NCL Star Penthouse Suite

[Freespir8]

I haven't stayed in an AFT cabin but for an example of how noisy it can be take

a walk on the wild side - the jogging walking track on ships that have it. Stop

at the aft (Fan Tail) of the ship and take in the thundering thrust of the

propellers moving the ship along. Quite exhilarating but not all that noisy.

The jogging walking track is found on deck 7 (Promenade) on the DAWN and

the STAR and on deck 6 on the SUN. The next three decks up have the AFT

facing cabins (suites and mini-suites) - noise generally travels in an upward

direction so you should expect the same amount of exposure. By the time you

get to the top most aft deck be it a - sun deck; helicopter pad whatever the

noise has dispersed into the wind in your face.

 

One of the undesirable noise factors with the AFT cabins is when the ship is

maneuvering in port and the thrusters are moving the ship from side to side.

Significant vibration can be felt when this is being done but not a lot of noise.

Another factor is those cabins directly about the (Spinnaker) entertainment

lounge receiving excessive noise from whatever the entertainment is.

The FWD cabins those over the theatre can also get this noise but not as

much.

 

For first time cruisers - walk about the ship and take in the scope of the pro's

and con's - the good - the bad - and the ugly of cabin locations and the noise

presented at each. One note on any ship with hardwood deck floors avoid

selecting a cabin right underneath that deck. Movement of chairs tables and

maintenance equipment on the sounding - reverberated wood floors will leave

an impression of a location with something to stay away from. The carpeted

floors should be OK but beware of traffic patterns where galley equipment -

bus carts (dirty dishes etc.) passes over bumps in the floor and into and out

of service areas. If you choose your cabin poorly don't be afraid to go to the

Guest Registration Desk for any adjustments that can be made. NCL knows

where these 'LEMON' cabins are. With some idea where and when noise

happens you can make a better choice on your next trip.

That sweetheart cabin with the AFT viewing was oh so nice but it was located

right over that theatre surround sound BASS speaker ! BOOM-DA-DA BOOM !

 

Thanks Robert! Good to know.

 

I'm going to be the voice of dissent here annietownsend. We've stayed in Dawn's (sister to Star) aft penthouses on deck 10 twice. Gorgeous views' date=' loved watching for marine life on the way back to Boston from Bermuda, nice cabin, quiet location, but I'm not a fan of the wake and propeller noises. I certainly couldn't fall asleep out on the balcony. Even when Dawn was going slower for the 2 days down to BDA it was noisier than I like. Maybe next trip we'll try a forward suite if I can figure out one where people or the bridge wouldn't be able to look down on us. I actually brought foam earplugs last year, but I could still hear the churning water noise. Hey - talk about your first world problems, huh?[/quote']

 

That's what I was concerned about. I decided to try the Aft with my sister instead of my husband who is much more noise sensitive than I am. It would literally ruin a cruise for him if it were too noisy for him. Being the good, committed wife that I am, I was willing to "sacrifice" and experience the aft first, just in case. ;) Noise isn't a huge deal for me so it will be fun to see what it is like. Thanks for your feedback. You are right...first world problems.

 

We will be on the Dawn in a forward suite in October. I have heard great things about how peaceful it is. Do a quick search on CC and you will get all types of opinions. I am anxious to see what we think..it will be our longest cruise yet, so I hope we love it. I have also heard that it doesn't feel like people are "peering" down on you...the bridge has seen it all I am sure and they probably have very little desire watching people on their balconies. Plus, at night it's pitch black so if you are looking for privacy, that might be good timing.

Edited January 18, 2016 by annietownsend

[Linda the Book Lover]

We did, but enjoyed our aft corner on the Gem a little more.

 

Which cabin? We are considering the Gem or the Jewel. We loved the Pearl but I don't think we will be going back to Alaska anytime soon. we are both craving warmth on our vacations.

[jpcdds6]

Which cabin? We are considering the Gem or the Jewel. We loved the Pearl but I don't think we will be going back to Alaska anytime soon. we are both craving warmth on our vacations.

 

We were in cabin 9170 on the Gem when she was sailing the western med. Great cabin, great ship, great cruise.

