Norwegian Star and General Newbie Cruiser Questions

[tas-99]

A family group of 8 (ages 68, 45, 43, 43, 18, 16, 13 and 6) will be departing on the Star on Nov. 9th. Everyone is a first time cruiser except my dad, who has only cruised once before (about 20 years ago). As you can well imagine, we have lots of questions. (We are from Vancouver, BC, Canada.)

 

Fortunately I found Cruise Critic and have read a great many threads trying to get a feel for what to expect. I only wish I had discovered the site earlier. (Many thanks to Zef for sending me copies of the Freestyle Daily newsletters. They were most welcome.)

 

1. Any recommendation as to what time to show up at the port? Any strategies to make the check in process less stressful?

 

2. Does anyone have a copy of the spa treatment menu and pricing?

 

3. What can you use at the spa for free (if anything)?

 

4. How is this ship and itinerary for kids? The 18 year old is thinking she is too old for the kid stuff and too young for the adult activities on board. And my wife and I are wondering if there will be enough things to keep our 6 year old interested and occupied (and happy!).

 

5. I have a general handle on what you pay for and what you don't, but what can I expect to pay for wine and beer and bottled water? How about the internet service? Any $$ surprises that we should prepare for? (You know, those expenses that you never anticipate but then they jump up and bite ya when you least expect it!)

 

6. How much Mexican currency should we bring? What is the logical denominations to carry? Do the taxi drivers and small shops accept US$?

 

7. Does anyone have a copy of the specialty restaurant menus? A few of them were posted on one of the other threads, but several were missing.

 

8. Any recommendations for a "can't miss" shore excursion? We are struggling with the age restriction issues on many that would otherwise be of interest. We are also looking for one excursion we can all do (and all enjoy) together.

 

9. Any recommendations for a "can't miss" activity while on board? Alternatively, any recommendations for an "avoid at all costs" activity?

 

10. I expect to take LOTS of digital pics while away, and would prefer not to have to bring my laptop. Can you download your pics at the Internet Cafe and burn them onto a CD? If so, do they charge an arm and a leg?

 

11. We are booked into an AE Penthouse (8670), with two inside state rooms across the hall. If any of you have ever been in one of these Penthouse suites, I'd love to hear what it's like? (Does the balcony wrap around the corner?) Pictures would also be great.

 

Needless to say, we would welcome any/all information or suggestions from all of you cruise vets.

 

Feel free to email me direct at:

 

stopspam-01@shaw.ca

 

Thanks in advance. Happy cruising.

 

Gregg

[tas-99]

A family group of 8 (ages 68, 45, 43, 43, 18, 16, 13 and 6) will be departing on the Star on Nov. 9th. Everyone is a first time cruiser except my dad, who has only cruised once before (about 20 years ago). As you can well imagine, we have lots of questions. (We are from Vancouver, BC, Canada.)

 

Fortunately I found Cruise Critic and have read a great many threads trying to get a feel for what to expect. I only wish I had discovered the site earlier. (Many thanks to Zef for sending me copies of the Freestyle Daily newsletters. They were most welcome.)

 

1. Any recommendation as to what time to show up at the port? Any strategies to make the check in process less stressful?

 

2. Does anyone have a copy of the spa treatment menu and pricing?

 

3. What can you use at the spa for free (if anything)?

 

4. How is this ship and itinerary for kids? The 18 year old is thinking she is too old for the kid stuff and too young for the adult activities on board. And my wife and I are wondering if there will be enough things to keep our 6 year old interested and occupied (and happy!).

 

5. I have a general handle on what you pay for and what you don't, but what can I expect to pay for wine and beer and bottled water? How about the internet service? Any $$ surprises that we should prepare for? (You know, those expenses that you never anticipate but then they jump up and bite ya when you least expect it!)

 

6. How much Mexican currency should we bring? What is the logical denominations to carry? Do the taxi drivers and small shops accept US$?

 

7. Does anyone have a copy of the specialty restaurant menus? A few of them were posted on one of the other threads, but several were missing.

 

8. Any recommendations for a "can't miss" shore excursion? We are struggling with the age restriction issues on many that would otherwise be of interest. We are also looking for one excursion we can all do (and all enjoy) together.

