We did the 14-day Norwegian Fjords & North Cape (we did not do the Baltic Capitals). We have been on over 50 cruises, on most of the major lines. Norway was a Bucket List item and we were pleased with the itinerary and generally pleased with the cruise overall. However there were several specific things that dragged down the rating to just Average.

The Star has been well-updated in many ways; I don't think it feels 15 years old. Decor and furnishings have been appropriately replaced and redecorated. However, important features for an itinerary like the North Cape are lacking--in some cases because they've been removed in a refurbishment. For example, a large section of the Marketplace Buffet has been given over to Teens and Kids areas--almost completely unused on the "special" itineraries the Star is now sailing. Gone are the outdoor eating areas on the back of the Marketplace, and a portion of the starboard side of the buffet area, which causes the remainder to be crowded almost all the time.

A huge "missing venue" is the upfront, upper deck lounge that is so well used on most Non-Caribbean cruises. Virtually every RCCL, Princess, or Celebrity ship I've been on has such an all purpose "lounge with a great view." The Star does not, making it a POOR choice for the Fjords/North Cape itinerary (it would be equally poor for Alaska). The result is that sitting in the Marketplace at the table is your only choice. Read more