[Linda the Book Lover]

We were in cabin 9170 on the Gem when she was sailing the western med. Great cabin, great ship, great cruise.

 

Thanks a bunch!

[overeazy1]

Just curious, if a suite gets you priority boarding when you arrive at the port do they have a separate line for you or how will they know?

[Linda the Book Lover]

Just curious, if a suite gets you priority boarding when you arrive at the port do they have a separate line for you or how will they know?

 

Yes there is a separate line. There is a priority area in the terminal. There will be someone there to greet you. If they are not ready they will have you sit in a different area until they call to line up for your key card and paperwork. Then you will get snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the suite area to enjoy while you wait to embark.

[don't-use-real-name]

Yes there is a separate line. There is a priority area in the terminal. There will be someone there to greet you. If they are not ready they will have you sit in a different area until they call to line up for your key card and paperwork. Then you will get snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the suite area to enjoy while you wait to embark.

 

Usually the check-in; financial paperwork and photo image for the key card is

done prior to waiting and snacking.

While in the waiting area the Concierge or assistant will provide you with your

key card and other forms/data and then whether your cabin (suite) is ready or

not your butler or his alternate will escort you onboard to your cabin.

If not ready then you will be left at Cagney's for lunch or where ever you

want to go.

Cabin should be ready after lunch.

In most cases if the cabin is ready or not you can drop and stash your carry-on baggage in the suite.

The cabin steward will be somewhere in the area tiding things up and closing

the cabin door when finished.

It just works so well you are left with a remarkable memorable experience !

At least that is the impression I am left with and can post all about it here.

 

Oh and Linda the Book Lover hope to meet you in a ships Library sometime !

Edited January 21, 2016 by don't-use-real-name

[overeazy1]

Thanks for the information. Starting to get excited and the wife does not know we are in a suite so will be a surprise for her I hope. Wonder if she will notice the special treatment.

[phissy]

We did a family suite (SJ) on the Star through the PAnama Canal. 14 day cruise.

 

As a couple, we really enjoyed the HUGH suite and fabulous bathroom. Best bathroom we have had since

booking Suites.

Floor to ceiling windows, no balcony. Central Americal is hot and humid and we were just fine with no balcony. Sat next to the windows, in our bathrobes, enjoying coffee and room service breakfast, as we passed through 1st half o ft he crossing.

Booked same suite for Baltic cruise. Due to health issues, that cruise was cancelled. We just booked deluxe penthouse with large balcony on POA and the space is similar to a Mini suite with larger balcony. Same bathroom as mini suite:confused:

[Linda the Book Lover]

Usually the check-in; financial paperwork and photo image for the key card is

done prior to waiting and snacking.

While in the waiting area the Concierge or assistant will provide you with your

key card and other forms/data and then whether your cabin (suite) is ready or

not your butler or his alternate will escort you onboard to your cabin.

If not ready then you will be left at Cagney's for lunch or where ever you

want to go.

Cabin should be ready after lunch.

In most cases if the cabin is ready or not you can drop and stash your carry-on baggage in the suite.

The cabin steward will be somewhere in the area tiding things up and closing

the cabin door when finished.

It just works so well you are left with a remarkable memorable experience !

At least that is the impression I am left with and can post all about it here.

 

Oh and Linda the Book Lover hope to meet you in a ships Library sometime !

 

I always travel with my Kindle but one never knows:) We arrived early for the Star and the desk was not quite ready so we sat in one area with other early birds until they called us to the line to check in and then onward to the next area for treats!

[overeazy1]

Thanks for the information. Starting to get excited and the wife does not know we are in a suite so will be a surprise for her I hope. Wonder if she will notice the special treatment.

[don't-use-real-name]

Thanks for the information. Starting to get excited and the wife does not know we are in a suite so will be a surprise for her I hope. Wonder if she will notice the special treatment.

 

Good Luck pulling off the surprise.

Putting on the baggage tags will not be the give away.

Checking in may give you away - as suites are given priority over

other classes of cabins.

When directed to a special waiting area - alert something is up !

