NCL Star review - Feb 12-26 - Buenos Aires to Antarctica

[alanstarr]

Never done an official review of a cruise before, but thought I’d at least post some random thoughts, as there’s not much info here about the Star and Antarctica.

OVERALL – It was an amazing trip. We were blessed with great weather almost throughout the entire two weeks. Got the “Drake lake” instead of the “Drake shake” both ways. Our first day cruising the Peninsula, there was 100km visibility and we could actually see the continent itself. We did have to skip the Falklands because of rough seas for tendering, but that really didn’t diminish the overall cruise for me.

 

SERVICE – I know there have been lots of complaints about service onboard some ships lately. That was certainly not the case here. From top to bottom, all the crew seemed to be in good moods and happy to serve. There was almost no waiting at any bar or restaurant, despite the fact the cruise was sold out. Cabin stewards still did turndown service. Other than a crowded buffet at times, there were no real crowding issues.

FOOD – I mostly did the buffet, along with 2 MDR dinners and 4 specialty restaurants. I do feel like the buffet food is down just a notch from previous cruises. Some of the dishes that contain chicken or pork were really overcooked. The prime rib was pretty inedible. But for the most part, everything was okay, about the level of a mall food court or a low-level chain restaurant. Of course, everyone has their favorites; as often mentioned, Indian dishes are always a great option. They often had noodle soups available, great to warm you up on those chilly days. And I happen to really like their chicken salad for some reason. 

 

As far as specialty restaurants go, La Cucina continues to be my favorite. Love the Bolognese lasagna and their filet. Cagney’s was also good as usual. Ginzu sushi continues to be okay, but not great. It really should be better, given the level that its supposed to be. Moderno was very good, although I had to specifically request the two filet mignon dishes, they never came around in my first hour of eating. (Cost cutting, or just bad timing on my part? Dunno.)

 

ENTERTAINMENT – As always, a mixed bag, based largely on personal preferences. I absolutely loved “Paradis”, fantastic show. “What The World Needs Now” was enjoyable; Burt Bacharach had just passed away that week, so it was especially apt. “Band On The Run” didn’t do much for me, but in general I’m not a fan of jukebox musicals. The tango/gaucho troupe were VERY good. The ballroom dancing pair were also good, but not my cup of tea. A couple singers and a magic act filled out the bills, all were talented but a bit unremarkable. No comedians.

 

INTERNET – As usual, it was pretty bad. Loading the free CC pages could take 5-10 minutes. But I’ve come to expect it now. I had 300 free minutes, which I parsed out on sea days just to check emails and FB. 

 

CABIN – I had a 5502, which is a porthole OV at the front of the boat. First time cruising where I didn’t have a balcony. I was worried about that a bit, as I spend a lot of time on my balcony usually. But given the weather conditions most days, I don’t feel like I missed out on much. I found a nice little nook up at H2O, where you’re outside but protected from the wind, and spent many hours there. Room itself felt a little bigger than I expected, thought I would feel cramped. As a solo traveler, I had the bed pushed against one of the walls, and that helped out. There was only one night with rough seas that was problem in being up front – not the rocking, which doesn’t bother me. But the loud banging as the ship hit the waves was incredibly disruptive, and I actually used earplugs to sleep for the first time in my life. But it was just that one night, otherwise it was fine.

 

LECTURERS – We had three folks onboard who rotated giving various talks twice on every sea day, always on a different topic. Torre was a biologist who talked about wildlife, Joe was a geologist, and Liam a historian. Torre and Joe were fantastic! Liam was just okay – it was like he was just reading a book report most of the time. I commented that Joe took a boring subject (rocks) and made it really interesting, while Liam took an exciting topic (mostly Shackleton) and made it boring. Having these talks onboard was really special, and it really enhanced the entire experience of the cruise.

EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION – Getting on was a breeze, I had a later boarding time (3pm), and had minimal wait. Getting off took about 30 minutes of standing in line; not horrible, but a little annoying. I was self-assist both times.
 

