Review of NCL Star Oct14-21 Bermuda

[camz]

WOW I tend to read this thread first when logging onto CC for a good laugh! Today was a different story (getting tissues out). Kev - and company, so sorry to read about your loss. Sad, very sad.

[luv2cruise53]

So Kev left the store feeling quite proud for his prudent decision. I proceeded over to the picnic table...with the cig bucket..in the NO SMOKING ZONE...and had a seat. I took my 1/2 pint out of my bag and poured in some fine Bermudan Rum.....

What???....What ...you thought I skipped that step....Helloooooo!!!! have you not been reading the past 40 pages....LOL......Kev was prudent,...for $7.00 he got at least 4 shipboard drinks for 1/4 the price....helloooo, ...my economics teacher taught me that this was prudent.

 

So now Kev sipped, relaxed, reflected,and generally enjoyed the harbor, the view and the waning minutes here in Bermuda. After spilling half my investment trying to get it into the Pepsi bottle, Kev leisurely ...sauntered towards the Beautiful Norwegian Star for a beautiful sail away yet to come.

 

Next Up:

Sail Away (The best one I ever had)

 

Kev:cool:

[luv2cruise53]

So from the store on the docks, across a small park area, around some boats, and onto the main road to the ship. (5 mins) Through my last moongate and down the sidewalk and left to the Star entrance. Once through the customs house (they never asked me for anything...but I did see others getting checked...so I think its a random thing) Out to the wharf and what do I espy...well there was a water tent, and perhaps a dozen ships crew members with welcome back signs, and a dolphin dressed flipper, and a pirate and God knows what else because besides the pirate dressed as Captain Morgan, Kev also had some Captain Morgan. So Kev line danced his way through the crew, on to the ramp, and up one flight to Deck 5. Off to 5502, left, down, back, right and toss the bag on the bed. Turn on the not flat screen TV and turn to the movie channel. Its Spiderman, the part where spidey is webbing off the sides of buildings. Who knew?

 

So I took a shower and dressed in my best tropical duds. White shirt, tan shorts, and flip flops. Flip flops get a lot of use on an NCL cruise, so bring several types.

 

Up to deck 12 and around some people movers, over to the Oasis grill for a Pulled Pork Burger and mac salad,...Camera in hand....slight, only slight buzz, sandwich and up the tiers to grab a spot at the Bier Garten for Sail Away.

 

Booooo boo boop

 

Welcome back to The Beautiful Norwegian Star...this is your cruise director...graa..garble, gaa shortly, we will be grr, gaa gat, tow so sit back and enjoy the sounds of the Xcite band as we sail around Bermuda for a Beautiful Norwegian Star Sunset sail away.

 

And it was.

 

Kev:cool:

[camz]

Nice. Waiting for a finale. :) Kev - we were aboard the Star a couple of weeks before you. I remember the last few moments in Bermuda all too well. We were in an Aft Facing Balcony Penthouse Suite and were on the balcony looking at the last views of beautiful Bermdua. The RCC ship docked behind us was leaving a half hour before us. I noticed they kept blowing their horn and they were leaving a little later than scheduled. Anyway, they just pulled away from the pier and they were right next to the Star. I heard some commotion and I saw a couple were running towards the pier, yelling at their departing ship. :eek: WOW~ Can you imagine? What a way to end your vacation being stuck at the port without your personal belongings. I wonder what happened to them? :confused:

That's drama at it's finest.

Edited January 9, 2013 by camz

[luv2cruise53]

Nice. Waiting for a finale. :) Kev - we were aboard the Star a couple of weeks before you. I remember the last few moments in Bermuda all too well. We were in an Aft Facing Balcony Penthouse Suite and were on the balcony looking at the last views of beautiful Bermdua. The RCC ship docked behind us was leaving a half hour before us. I noticed they kept blowing their horn and they were leaving a little later than scheduled. Anyway, they just pulled away from the pier and they were right next to the Star. I heard some commotion and I saw a couple were running towards the pier, yelling at their departing ship. :eek: WOW~ Can you imagine? What a way to end your vacation being stuck at the port without your personal belongings. I wonder what happened to them? :confused:

That's drama at it's finest.

 

Too bad for them....I have sympathy for some who are in a day port, who may have been hung up by taxi or traffic....St Thomas can have vicious traffic...but after 3 full days in port, there really is no excuse....Most people are in the dockyard area by noon, and wander around till boarding but to miss is...well their own fault.

 

Kev:D

[camz]

Kev - You are totally right it is their fault! But I can tell you it was some drama to watch unfold. You couldn't help but feel sorry for them. After all, maybe they were just plain stupid. :eek: Anyway, what if they did not have all their cash, credit cards, or documentation on them? I am sure flights out of Bermuda don't happen all that often. They probably had to stay overnite in Bermuda (pricey) and get a flight out the next day or so (also pricey) YIKES!!!!

