We joined the Norwegian Star in Southampton for this 21 day cruise to Reykjavik and return. We’d driven down from Manchester and took an overnight stay at a Holiday Express on the western outskirts of Southampton and so had a very short run into port that morning. We’d availed ourselves of the port parking facilities adjacent to the cruise terminal with a helpful discount from NCL.

Embarkation was a bit of a mixed bag. The initial line seemed to be moving steadily but came to a sudden unexplained halt of about 25 minutes then picked up again. The terminal staff seemed uncertain of procedures so that although embarkation orders were called, it seemed that several passengers took matters into their own hands.

It was a very pleasant surprise to find that we had been allocated “Haven” facility access including breakfast and lunch at Moderno and Cagneys respectively and access to priority concierge accompanied disembarkation at all ports unless participating in ship’s tours. This was an excellent advantage offering great dining facilities through the day, especially at breakfast pre tours. As a consequence we got a very full look at a wide range of dining options around ship. Read more