 

9. Any recommendations for a "can't miss" activity while on board? Alternatively, any recommendations for an "avoid at all costs" activity?

 

10. I expect to take LOTS of digital pics while away, and would prefer not to have to bring my laptop. Can you download your pics at the Internet Cafe and burn them onto a CD? If so, do they charge an arm and a leg?

 

11. We are booked into an AE Penthouse (8670), with two inside state rooms across the hall. If any of you have ever been in one of these Penthouse suites, I'd love to hear what it's like? (Does the balcony wrap around the corner?) Pictures would also be great.

 

Needless to say, we would welcome any/all information or suggestions from all of you cruise vets.

 

Feel free to email me direct at:

 

stopspam-01@shaw.ca

 

Thanks in advance. Happy cruising.

 

Gregg

[Leafpeeper]

We sailed the NCL Dawn and loved it and hope to sail her twin, NCL Star, in the future. We enjoy cruising on many other cruiselines as well, but really love the freestyle concept.

 

There is a $10pp per day placed on your account to cover tipping for restaurants and room stewards. Alcoholic beverages also include a 15% tip added on. My husband didn't realize this was inlcuded and was adding another 20% on his drinks on the optional tip line on his receipt. No wonder the service was so fast.

 

The spa has an open house with introductory tour the day you arrive onboard, along with free champagne. There are also Spa specials at the end of the cruise posted in your daily planner. I always advise people to wait until the end of the cruise to purchase anything on the ship. There is a sidewalk sale with great bargains. Slot machines seem to loosen up as well on the last sea day.

 

We liked the stadium style pool area and enjoyed sitting at the outdoor bar at the top when we departed ports for the panoramic view of each port.

 

Hope you enjoy the Star as much as I enjoyed the Dawn. Check and see if there are 2 for 1 bar specials after 11pm. We bought a bucket of beer and got one free at night. Our fridge was well stocked for balcony use.

[immargaret]

Welcome to the CC boards. I'll try to answer a couple of your questions, sorry I can't help with the others.

 

1. There are a couple strategies to showing up at the port. The first group will arrive between 11 and 11:30 (This will be me) and there will be quite a line gathering, but you will be among the first on the ship. If you arrive around noon the lines may be a bit shorter, unless the earlier group wasn't allowed to board for some reason. Usually there is another rush of people who arrive at 1, because this is the time that NCL puts on the tickets to arrive (I think). I prefer getting there early and getting on the ship as soon as possible, so I can enjoy a nice sit down lunch and explore the ship.

 

3. In the SPA area is an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, lounge chairs with a great view, saunas, locker rooms and shower area that can all be used by adults (no one under 18) without a charge. You can get a tour of the spa and this area when you get on the ship, they also have a drawing to enter in the spa area.

 

4. The 6 year old will have a great time in the children's program, they do some awsome things. The 18 year old will have a great time if they go in with the right attitude, and meet up with others her age. She will be able to gamble in the casino, play bingo, and drink if you sign the form... Check out the roll calls here at CC and see if there are any cruisers her age going on the same cruise as you are.

 

5. Internet fees on NCL ships:

0.75 per minute

Time Package Plan:

250 minutes for $100 ($0.40 per minute)

100 minutes for $55 ($0.55 per minute)

 

There are a few internet cafe type places very close to the different ports on the Mexican Riviera cruise. In Acapulco there is one right in the port building that you walk through to get back on the ship, prices were very cheap...

 

Bottles of water were about $4 I believe (larger bottles) but if you bring your own container the tap water on the ship is very good. You can also bring on your own sodas/waters and keep them in the refridgeratior in the cabin.

 

6. No need to bring along any mexican currency. The ports are all pretty much used to tourists and accept US currency easily. They may on occassion return your change in Mexican currency, so bring along small denominations. I also like to bring along plenty of extra $1's for tipping the room service staff. I order my breakfast the night before and use the room service phone call in the morning as my wake up call, since they normally call about 5 minutes before the food arrives. You can get extras cash from the casino desk, they will allow you to take $1000 a day and charge it to your on board account. No need to carry large amounts of cash while travelling to the ship. There is also an ATM in the casino, but I'm not sure if it charges a fee.

