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Norwegian Cruise Line

MS Norwegian Star

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Colin Taylor
# previous cruises: 6
Date of Trip: October 30, 1999
Itinerary: Australia

Compared to her rival in Australia, the Fair Princess, she is outstanding. Although showing her age (built in the 70's), and tired in a few places, she is very comfortable. Compared to North American standards she's not quite up to scratch. But she has a great feel and rides the sea well. There's a hint of her old Royal Viking Line days still lingering here are there. A delightful, traditional vessel with a lot of potential. Relax and enjoy her as she is for what she is and you'll have a good time.

The Top of the Star Bar (observation lounge) is a fantastic spot with great views but it is a little small and very popular/crowded. The Midnight Sun lounge has a good atmosphere and good views but is under utilized (used for breakfast/lunch buffets only). The Main lounge is very good, well maintained and good sight lines. The Rendezvous Bar is a cool little spot with a great bar tender. The Casino is too big, dark and smoke filled. The video arcade could go. The Library doesn't exist. The Sports bar caters/appeals to a younger, sports orientated crowd (who are not on board this ship). The Night-club was pretty much dead. It didn't even attract crew members. The music videos do not match the songs being played. The DJ has a limited repertoire and repeats it endlessly.

The main dinning room is well maintained, although the arm rests on the chairs are showing some wear. The service is quite good but our waiter couldn't remember my mothers orange juice each night. The range and quality of food is very good, although the ice cream range was extremely limited. A little crowded but not too noisy. Has a poor entrance, through the dark and dingy casino and then through an unused section of the dinning room. Breakfast and lunch buffets were to a good standard. The alternative dinning room has potential but has the same food as the main dinning room. The service is very attentive but it lacks atmosphere. Currently it's not worth the surcharge.

Overall the cabins are good but definitely showing their age. Decor is tired. Good storage space for a ship built in the 70's. Small but practical. Definitely designed for a maximum of 2 people (Royal Viking Line days). Double sofa beds rather hard. Very quiet (except at the stern, engine noise and some vibration).

The entertainers in the main show room are excellent. The cruise staff are very friendly (very young) and try hard. A little polish is needed in some areas. They could have livened up the Sports Bar and Disco though. The cruise director is excellent. The DJ is ho hum. The shore excursion staff are very friendly. The Pursers were great too. The photo staff were very good but their opening hours were not always convenient. The shop staff were very good. The beauty salon staff were friendly but their facilities were working against them (no hot water in the salon !!). The Captain is worth mentioning. Very friendly, good sense of humour and stood at the gangway and bid everyone farewell. The first I've ever seen in 6 cruises. Great PR!

Melbourne Cup Cruise Sydney-Melbourne-Sydney 7 days with 3 days in Melbourne. Shore excursions were good. Access to the city was easy. Whilst in port the ship was dead day and night. Night-time was the biggest disappointment

There was a good mix of older and younger people.