We have just experienced six weeks cruising on the NCL Star chosen for the itinerary. The refurbished ship is basic, clean. and most staff are friendly. Staterooms are about 1/2 the size of a standard hotel room; comfortable with basic amenities, but not very soundproof. Hopefully your neighbours on all four sides are respectful and considerate of others. The Bliss Lounge is now dark without windows for viewing or light.

One of our biggest surprises was the number of visibly sick people on board - severe coughing, sneezing, fever, runny nose, with seemingly little respect or consideration for others. We encountered a lady diagnosed with pneumonia, several with gastronomical issues, and many that had tested positive for COVID during the cruise. Ship health protocols are not being adhered to nor enforced. Given the entire world's recent experience with coronavirus – people's behaviour in not using hand sanitizer when entering eateries, contamination concerns with folks refilling personal bottles at public stations where instructions clearly prohibit, and the refusal of some to wear masks in enclosed spaces or public transportation. Even more disappointing when discussing with managers they were simply indifferent, and indicate it was very normal & common.

All of our cruises sailed at 45 – 60 % passenger capacity. During the Christmas holiday week we reached full capacity with about 1,100 kids arriving on board - what were we thinking to not have taken this into account. Staff resources, and services were visible strained, and unsupervised youngsters swearing, and running wild at will, became problematic to our enjoyment of the facilities on board. Read more