Returned from the Star 11/21-11/29

[snapcutter]

Returned from the Norwegian Star Mexican Riviera cruise on 11/29/2004. It was a wonderful cruise, really smooth except from Cabo back to Los Angeles and that portion wasn't really that bad.

 

Service was good, never found anyone not willing to help. Always cheerful and happy. Room stewards were great, kept our rooms really tidy and always furnished with towels morning and night.

 

Resturants were good for the most part. Market Cafe and the Endless Summer were a disappointment. Market Cafe serves the same breakfast day in and day out. No variance or change. The Endless Summer described as Tex-Mex really needs to take in course in that kind of cuisine. You will understand if you order the enchiladas.

 

 

The Versailles is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Aqua was fantastic for lobster night. Le Bistro and Cagneys are great, we ate twice at Cagney's which was probably the best meals we had. Not only the meals were great but the service was outstanding. If you decide to go to Cagney's ask for Norbert and Rachel. They are a great team and work well together and make you feel special.

 

If you drink, the drinks are well made, and they don't skimp on the liquor. Maybe they do it that way because you can't bring anything on board as they will confiscate it.

 

Entertainment was good for what we saw, as we weren't late owls. The food just put us in slumberland.

 

We did not do alot of extended excursions as I took my Mother along, so my wife and I were a little restricted as to what we could do. We did a couple beach breaks and city tours which were nice and relaxing.

 

 

In all, it was a 9 on a 10 point scale. People who complain would probably find Utopia a mess. So in closing, to you future Star cruisers be ready to have wonderful experience and ready to enjoy.

 

Getting on and off the ship was fairly quick. We were on in about 35 minutes when we arrived and probably about 1 1/2 hours leaving, as you have to go through the immigration and customs portion. Not bad really.

 

I will try to answer any questions if I can.

 

Snapcutter

[Chiliswick]

Thanks for your review. We are sailing Dec 7 and I can't wait.

[Sillyjilly]

I'll be on board with Chili.

Your review has me jumping up and down!

3 more days. I can't wait!!! :D

[ar_annie]

We'll be crusing with Chili and Jilly on Tuesday, so thanks for your (positive) review.

 

Do you know if it's possible to get ALL the menus on day 1?

 

Were there any happy hours?

 

Was it really as cold in the restaurants and public areas as many CC posters have claimed?

[SweetEmi]

Annie: They feature special drinks daily. I don't have my Dailys here at work with me but I don't remember any "happy hours" but MAYBE the Red Lion Pub has one? I know they serve their fish and chips there (which I hear are good) only during certain hours.

 

I didn't find the venues cold, but I usually run warm. My friend who was with me and often complains that she is cold in places like movie theaters, etc., didn't complain more than usual...*smile* However, we already knew from past experience that the Cinema and theaters on the ship usual are pretty cool.

 

You can really feel the difference when sailing down in the tempurature in the open areas of the ship. It is pretty cool up in the U.S. but starts to really warms up the closer you get to Acapulco.

 

Emi

[shamda]

In all, it was a 9 on a 10 point scale. People who complain would probably find Utopia a mess. So in closing, to you future Star cruisers be ready to have wonderful experience and ready to enjoy.

Snapcutter

 

My observation has been that the ones that complain are the ones that started cruising 15-20 years ago when the level of service and quality of food was much better than it is today. The ships are much bigger today, they build them to pack on as many passengers as possible and there is no doubt that they have cut costs all over the place especially in food. It is hard not to love a cruise vacation, and they certainly do not deserve the complaints that some of these folks dish out, but it is understandable.

[ImA1032]

Thanks for yet another positive reinforcement! 9 days and counting, I can't wait!

 

From the reviews I've read, I'm really looking forward to dining in Le Bistro and Cagney's. The only question I have, I know I've seen it answered but the answers were slightly different, is about the cost of the specialty restaurants. How much for which ones and which ones require reservations with no added charges? Since I've been doing the research, it seems I've been put in charge of dining decisions for our trip! :D

[vclst]

We are also on the 12/15 sailing...can't wait. I am so glad to here the positive reviews, since I have read some very negative stuff, too. I think anyone who goes on a cruise and does nothing but complain should just stay home and free up the cabin space for people who really want to be there...Just my 2 cents.

 

Bill

[sweetiepie9339]

Again thanks for the Great Review- we are on the Dec 15th cruise and can't wait!!!

[lains]

We are getting married in L.A on the ship before it leaves dock!! Not long to go!!:)

[agehman1]

I am one of the old time cruisers mentioned in one of the above replies. Scary, since I am only 45. Was on the ship over Halloween. Beautiful ship. The only real cold bar was the Star bar. It is on the same level as the Steakhouse Cagneys, and understandably the Cagneys side controls the air. I remember Cagney's was 20$ pp, and the others were usually 10-15$. Food was good, but not outstanding. I am a fan of the fixed seating concept. It just worked better for our group. Freestyle allows more leaway. The optional formal night we got right into the dining room. All of you go and enjoy. I am jealous. Only 9 months till my next cruise. Possibly Tahiti. Have a blast. Look up a bar server from Romania either in Star bar or the Casino named Monica. Lovely charming young lady.

[lk4xits]

Thanksgiving cruise was as indicated, very good!! Always good to bring sweaters for public rooms and dining areas although not always needed. First and last day at sea to and from LA can be cool .. Otherwise perfect. Good buys on tequila on ship. Most sold out tour is canopy tour. My bet for best restaurant was the Japanese. Very informal, happy and fun trip. You guys going will enjoy!!

 

Marty:)