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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Star

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Reviewed by: Jade Furlong
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: September 18, 1999
Itinerary: South Pacific

Cruising on the Norwegian Star was the ultimate holiday - I didn't have to lift a finger and had the best trip of my life. Everything, from the food and service to the cruise staff and accommodation, was perfect. I would recommend this cruise line with 100% assurance that everyone would find it an amazing experience. You may think my review is overly "sucking up" but I do not work for the Norwegian Capricorn company and I am an honest reviewer!

My favourite during the day was the Top of the Star bar on Deck 9, with its unhindered forward views, wonderful huge couches, and excellent bar service. The Stardust Lounge was great for entertainment and audience events, and the Sports Bar had plenty of fascinating memorabilia. I also enjoyed the area around the jacuzzis for its proximity to the Viking Bar & Grill (i.e. less than five metres or simply attracting the attention of the ever vigilant waiting staff). The Promenade Deck was wide and safe, exceedingly clean and well maintained, with plenty of lounges to recline in. The pool, although slightly rough in choppier seas, was a good size and well-located, and the casino seemed...well, like any land casino but on a smaller scale (I didn't spend much time there obviously!).

Certainly you could not go past the Southern Seas dining room for brilliant service and food to match. The menu was creative and themed into special nights, and multiple courses were offered. The food was quick to arrive, fresh and absolutely delicious. Service was equally as outstanding at breakfast or dinner (and also lunch!). The waiting and bar staff were courteous, attentive, knowledgeable, humorous, helpful... I enjoyed the buffet in the Midnight Sun lounge for its daily variety, and also the Viking BBQ on warmer days. Whoever wrote that the food and service was "good, but nothing special" was kidding themselves. They were spectacular.

Our cabin (on Deck 4) seemed a bit small when all four of us were in it, but then again that rarely happened. Closet space was fine, the bathroom was fine, and it was relatively quiet (obviously not as quiet as home, but surprisingly soundproof from the surrounding cabins). It was meticulously maintained by our attentive cabin stewart Leonardo Torres.

The entertainment overall was of a very high standard. Many talented guests were on this cruise including Glenn Shorrock, Glenn A. Baker, Joey Femmano, String Fever etc. They also had their own cabaret group called Starcast. The cruise staff were absolutely sensational. They were friendly, intelligent and above all ENTHUSIASTIC. Their unending energy and diligence to their job, which they obviously enjoyed, is a credit to them.

We stopped at Vila (Vanuatu), Lautoka (Fiji) and Noumea (New Caledonia). Activities and shore excursions were available in each port and a well-organised office on board the shop controlled these activities. The health club was well-furnished and featured classes of a standard you would expect at your home gym. It was a beautifully layed-out gym featuring panoramic ocean views, with exceptionally professional management. Childcare, babysitting, three kids clubs, holiday programs for kids, and night patrol were all available.

There was a good mix of older and younger people, although probably not as many in the twenties as I would have expected on a cruise. However many of the people we met were lovely and we have all exchanged addresses. The thing that struck me the most was the general friendliness. Sitting down next to someone and starting up a long conversation was pretty standard, which is different from living in the city.