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Disappointing! by
Melissa B from Clinton, CT Sailing date: Aug 2011Pros: Shows, clean staterooms Cons: Food quality, too many extra fees on the ship, staff could have been better The staterooms were very nice, most of the staff was very pleasant, and the shows were excellent, however we felt that we had to pay for too much once we were on the ship. On the last cruise we took with a different cruise line, the only thing we had to pay extra for was alcohol and soda, and there were a lot more options included, such as juice all day, coffee, and more places to eat that were included in our cruise fee, however on NCL we felt there was a lot that was not included in our fee that we had to pay extra for if we wanted it. For instance, the only cold drinks that were included all day were water and iced tea, we had to pay extra for juice unless it was at breakfast. When we were in the lounge for a show, we had to pay for coffee, which was free in the dining rooms and the buffet. Room service options were extremely limited, and we had to pay a fee if it was after midnight, or if we wanted pizza, which was something that was included in the buffet. We also felt that the quality of the food was lesser than what we experienced on our other cruise. Additionally, while we were dining in one of the main dining rooms, we were asked by 3 or 4 different staff members if we wanted to participate in a pub crawl that was going on the next day (which we had to pay extra for), and we had 2 other staff members come around and try to get us to make a reservation in one of the specialty restaurants (where we had to pay extra to eat). We did not appreciate being interrupted during our meal so that the staff could try to sell us something else. While there were many options for places to eat on the ship, only 5 were included in our cruise fee, while 7 required us to pay extra fees. The drink prices were rather high as well, with most mixed or frozen drinks being $8-$9 each and beer being $5-$6 each. We also had an issue with the toilet in our room not working properly. We understand that occasionally issues can occur, however, when going in to use 2 different public restrooms on the ship, the toilets had been overflowing and there was water on the floor, causing the toilets to be inoperable, not to mention the serious safety hazard for anyone that entered the restroom. As far as the excursions, we decided not to book any because they were very expensive. We did go see the lumberjack show on our own, which was the same price as listed on the excursion order form, however, while in Juneau, once we got off the ship, we decided to take a bus to see the glacier and walk the trails. The same exact excursion booked through NCL would have cost us $100 for two people, while we were able to pay $30 for the two of us once we got into town. The combination of all these things has made us decide to cruise with our previous cruise line next time instead of NCL, and I will not be recommending NCL to anyone I know looking to go on a cruise. Ship QualityThe ship was large, although the layout was a little strange, where you had to walk through two restaurants to get to the other end of the ship, and getting to the staterooms was confusing since the hallways had lots of turns instead of being straight. At least there were lots of signs pointing you in the right direction. For the most part, the ship was clean, with the exception of some of the bathrooms as stated above. The other downside, was that you had to walk through the pool deck to get to other areas of the ship, like the buffet, and the deck was always very wet with lots of big puddles, and it was VERY slippery. Occasionally they would push the water off the deck, but not often enough, and I almost fell several times. Dining/FoodThe quality and variety of the food was lacking. We had one good meal in one of the main dining rooms, while all the other meals were disappointing. There were far too many places to eat where you had to pay extra, especially when the food was not very good to begin with. The room service was also seriously lacking. On the room service menu there was a soup, two salads, pizza, and four sandwiches to choose from, and if you wanted to have pizza or eat after midnight (all the dining rooms and buffets closed at 11PM), you had to pay extra. Stateroom QualityThe rooms were a decent size and were clean. We had a balcony room which was worth it to see the scenery as we went through the inside passage and by the glacier. The bathrooms were very small in the room. The toilet was separated from the sink area by a separate door, which seemed like a good idea, except that the toilet area was smaller than a phone booth and whenever you moved at all you hit your elbows on the door or the wall. Ship Staff QualityThe staff for the most part was friendly, although there were some staff members who seemed as though they did not want to be there. Our room steward was very nice and did a good job in our stateroom, but the other staff did nothing to go above and beyond. We did, however have many staff members come up to us throughout the cruise to try and sell us something else. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe shows in the theater were excellent, and there were always other activities and live music going on, however, the activities got repetitive after a couple of days, and there were lots of different things going on at the same time during the day, which meant you had to choose between the things you wanted to do, and miss out on a lot. There were a lot of BINGO sessions throughout the cruise, however, we never played because the prices were ridiculous! The minimum package was $39 for 4 games, which is twice as much as we pay to play BINGO at the casino near our house, for a fraction of the number of games.  24 out of 27 people found this review helpful.