[Donna_In_India]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a fabulous review! I've really enjoyed it and your photos. Thanks for the various links - more reading to do. Our family of 12 will be joining you on the Breakaway and I'm trying not to get palpitations planning the logistics of activities and traveling around Bermuda for all of us. See you in June!

[luv2cruise53]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a fabulous review! I've really enjoyed it and your photos. Thanks for the various links - more reading to do. Our family of 12 will be joining you on the Breakaway and I'm trying not to get palpitations planning the logistics of activities and traveling around Bermuda for all of us. See you in June!

 

Thanks Donna,

 

I read here on CC of all the wonderful gifts you gave to your whole family....imagine 12 of you all on the new Breakaway. Of course I knew you were coming as you are on the manifest. It will be nice to meet the whole gang in June.

 

Keep Reading and chime in on our board.

 

Kev:cool:

[callmebetty]

I laughed, I cried, I annoyed the slumbering cat on my lap, and I burned dinner....all because of this thread! Thanks!! Perhaps I will order a pizza!!

I have taken to reading reviews of ships and itineraries I am not even going on in the near future (I read Kim/mitsugirl) the other day because i Still have an eternity to go until my next cruise.

 

Wish I could cruise with all of you in the cold months...guess I have to wait for more fabulous reviews!

[luv2cruise53]

I laughed, I cried, I annoyed the slumbering cat on my lap, and I burned dinner....all because of this thread! Thanks!! Perhaps I will order a pizza!!

I have taken to reading reviews of ships and itineraries I am not even going on in the near future (I read Kim/mitsugirl) the other day because i Still have an eternity to go until my next cruise.

 

Wish I could cruise with all of you in the cold months...guess I have to wait for more fabulous reviews!

 

 

Thank's Betty, If I may call you Betty. I have read many a review and always wanted to post my own, but I did not want to do it without throwing in some of my writing style and perhaps a little humor. I often had the idea that I may come off as offensive when what I intended was more tongue in cheek humor, so with this review I finally said...Just go for it and hope that people get the humor..

 

Thanks for your support.

 

Kev:cool:

[lostone65]

So Kev I've been wondering about spending 3 days in Bermuda. Your review makes me want to go there but 3 full days not underway seems odd to me. I think I love the cruising aspect more that the ports. I know I'm weird. :p

Is everything open and running as usual every evening even though the ship is docked?

 

Tammy

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

[luv2cruise53]

So Kev I've been wondering about spending 3 days in Bermuda. Your review makes me want to go there but 3 full days not underway seems odd to me. I think I love the cruising aspect more that the ports. I know I'm weird. :p

Is everything open and running as usual every evening even though the ship is docked?

 

Tammy

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

 

3 days in port is one of the reasons many of us want to do this cruise again and again. The only thing closed is the casino.....Deck parties and shows and trivia and everything else is normal....Bermuda is so beautiful and has such a variety of things to do that it is a pleasure to be there. Imagine adding the flexibility of taking your time exploring this paradise. Imagine having dinner on board at 7:00 PM then taking a stroll off ship through The beautiful Royal Dockyard. Then stroll back on board and catch a show at 9:30. then go to a deck party.

Imagine having done a whole days worth of activities on land and then saying....too bad we never got to thet other beach......TODAY, thank god we can hit it tomorrow.

Bermuda 3 days is why most of us go back. it is one of the worlds most expensive land vacations in the world both lodging and dining wise. Yet we have our gorgeous ship restaurant hotel right on the dock.

 

if it was some other non-safe at night port...or limited activity port it would never work...But for Bermuda, it works very well. You'll never be bored in Bermuda.:D

Edited January 10, 2013 by luv2cruise53

[mitsugirly]

3 days in port is one of the reasons many of us want to do this cruise again and again. The only thing closed is the casino.....Deck parties and shows and trivia and everything else is normal....Bermuda is so beautiful and has such a variety of things to do that it is a pleasure to be there. Imagine adding the flexibility of taking your time exploring this paradise. Imagine having dinner on board at 7:00 PM then taking a stroll off ship through The beautiful Royal Dockyard. Then stroll back on board and catch a show at 9:30. then go to a deck party.

Imagine having done a whole days worth of activities on land and then saying....too bad we never got to thet other beach......TODAY, thank god we can hit it tomorrow.

Bermuda 3 days is why most of us go back. it is one of the worlds most expensive land vacations in the world both lodging and dining wise. Yet we have our gorgeous ship restaurant hotel right on the dock.

