reviews very hard to publish

[cruise2much]

As for reviews I don’t do many, in fact in over 20 sailings I think I may have only done 2. This review is for my October 16th sailing on the Norwegian Star out of NY. I will start with the crew that I had interaction with because they were the reason behind my great cruise. I say this now because I do have some negatives about the ship that were supplemented by the crew’s outstanding performance.

First there is Sean the Hotel Manager. We have all heard the tag lines we care about your satisfaction or exceeding your expectations is our biggest goal, but rarely do we see an effort to actually follow through with the sentiment. Well Sean is the exception, this guy is so involved and active he exudes the desire that every single person on that ship is happy. This desire is not only directed towards the guests but also with the crew. He is very aware that making everyone happy is an insurmountable task but that does not dissuade him from trying. I say this with degree of confidence because we had the pleasure of cruising with him a year prior. To his credit and to my amazement he recognized us (me and the wife) on site and greeted us with the same exuberance he did in our first encounter. Sean is truly a credit to his profession.

Next was our Butler Arnie, his actual name is a little more complicated but that’s how he introduces himself… “Hello … Arnie Butler” When you call. He is kind and humble yet supremely confident of his abilities. He shared with us some of his personal life such as the accomplishments of his daughter and openly displayed his pride in her achievements, but taking none of the credit for her abilities. For us when we cruise we get excited when we get a bottle of wine or win one of the outrageously corny contests on the ship; however we are grateful for the more elusive friendship of a crew member. We have had the honor of that 4 times in our travels and I am honored to add a 5th with Arnie. I hope anyone reading this is granted the pleasure of meeting him.

Cabin Stewart Oscar: Fun, happy to see you, and when engaged funny as hell. He and Arnie scoured the ship for something I will cover later just to make us happy. He is also paying attention in the towel animal class; he made one of the most beautiful presentations I have ever seen with wet towels, and as I said in over 20 cruises that’s saying something…

Staff Captain: Martin Holmqvist, In short, this guy is a nut… Smiley Face…. My wife and I were privileged to dine with the sr. officers and among them was the Staff Captain and he did not fall short of amusing the table with amazing stories and exploits even at his own expense. At first I felt a little intimidated of joining people with such demanding positions. I was certain they would observe the strictest table etiquette and polite conversation that I would look foolish and unprepared to dine in a setting like this. It only took approaching the table to set my mind at ease. Like I said he is a nut… had me laughing the moment we got there. I suppose it was “freestyle table etiquette” but in a very good way.

Guest Relations Manager: Michelle, Now this young lady is very impressive; again at the Sr. Officers dinner she was seated directly to my left. You couldn’t imagine my surprise to find that her original career path was medical science to which she holds a degree! That right guest who wants to complain to get something for nothing…. In your path is an educated intelligent degree holding person to cut through your BS. Unfortunately, due to their desire to make sure everyone is happy she can’t call your bluff and will relent and try to give you what you want… you should know however, you didn’t fool her she is just bigger than you. I gave her some suggestions for responses but she assured me Sean would fire me within a week.

The Cagney Crew… Being on vacation is great, going for breakfast or lunch each day without worrying about getting back to the office gives you a sense of freedom and carefree exuberance. I suppose this feeling is prevalent anytime you’re on vacation. However, being greeted each day as if you have been coming to this place for the last 20 years and greeted with disappointment when they missed you for lunch… well that’s just a feeling that can’t be duplicated. On our last day I visited Cagney’s for my last breakfast. I did this without the wife and was immediately confronted by the staff “where is Mrs. Wendy”. They were truly saddened by the fact they would not get to say good bye. After returning to the cabin and informing my wife of their distress she went up and was greeted with hugs and wishes for a safe journey home.

On this voyage I witnessed the Captain & Staff Captain having lunch at poolside with the guests. I see the hotel director greeting guests at the bottom of the gangway at our port of call. I see the Cruise director roaming the halls and interacting with the guests. I see the stage performers laughing and interacting with the guests. To sum it up… on this cruise I felt like I was a guest at someone’s home and never a customer on a cruise ship.

Ok, just so I am not classified as a” NCL cheer leader” now comes the negative ….