 

9. Don't miss Shaun F. the Magician, he is awsome and will be leaving the STAR soon. The Murder Mystery dinner was fun, sign up quickly since it does fill up...they normally have the sign up a day before the event. The Chocoholic buffet is always beautiful, go early to get photos before everyone comes in and eats it all up. This is very popular so arrive early so you aren't waiting in a long line. If they are having it late at night they will offer to-go plates so you can take it back to your cabin and keep it in the refridge until your in the mood for chocolate. We also enjoyed the liars club show, the not so newlywed game, and the who wants to be a billionaire shows.

 

10. They don't allow downloads at the internet cafe, but I believe they will burn a CD for you at the photo gallery...but it will probably be expensive. I brought along my laptop for just that reason, also used it to watch DVD's on our plane flight.

 

Well, that's a start to some of your questions......maybe someone else can give you more information.

 

:)

[seahorse]

Very good Margaret:)

 

I stayed in 8672 next to 8670 The bal does wrap around but it does get narrower.

 

You do get a lot of sea spray on deck 8.

[angelsx4]

Hi!

We're going in January with our 4, we're 37, 36, 13, 10, 8 & 8. We've been on Mexican Riviera itineraries before, but never on NCL. You should not bring Mexican currency. You'll never need it. Just bring lots of $1 bills. If there is change to give back to you, they'll give it in Mexican currency and you'll never get your proper currency back, not enough time or places. We gave our last pesos(change) to some teenagers at the dock. Also, we have booked(you don't pay anything until you get there) http://www.ranchoelcharro.com/cruise_ship.htm for Puerto Vallarta. If we were going to Mazatlan we'd be doing Randi's Happy Horses again in a heartbeat. The ziplines and pirate ship look like they're very popular for cruisers and we want to be kind of off the beaten path. My inlaws stayed in P.V. too a few years ago and think this is the tour they went on and it was the highlight of their vacation there. If you do go, don't forget to give a full review please! P.V. has LOTS to do so it's difficult to decide. We plan on just beaching/shopping next to the pier it in Zihuatenejo and Cabo San Lucas. Acapulco we're probably going over to Fort Diego on our own. I understand it is RIGHT across the street from the pier, so you can walk it and on your own costs a fraction of what NCL charges.

 

Have you checked out the ports of call boards on here? There is a ton of info on the Mexico board.

 

Have fun!!!!!

 

Edited to add, I will be 37 by the time we go - LOL! Ugh, I hate my birthday because it's just 2 days before Christmas.

[KRANKYK]

A family group of 8 (ages 68, 45, 43, 43, 18, 16, 13 and 6) will be departing on the Star on Nov. 9th.

 

We will be on the 11/9/05 cruise too! I am glad you asked those questions, I think I know everything I need to know now!! I am still trying to figure out what time to arrive at the port in San Pedro. We live about 30-40 minutes away...so I am not sure what time to leave my house! I guess it depends on if I am finished packing the night before! :p

 

PS Thanks immargaret for the repsonses!

 

[immargaret]

I am still trying to figure out what time to arrive at the port in San Pedro. We live about 30-40 minutes away...so I am not sure what time to leave my house! I guess it depends on if I am finished packing the night before! :p

 

My vote is still to arrive as early as possible. There is something about the feeling of the quiet ship, before the crowds. It is a great time to get photos without all the people in them. One of the main dining rooms will be open and serving lunch, take along your Freestyle to mark off the events you don't want to miss the rest of the afternoon. Have a tropical drink while sitting on your balcony/or upper deck watching the people waiting to get on the ship. Check out the beds to make sure they are comfortable. The ship will be holding an open house in the SPA, and usually have the casino set up with different promotions. Also the earlier you arrive the sooner you can make your Specialty Restaurant reservations, and possibly sign up for a shore excursion.

 

Don't forget to try the Fish and Chips in the Blue Lagoon at some point during the cruise, I must have ordered them about 10 times during our cruise, they were addictive.