 

if it was some other non-safe at night port...or limited activity port it would never work...But for Bermuda, it works very well. You'll never be bored in Bermuda.:D

 

 

WELL SAID! That's the reason I have always wanted to go there. Being able to get on and off and see the entire island...oh yes please!!! :D

 

I wish they would do things like that in the Caribbean...2 days in Cozumel, 2 days in another. I would definitely do that.

 

I remember back in the 80s-90s the ship would pull in to port and be there all day. I can remember wondering around Cozumel at midnight once and walking back to the ship. Of course, you probably wouldn't want to wonder around the islands after dark these days...or maybe you shouldn't have done it back then. But either we were young and dumb or just times were different and safer. I just know we had a blast and we could explore more than just one place and it was awesome. However...the cruise lines don't make their money when you are in port. :(

 

I just know we are going to love Bermuda just for this part!

[luv2cruise53]

So here I am at the Bier Garten. It is nearing 5:00 and at this time of year sun sets around 6:00 so we have a lot of daylight. The temp is 85 degrees and no wind. I have my pulled pork cheeseburger, a front and center barstool and table and no cocktail....YET, though I have had a dozen Mr. Kevin waiters stop by. Kev is pacing himself. Looking down, the tiers are filling up and the pool deck is sporting quite the crowd. The band Xcite is set up but for now we are getting some delightful dancy type music from our DJ Grl.Whose name has escaped me all week....who knew?

 

Boooo Boo Booop Welcome back aboard the beautiful Norwegian Star, The Captain will be weighing anchor and untieing momentarily. Remember those ridiculous $1.00 waste of money pull tabs are still available....like they would run out....and we will begin our Lido deck BBQ in a moment....Steaks, salads, chicken in a rice bowl(big Bowl like wok) corn on the cob, etc.....Very Nice Spread.:D

 

And away we go, ...we first go sideways then we go backwards...then Baaaaawmp..... Baaaawmp...... bawmp.. bawmp.. bawmp... we go forward hugging the coast and heading around Ireland Island towards the North Coast of Bermuda.:rolleyes:

 

Mr. Kevin... Mr. Kevin....Oh Ok....bring me one of those Banana Monkey dirty banshees whatever you call them. Many of the people I parlayed with all week were up and around me and we all had a nice time. In fact it was the nicest sail away I ever experienced.:p

 

And so we sailed around Bermuda and an hour later as the sun set we sailed away, but not before having circumnavigated the entire Island, not before doing the BBQ, not before dancing by the pool, not before listening to Rodney throw out a few zingers and not before having another Banana monkey,and most of all...... not before a tear escaped for the fact. We be gone.:(

 

Kev:(

[luv2cruise53]

So you ask; what could get Kev so emotional?

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye Sweet Paradise.

 

Next up:

 

Return to La Cuccina:

Elements

Under the stars

 

Kev:cool:

[boopsahoy]

Love your reviews!

[lostone65]

3 days in port is one of the reasons many of us want to do this cruise again and again. The only thing closed is the casino.....Deck parties and shows and trivia and everything else is normal....Bermuda is so beautiful and has such a variety of things to do that it is a pleasure to be there. Imagine adding the flexibility of taking your time exploring this paradise. Imagine having dinner on board at 7:00 PM then taking a stroll off ship through The beautiful Royal Dockyard. Then stroll back on board and catch a show at 9:30. then go to a deck party.

Imagine having done a whole days worth of activities on land and then saying....too bad we never got to thet other beach......TODAY, thank god we can hit it tomorrow.

Bermuda 3 days is why most of us go back. it is one of the worlds most expensive land vacations in the world both lodging and dining wise. Yet we have our gorgeous ship restaurant hotel right on the dock.

 

if it was some other non-safe at night port...or limited activity port it would never work...But for Bermuda, it works very well. You'll never be bored in Bermuda.:D

 

Ok, Kev you totally convinced me! I read your response outloud to my husband and he is also sold! I am now pumped up beyond belief for a Bermuda cruise...No vacation money, no vacation time but I wanna go and I wanna go now!

 

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Tapatalk 2

[bonniemari]

Thank you so much for this wonderful review. Wish I had all that Bermuda info before we went a couple of years ago. But I will have it now for the next time. We did make it to the beautiful Horseshoe Beach-it was one of the highlights of our cruise.

 

We sail on the Star 3/3/13 and this review has really got me ready to go NOW. Hate I have 50 something more days to go.

 

 

P.S. I am the world's worst when it comes to remembering names. I have been known to call my son by the dog's name. Pisses him off since I've had him for 34 years and I've only had the dog for 3.

[mitsugirly]

The band Xcite is set up but for now we are getting some delightful dancy type music from our DJ Grl.Whose name has escaped me all week....who knew?

