Norwegian Star Review

4.0 / 5.0
2,583 reviews

NCL-Star Baltics came in Average

Review for the Baltic Sea Cruise on Norwegian Star
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parmen123
2-5 Cruises • Age 20s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Jun 2015
Cabin: Inside
Traveled with children

The Baltics and the fine weather we encountered kept this cruise as a very good rating. However the Star customer service was average. The staff wore "Vacation Hero" pins. The one true Hero was our cabin steward "Ashok Naik". From day one he addressed our concerns and seeked alternative solutions. Our family had two cabins and one of the cabins was actually assigned to another steward,but he always helped and was attentive on both rooms. On the very first day my wife found lady's underwear, underneath one of the beds(thankfully it was within one hour of embarking) my 17 year old son and I were sharing the room. Ashok Naik was in the hall way and quickly apologized and took care of the issue(again he was not assigned to our room). In another occasion I was unsure about the announcement from Captain Fafalios relating to the Swedish Archipelago. I believed he mentioned we would enter the Archipelago at 4 am(I wanted to verify so I would wake up and not miss this beautiful opportunity on our itinerary. So I proceeded to deck 7 at the information desk. The first person I spoke to did not know anything about the announcement or the Archipelago, I asked him to inquiry. The second person he followed up with did not know either and had not heard the announcement! They made another phone call and apparently could not give me any information. The first person proceeded to say he's not heard of the Archipelago. I informed him its part of our scheduled itinerary and I would go to my cabin and retrieve our copy from NCL. Well as I retrieved my copy and left my room Ashok Naik is standing there, so I ask him. Ashok Naik knew what I was talking about and proceeded to tell me that it was about 3 hours of beautiful scenery as we came into Stockholm! Ashok Naik was a true Vacation Hero. He was very attentive daily and sincerely friendly. He truly made a difference. Captain Fafalios seemed good, he came on the PA system on occasions to point out sights and history, he also made available the front deck observation during the passing of the Swedish Archipelago.This was a nice treat. Ian and his assistant Lorena were excellent cruise directors. They were lots of fun! The rest of the staff really had a "not happy to be working attitude". Or if they were attentive, it was a routine and activity performed. Even the washy, washy people. We routinely approached them instead of they approaching us. Sorry NCL but we did notice the difference(we've been on the Pearl and Spirit.) Both times we had Captain Lars Bengtsson 2009,2012.

Now this Itinerary did not disappoint.

We arrived to Copenhagen and purchased train tickets to Central Station(20 minute ride). We proceeded for a 6 minute walk Copenhagen Crown nice and clean. We did not need a fan but make sure you request if its going to be hot. Good hearty Continental type breakfast. Walked to Central Station for embarkation day. Asked at central station for help and they advised me to purchase 2 zone ticket for Bus 26, then change to 27. It worked like clock work.

Cabin Review

Inside

Cabin IF

Cabin was kept clean, 9563 air conditioner worked average, 9567 was considerably cooler.

Port Reviews

Helsinki

Utilized the Hop on Hop off buses

Stockholm

Utilized the Hop on Hop off canal boats

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