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  Delightful cruise by
Jenny F. from San Bernardino, CA Sailing date: Oct 2009Pros: The cruise was very well organized and we hardly lifted a hand all week. The excursions were well planned with top notch companies and personnel. The staff were very courteous and polite and helpfull in every way. Cons: The specialty restaurants on board did not have very good food for the type of specialty. Italian restaurant did not taste like good Italian food. Same for the Asian-Fusion restaurant. The best food was in the main and freestyle dining areas. The ship was designed with good taste and provided a selection of activities and specialty areas. It was well maintained. I would rate it as good to excellent. Ship QualitySize was great. Public areas were very tasteful and elegant. It was clean, well maintained, and safe. Dining/FoodThe main dining room had excellent food. We ate at two specialty restaurants on board which require a cover charge and were disappointed with both and went back to the main dining rooms and had very good to excellent food and perfect service. Stateroom QualityWe had a inside room which we found met our needs and it was very cozy. Great for a couple or two friends. Especially if you were out and about as we were. Two twin beds were pushed together which were comfortable but you could separate them for two twin singles. We had plenty of room for two people but three would have been to cramped as there was a single bunk in the room for a third person. The rooms with the balconies were especially nice and if you prefer to spend time in your room is a good option. They have a large window to view the ocean which slides open to a small balcony with two chaise lounges. The room was a nice size. Ship Staff QualityStaff were friendly, willing to help and take care of all of our needs. Entertainment & ActivitiesEntertainment was excellent and very professional. We attended every evening show. There were plenty of activities to fill the day and evening. 15 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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A nice ship but a fantastic destination. by
Burt from Plano, TX Sailing date: Jun 2007Pros: The cabins were nice. The ship was very clean and the crew was extremely helpful. We have sailed on other Norwegian ships and although this ship was very clean and the crew was extremely helpful, the overall ship experience was only average. The dining rooms are smaller than on other ships we have sailed and always seemed over crowded. Of course, all of that was quickly forgotten when you looked outside. Alaska was an amazing destination and overall our cruise experience was very good. Dining/FoodThe food was only OK. Not as good as our other cruise experiences.
Stateroom QualityWe had a cabin with a balcony and it was very nice.
Ship Staff Quality
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Entertainment: The entertainment was only so-so. The comedians were great but the rest was mediocre. 
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Cruise Inside Passage, AlaskaAlaska is amazing!
Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway were all great ports and we had a wonderful time in each of them. Prince Rupert was a waste of time though. It would have been much more enjoyable to go to Glacier Bay and skip Prince Rupert.
Don't Miss: Mendenhall Glacier, Glacier Gardens, the train in Skagway. Juneau, AlaskaJuneau was great!
Our excursion took us to the Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Gardens. It was a great experience.
Ketchikan, AlaskaKetchikan was OK.
We rented a car in Ketchikan and drove to the north and south ends of the island. We saw lots of totem poles and eagles.
Cruise Sawyer GlacierSawyer Glacier was somewhat disappointing.
We sailed for several hours to get to the Glacier and then we could barely see it.
16 out of 20 people found this review helpful.
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Ship Review by
Sharon from New Jersey Sailing date: Aug 2007
Dining/FoodThis was our first experience with "free style" cruising. I would not do it again. Since you didn't sit at the same table every night, you had different wait staff. I felt they did not work as hard because chances are, they would not see you again. Tips are added to your bill, so they get their tips regardless of the type of service you have received.
Stateroom QualityThe room was quite small. I don't believe it was every dusted. The dust around the tv set was about 1/2 thick.
Ship Staff QualityThey were ok, nothing special.
