Norwegian Star Review

Panama Canal

Review for the Panama Canal & Central America Cruise on Norwegian Star
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dwolfe
First Time Cruiser • Age 70s

Rating by category

Value for Money
Embarkation
Dining
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Additional details

Sail Date: Dec 2009
Cabin: Obstructed Oceanview

The cruise from Miami to Los Angeles through the Panama Canal was the sixth for me and the third for my husband. We have sailed on Carnival and RCCL Enchantment of the Seas together and I have sailed on the Semester at Sea Explorer twice and on NCL Jewel in addition. We are both in our sixties. Since we were coming from Denver we flew into Miami one day early and stayed at the airport Courtyard, which was perfectly adequate. Transfer to the pier was chaotic but it all worked out and embarkation went much better than we expected. Our cabin was an obstructed view but we had light and a view. The space was adequate, missed having a decent chair/love seat to sit in and the beds were pushed together but the mattresses were at different levels so there was a gap between. Cabin was always clean and well taken care of by our room stewards. We ate most of our meals in the main Versailles dining room, which can be noisy unless you are seated in one of the alcoves. We ate twice in Aqua, which is very noisy, also and my husband spent a lot of time at the Blue Lagoon. We did not try the specialty restaurants and the buffet only twice for lunch after shore excursions. Food ranged from good to very good. My husband loved the cappuccinos at Versailles for lunch. Meal service staff was usually efficient and attentive, with just a few hiccups.

Loved the movie theater. The library was small but everyday there was a crossword and sudoku and decent book selection. Shows ranged from very good (the magician and the melodic trio which played in the atrium every night) to sneak out the back to get away (Second city and the jazz group). I paid the extra for a full cruise spa pass and the first week the hot tub and therapy pool were closed for maintenance and I received a rebate. I missed the hot stone loungers like the Jewel's spa has but generally I enjoyed the spa and it's staff. I went to stretch class each morning and found the instructors most enjoyable.

There was a nice selection of ports besides the Canal. My husband took two of the ship's tours, zip line at Puntarenas and kayak/snorkeling at Cabo San Lucas, and I got off the ship and wandered around at each port. Some were better than others but generally all were safe and interesting.

Cabin Review

Obstructed Oceanview

Cabin OK

Cabin 8112, obstructed view. Enough storage. Beds are pushed together and at different levels so a couple sleeping together has to negotiate the gap. No place to sit other than the bed and the desk and table chairs which were like kitchen chairs and uncomfortable. Roomy enough for two people.

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