Didn’t use the gym or spa, so I can’t comment on those. And I’m not a gambler, so never visited the casino. 

 

[bluesea777]

Thanks for the review. Any photos, please?

 

 

[julig22]

On the same cruise and, up until the last minute cancellation at Stanley, it was easily working toward being one on the greatest cruises of all time! (was actually in the theater, excursion ticket in hand, sticker on my shirt when the announcement came...so sad!). But still a fantastic cruise, for reasons already given.

 

Buenos Aires airport and port, for future cruisers, are a little different. There is a port shuttle to/from the ship, no walking in the port- a real consideration if you plan to carry your luggage. If you are taking a NCL post-cruise excursion or using the airport transfer, they take your checked bags directly to the airport and you pick them up there, not the port.

 

If you are flying out the evening your cruise ends, beware!  The Gaucho post cruise excursion gets to the airport about 5 pm - 7 full buses, some 300+ people all trying to check in at the same time. And the AA windows weren't open yet as flights didn't leave until 9 or later. And for some reason, we weren't allowed to take liquids on the plane - even water bought after going through security.  They actually searched everyone's carryon at the gate.

 

And if you want the Gaucho post-cruise excursion, book early - heard there were 40 people on the waiting list!  Venue is large but limited - maybe 300-350 people.

[alanstarr]

31 minutes ago, bluesea777 said:

Thanks for the review. Any photos, please?

 

 

 

To be honest, I didn't think to take too many photos onboard. But here a couple random ones:

Stateroom 5502

Suckling Pig at the buffet:

 

 

Best part of the BTS scenes tour was getting a sneak preview at our future dinners!

[bluesea777]

Photos of Antarctica, etc. We have been on the Star twice. 😉

 

 

[alanstarr]

Ushuaia was a big surprise to me, it was so stunningly beautiful.

 

Smith Island is the first thing to you see once you near Antarctica


Penguin colony on Elephant Island


 

 

[alanstarr]

Admiralty Bay quick panorama

 

 

[alanstarr]

Straight of Magellan quick panorama 

 

 

[alanstarr]

One day we saw over 100 whales! (Verified by two different counts!)

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 2, 2023 by alanstarr

[Ozmodiar]

1 hour ago, julig22 said:

And for some reason, we weren't allowed to take liquids on the plane - even water bought after going through security.  They actually searched everyone's carryon at the gate.

I have had that happen at a couple of different international airports when flying back to the US - I think it depends a bit on how secure the airline (and maybe TSA) feels the airport really is, or what the policy is for that country - it is possible they would have allowed liquid through the main security if it is not restricted on flights within the country/region. So if the US policy is more strict, they need to do a second check.

[Turtles06]

Thanks for taking the time to post a review, and share your lovely photos!  I'm sorry you missed the Falklands, but glad you still had a great trip. 

 

3 hours ago, alanstarr said:

Got the “Drake lake” instead of the “Drake shake” both ways.

 

Ah, too bad.  You missed this (which I enjoyed, but I realize is not fun for most people):

 

[llgator]

We are doing the Scandinavian cruise on the Star in May. I've read such bad reviews on the ship everywhere.  Is it really looking as worn as I've read?

[ziggyuk]

Hi  @alanstarr thanks for the review we are doing this trip in January 2024, I was wondering if the Lecturers (Torre, Joe & Liam) you mention were official NCL lectures?

[alanstarr]

1 hour ago, ziggyuk said:

Hi  @alanstarr thanks for the review we are doing this trip in January 2024, I was wondering if the Lecturers (Torre, Joe & Liam) you mention were official NCL lectures?

 

Pretty sure they were independent. A couple seemed to be there for the season, but I think my cruise was Liam's first time. 

[ziggyuk]

2 minutes ago, alanstarr said:

 

Pretty sure they were independent. A couple seemed to be there for the season, but I think my cruise was Liam's first time. 

