Review - NCL Star NYC to Bermuda 8-12 thru 8-19 2012

[redpatti]

Ok well I had thought about different places to hide so they wouldn't kick us off but I figured that probably wouldn't work out so well. LOL.

Got up and got ourselves ready to leave. We had finished packing everything the night before and put out our large suitcases for them to take off the ship for us. Since I had VIP status we had priority tags and could disembark anytime we wanted. When we were ready, we should just bring our carry-ons and ourselves over to Ginza to meet Patrick and he would escort us off.

We left the room to head to Cagney's for our final breakfast. Edna, our favorite waitress was our server this morning. How perfect. We enjoyed a great meal, I had pancakes with bananas and pecans. Delish! Yummy french press coffee!!! So good. DS & DD had omelets.

After breakfast we walked around a bit. Sat in the atrium for a while and watched folks disembark etc. I love people watching so this was very cool.

After killing a bit of time, and knowing my boyfriend was to pick us up at the pier at 9:30, I figured we should start heading off. We walked back to the cabin to get our things. We ran into Angelo one last time and he was telling us how nice it was for him to have us. I had caught him the day before and had given him a nice tip (in addition to the DSC) because I was afraid I would miss him before disembarking. I told him that I was hoping for a Breakaway cruise next year and that I hoped he was going to be assigned to that ship and hopefully I would see him again. We all wished him well. He was truly a good soul.

We got our carry-ons and headed to Ginza. Patrick was there escorting folks in groups. We followed him off the ship. I handed him a small tip as I did utilize his services the one time and while it was not what you would probably give him if you stayed in one of the suites and utilized him for other things, I believe he appreciated it.

**A note on tipping. I probably way over tipped on this vacation. I gave just about everyone a little extra because I have to say, just about everyone I encountered (Aqua was the only exception as I noted in my review earlier) was absolutely wonderful! They went above and beyond in every way. They all remembered my name each time they saw me. I can't say how much this impressed me. With the amount of people on that ship for them to remember names is quite impressive. They deserve every cent I gave them and probably more!!! The crew of the Star definitely made me feel special and without a doubt helped make my vacation a great one!

So, Patrick escorted us over to where we use our key cards for the last time and we disembarked the ship. We were directed over to where our luggage was and with some help we located ours very quickly. A porter helped us with all of the bags - even our carry-ons now and we were walked right through a line (bypassing a very long line of folks who did not use the porter's service) right up to a customs agent with no wait at all. Our passports were checked and simple questions asked and answered and we were escorted outside to the sidewalk where we waited for our ride. I tipped the porter and off he went.

[redpatti]

So that's my review and tale of our cruise on the Star. I will say that in the weeks and months prior to our cruise I had read some reviews that were on the negative side regarding the Star but you have to take those reviews with a grain of salt. Yes, the ship is not perfect. There are items that are in need of attention. But overall, it is a beautiful ship with a wonderful crew. I can't see how you could have a bad vacation on this ship.

Also, do your research folks, this board was a tremendous help to me in the planning of my cruise. I was armed with information before I left. Just as with anything else in life, this is so important and can make a difference in the outcome of just about any situation. Also, if something is wrong, say something right away. NCL can't fix something if they don't know it's broken. It gives them the opportunity to provide you with the great service that I personally experienced throughout my planning and cruise. So much so, that I am already booked for the Breakaway for next June. This time just my boyfriend and I. :)

Any questions on anything in my review or the Star in general, please feel free to ask. I may even try to add some photos to this thread if I can figure out how to do it!! :)

Take care all, and thank you for taking the time to read my review!!

Patti

[WaldosPepper]

Loved reading your honest and balanced review. You put so much effort and detail into this, and I felt as though we were right there with you! So glad you had a wonderful time, and after reading this, I am even more excited (if that's even possible :p ) to board the Star in just under seven weeks! :D

[thecatsmeow]

Loved your review. We enjoyed the Star prior to her makeover and I really am looking forward to sailng on her again someday soon. Thank you for putting so much detail into your review.

Joyce

[theonlywaytogo]

Thanks so much for the great review, I looked forward to each enstallment!

I've been on NCL a few times and never heard of "activity cards". Can you explain what they are, where you get them etc. ? Can my teenagers participate? Thank you!

[redpatti]

Thanks so much for the great review, I looked forward to each enstallment!

I've been on NCL a few times and never heard of "activity cards". Can you explain what they are, where you get them etc. ? Can my teenagers participate? Thank you!

 

Thank you for the nice comments! :)

 

The activity cards were given out by the cruise director staff at things like trivia, karaoke, ping pong tournaments, etc. Every time you participated in something, you got initials by the staff. At the end of the week, depending on the amount of initials, you got to pick different prizes. The prizes were things like NCL keychains, tote bags & playing cards. Nothing wonderful but we did get a tote bag and a keychain for the 3 activity cards we had. Both kids and adults can do this and we ended up combining our 3 to get the 2 things. A neat little extra IMO. :)

[theonlywaytogo]

Thank you for the nice comments! :)

 

The activity cards were given out by the cruise director staff at things like trivia, karaoke, ping pong tournaments, etc. Every time you participated in something, you got initials by the staff. At the end of the week, depending on the amount of initials, you got to pick different prizes. The prizes were things like NCL keychains, tote bags & playing cards. Nothing wonderful but we did get a tote bag and a keychain for the 3 activity cards we had. Both kids and adults can do this and we ended up combining our 3 to get the 2 things. A neat little extra IMO. :)

Thanks Redpatti, sounds like fun!

[teeny25]

Thank you for the nice comments! :)

 

The activity cards were given out by the cruise director staff at things like trivia, karaoke, ping pong tournaments, etc. Every time you participated in something, you got initials by the staff. At the end of the week, depending on the amount of initials, you got to pick different prizes. The prizes were things like NCL keychains, tote bags & playing cards. Nothing wonderful but we did get a tote bag and a keychain for the 3 activity cards we had. Both kids and adults can do this and we ended up combining our 3 to get the 2 things. A neat little extra IMO. :)

Did your wine and martini tastings count?? :D

[shepherdqueen]

Thank you for your balanced and fair review! Can't wait to be on the Star in a few weeks!

[lady_mac]

Thank you very much for your review. I enjoyed reading it.

 

I'm glad you all enjoyed your first cruise.

[NYGirl1002]

I absolutely loved your review! Thanks so much for posting it. I actually felt like I was there with you.

 

Question: Who did you use in Bermuda for the beach excursion where the bus took you down to the beach? Was it a ship excursion or private?

 

Thanks

[redpatti]

Did your wine and martini tastings count?? :D

 

 

Haha! No unfortunately those don't count as activities. I guess they figured too many giveaways on those! At least for me there would have been! :)

[redpatti]

I absolutely loved your review! Thanks so much for posting it. I actually felt like I was there with you.

 

Question: Who did you use in Bermuda for the beach excursion where the bus took you down to the beach? Was it a ship excursion or private?

 

Thanks

 

Thank you!

 

We chose the ship excursion - mostly because it was our first cruise and first time to Bermuda. Also a factor was that we went on the last shore day so I wanted to be sure we were back early. Even having said that, I would probably spring for it again next time since it made things sooooo easy and it was the perfect amount of time for the beach!

[dutchess43]

Patti I want to thank you for a beautifully written review. You must be a columist you certainly have the knack. Glad your first cruise was a blast. I know what you mean regarding the aft facing cabins I have become an aft cabin snob to me there is nothing better. I also love Bermuda that was my first cruise way back in the 80's. Thanks again for your review.

[LaPrincesa]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments. I love re-living the cruise through the review. Sorry it's taking so long but I am really trying to get everything in there.

 

If anyone has any specific questions, please feel free to ask and I will try my best to answer!

 

What time did they let you on the ship? When you arrived at the pier at 9:30 was it busy?

 

~La Princesa

[redpatti]

What time did they let you on the ship? When you arrived at the pier at 9:30 was it busy?

 

~La Princesa

 

The terminal was not busy at all that early. I would absolutely do it again. Yes, we had some waiting but no lines hardly at all! Got right through security, walked right up to the check in counter for NCL and had plenty of time to read the Freestyle Daily for that day. We also got an early boarding number, got to take the embarkation photo as well as were able to get the soda card for my DS and info on the spa. All with no lines!

 

They started boarding us on the ship at around 11:15 or so and it was so easy. They were very organized.

[YCP1996]

Great review....looking forward to the same cruise and ship at the end of September!! :):):)

[kba1988]

OMG!! This is the B.E.S.T. review I have ever read!!! KUDOS!!!

[smeck]

I cruised on the Star many years ago to Alaska. We really enjoyed the trip as well as the Star. I really enjoyed your review which woke up many wonderfull memories.