Star - February 19-26, 2012 Mini-review with Dailies

[rjm11]

thanks so much for the review, dailies, and kids club info.... can you describe your port experiences a little? The pictures look wonderful!

[cbd317]

hehe. Here's a link to more photos from our cruise including ports:

http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/luv2laf_wa/2012-02-19%20NCL%20Star%20Cruise%20Western%20Caribbean/

 

 

Wow! thank you so very much! What wonderful pictures. It looks like you had a great time.

[MaryAnn261]

Thanks for the pictures.

[KevinsCruising]

Here it is: Interesting News Piece.

 

 

Thank you :)

[mousecrazy]

Thanks for posting ! We are sailing the Star out of NYC on April 29th. NCL is also our favorite line and also fits our life style. This will be our first time on the Star so if you can post any pictures of the ship itself would be fantastic ! ( Public rooms , etc) What & Where is the Garden Cafe ? You made it sound like a place I cannot miss. Also agree with you with the Blue Lagoon. Loved it on other ships especially the Fish and Chips and Wings !

 

How do you like the new location of the Spinaker Lounge? That is one decision that I am not sure I agree with NCL on.

 

Thanks again,

 

I don't mind the new Spinnaker. It's a little dark and completely interior. But it's main purpose is a dance club, so I guess it fits. I liked the old Spinnaker, but it was very underused, so I see why NCL made the move they did. I think most people won't miss it on a warm weather itinerary. It was nice to have in Alaska for sure,

 

I don't have many pictures of the public areas since this was our fourth time on the ship. Here's a link to my entire album from this cruise:

http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/luv2laf_wa/2012-02-19%20NCL%20Star%20Cruise%20Western%20Caribbean/

 

And a few pictures of the ship:

 

Kids Pool area - Deck 12 Aft

 

 

The hot tub is behind these silly kids.

[mousecrazy]

thanks so much for the review, dailies, and kids club info.... can you describe your port experiences a little? The pictures look wonderful!

 

We did have a great time with wonderful memories.

 

We found a driver outside the port at Coxen Hole and went to Mayan Princess at the guide's suggestion. We had planned on Bananarama, but Mayan Princess for $10 pp with access to their wonderful pool was a good choice. The beach in front of Bananarama is filled with boats. Mayan Princess is a beautiful resort and within easy walking distance of the famous "kidney" snorkeling area adjacent to Infinity Bay resort. (If you've not snorkeling this area before, I suggest finding a guide...it's not as obvious as one would be led to believe...there are guys in kayaks to guide you, but we ended up ON the reef with scratches to prove it.) We also went to see the monkeys and shopped for trinkets just outside the port. The people of Roatan are so friendly and welcoming. It was a great day.

 

On of my favorite places on earth was next in Belize. We took a tour through ecotoursbelize.com to Goff's Caye. This was our second time on the Caye. The tour includes snorkeling at the reef by boat, but we chose to stay on the island because it was very windy and rough that day. We snorkeled from shore and saw lots of beautiful coral, colorful fish and baby stringray hiding in the sand. It really is a surreal experience being out in the middle of the ocean on a acre sized island.

 

We went to Tropicante in Costa Maya. A $2 pp taxi ride took us to the little town of Mahahual. Steve, the owner, met us and showed us to our front and center loungers. We played in the water, made sand castles, snorkeled. The food and drinks are fairly priced and there's plenty of shopping. It was a very fun and stress free day. Best prices for souvenirs here! Some unique items too.

 

Our last stop was Cozumel and we pre-reserved the AI at Mr Sanchos. By this day, it was very windy with rough water which made the inflatable toys almost impossible. My son tried, but it was just too hard to get up on them with the rough water. The food and drink was plentiful as the waiters gave us good service. The hammocks were in a protected area (from the wind) and was a nice place to relax. There were six ships in port that day and the area was crowded. Not our favorite day, but a good day just the same.

 

Great memories!

[mousecrazy]

I love your pictures. In another posting there is a link to both pictures and video of a news story one the Tampa television stations did on the Star. It was very interesting.The Captain interviewed for the story was Captain Kenneth Harstorm. Your dailies are showing that Captain Kostos is on now. What did you think of the staff? Was there anyone that stood out? My friend Don Alexander is on board as one of the entertainers. Did you get to listen to his music?

 

Yes, Captain Kostos is in charge now. He seemed very knowledgeable and the crew seemed to really like his style of leadership. He was a little serious compared to some of the other captains (like Captain Tommy or Captain Lars), but was out and about and had a great smile! There was a good showing of senior staff at the VIP and Latitudes receptions. I had only positive experience with the crew so Captain Kostos must be doing something right. The CD, Pedro, and his staff seemed upbeat as did all the staff...always with a hello and/or smile.