THE SHIP

The Star hit the water in 2002. She was revitalized and revamped in 2010. The 2010 revamp included the introduction of additional suites. They relocated the Stardust Theater and in its place they introduced a new suit line including the panoramic window view rooms. Well in “my opinion” this is where design outweighed function” First upon entering this suite location I felt an abrupt departure from the rest of the ship. The decor is more in line with the Epic. I don’t dislike the décor but it felt out of place on the Star. I think the best description is? I felt isolated, like every time I entered the suit location I was leaving the ship… if that makes any sense?

As for the Suites, if you have never booked a suite than perhaps you would not notice the differences. If you have however they would be apparent as quickly as it was to us. “The Bliss Package” well past suite guest you know what I’m talking about the big fluffy bed! When I entered my cabin “12020 a family suite” I jumped into the bed expecting to land on that cloud of comfort I have become accustomed to but rather damn near broke my nose. Yep no Bliss bed. Instead NCL answering to the family suite complaints of not being able to divide the main bed they put split twins there… you got it, hard unyielding inside cabin mattress. Thus my description above of the Butler and Cabin Stewart searching for the foam crate mattress cover “For a Suite Cabin”

The best description I have for the suite additions is a square peg for a round hole. It’s clear it was forced and quickly applied. The materials used for the streamline and modern approach were not designed for the wear and tear of a high traffic cruise ship. The carpet was coming up, the laminates were delaminating and again design did not meet function. The shower! No shelves for products that come with suites. Ladies you know what I mean. The shower gel and shampoo that comes in the bottles for suite guests? Unless you are using what’s in the containers mounted on the wall the only place to set anything else is on the floor.

Closet Space: Ample space unless you have anything more than shirts to hang. In a family suite you only have one location to hang long garments. This location is also in depth not width. Meaning the garments are from the front of the closet space to the rear. As opposed to leaner like at you closet at home so be sure to ask for an Iron.

Safes: In past suite experiences we have always had the availability of 2 safes. In my cabin Family suite 12020 you get 1. And make sure you bring a flashlight because it’s very difficult to explore what you crammed into the one you got.

Ok for those of you that fold everything you own to accommodate drawer space good news. If my recollection is correct you have 26 drawers to choose from.

Panoramic View: Again another Design vs. Function dissuasion. When we had the opportunity to visit the bridge the view was spectacular. However the view from my panoramic cabin could be best described as obstructed. The salt deposits on the windows made it impossible to take any photos and made the cabin fell constantly dirty. I also felt as if I was in a hotel room with a view rather than on a ship at sea.

What they did with the Stardust: Again with the limitations of my written descriptive powers I can only say… School cafeteria with fancy chairs. Very linear and impersonal, a complete distraction and dissuasion of the NCL principal and a feeling I got from the staff.

Original part of the ship looked great for the time at sea; the retrofit areas looked as if they were at sea 10 years beyond.

How these designs came to be with the powers in charge is beyond me. If supported by the same “powers in charge” listen up. Leave the old ships alone. If you want to refurbish that’s fine but keep it in line with the feeling of the ship. Let the new cruisers experience the new line like the epic, but let the experienced and loyal cruisers continue to enjoy the NCL we know and love.

FYI.. If you find yourself in cabin 12020 your cabin door is directly in line of the forward elevator and stair case. We were confronted on several occasions returning to our cabin of the cabin Stewart escorting intruders from our cabin that entered during cleaning. The intruders saying look hunny they have windows. Note to all cruisers experienced or no. Once aboard, every cabin is someone’s home for the next seven days or however long the cruise is, if up to me you would be doused in hot oil or shot on site. Proper etiquette should be observed and you should only enter upon invitation.

Otherwise you should be considered trespassers and shot on site. Well as we all know that’s not an option so if you find yourself in close proximity to the elevators please make good use of that one safe.

Finally closing in my review, those of you that believe hole heartedly your kids are on vacation too? Perhaps you think you are on vacation with all inclusive babysitters including your fellow passengers. Well, unless they paid their passage they are not. You drug them along and exposed the rest of us to their presents. If you think while dining in a pay restaurant that there visitation to our table is a sweet experience? It’s Not! The rails surrounding the ship are for safety not meant to serve as a playpen. If you are offended by bye closing statements than there is no reasoning….

Thanks to the crew of the NCL Star for an outstanding vacation even though the Captain left the weather up to us… LOL

Kind regards,

Cruise2much

[cabincop]

love the kid comment so true I don't want kids going crazy hitting all the buttons on the elevator and no I DON"T want to be a babysitter. Nice honest review

[mfinster007]

Thank you for your honesty and truth. I'm happy you're not afraid to say what you have to say. I'm booked on the Star in 12/2013 and have been toying with upgrading to a suite, not likely 12020, but it's great to hear from someone experienced. I love kids, but not when they are disruptive, to my vacation.