 

Thank you, good to hear, I have not experienced this on NCL with the exception of a ranger in Glacier Bay Alaska, looking forward to it 🤩

[Starlight Durban Cruising]

For this cruise, what sort of "winter-Arctic" clothing did you take and use. We're booked for Feb 2025.

 

[alanstarr]

5 hours ago, Starlight Durban Cruising said:

For this cruise, what sort of "winter-Arctic" clothing did you take and use. We're booked for Feb 2025.

 

I'm hardly the one to ask about fashion advice! But I guess my best advice would be "layers". The biggest issue is that in Buenos Aires, there was a heat wave and it was in the 90's, so you have to pack for everything. One the days I wanted to spend a lot of time outdoors, I would just double-up on socks and thermal shirts, plus wear good gloves/hat. 

 

I found a nice hidden spot at the back of the ship in Spice H2O, right near the gym exit. It was protected from the wind, and you could still do lots of sightseeing through the windows from there without freezing, even when raining. 
 

Edited August 19, 2023 by alanstarr

[TennYear]

I will speak to some of this, as we were on the same cruise.  The staff was amazing.  While we have had a couple of NCL's this year where the service is lacking due to staff:customer ratios, this was not the case on the Star and Antarctica.  

In terms of clothing - we brought way more than we needed.  We could have easily taken only half.  And this is from a FLA gal who does not like it below 70*.  The ship itself is well insulated.  So the only need for outer clothing layers is for the excursions and walking out on deck.  Although the 1st day of Elephant Island, they served hot cocoa and churros up on the pool deck.  My husband only wore a single long-sleeved shirt with a winter vest on most of our days outside.  
Keep in mind that Buenos Aries will be having summer, so plan for 80* on the beginning and end days.  And do take the time to stay a few days before and after if your schedule allows.  There is so much we want to go back to Argentina for now.  After all you are flying so far and just skipping a lovely portion of the trip.

In terms of 'being worn' we did not find that to be the case.  It was refurbished in 2021.  

I hope that helps and have a great time!
 

[EldaJ]

Hi … I am going on this trip in a couple of weeks . I was wondering if you needed taller waterproof boots to disembark from the zodiac , trying to keep the suitcase to the minimum ( not my forte ) .

Thanks 

[julig22]

52 minutes ago, EldaJ said:

Hi … I am going on this trip in a couple of weeks . I was wondering if you needed taller waterproof boots to disembark from the zodiac , trying to keep the suitcase to the minimum ( not my forte ) .

Thanks 

Might want to be a little more specific as to what excursion you are taking?  I sincerely hope you aren't thinking you'll take a zodiac to land in Antarctica?

In general, most excursion operators provide boots, dry suits, rain gear as needed.

[EldaJ]

Thanks .. lol . was thinking side trips 

[TennYear]

On 1/19/2024 at 2:38 PM, EldaJ said:

Thanks .. lol . was thinking side trips 

Well, this boat goes to the waters of Antarctica, it does not allow you to walk upon the land of the continent.  The excursions will all be in either Stanley Falkland Is (*which we missed due to bad weather*) or South America.  Half of which were docks.  The tenders were large and there was no need for extra gear.

[EldaJ]

Oh thank you for that info . Exactly what I wanted to know . 

[mugtech]

According to Cruise Hive, this year's cruise, leaving in a few weeks, just changed the hours in port on every day and changed which day they would hit the Falklands.  No reason was given.

[mking8288]

That article came up in one of my news feed/alert 3 days ago - link here so others do not have to search for it 

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-adjusts-every-port-of-call-on-upcoming-cruise/122744

 

Reasons given - unfortunately, at times modifications are made to optimize the itinerary or to accommodate certain circumstances,” to enhance the guest experience, the itinerary has been revised.” "with the time in every port of call adjusted."  

 

to "sail and sustain" for one's (in)convenience.

 

Edited February 9 by mking8288