Lack of Service Across the Board

This was our first cruise on Norwegian. We have sailed twice on Royal Caribbean, once on Carnival, and once on Holland. We wanted a quick, inexpensive winter getaway. Unfortunately, we got more of the inexpensive service than we had hoped for. Service across the board was lacking, from the very first day. Restaurant service was inattentive, there was a general lack of bar service anywhere on the ship, and the ship overall looked tired and worn. The Star was just in for a facelift last spring, and it did not appear attention was paid to high traffic areas, and carpet was frayed in many areas.

We stayed in a min-suite, cabin 11662. I do not recommend staying on the 11th deck as you have lots of foot traffic and food service carts rolling above you at all times of day and night. I think the 10th deck may be been a better experience. Our mini-suite was small, much smaller than the Veranda cabin on Holland. And, the balcony needed attention such as general cleaning and paint. The bed and pillows were uncomfortable.

Food overall was adequate. Nothing outstanding. Our best experiences were at Aqua and the Ginza. Ginza was great, and we could order sushi, which was a plus. You could also listen to music being played in Gatsby's below.

Many evening venues were crowded - lack of seating and bar service. Gatsby's held lots of performers, but often you were standing somewhere because there was not enough seating.

Pool was always crowded. We often found seats at the rear of the ship, and then had to walk the length of the ship to get a drink from the bar. No bar service at ALL. Terrible. And, sometimes the bartenders would hassle you for getting 2 drinks. If I'm making the trek to get a drink, I want use my effort efficiently. Stop hassling on the number of drinks. No where else on the ship did this happen except at the Bier Garten.

Ports of call were nice and we enjoyed our excursions. The ship experience was lacking everything. Therefore, we will not be sailing on Norwegian again.