 

:)

[Lobbylin]

Hi - sorry I can't answer many of your questions, but here's some comments to help you on your way...

 

The wine list for NCL can be found on their website - I think bottles start from around $23 +15% gratuity (red and white). You can download a form to order in advance if you wish. Afraid I don't know about beers. With regards to water - I usually buy bottles in port and take them aboard as water on board is more pricey. You can bring water/soda on boards but no wines/spirits etc

 

With regards to excursions - you may want to post what ports your are visiting for more advice, or go directly to the CC ports of calls pages for hands-on advice of good excursions and DIY excursions.

 

With regards to potential extras to budget for - do try one of the speciality restaurants ($10-15pp surcharge) at least once on board - the food is truly wonderful and you won't regret it. Maybe just consider it for the adults as you have such a large group. The Bistro on the NCL Star is oustanding IMHO.

 

You'll love the aft penthouse! I'm sure there were photo links posted on this NCL CC site of an AE suite - do a word search and I'm sure you'll find them.

 

The only other thing I can think of that may assist you is regarding a soda card for the teens, but I don't know the prices of these (I'm sure NCL offer one)

 

Have a great time!:)

 

Sorry I can't answer the other questions -

[Happy ks]

First off, don't worry about the kids, they will have a great time!

 

Yes, you do have to pay for wine, beer and bottled water.

 

One thing that can add up is professional pictures. Wait until late in the week to make any choices, if you buy them in advance, you may find you like other ones better later in the week.

 

Yes, you can burn a CD onboard, but I don't know the price. I would take 2 cards along, just in case the photo shop does it and they need to keep your card a day or so.

 

Excursion for one and all :eek: . How in the world are you going to get 8 people to agree on this? We sailed with a group of 15 last year and our rule was not to try to stay together, onshore or onboard, we met at dinner every night.

 

As far as I can remember, the lap pool and spas (whirlpool bath) was no charge in the spa, as well as steam room (or was it a sauna?). They had nice showers there, if any of your staterooms have too many people while getting ready for dinner.

 

I definitely would recommend at least one night in a specialty restaurant. I would also suggest to opt out of the formal night, of course not everyone will agree with this. We opted out, had a very nice dinner and passed by the same people standing in the same lines waiting for photos and the dining room. We dressed nicely, to blend in that evening, but it was nice not to have all the formal clothes along.

 

Star is the only cruise ship in port on November 9th, so it will be easy to get to. I'm not positive about this ship, but on others, you will need to keep your carryon items with you until about 1pm or so, the staterooms are not always ready when they start boarding. Many ships start checking in around 11-11:30, with embarkation starting around noon.

 

I've run out of answers, but I'll bet you may be able to find some pricing and other answers on the NCL site.

 

p.s. I never find out menu choices in advance, I like a little bit of surprise on my cruises!

 

Have a marvelous cruise!

[KRANKYK]

My vote is still to arrive as early as possible. There is something about the feeling of the quiet ship, before the crowds. It is a great time to get photos without all the people in them. One of the main dining rooms will be open and serving lunch, take along your Freestyle to mark off the events you don't want to miss the rest of the afternoon. Have a tropical drink while sitting on your balcony/or upper deck watching the people waiting to get on the ship. Check out the beds to make sure they are comfortable. The ship will be holding an open house in the SPA, and usually have the casino set up with different promotions. Also the earlier you arrive the sooner you can make your Specialty Restaurant reservations, and possibly sign up for a shore excursion.

 

Don't forget to try the Fish and Chips in the Blue Lagoon at some point during the cruise, I must have ordered them about 10 times during our cruise, they were addictive.

 

:)

 

Right on! Love all this info!!!

 

I do have one more question -- and it actually makes me feel like I am in high school trying to push the dress code, but are jean skirts acceptable in the dining areas? My skirts are not torn or tattered....and I would wear a dressy top with it....:confused:

[seahorse]

My vote is still to arrive as early as possible. There is something about the feeling of the quiet ship, before the crowds. It is a great time to get photos without all the people in them. One of the main dining rooms will be open and serving lunch, take along your Freestyle to mark off the events you don't want to miss the rest of the afternoon. Have a tropical drink while sitting on your balcony/or upper deck watching the people waiting to get on the ship. Check out the beds to make sure they are comfortable. The ship will be holding an open house in the SPA, and usually have the casino set up with different promotions. Also the earlier you arrive the sooner you can make your Specialty Restaurant reservations, and possibly sign up for a shore excursion.

