Just finished a Panama Canal cruise on the "newly refurbished" NCL Star. While not a major cruiser (15 cruises total) I unfortunately have to rate the Star's layout as Poor. While not important to some, I feel cruise ships should have a bar or siting area that is enclosed and shows a view of the ocean or pool area. The Star has neither. It does have an open area on deck 14 that views the pool but on windy or cold days...it isn't a place that I wish to sit at. In addition, the Garden Café buffet area is not set up well for either private or small groups...basically either square or rectangular tables that seat 2 to 4. Also, this is my first ever cruise that I have dined in a buffet seating that never was I asked if I wanted coffee, a water, a juice or even a refill. Poor to say the least. Maybe I have just had above average service on my other cruises.

For the okay or good about the Star. It was clean and nice looking in the common areas. Food was okay but nothing special (I did not eat at any of the specialty restaurants. Bars were well staffed and wait times wasn't a problem. Quality of wine and drinks was very good. Wait times at the Chinese (free) restaurant could be one hour. Quality of service in the Main Dining room was OK...but, plan to take at least one hour if you have an appetizer, a main item and a desert. Only one time was I asked if I wanted coffee with desert. I rate the Main Dining room food and service as only good.

Overall: Boat in good to great shape. Food OK but nothing special. Service has to be rated as on fair to sometimes good.