Norwegian Star Review

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Norwegian Star - Mexican Riviera

Review for the Mexican Riviera Cruise on Norwegian Star
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newmexicoNita
First Time Cruiser • Age 80s

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Sail Date: Sep 2007
Cabin: Family Oceanview Picture Window

I arrived at LAX the day prior to our sailing as I was the leader of a group of 21 from our church, most were in their late 70s to late 80s and I wanted to be certain they all got from the airport to the buses and to the ship without any undue problems. Thank goodness I did, because this is where my story begins. After spending a very pleasant night at the Embassy suites we headed out for the airport to meet the group. First event of the day: the bus driver, after dropping off a few people decided to share the same lane with a car: crash: I learned then, 2 vehicles can not be in the same lane at the same time. After giving a short statement to the driver he informed us, we would be better off to walk to the United terminal as he had to fill out a police report. Luggage in hand, my cousin, who is about to experience her first cruise and I started walking. Thank goodness for modern day, roll or push luggage.

We arrived at the terminal to find all but those coming in at 11:45 were gone. I was relieved to know they had boarded buses, on their way to the ship and 8 days of fun. 11:45 the 4 people I was the most concerned about arrived, one in a wheelchair, one diabetic and one with mid stages of Alztimers (spelling) We proceeded to the bus location as advised by the NCL rep. The bus was to pick us as well as about 50 other people up in a few minutes. The few minutes turned into 210 minutes or 3 and a half hours. At 3:15 we boarded the bus, no explanation (none that made any sense) and away we went. Problem, the ship was to leave in 45 minutes, we were to be on board 1 hour prior to sailing and the trip is about 25 minutes. To say there was some concern is putting it mildly. We were assured the ship was being held for us and indeed it was.

this is not the end of the story, as we were about to enter the freeway, we were at the end of the on ramp someone noticed luggage flying from the luggage compartment. Mr bus driver had neglected to close the left side of the luggage compartment. Immediately the bus driver pulled over and several of the men, as well as the driver exited the bus, picked up the luggage (none had flown open which was a good thing)placed it back where it belonged and locked the door. Isn't this sorta like locking the barn door after the animals are out? One or the men who helped pick up the luggage got back on the bus and informed us, someone who had liquor in their suitcase didn't have it anymore. Well, I, kidding of course said it probably was the sacramental wine I was carrying for communion the next morning (I really was carrying wine for Sunday service). Of course some people thought I was kidding, At least it took the edge off the tension that was building up. After the short delay we continued on our way to the port. The good news, we didn't have to wait in line for check in, nor do the muster drill and our luggage was actually waiting when we arrived at our cabins. So much for the start of the cruise. My boss, knowing I have a love affair with wine remarked, I probably had a couple glasses as soon as I was safely on the ship. Wrong, i had a double martini. I will say NCL did a great job of handling the situation. Dh made the comment, if this had been a movie with Chevy Chase we would have laughed ourselves silly, but it wasn't a movie and I am not Chevy Chase. From here on things got better.

Cabin Review

Family Oceanview Picture Window

Cabin O1
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