In today's competitive cruise industry, there is no room for mediocrity. While other cruise lines have raised the bar on luxury, food and entertainment, Norwegian Cruise Lines seems to have gone downhill.

In a recent 21 day back to back cruise, my significant other and I booked a balcony cabin on the NCL Norwegian Star. We hoped that the ship would be as incredible as the itinerary (Copenhagen; Berlin; Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki; Stockholm; Bergen and Alesund Norway; Shetland Islands; Faroe Islands; Reykjavik, Iceland; Oslo; and Helsingborg, Sweden). Were we wrong!

The only "Star" of this trip was the itinerary and the shore excursions that we booked outside of the cruise line with a company called "Red October" in both Berlin, Germany and St. Petersburg, Russia. Our St. Petersburg guide, Catherine Karalesina (Kate), was delightful, friendly and extremely informative as she took us through all of the attractions that St. Petersburg has to offer for two full days. The cost was less than the ship charges and with a much smaller group. She was wonderful and this was a memorable experience. Read more