This cruise was chosen as a comparison to the Viking River Cruise experience we had earlier in the year. There was nothing compelling us to stay home for the holiday and we wanted to try a new idea. The ship itself is exactly what I'd hoped for. New, clean, subtle in design and decor. Seems like so many other cruises need to show flashy colors, in your face decor and amenities that REALLY aren't necessary. This was not a cruise for the over 60 age group. There was a very diverse group of passengers. Many British folks were on this cruise and seem to hang with each other a lot. The first issue was that being out ON Christmas day we automatically lost one of the port calls since on-shore activities were closed that day. We remained at sea but we knew this going in. However we lost another port day when the weather was not conclusive for docking and we, therefore, had a second sea day which was not expected. That's 20% of the port days that we lost.

Food on the Star is outstanding. We normally travel Norwegian and like the options of eating when and where we want. This was equaled on the Star with specialty dining available to all without extra cost. Just make a reservation. We chose this ship exactly BECAUSE there is no climbing wall, casino, wild parties, etc. For this reason it was relaxing. Night time movies around the main pool with the retractable roof was fun. Staff were outstanding as expected and the services around the ship were what one would think for a cruise like this. Shore excursions around some of the islands were hit and miss. Bus trips through the poorer and rural areas were less than ideal but understandable but fun.

Our cabin was spacious and inviting. We were in a junior suite with a veranda which we used extensively including breakfast most days as we landed. But, sorry, we were not afforded the possible extra services and amenities that we hoped for paying the quite larger fee for the cabin. Other cruises are a bit more expressive of their higher customers. We'd saved and targeted for this type of accommodations for this trip. Overall, after being on 8-10 other cruises, I'd say this was as expected, other than the sea days, but I wouldn't say I was knocked out with it. I could get the same on a Norwegian in a suite for a significant savings.