[softsands]

As for reviews I don’t do many, in fact in over 20 sailings I think I may have only done 2. This review is for my October 16th sailing on the Norwegian Star out of NY. I will start with the crew that I had interaction with because they were the reason behind my great cruise. I say this now because I do have some negatives about the ship that were supplemented by the crew’s outstanding performance.

First there is Sean the Hotel Manager. We have all heard the tag lines we care about your satisfaction or exceeding your expectations is our biggest goal, but rarely do we see an effort to actually follow through with the sentiment. Well Sean is the exception, this guy is so involved and active he exudes the desire that every single person on that ship is happy. This desire is not only directed towards the guests but also with the crew. He is very aware that making everyone happy is an insurmountable task but that does not dissuade him from trying. I say this with degree of confidence because we had the pleasure of cruising with him a year prior. To his credit and to my amazement he recognized us (me and the wife) on site and greeted us with the same exuberance he did in our first encounter. Sean is truly a credit to his profession.

Next was our Butler Arnie, his actual name is a little more complicated but that’s how he introduces himself… “Hello … Arnie Butler” When you call. He is kind and humble yet supremely confident of his abilities. He shared with us some of his personal life such as the accomplishments of his daughter and openly displayed his pride in her achievements, but taking none of the credit for her abilities. For us when we cruise we get excited when we get a bottle of wine or win one of the outrageously corny contests on the ship; however we are grateful for the more elusive friendship of a crew member. We have had the honor of that 4 times in our travels and I am honored to add a 5th with Arnie. I hope anyone reading this is granted the pleasure of meeting him.

Cabin Stewart Oscar: Fun, happy to see you, and when engaged funny as hell. He and Arnie scoured the ship for something I will cover later just to make us happy. He is also paying attention in the towel animal class; he made one of the most beautiful presentations I have ever seen with wet towels, and as I said in over 20 cruises that’s saying something…

Staff Captain: Martin Holmqvist, In short, this guy is a nut… Smiley Face…. My wife and I were privileged to dine with the sr. officers and among them was the Staff Captain and he did not fall short of amusing the table with amazing stories and exploits even at his own expense. At first I felt a little intimidated of joining people with such demanding positions. I was certain they would observe the strictest table etiquette and polite conversation that I would look foolish and unprepared to dine in a setting like this. It only took approaching the table to set my mind at ease. Like I said he is a nut… had me laughing the moment we got there. I suppose it was “freestyle table etiquette” but in a very good way.

 

Guest Relations Manager: Michelle, Now this young lady is very impressive; again at the Sr. Officers dinner she was seated directly to my left. You couldn’t imagine my surprise to find that her original career path was medical science to which she holds a degree! That right guest who wants to complain to get something for nothing…. In your path is an educated intelligent degree holding person to cut through your BS. Unfortunately, due to their desire to make sure everyone is happy she can’t call your bluff and will relent and try to give you what you want… you should know however, you didn’t fool her she is just bigger than you. I gave her some suggestions for responses but she assured me Sean would fire me within a week.

The Cagney Crew… Being on vacation is great, going for breakfast or lunch each day without worrying about getting back to the office gives you a sense of freedom and carefree exuberance. I suppose this feeling is prevalent anytime you’re on vacation. However, being greeted each day as if you have been coming to this place for the last 20 years and greeted with disappointment when they missed you for lunch… well that’s just a feeling that can’t be duplicated. On our last day I visited Cagney’s for my last breakfast. I did this without the wife and was immediately confronted by the staff “where is Mrs. Wendy”. They were truly saddened by the fact they would not get to say good bye. After returning to the cabin and informing my wife of their distress she went up and was greeted with hugs and wishes for a safe journey home.

On this voyage I witnessed the Captain & Staff Captain having lunch at poolside with the guests. I see the hotel director greeting guests at the bottom of the gangway at our port of call. I see the Cruise director roaming the halls and interacting with the guests. I see the stage performers laughing and interacting with the guests. To sum it up… on this cruise I felt like I was a guest at someone’s home and never a customer on a cruise ship.

Ok, just so I am not classified as a” NCL cheer leader” now comes the negative ….

