This was a return to cruising after a few years, and it certainly won't be as long before the next! Cruised on the Star from Tromso to Reykjavik, and loved it.

Food: always subjective, but thoroughly enjoyed Versailles MDR and the options offered there. Actually ate there a lot more than anticipated, as the buffet was so rammed at breakfast in particular. The crowdedness of the buffet was partly down to others being inconsiderate by using tables for board games, drinks etc and the fact it was a cold weather cruise so no one was taking food to outdoor spaces. Always found plenty of choice across all venues at each meal time. Ate in Cagney's and La Cucina, with the latter actually being one of the disappointing meals of the trip with a couple of cold dishes and slower service. Had decent meals in Ginza and O'Sheehans too. Found the crepe station at the buffet, brilliant made to order crepes for dessert! The food and service in Versailles was always very good, many great wait staff and Maria the restaurant hostess who recognised us after a few days and remembered our names and cabin numbers.

Embarkation: this was apparently the first time a ship was boarded in Tromso, and it showed. We stood outside in a line for almost an hour and a half to get onto the ship - delay caused by only 1 security scanner working. Hopefully Tromso port get this resolved for future cruises. It was freezing, with a bitter wind so not an enjoyable start to the cruise. Once we got on the ship we were directed to Bliss lounge to actually check in and receive our cards - this NCL aspect was very smooth and quick. Read more