Norwegian Star Review
Rating by category
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We recently returned (12/2011) from a cruise on the NCL Star. Here is our opinion:
Check-In -- We arrived at the port at noon. The line outside the terminal was long but moving. When we got to the scanners, the NCL personnel immediately removed our two bottles of wine, brought them to a nearby table and charged us the $ 15 corkage fee (per bottle). They knew where to charge the fee because we had to show the paperwork that gave our room number on it. A sticker was then placed on each bottle. The check-in line inside the terminal was fast and efficient. Also, inside the terminal, was a table where we could make reservations for the specialty restaurants for the entire cruise. This was great because certain restaurants fill up quickly (Japanese) and there was a 20% discount on the first and second nights. When we boarded the ship there was a line of crew to welcome us on-board which created a welcoming environment.
Cabin -- We had a balcony cabin on deck 9. The cabin was adequate in space (for a cruise ship). It included a small 'desk', 2 twin beds pushed together to make a king (note-the space between the beds can get uncomfortable if you like to sleep close), a small dresser area with three drawers, a numerical combination safe, and a closet with 4 shelves. The bathroom had a walk-in shower with glass door. The toilet was in a separate area with a sliding door. Unfortunately, if you are a person of 'substance' navigating the narrow opening into the toilet can be tricky (especially during nighttime bathroom visits). We heard, and a couple we were traveling with, had some difficulties with this narrow space. Also important to note is that the bathroom does not have any bar soap. There is liquid soap available (the shower has both a liquid shampoo and body wash dispenser) but if you like bar soap, you better bring some. There were no other bathroom amenities available. Our room steward was adequate; he had limited personality (never spoke with us when he saw us unless we initiated it) and had days when he forgot things (ie. One day there was only 1 towel, one day no ice, etc.)
Cabin Review
Balcony
Cabin -- We had a balcony cabin on deck 9. The cabin was adequate in space (for a cruise ship). It included a small 'desk', 2 twin beds pushed together to make a king (note-the space between the beds can get uncomfortable if you like to sleep close), a small dresser area with three drawers, a numerical combination safe, and a closet with 4 shelves. The bathroom had a walk-in shower with glass door. The toilet was in a separate area with a sliding door. Unfortunately, if you are a person of 'substance' navigating the narrow opening into the toilet can be tricky (especially during nighttime bathroom visits). We heard, and a couple we were traveling with, had some difficulties with this narrow space. Also important to note is that the bathroom does not have any bar soap. There is liquid soap available (the shower has both a liquid shampoo and body wash dispenser) but if you like bar soap, you better bring some. There were no other bathroom amenities available. Our room steward was adequate; he had limited personality (never spoke with us when he saw us unless we initiated it) and had days when he forgot things (ie. One day there was only 1 towel, one day no ice, etc.)