We recently returned from our NCL Star cruise from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. This was the inaugural voyage for the ship from Tampa. Overall, it was a great time- that said there were definite areas that can be improved.

We arrived a day early and checked into the Tampa Doubletree Airport Westshore. Excellent choice, we enjoyed the room and service. Breakfast we included, always a nice touch. We bought port transfers ($10 each) from the hotel. Sunday morning we went outside at the appointed time for pick up, and waited, and waited. Then more people came out for their transport. They were running about 20-30 minutes late . When they arrived to pick us up at noon (we were scheduled for 11:30), the driver had to turn away people to take the right group. 'The port is crazy busy and everyone is running late. The NCL ship is all new people and they don't know what they are doing' he announced to the hotel staff. And off we went. He dropped the 1st group at the Carnival port bldg (porters came out to take bags...everyone was smiling...all nice). He then tried to get to the NCL bldg. Chaos. It took another 20 minutes to move 2 blocks. We finally pulled up-people were everywhere, no one from NCL helping, no signs on where to go nothing. Since we had just carry on bags, we proceeded upstairs. Escalators were broken. No elevator. Once upstairs, we waited outside in line for 20 minutes to get into the bldg. Once inside and through security, we entered the hall and could not believe our eyes. it was a mad house. The lines were unbelievable. after 2 hours of standing in line (yes-2 hours), we were FINALLY near the front part of the line. Mind you our scheduled departure was 4pm, it was now almost 3pm and we were no where near the desks. We saw our friends even further back. After 3 HOURS standing in line and 2 people fainting (did I mention there was no A/C?), we were finally checked in and on our way. Long story short, embarkation was deplorable and a terrible 1st impression.

Once on board, we went to our room since it was now after 3pm to drop off our stuff. The room itself was ok, alittle on the small side but nicely appointed. Have to say the bathroom was better than expected. When you enter you have the sink and towels and on either side a sliding frosted glass door with the toilet on one side, the shower on the other. The room has a nice sized closet with shelves on 1 side and a light (thank you previous posters for pointing out the switch is hidden up top in the middle). The safe is big enough for everything. A dresser with a small fridge is next The bed was comfortable and a king(?) with nice sheets and duvet. Directly next to the bed (and I mean no space between) is the pull out sofa. Across from the sofa a desk with TV above. Then the balcony. Small, but nice to have the space with 2 chairs and a small table. Room is fine for 1-2, cannot imagine having a 3rd with that sofa pulled out. There would be no room at all. Great storage under the bed for the suitcases. Finishes in the room could be updated - the back of the sofa fabric was the same yet a different shade than the fabric on the sofa seat, like 1 have been recovered and not the rest. After unpacking we went upstairs to check out the ship. Read more