 

Don't forget to try the Fish and Chips in the Blue Lagoon at some point during the cruise, I must have ordered them about 10 times during our cruise, they were addictive.

 

:)

 

I agree, arrive as soon as possible. When we sailed in March we were one of the first 20 in line. We watched the LONG line move ever so slowly as we had our lunch, etc.:D

[Zeno]

Most of what you need to know has been covered and since I have not been on the Star I cannot give you Star specific info.

In my opinion:

Don't miss the chocoholic buffet

Under no circumstances order the "lamb kebab" (if they are still offering it). it is the only main course I truly did not like. Oddly all other lamb dishes were great.

Eat at at least one specialty (pay extra) restaurant.

My favorite 'theme' night in the dining room is 'President's Night'. Some good and interesting choices available.

READ the Freestyle Daily religiously - so much useful info - like restaurant opening times, special activities and events etc.

Dining times: When we went to dinner between 6 and 6:30 PM on the Sun and the Sky we never had to wait longer than a minute or two to be seated.

If you dine at 'prime time' (around 7PM), you may have to wait longer to be seated. (The longest we had to wait was about 5 minutes at 7:15 BUT there were only two of us.)

Have a great cruise!

[immargaret]

I do have one more question -- and it actually makes me feel like I am in high school trying to push the dress code, but are jean skirts acceptable in the dining areas? My skirts are not torn or tattered....and I would wear a dressy top with it....:confused:

 

My daughter (15) wore a jean skirt (dark colored) one night with a nice looking blouse and no one said anything, actually I didn't even think about it until the next night. There is always the chance that they might say something as you were entering, and I know I would be embarrassed if they did......so I probably wouldn't take a chance. However, the actual dress code on the NCL site specifically says blue jeans which I take to mean pants not skirts. I think it used to use the term denim, which was a fabric and would be no denim material. I hope some of that made sense.

 

NCL/ NCLA does not allow any blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, bare feet, etc. in any of our fine dining restaurants for dinner, including all main restaurants, alternative restaurants, and cover charge venues.

 

There are several things that stay in my cruise suitcase so I forget not to pack them: Highlighter marker, for marking the Freestyle daily so we remember where/when/what we want to do. Binocculars for watching the Whales/dolphins off the aft/stern balcony. Post it notes for leaving messages for our cabin stewards.

[lunaseaII]

Here's the spa menu... http://www.ncl.com/more/spa_menu1.htm#massage

[bluehorizonlover123]

We will be on the Star over xmas. I can email you some of your answers if you want to email me directly.

[Bennett'sCruise]

The STAR is by far our favorite ship.:D

 

Don't worry about Mexican money. Everyone accepts US$. BTW: don't bring just big bills. You need to bring lots of small bills.

 

We like to plan on boarding around 11 a.m. (unless there is a Coast Guard drill going on for the crew) ... we get to the port around 10:30 a.m.

 

Check-in less stressful? Just make sure you have your on-line registration filled out for everyone and everyone's proper ID. Make sure your have your NCL luggage tags on your luggage BEFORE you get to the port! You will give your bags to a stevadore for handling ... take just your carry-ons with you to check-in.

 

Can't Miss Shore Excursions for All Ages: the Zip-Line in Puerto Vallarta! Not the one thru the cruise-line, but Los Veranos (you can Google them for the info).

 

Have a great time on the STAR! We will be sailing her again and again ....

 

~dianne

[Bennett'sCruise]

The STAR is by far our favorite ship.:D

 

Don't worry about Mexican money. Everyone accepts US$. BTW: don't bring just big bills. You need to bring lots of small bills.

 

We like to plan on boarding around 11 a.m. (unless there is a Coast Guard drill going on for the crew) ... we get to the port around 10:30 a.m.