A personal escort past other passengers will be hard to ignore.

Depending on how you arrive at your large cabin going by

smaller ones should be eye revealing.

Getting an escort to lunch at Cagney's - what's with this ?

The bottle of champagne or sparkling bubbly - Hummm

waiting in your stateroom ! And the chocolate strawberries !

 

You got a whole lot of "splaining" to do !

 

So happy birthday anniversary or whatever the occasion !

 

Don't forget the towel animals and chocolates with the evening

turn down service.

 

Now kiss the wife and fade to black enjoy your suite cruise !

[gmasters]

Good Luck pulling off the surprise.

Putting on the baggage tags will not be the give away.

Checking in may give you away - as suites are given priority over

other classes of cabins.

When directed to a special waiting area - alert something is up !

A personal escort past other passengers will be hard to ignore.

Depending on how you arrive at your large cabin going by

smaller ones should be eye revealing.

Getting an escort to lunch at Cagney's - what's with this ?

The bottle of champagne or sparkling bubbly - Hummm

waiting in your stateroom ! And the chocolate strawberries !

 

You got a whole lot of "splaining" to do !

 

So happy birthday anniversary or whatever the occasion !

 

Don't forget the towel animals and chocolates with the evening

turn down service.

 

Now kiss the wife and fade to black enjoy your suite cruise !

 

I returned after typing this to say,... wow its a longer story when you type it.. Any way I hope it helps some men plan for a surprise

 

Our 2nd trip on the Star was a few years past but my husband pulled out the largest shock of my life other than when he asked me to marry him.

 

The year before we had booked a cruise with some friends and we had a rear balcony suite, our friends had a MINI, NCL called and my husband moved us from the back the DOS in front with the two balcony's while at the same time paying for our friends to get our aft suite from the MINI they booked.

 

That trip was great and service was wonderful for all 4 of us..

 

So the next year we said HAY, lets do the Star Again, well we picked the same aft suite and started packing...

 

Well, I was not told but once again NCL called 5 days before we left and up sold my husband to the Garden Villa, his only requested was that I get to the Villa without me knowing.

 

Reading some of the above troubles posted seems like that would be issue. But for me who learned to just relax when we travel I missed some of the clues, But some like the faster check in, the butler taking us to our room all happened last year.

 

My husband was checking us in at the counter and I was just in my own little zone. Anyway as the woman was doing the paperwork must have gotten the 'NOTES' placed in the reservations about 'ME' not knowing anything about our cabin. She waved over some other person to wreathe notes as well. I didn't notice but they both knotted to my husband they got the notes.

 

So shortly the he we go moving along to the ship, and our ( what I thought was a rear suite) I once again didn't get hint at the time but we entered the elevator and our guide asked for my husbands ROOM KEY. The doors open and and we walked into this what looked like a lounge of some type with a piano and lots of windows over looking the pool.

Then he walked down some hallway and pointed into what looked like to me THREE CABINS.

At this point I was not sure if we were even on the same boat as the year before. This looked nothing like our friends aft suite from last year but maybe I missed something.

It was about this time I asked what was going to be known as the "what" question.

I say, "so these rooms all have access to the same lounge" !!!

He looked at me and replayed ..What? I asked again maybe different. His reply will be burned into my memory.

No, Miss.. this is all one cabin this space is only for you..

Still not really sure if I understood him he now says, do you want to see your Patio...(me thinking balcony)

Look if you havent had the chance to walk the Garden Villa in a cabin crawl, or booked it the first time than You will not understand what I felt.

Its about here I once again showing us the hot tub, sauna, and leading to the upper sun deck.

I had to start asking myself what world was I living, I stopped our guide and once again asked... who has access to this space...

His look was as shocked as mine when he must have caught on that I had no idea of the cabin and the space MY husband booked.

 

Lets just say I was a little teary eyed.

 

The last part of his surprise wasn't really a surprise but a shock, he now tells me that he posted here on THIS web page that anyone was welcome to stop by during the sail away. Im thinking ....why!!!

Anyway a good amount of people stopped by and toured our cabin and chatted with us out in the garden area.