Entertainment & ActivitiesActivities: This was the first ship we have ever been on where you had to pay extra for the fitness center. It was $20/day or $75 for the week.
Entertainment: No poles in the theater which was very nice.
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Cruise Inside Passage, AlaskaExcursions.
While the excursions are somewhat pricey, I would recommend the helicoper tour and dog sled.
Juneau, AlaskaMendenhall Glaciers.
Breathtaking experience. Do not miss.
Ketchikan, Alaska
Cruise Sawyer GlacierSawyer Glacier.
We couldn't stay too long as the ice flows were moving very quickly.
14 out of 16 people found this review helpful.
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Cruise was slightly above average by
Mark S from Conifer Colorado Sailing date: May 2009Pros: Embarkation and debarkation carry your bags and walk off Cons: Food in "free" dining rooms was very average and below previous cruise experiences Recommend with this caveat, service ranges from execellent to poor. Food can be good but did not exceed my expectations as did food on prior NCL (before free style) and celebrity Ship Quality
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Ship Staff QualityService was either very good or very poor Entertainment & Activities
Children's ProgramsThey wanted to put my 12 year old daughter with six year olds! Not much fun for her
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Juneau, Alaskaseems like a fun town, but only had a short time in port
Ketchikan, AlaskaTake a hike in the near by forest for free. Very good and is free
Skagway, AlaskaVery historic, take the free city tour offered by the National Park Service
Prince Rupert, British ColumbiaLots of eagles. Almost no shopping. If shopping is your thing do it before Prince Rupert. Not much to see in town. This is perhaps a good time to take a nature tour.
11 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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No More NCL by
Julie B from Sacramento, CA Sailing date: Mar 2011The ship, though once beautiful, is showing signs of age, and hard use. Very limited space outside except by the overly crowded, congested pool area. This area is noisy, overwhelming and uncomfortable. The pool is small, and there is only one main pool. There are never enough chairs avialable. The hot tubs and water slides take most of the square footage. The pool closes very early, so there is no night swimming avialable. Floors are treacherous because the area is so small, everything is constantly wet and slippery. Very limited sitting space on open deck. Jogging track closes at 8 PM. Ship QualityLarge ship, but much of the area taken up with "specialty restaurants." Public areas are kept clean, but furnishings are lackluster and shabby. Woodwork and railing are chipped and worn. Carpets trampled down and outdated, albeit clean. Public restrooms are usually dirty and out of tissue and seat covers. Dining/FoodFood quality on the Star has deteriorated terribly since 2009. What used to be prime rib and steak are now thin, tough, tasteless pieces of beef, usually heavy with fat. Menus are dull, and overall quality of food is mediocre to poor. Dining times are convenient and flexible. Ambiance is casual, nothing stellar. Far too many over priced specialty venues, some up to $25 per person. Stateroom QualityI'll give this an average only because the rooms are decent size, and there is abundant storage. Beds are old and uncomfortable, despite foam pads. Bed linens are dingy, although clean. Towels are stiff and scratchy. Soap and body wash and shampoo are dispensed from canisters on the walls. Ship Staff QualityA few exceptionally good staffers, but overall, the staff is cool, yet polite. Many of them appear bored and frustrated, and we often heard staff grumbling and complaing. Front desk staff are minimally helpful, and show a lack of concern for passenger's concerns. Problems get resolved, but nothing ever "over and beyond." Entertainment & ActivitiesUsual shipboard night life, and very poor schedule of activities during the day. Mostly "seminars" that are geared toward selling expensive goods and services on the ship.
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Puerto Vallarta, MexicoShocking poverty and depressed conditions if you go anywheere on a secondary road. Sickening sights in the foreground against the backdrop of many cruise ships. Not much to do here but shop. Wouldn't care to return.