 

I didn't come across Don Alexander, darn. My husband enjoyed Sean the Traveling Troubadour in the Red Lion...he plays the guitar and harmonica with Dylan and Johnny Cash tributes throughout the week. All the entertainment was top notch from the pool band to the main stage performers. I was really impressed. Second City was very good too. They were very funny and appeared to really enjoy each other and the audience.

 

I can't think of a particular crew member who stands out. They were all very friendly and seemed to be happy. Especially the "Washy Washy Happy Happy" girls at the Garden Cafe entrance. I miss them.

[www3traveler]

Yes, Captain Kostos is in charge now. He seemed very knowledgeable and the crew seemed to really like his style of leadership. He was a little serious compared to some of the other captains (like Captain Tommy or Captain Lars), but was out and about and had a great smile! There was a good showing of senior staff at the VIP and Latitudes receptions. I had only positive experience with the crew so Captain Kostos must be doing something right. The CD, Pedro, and his staff seemed upbeat as did all the staff...always with a hello and/or smile.

 

I didn't come across Don Alexander, darn. My husband enjoyed Sean the Traveling Troubadour in the Red Lion...he plays the guitar and harmonica with Dylan and Johnny Cash tributes throughout the week. All the entertainment was top notch from the pool band to the main stage performers. I was really impressed. Second City was very good too. They were very funny and appeared to really enjoy each other and the audience.

 

I can't think of a particular crew member who stands out. They were all very friendly and seemed to be happy. Especially the "Washy Washy Happy Happy" girls at the Garden Cafe entrance. I miss them.

You would have loved Don. On occasion, he will play piano with his right hand and saxophone with his left hand at the same time. My friend, Zeljko Jurac is Staff Captain on the Star.

[beyer4]

Thanks for posting the SJ photos and the dailies. We leave 1 week from today! So excited!

[DeeT]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for posting the Dailies too. You've gotten me even more excited about our cruise on the Star in July. The ship looks really nice and the food looked really good, which was nice to see after the so so things I've been hearing about it.

 

Thank you!

[sagette]

We were on the same cruise! I think if I were to do NCL again, I would definitely have to spring for a suite. Beautiful pictures!

[KevinsCruising]

I don't mind the new Spinnaker. It's a little dark and completely interior. But it's main purpose is a dance club, so I guess it fits. I liked the old Spinnaker, but it was very underused, so I see why NCL made the move they did. I think most people won't miss it on a warm weather itinerary. It was nice to have in Alaska for sure,

 

I don't have many pictures of the public areas since this was our fourth time on the ship. Here's a link to my entire album from this cruise:

http://s1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb355/luv2laf_wa/2012-02-19%20NCL%20Star%20Cruise%20Western%20Caribbean/

 

And a few pictures of the ship:

 

Kids Pool area - Deck 12 Aft

 

 

The hot tub is behind these silly kids.

 

Thanks for posting again..... Looking forward to our cruise even more!

[JMHAM1]

How did you get the dailies to post full size? I tried to get them added and everything comes up as a thumbnail. I guess I am technically challenged!!

[mousecrazy]

How did you get the dailies to post full size? I tried to get them added and everything comes up as a thumbnail. I guess I am technically challenged!!

 

First, I upload them to Photobucket, then copy the "Direct Link" code for the selected image. Come back here and select "Insert Image" - paste your copied code in the box; hit enter. You're golden. :) HTH.

 

You can add 6 images per post. Good Luck.

[mousecrazy]

Beautiful pictures! Thanks for posting the Dailies too. You've gotten me even more excited about our cruise on the Star in July. The ship looks really nice and the food looked really good, which was nice to see after the so so things I've been hearing about it.

 

Thank you!

 

You're welcome. The Star is a fun ship! I had no trouble finding both something to do and something to eat at anytime during the cruise. I'm jealous of you because you have the Star to look forward too! And Bermuda...that's on my list. Enjoy.

[mousecrazy]

We were on the same cruise! I think if I were to do NCL again, I would definitely have to spring for a suite. Beautiful pictures!

 

Thanks! The extra room in our suite was a definite luxury for our family of five. The perks are great too. While those perks didn't make or break our enjoyment of the cruise, they sure are a nice addition! I definitely recommend it!

[DeeT]

You're welcome. The Star is a fun ship! I had no trouble finding both something to do and something to eat at anytime during the cruise. I'm jealous of you because you have the Star to look forward too! And Bermuda...that's on my list. Enjoy.

 

Thank! Will be our first time to Bermuda so can't wait! I see you had a couple of young teens with you. My 13 yr old DD and 14 (to be 15) DS will be with us. Did you say they didn't do the teen kids club? I'm hoping they meet up with some kids their age.

[webprinter]

My daughter (not me) likes to dress up on cruises. Which night was the most dressed up? (dressed up or not night). Thanks.

[PathfinderEss]

Thank you for your review.

