool and we said we hoped he wouldn't need them and that he could send them to a couple of his buddies. It was an emotional time, but well deserved. (To learn more, visit Home of the Brave website.) This was indeed a very special M&G and everyone had a wonderful time. That evening was dress-up night and the Captain's Cocktail Party. We had a wonderful time and Captain Gunnar was just charming. I finally had a chance to catch up with Marites (Exec Housekeeper) as we had become acquainted on our last sail. She is such a lovely woman and if you ever get the chance to chat with her you will know just what I mean. We then had a lovely dinner at Soho, having deliciously fresh lobster! YUM! Restaurants: Our first night we always dine in Le Bistro, which is just fabulous. The cold seafood plate always tastes so good after a long day of getting to port, unpacking, muster, etc. We dined in Soho twice, which has wonderful atmosphere, food and excellent service. Our dinner in Endless Summer was delicious, but our waiter was patronizing and lacking in any warmth. We felt like he either wanted us out or maybe he wanted out. Ginza is one of our favorites; DH ordered Chinese while I had sushi and we shared. All was prepared and presented beautifully and the flavors were mouthwatering. The service was excellent here, sometimes a little too much attention paid to let you enjoy the scenery and your meal. We ate in Cagney's where I absolutely had to have Oysters Rockefeller, which are my absolute favorite, followed by a salad (Caesar) and petite filet mignon. DH had swordfish (if I remember correctly). Scrumptious! All of our breakfasts and lunches were eaten in Cagney's unless we were in port. The service and food is always wonderful here and it is nice to be greeted by name each morning. Cabin: Our suite was beautiful and we love the large decks in the romance suites. Such views and the sound of the ship's wake are just what you need to feel serene. Our Cabin Stewards were top notch, making our every request fulfilled within minutes. Our cabin was always clean when we returned from breakfast and turned down when we arrived after dinner. Our Butler, Lucky, made a few deliveries and it was always wonderful to see his smiling face; he is such a delight! Entertainment: I get sea sick in the theatre (the only place I get sea sick), so we stuck to Spinnaker and the wonderful Melodious Jones; a family of entertainers with a super repertoire of music. I hope to see them on an NCL ship again...it seems our age group has little to chose from in the music area (too young to be old, but old enough we don't do hip-hop!). We did stop one night in the pub and listened to a gentleman play guitar and sing (I'm sorry, but I do not have his name) and he was lovely. One of the gals from the CC group and I had had just enough wine to 'try' to dance together! It was hilarious and funny all at the same time! Spa: I always have the oxygen facial at some point of the cruise and I was not disappointed. There is a little neck and shoulder massage included and after falling twice in two weeks, the kinks finally let go. I left with a glow and a refill of my night cream; I love the Elemis products they use. Gym: DH used the recumbent bike (he has one artificial knee) and I used the empty yoga room to do Pilates and floor exercises. We were there early in the morning, so not a lot of people around (except Captain said he saw me there!). They have good equipment, good supervisors and wonderful views to make the work-out not so painful! I also walk the Promenade, seas willing, which is the best part of the workout for me—the fresh sea air kissing your cheeks is lovely! Ports: Having already sailed Norwegian Pearl to Glacier Bay two years ago, all of the ports except Prince Rupert were a repeat for us. In Ketchikan we ate at Annabelle's (straight off the dock, across the street) and the food there is plentiful and fresh. We also ran into Ray Carr, who invited us to coffee a few days later—thanks, Ray! This is also when I received my cell call from my NCL PCC that my Courtyard Villa on Epic for the T/A was complete! In Juneau we took a 2 mile walk through town (headed to the grocery store for reindeer sausage and trail mix) and then to Once in a Blue Moose for one of my favorite pullovers (they are closing that store, but are still in Anchorage and mail order is available). In Skagway (where I saw a whale spouting right inside the bay when we arrived!) we walked about 3 miles all around town and stopped at a jewelry store (local) that sells one of a kind pendants of the ships. Having seen one 2 years ago (and didn't buy), I decided it was now or never; my offer (below half price) was accepted and I am now the proud owner. All of the ports had good weather until we reached Prince Rupert which was a downpour and chilly, but the shops were open, the owner's were very friendly and the selection of goods was excellent. Our final day at sea was a thriller! We sailed outside of Vancouver Island and reached F9 Gales with rough seas to match. It was difficult to pack as drawers would slide shut as soon as you opened them and keeping your legs under you was difficult. Once I was done I headed out for a walk around the ship and found it nearly deserted (and a lot of those little white bags missing!). After getting sea sick my entire life, I am finally over it—bring on the F9 and F10s! Watching the seas churning about from aft is just great! Shopping aboard: Lots of sales of Alaska goodies, but having cruised so much these past 2 ½ years there's not much we don't have! I did buy coasters for a special project and a chain for my pendant until I could get home and buy a really good one. I'll still use the chain for something else-- Disembarkation: We used the VIP tags, but did not get off early. We finally left the ship about 9:00, claimed our bags and headed to the car in the Republic Parking Garage (you don't have to do the shuttle if you use the sky bridge). A special thank you: NCL, you should be so proud of the crew and officers of Norwegian Star. Our military family (as mentioned above) was treated with some sort of goodie every day and Captain Gunnar invited them and the two of us to dinner and then invited the four of us to the Bridge to view Sawyer Glacier. (Now THAT was awesome.) They were invited to the Captain's cocktail party and both Simone and Rosita were always doing something kind for them (including VIP disembarkation). Our soldier was unsmiling and weary when he arrived aboard, but by day 3 he was all smiles and ready to book another cruise (with NCL, of course!). Thank you to Captain Gunnar, Simone, Peter, Rosita, Lucky, Andreas and all of the others that made this trip so wonderful for them...and for us...these are the people that keep us coming back.

Cabin Review

Aft-Facing Penthouse with Large Balcony

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