Cabo San Lucas, MexicoVery little to do in this port except kayak and snorkel, and explore the rock formations. The area near the pier is filled with surly vendors selling junk. We didn't eat, but found a cute place to drink some good cold Negra Modelo, at only $3 a glass. That was the high point
11 out of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Wonderful Experience by
SueW from Nevada Sailing date: Jun 2010Pros: I Liked being waited on by incredibly happy and helpful people from 59 different countries. Cons: I disliked the constant push to buy jewelry and art - especially jewelry. There were stations all over the ship and also many jewelry stores at every destination. I heard that these jewelry stores were all owned by the various cruise lines. Our overall experience was very positive. We had a mini-suite for three people and it was quite spacious. The help was friendly, helpful, and really added to the enjoyment of the cruise. Ship Quality
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Ship Staff QualityExceptional staff. Everyone was always smiling. Entertainment & ActivitiesThere were many options but they all cost extra. I was stunned that bingo had an extra fee. I have not encountered that on other ships.
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Juneau, AlaskaMendenhall Glacier is worth seeing. I enjoyed the salmon bake, too.
Ketchikan, AlaskaToo many jewelry stores. I was told that there were 63 stores and only four of them were owned by natives. The push was to buy jewelry , not to explore Ketchikan.
Skagway, AlaskaSkagway is charming and the train ride is outstanding.
Don't Miss: The train ride. Prince Rupert, British ColumbiaI took a cultural tour and saw the Indian dancers, which were quite different than those in Arizona and New Mexico. My kids went kayaking and loved the kayaking, which was strenuous.
Don't Miss: kayaking if you are fit enough. 8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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A great time as always!!!! by
Tina L. from Sweet Home, Or. Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: Freestyle, great service Cons: Too many restaurants that charge a fee Overall I did like the ship. It was very clean and the public restrooms were easy to find. ( I have sailed on a ship that seemed to have limited public restrooms ) The water slides were alot of fun but they take away from the limited space in the pool area. The casino is large and has some great promotions! The staterooms have the largest bathrooms I have ever seen on a ship!!!! Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe food was good. I don't like that this ship has so many specialty restaurants. It takes away from the public space available to have fun! I was disapointed that the buffet doesn't stay open as long as it does on other cruises I've been on. No midnight buffet. I did totally enjoy the " Blue Lagoon " cafe!!! Stateroom QualityWe stayed in an outside cabin. It was very clean and I did like the floorplan. These staterooms have the bigest bathrooms I have ever seen on a cruise ship!!! Ship Staff QualityThe service was excellent. The casino staff can use a little more customer service training. Entertainment & ActivitiesI was disapointed with the talent that was on this cruise. There wasn't much to do after 11:30 pm. 8 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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review the ship by
mary w from LA Sailing date: Apr 2009Cons: staff not knowledgeable of directions on the ship; staff too anxious to get in and clean up cabin while passenger still sleeping; ship ran out of fresh fruits (bananas, strawberry, used canned strawberries); ship will not accept personal checks if you need additional cash, just a few of the complain staff did not know locations on board to direct passengers Ship Qualityaverage, confusing directions Dining/Food
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Best bang for your buck by
Christine K from Warnerville, NY Sailing date: Apr 2012Pros: Food and shows, the Pub Hop, flexibility of Cons: Not as many activities planned before noon aside from exercise related ones. Pool area was smaller than anticipated. The pool area seemed outdated, however the activities really made the experience enjoyable. We were pleasantly surprised that our stateroom had more storage and larger bathroom than on Norwergian Sky. Ship QualityThe ship was considerably larger than when we sailed on the Norwegian Sky. There were more dining options. As mentioned earlier, the pool area seemed small/outdated. Cleanliness and decor rate high. Dining/FoodNever had a bad meal. Waitstaff highly attentive. Food always delicious. Matter of fact, I would rate our experience in the main dining halls higher than our experience in the specialty restaurants. Stateroom QualityAs mentioned earlier, we were pleasantly surprised that our stateroom had more storage and larger bathroom than on Norwergian Sky. Our steward, Victor, was always great about tidying up the room and restocking whatever was needed. Ship Staff QualityAlways friendly and attentive. Many had a great sense of humor (Estela and Philip from Acqua dining, Henry from the Pub Hop). Entertainment & ActivitiesThe shows were superb. Plenty of afternoon/night time activities. Wish there were more activities in the morning, aside from fitness related ones. 6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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