Always wanted to do a transatlantic and sure glad I choice NCL Star - although we got off to a rocky start and missed the port of Madiera (weather related - I understand that other ships missed it also) NCL compensated by giving us extra time in Barcelona. Our room steward was fabulous (Muhammand) - our cabin was great (I picked it out) the location was also perfect - right near the elevator and close to the pool. We had six dinners at the specialty restaurants - We did Italian restaurant once - didn't care for the menu so we didn't go back - we did LaBistro - always good - Teppanaki with great both times we went and finally Cagneys has the best steaks and prime ribs- great food. We also did O'Sheehan's a few times which didn't disappoint us at all. The embarkation was the easiest embarkation I have ever seen. We were on the ship in less than five minutes. We attended most of the games - love the trivia games, especially the progressive (maybe because I was on the winning team) Other activities were great to participate or watch. Then entertainment was first class. The only thing miss was the dueling pianos - loved them on the Jade - the bars and lounges had some good entertainment. Fitness was good - went to the daily workouts (Zumba Like) until it got too hot to do. Casino got smokie sometime so when it did I just left, otherwise it was okay. Public rooms were clean, but in some cases some of the bathrooms were out of order. Shore Excursions- the one we took was very disappointing - it was on St. Maartin and since the island had been devastated by a hurricane last year, I am not really sure what I expected. But I am sure, that some of the beaches were not ready for the public. We had great service most of the time. We did notice that the wait staff was overworked. It looked like they have the same person run for the wine bottles as wait on you and since the vine was in a different location, this took away time to serve. Suggested they have a wine runner for peak hours. Also in some cases (in the main restaurants) they was only one person handing the meals, while it the past there was always two. Disembarking was delayed by customs, so everyone got backed up. I wouldn't way it was NCL's fault but there should be a contingency plan for this. It gets a little crazy when everyone tries to exit at the same time. All in all we had a great cruise and I would do it again in a heartbeat.