 

 

I thought Xcite was THE best band at the pool deck I have ever heard on any of the ships. They sounded good and they got the entire audience up and dancing. They had the great songs! I wish all of the ships had bands like that. :D

[luv2cruise53]

So the sun has set, the band has stopped playing, the BBQ is being dismantled....yet nobody seems in any hurry to leave the Bier Garten or even for that matter the tiers and pool area. The stars came out and the breeze was warm and gentle and people were laughing and chatting away.....all with a drink or two and a good sense of carmraderie.

 

Everyone discussed the options for later, Elements was playing in the Showroom,....There was a chocoholic buffet....but many not sure if tonight or tomorrow. There was also a group of 7 who were intent on returning to La Cucina and they insisted I join them.....Well this place is so good, it did not take much arm twisting.

 

We discussed going down to our haunt the Champagne Bar, but consensus seemed to be that we were all so comfortable here that it would be a waste to leave this tropical vibe. So we did not. A great soundtrack of pop music was playing. It was also that point in the cruise where good ship pals were buying rounds and drinks faster than the farting lady, and Kev had no intention of passing that up. The drinks...not the farting lady. So we drank and we laughed and men hit the head and ladies hit the head and the waiters were having a ball adding up their contributions to their families in the Phillipines.

 

Next up:

Maybe la Cucina Maybe not

Elements

 

Kev:cool:

[greatlakesgirl]

Still reading and enjoying, Kev! Thanks so much! :)

[luv2cruise53]

So we all enjoyed each others company (these are the same people who I fratenized with all week and whose names escape me..Who Knew?) on the deck in the Bier Garten. Where we put this copius amount of alcohol is as big a mystery as the Bermuda Triangle, which we were now in. The night was positively balmy and the stars were vivid and bright. We all had another hour of great camraderie and then we decided to head downstairs to la Cuccina at about 8:00....Prime time for dining with a group of 8 Kev? Like they say in the song "High Hopes"...

 

So elevate down to 7 and then head down the alley to the Queen's Staircase and then quickly pass The Champagne Bar area regardless of the 1/2 dozen shouts of Mr. Kevin and bartenders smiling and holding up shaker glasses...LOL and to the reception desk for La Cuccina. The hostess looked at us as if we were nuts with no reservations, but after peeking inside and assesing the damage she determined we would have a 45 minute wait. I politely blanched and said, I was not going to wait because I wanted to see Elements. She also politely responded and said Elements is not until tomorrow night and tonite is the Ship crew show. Oh...duh.. OK. Even though I liked the ships crew shows, many are very talented, I decided I had seen enough of them and decided to wait. The others in our group were of a like mind. So where do you think Kev and the group went next...???? Any guesses?...Yep the Mr. Kevin Champagne Bar...where else? But I also opted to run down to 5502 to change from my sailaway clothes into a little more appropriate evening outfit, Khakis, white button down and sandals.

Then past a few dozen pizza boxes and back up to 6 and past the casino which was making up for lost Bermuda closure and into The Champagne Bar...Again....

 

Up next: Italian in la Cucina with a group of 8 ship friends

 

Kev:cool:

[sjn911]

So Kev left the store feeling quite proud for his prudent decision. I proceeded over to the picnic table...with the cig bucket..in the NO SMOKING ZONE...and had a seat. I took my 1/2 pint out of my bag and poured in some fine Bermudan Rum.....

What???....What ...you thought I skipped that step....Helloooooo!!!! have you not been reading the past 40 pages....LOL......Kev was prudent,...for $7.00 he got at least 4 shipboard drinks for 1/4 the price....helloooo, ...my economics teacher taught me that this was prudent.

 

So now Kev sipped, relaxed, reflected,and generally enjoyed the harbor, the view and the waning minutes here in Bermuda. After spilling half my investment trying to get it into the Pepsi bottle, Kev leisurely ...sauntered towards the Beautiful Norwegian Star for a beautiful sail away yet to come.

 

Next Up:

Sail Away (The best one I ever had)

 

Kev:cool:

Also at 53 here...LOL..I could have made the same kind of intelligent decision...LOL...memories of my 30's when i just wanted a 5:30 drink at the last matinee movie on Friday when one could do that...the airplane bourbon in the purse...the coke purchased at the movie theater...it was a compromise:rolleyes::rolleyes::):o:D.

[camz]

Kev - Awaiting the Final Chapter of the saga. I am sure it will be a good one. :D

[luv2cruise53]

Kev - Awaiting the Final Chapter of the saga. I am sure it will be a good one. :D

 

Final chapter Today Eileen, I think people are over the wait, and I am played out with humorous anectdotes. I enjoyed writing this ...but it really is rather impolitic to stretch out so long...so I will finish this today and then gather pics and thoughts on my Spirit and New Orleans review.

 

Thanks for being so loyal.

 

Kev:rolleyes: