Norwegian Star Review

First time Mediterranean cruising on Norwegian Star

Review for the Eastern Mediterranean Cruise on Norwegian Star
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Royaloak01
2-5 Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Jul 2017
Cabin: Obstructed Oceanview

This was our first cruise on a large ship, only previous experience was on the Royal Clipper in the Caribbean. Don't normally holiday during school vacation time, but had a good offer from Voyage Prive. Stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at Mestre prior to the cruise (excellent hotel btw). Had a private transfer arranged, most impressed by the big black Mercedes which came for us - felt like Mafia dons arriving at the cruise terminal!

First impressions were good, very efficient embarkation, with plenty of help from NCL staff. We weren't able to see our stateroom straightaway as it was still being prepared, but spent some time exploring the ship. Had drinks in the Bier Garten bar, then an excellent light lunch in Versaiilles restaurant. We were informed by the PA system that our cabin was ready , found the decks were well signposted and soon found our way. Cabin was a good size, only slight issue was the obstructed view (large lifeboat!) but didn't really affect our holiday. Within 5 minutes, our cases were delivered by our steward, Ryan, who was to prove a real star throughout the week onboard.

Whole week turned out to be very good, all the crew, etc. were excellent, helpful and cheerful. Only hiccup was on Monday evening when we went to Versailles for dinner. It was extremely busy so we were given a pager, told there would be a table within 30 minutes. An hour later still no call so we went to the restaurant to find out what was happening. Turned out we weren't the only ones with issues, large group had formed around the desk. As it happened my pager sounded just as we arrived and we were found a table quickly. Never happened again during the week, we managed to reserve tables for most nights the next day. We then discovered that an extra $25 had been added to our onboard credits, possibly this was related to the incident, whatever, it was a nice touch. Ate at Versailles, Ginza and O'Sheaghans and found the food at all three to be excellent. Special mention for the service, absolutely first class.

Cabin Review

Obstructed Oceanview

Cabin OK

Good size, shower in particular, view was obstructed by a lifeboat, but better than an inside cabin. Can't really complain as we had a good deal from Voyage Prive. Ryan, our steward was brilliant, some lovely towel art!

Port Reviews

Venice

Spent two days here prior to cruise, lovely city, but extremely busy. Prices around St. Marks Square a bit steep!

Kotor

Made our own way around, would definitely visit here again - a lovely place.

Corfu

Used the local hop on hip off bus service, very convenient. Corfu town really nice, well worth a return visit.

Santorini

Not my favourite location. The set down point for tenders is at the bottom of a steep cliff, only ways up are walking up hundreds of steps, by cable car or by donkey. Took another alternative, boat trip to Oia port, bus to town and return to Chora. Still had to get down to the tender, huge queues for the cable cars, so walked down, avoiding the literally hundreds of donkeys! Much too busy when cruise ships are in.

Mykonos

Took the free shuttle into town and returned by water taxi. A beautiful place, full of character, the windmills are exceptional. May holiday here in future.

Dubrovnik

Used some of our onboard credits to take the NCL shuttle to the city. We had visited Dubrovnik many years ago, before the breakup of the old Yugoslavia, still as lovely, little sign of damage caused by the wars. Shuttle return to the ship was busy, we had been warned of this, still got back in time for departure.

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