 

Check-in less stressful? Just make sure you have your on-line registration filled out for everyone and everyone's proper ID. Make sure your have your NCL luggage tags on your luggage BEFORE you get to the port! You will give your bags to a stevadore for handling ... take just your carry-ons with you to check-in.

 

Can't Miss Shore Excursions for All Ages: the Zip-Line in Puerto Vallarta! Not the one thru the cruise-line, but Los Veranos (you can Google them for the info).

 

Have a great time on the STAR! We will be sailing her again and again ....

 

~dianne

[immargaret]

Remember to pack the essentials in your carry on bag, since you may not see your checked luggage for a few hours. Pack extra clothing if you will be changing once on the ship, medications, cameras and anything you might need right away.

 

Kid's Crew™ Refillable Soda Fountain Cup (12 years of age and under)* Pricing is subject to change without notice

 

 

7-day cruise

Item #342-7 - $16.00

10-day cruise

Item #342-8 - $22.00

 

 

 

 

Teen Passport Program (13 - 17 years of age)* Pricing is subject to change without notice

Item #343 - $34.50

 

• 20 non-alcoholic drinks, including non-alcoholic smoothie in a 12-14 oz. Glass
  
• The teen and a guest are entitled to an afternoon dance party with the D.J., pizza and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
  
• The Teen will also receive an invitation to a "Farewell Frat Party" on the last evening of the cruise. Passports are not replaceable if lost.
  

Adult Refillable Soda Fountain Cup

* Pricing is subject to change without notice

Adult Soda Program.

Prepaid @ $5.75 per day per person x Cruise days

Unlimited Fountain Soda

The entire cruise must be purchased

Non-Refundable.

[tas-99]

WOW. Thanks to everyone for their input. This is great.

 

Please keep the tips and comments coming.

 

I am one of those people that likes to be prepared, and since this is a brand new experience, being prepared isn't easy!

 

At any rate, everyone's assistance is very much appreciated.

[tas-99]

Oh... forgot to mention.

 

If any of you "cruise veterans" ever stops off in Vancouver on your way to Alaska (or starts in Vancouver for that matter), be sure to let me know.

 

I've lived in Vancouver all my life, and would be pleased to offer some suggestions to any cruise visitors.

 

Gregg

[immargaret]

10. I expect to take LOTS of digital pics while away, and would prefer not to have to bring my laptop. Can you download your pics at the Internet Cafe and burn them onto a CD? If so, do they charge an arm and a leg?

 

Instead of paying to have a CD burned on the ship or carrying around your laptop computer, how about just purchasing an extra memory card for your camera. The prices on the memory cards have come down quite a bit lately, and it can be reused. Don't forget to bring the charger for your camera, or extra batteries.

[tas-99]

Margaret...

 

If you knew what my definition was of LOTS of digital pictures, you would understand why buying extra memory cards isn't an option. (The cards would cost double what I paid for the camera.) LOL.

 

Suffice to say that on a recent 10 day trip to Orlando with my family I took well in excess of 1,000 pics. Edited them down to 200 of the best and made a great family CD (with music) for the scrapbook.

 

I'm really not one of those obsessive camera nuts (honest!) and will rountinely go months without even thinking about taking pics. But put me on a vacation, with my little guy running about with a grin on his face, and my Dad gene kicks in and I just can't help securing the memory. (I keep thinking that once he is a teenager I will need all the visual reassurance I can get my hands on to remind me that at one time my son really was a happy, expressive lad!)

 

Gregg

[angelsx4]

When we were on the Elation we brought the laptop and burned copies of all the pics for my bil/sil who were right next to us. That way they left with copies right off the ship. Bring the laptop ;)

[immargaret]

I took about 475 pictures on the last cruise, each of the memory cards holds 300 photos. I did have the lap top and used it each night for downloading photos, and viewing the CD of pictures (they took of us)taken on the Shotover boat ride in Acapulco...this might be a good excursion for your group??? I also used the laptop to view the DVD they took of our group at the LosVernos Jungle Zip Line excursion (on our own).

 

I start early with my photo taking and take photos of the cruise documents/tickets and luggage tags that arrive before we cruise. I use this as the first page of my scrapbook for the cruise.

 

:)