 

Only one thing I will sat about the trip was WOW 7 days isn't enough, the good part was we didn't get off ship at any ports... we had just seen them last year. It was wild sleeping in the three beds. And yes it was more than I could have thought possible.

 

we leave 4/17/16 on the Star for our first TA in our aft 10726 suite that we have booked two other times. This time no up sell but If they would have called. Im sure he would have said HELL YA

 

So you guys keep treating your ladies right and keep those up sells a surprise

 

Donna

[Freespir8]

I returned after typing this to say,... wow its a longer story when you type it.. Any way I hope it helps some men plan for a surprise

 

Our 2nd trip on the Star was a few years past but my husband pulled out the largest shock of my life other than when he asked me to marry him.

 

The year before we had booked a cruise with some friends and we had a rear balcony suite, our friends had a MINI, NCL called and my husband moved us from the back the DOS in front with the two balcony's while at the same time paying for our friends to get our aft suite from the MINI they booked.

 

That trip was great and service was wonderful for all 4 of us..

 

So the next year we said HAY, lets do the Star Again, well we picked the same aft suite and started packing...

 

Well, I was not told but once again NCL called 5 days before we left and up sold my husband to the Garden Villa, his only requested was that I get to the Villa without me knowing.

 

Reading some of the above troubles posted seems like that would be issue. But for me who learned to just relax when we travel I missed some of the clues, But some like the faster check in, the butler taking us to our room all happened last year.

 

My husband was checking us in at the counter and I was just in my own little zone. Anyway as the woman was doing the paperwork must have gotten the 'NOTES' placed in the reservations about 'ME' not knowing anything about our cabin. She waved over some other person to wreathe notes as well. I didn't notice but they both knotted to my husband they got the notes.

 

So shortly the he we go moving along to the ship, and our ( what I thought was a rear suite) I once again didn't get hint at the time but we entered the elevator and our guide asked for my husbands ROOM KEY. The doors open and and we walked into this what looked like a lounge of some type with a piano and lots of windows over looking the pool.

Then he walked down some hallway and pointed into what looked like to me THREE CABINS.

At this point I was not sure if we were even on the same boat as the year before. This looked nothing like our friends aft suite from last year but maybe I missed something.

It was about this time I asked what was going to be known as the "what" question.

I say, "so these rooms all have access to the same lounge" !!!

He looked at me and replayed ..What? I asked again maybe different. His reply will be burned into my memory.

No, Miss.. this is all one cabin this space is only for you..

Still not really sure if I understood him he now says, do you want to see your Patio...(me thinking balcony)

Look if you havent had the chance to walk the Garden Villa in a cabin crawl, or booked it the first time than You will not understand what I felt.

Its about here I once again showing us the hot tub, sauna, and leading to the upper sun deck.

I had to start asking myself what world was I living, I stopped our guide and once again asked... who has access to this space...

His look was as shocked as mine when he must have caught on that I had no idea of the cabin and the space MY husband booked.

 

Lets just say I was a little teary eyed.

 

The last part of his surprise wasn't really a surprise but a shock, he now tells me that he posted here on THIS web page that anyone was welcome to stop by during the sail away. Im thinking ....why!!!

Anyway a good amount of people stopped by and toured our cabin and chatted with us out in the garden area.

 

Only one thing I will sat about the trip was WOW 7 days isn't enough, the good part was we didn't get off ship at any ports... we had just seen them last year. It was wild sleeping in the three beds. And yes it was more than I could have thought possible.

 

we leave 4/17/16 on the Star for our first TA in our aft 10726 suite that we have booked two other times. This time no up sell but If they would have called. Im sure he would have said HELL YA

 

So you guys keep treating your ladies right and keep those up sells a surprise

 

Donna

 

I had as much fun reading this story as I do a standard review! Thank you for sharing that! How fun. I think we should start a thread of personal stories of "how to" or "my experience " surprising your spouse on a cruise.

 

Great stuff..and can't wait to hear about how it turns out for the upgrade and surprise. Please come back and give us all the exciting details!

Edited March 30, 2016 by annietownsend