 

THE SHIP

The Star hit the water in 2002. She was revitalized and revamped in 2010. The 2010 revamp included the introduction of additional suites. They relocated the Stardust Theater and in its place they introduced a new suit line including the panoramic window view rooms. Well in “my opinion” this is where design outweighed function” First upon entering this suite location I felt an abrupt departure from the rest of the ship. The decor is more in line with the Epic. I don’t dislike the décor but it felt out of place on the Star. I think the best description is? I felt isolated, like every time I entered the suit location I was leaving the ship… if that makes any sense?

As for the Suites, if you have never booked a suite than perhaps you would not notice the differences. If you have however they would be apparent as quickly as it was to us. “The Bliss Package” well past suite guest you know what I’m talking about the big fluffy bed! When I entered my cabin “12020 a family suite” I jumped into the bed expecting to land on that cloud of comfort I have become accustomed to but rather damn near broke my nose. Yep no Bliss bed. Instead NCL answering to the family suite complaints of not being able to divide the main bed they put split twins there… you got it, hard unyielding inside cabin mattress. Thus my description above of the Butler and Cabin Stewart searching for the foam crate mattress cover “For a Suite Cabin”

 

The best description I have for the suite additions is a square peg for a round hole. It’s clear it was forced and quickly applied. The materials used for the streamline and modern approach were not designed for the wear and tear of a high traffic cruise ship. The carpet was coming up, the laminates were delaminating and again design did not meet function. The shower! No shelves for products that come with suites. Ladies you know what I mean. The shower gel and shampoo that comes in the bottles for suite guests? Unless you are using what’s in the containers mounted on the wall the only place to set anything else is on the floor.

Closet Space: Ample space unless you have anything more than shirts to hang. In a family suite you only have one location to hang long garments. This location is also in depth not width. Meaning the garments are from the front of the closet space to the rear. As opposed to leaner like at you closet at home so be sure to ask for an Iron.

Safes: In past suite experiences we have always had the availability of 2 safes. In my cabin Family suite 12020 you get 1. And make sure you bring a flashlight because it’s very difficult to explore what you crammed into the one you got.

Ok for those of you that fold everything you own to accommodate drawer space good news. If my recollection is correct you have 26 drawers to choose from.

Panoramic View: Again another Design vs. Function dissuasion. When we had the opportunity to visit the bridge the view was spectacular. However the view from my panoramic cabin could be best described as obstructed. The salt deposits on the windows made it impossible to take any photos and made the cabin fell constantly dirty. I also felt as if I was in a hotel room with a view rather than on a ship at sea.

What they did with the Stardust: Again with the limitations of my written descriptive powers I can only say… School cafeteria with fancy chairs. Very linear and impersonal, a complete distraction and dissuasion of the NCL principal and a feeling I got from the staff.

Original part of the ship looked great for the time at sea; the retrofit areas looked as if they were at sea 10 years beyond.

How these designs came to be with the powers in charge is beyond me. If supported by the same “powers in charge” listen up. Leave the old ships alone. If you want to refurbish that’s fine but keep it in line with the feeling of the ship. Let the new cruisers experience the new line like the epic, but let the experienced and loyal cruisers continue to enjoy the NCL we know and love.

FYI.. If you find yourself in cabin 12020 your cabin door is directly in line of the forward elevator and stair case. We were confronted on several occasions returning to our cabin of the cabin Stewart escorting intruders from our cabin that entered during cleaning. The intruders saying look hunny they have windows. Note to all cruisers experienced or no. Once aboard, every cabin is someone’s home for the next seven days or however long the cruise is, if up to me you would be doused in hot oil or shot on site. Proper etiquette should be observed and you should only enter upon invitation.

Otherwise you should be considered trespassers and shot on site. Well as we all know that’s not an option so if you find yourself in close proximity to the elevators please make good use of that one safe.

 

Finally closing in my review, those of you that believe hole heartedly your kids are on vacation too? Perhaps you think you are on vacation with all inclusive babysitters including your fellow passengers. Well, unless they paid their passage they are not. You drug them along and exposed the rest of us to their presents. If you think while dining in a pay restaurant that there visitation to our table is a sweet experience? It’s Not! The rails surrounding the ship are for safety not meant to serve as a playpen. If you are offended by bye closing statements than there is no reasoning….

 

Thanks to the crew of the NCL Star for an outstanding vacation even though the Captain left the weather up to us… LOL

 

Kind regards,

Cruise2much

 

Sorry, but where's the review?