This was one of the most amazing cruises I have been on. The itinerary was amazing (Buenos – Antarctic), but I have had other amazing itineraries. The NCL Star was actually the “Star”. The ship will be renovated soon, but we thoroughly loved the nostalgic look. Everything was clean, spotless and shiny. The glass elevators allowed us to never feel enclosed. The atrium always had something going and was so convenient on the 7th deck. Besides guest services, there was a Star Bucks Café’, restaurant reservation desk, grand piano that was used by some very talented musicians like Tony. The 8 and 9 decks were open to the atrium where various musicians also performed. We spent afternoon sea days and before dinner time listening to Melvin, The Black Wood Strings, and The Guitar Duo. The stardust theater had great entertainment. Reservations were not required. The show band and the ship’s dancers were energetic and simply outstanding. Several other bands, Pampas Devils, Latin Velvet Duo, and Excel Band performed around the ship and had a wide variety of sessions. The Bliss Lounge provided a great area to meet, see shows, and talk to the 3 ship’s educators on board – Prof. Joe Holiday, Dr. Torre Stockard, and Liam Maloney. These educators were amazing and added so much to the cruise. I hope NCL starts to do this more. There was a wide variety of restaurants. The food in the 2 Main Dining Rooms was excellent. The Garden Café’ Buffet had many nationalities represented and the way it was set up allowed easy access. One of our favorite places to eat was O’Sheehans, love those chicken wings! We ate many meals in the Specialty Restaurants including breakfast and lunch. Cagney’s is the best. We also loved Moderno and La Cucina.

From the moment we embarked we were treated like royalty by the officers and crew. We stayed in an inside cabin on deck 9. Tito, our cabin steward took excellent care of us. Outstanding waiters included Roman and his staff in Cagney’s and Moderno -Gary, Edralyn, Kenneth, Benjamin, Upto, Augustine, Marilou, Darlyn, MaDe, and Jonathan the wine steward. Beneden in the Aqua main dining room always had time to say hello. Cruise next manager, David was the best. He was available to help and give suggestions. Brian and Nikko, his staff, were knowledgeable and friendly. Tony, the General Manager, was friendly and always stopped to say hi. Carlos the concierge never seemed to sleep. He was always everywhere. Elizabeth the cruise director was fun and energetic.

To say I loved this cruise is an understatement. I LOVED this cruise. The Jewel had always been my favorite but…..