We arrived at the port of Tampa at 12:30 pm eager to begin our Western Caribbean adventure with two of our grand kids ages 8 and 11. Embarkation went smoothly, we moved quickly through the Latitudes Members line and received our key cards. One more stop deactivated the kids cards stopping them from adding purchases or stops at the arcade to our credit card without our knowledge. If you are traveling with children know that deactivation is only done upon your request.

We made our way quickly to our room 8596, an obstructed view stateroom. We were momentarily surprised by the layout as it was not what we expected in the least. Previous rooms on NCL had the beds pushed together and a couch or two single beds with 2 bunks. This one has 1 bunk and a trundle that comes up between the singles all in a row. This placement had my husband on one bed, me on the trundle, my grand daughter on the other single and my grandson above her on the bunk. Strange to say the least. Emmil, our room steward, put the trundle away each morning and folded up the bunk to give us a bit more space.

Our meet and greet had 98 registered to attend. We arrived at the appointed time and place to find everyone in the hall and a discussion going on. Evidently the room had been doubled booked and the time changed without anyone's knowledge. It was eventually straightened out and NCL apologized profusely for the mix up. All those attending received an invitation to come tour the bridge and much to our surprise had a bottle of wine, snacks, and dessert delivered to our rooms. Very nice NCL! The Star is sorely in need of some upgrading. We cruised on her in February of this year out of Los Angeles and did not notice the wear that was obvious just nine months later. The carpets were worn and unraveling in our hallway. Her name is peeling off the back of the ship and she is in need of paint in several areas. Read more