[mousecrazy]

My daughter (not me) likes to dress up on cruises. Which night was the most dressed up? (dressed up or not night). Thanks.

 

The first sea day (second night) was the "Dress Up or Not" night and also pictures with the captain. This was also the day for the Latitudes reception and VIP receptions (both had open bar).

[ABC Cruisers]

Thank you so much for your review, we were in 12030 and I called our pcc after reading about the jogging track above these suites, he has moved us to 12016. This will be the first time in over 20 years we haven't had a balcony, we usually have a villa, but since there is no courtyard on the Star, we thought we would give one of these suites a try. Loved your pictures!

[SunSeeker27]

Thank you for this! I've been thinking of booking this cruise and I think I'm sold now. So excited!!!!

[josask]

Thanks so much! We are in room 12028 sailing on Apr. 8 with 15, 11 & 9 yo kids, so it was great to see your review & pics.

 

I hope you don't mind a few questions:

The last time we cruised (on RCI) the kids felt they missed some great shows so this time had hoped to spend the evenings with us, but I see that a few of the shows were PG-13, were they really not okay for 11 & 9 yr olds?

Have they switched the ages in the kid's club yet? we heard they were rolling out the new programs 'soon'

What time did the VIP boarding start on day 1?

My 15 yo is quite concerned with 'dressing appropriately' in the dining room. I'm hoping NCL is a little more casual than RCI's main dining room - what kind of things did kids wear?

 

thanks so much!

[mousecrazy]

Thanks so much! We are in room 12028 sailing on Apr. 8 with 15, 11 & 9 yo kids, so it was great to see your review & pics.

 

I hope you don't mind a few questions:

The last time we cruised (on RCI) the kids felt they missed some great shows so this time had hoped to spend the evenings with us, but I see that a few of the shows were PG-13, were they really not okay for 11 & 9 yr olds?

Have they switched the ages in the kid's club yet? we heard they were rolling out the new programs 'soon'

What time did the VIP boarding start on day 1?

My 15 yo is quite concerned with 'dressing appropriately' in the dining room. I'm hoping NCL is a little more casual than RCI's main dining room - what kind of things did kids wear?

 

thanks so much!

 

The shows are rated PG13 due to the suggestive nature (sex, drugs) of the dialogue and songs. For example, the Shout! production show is about the feminist revolution of the 60-70s, so there are multiple references to sex and drug use. I have a 10 year old son, who didn't go, and I think that was a good thing for him. The Kids Crew, as a group, attends the last night's show which is a magic/modern dance show and completely appropriate for all ages.

 

The Kids Crew age groups had not changed and I'm guessing they will be the same for your cruise too as the Star is typically one of the last ships to get upgrades. My younger kids LOVED the Kids Crew, however, my 13 yo wasn't that interested (partly because she had a friend on board), but she said some of the activities looked fun. Keep in mind that the Teen Crew program is more fluid (ie. the posted activities may or may not happen depending on attendance) than the younger ages and most of the activities happen later in the evening (after 10pm), although they do meet to go to the shows together. There are some fun family events too, such as Dodgeball, Family Feud, etc that are really worth planning on attending...but you need to plan ahead because (on our cruise) these activities were at 5pm on port days.

 

We arrived at the port at 10:45 and made our way to the VIP check in area. Our check in took way too long as the guy couldn't swipe our passports...it was ridiculous. Anyway, after that we had to hunt down our key cards from the concierge and boarded the ship at about 11:30 (with group 4). The rooms were ready at 12:20 (much earlier than I anticipated). If you are able to stick with the concierge or butler who escorts you aboard, they will take you to Cagney's. We ate at the buffet, which was really good and sat on the pool deck. Even though it was a little overcast, it was nice to have the fresh air and excited atmosphere of the pool deck (we're from the northwest, so warm, fresh air won out over Cagneys). :) If your kids love to swim, you might have them wear their suits just in case they want to swim or sit in the hot tub (the two hot tubs closest to the big yellow slides are all ages, the other two are 18+). We had the pool to ourselves for the next two hours and finally made it to our cabin around 3pm. It was a really fun way to start the cruise.

 

There are two main dining rooms on the Star: Versailles has a more strict dress code of no shorts while Aqua allows shorts. I think a 15 year old in nice shorts would be allowed in either restaurant although I think the "rules" are kids 12 and under can wear shorts at Versailles. The girls wore cute sundresses or shorts. boys wore docker-type shorts and t-shirts. The dress-code is relaxed for the first night, but after that it will be enforced.

 

I wish the very best vacation with your family! Please don't hesitate to ask more questions as I'm happy to help. :)

[rjm11]

We did the 9 night Caribbean cruise on the Dawn last year and my son wore shorts and Hawaiian type shirts, or shorts with polo shirts each night in Versaille (the fancier of the two dining rooms) along with his beloved green crocs. No one said a thing.... and I think he was totally fine.