Pacific Coastal Cruise Great!

[Leafpeeper]

We took the Sept 19 sailing on NCL Star from Vancouver to LA and loved it. We flew to Seattle to visit with relatives for a couple days before the cruise. They joined us for a one night cruise on Princess to Vancouver. Had tons of fun. We checked our luggage at the pier and took a sightseeing tour of Vancouver in the morning and then took a cab to NCL Star for lunch.

We stopped in Victoria, Canada first. We were amazed at what a lovely little walking city it is. We stopped for a cocktail at a pub next to the ship where we had a fantastic view of Washington's Olympic National Park. If we had gotten up early, we could have taken the 90 minute ferry from Victoria to the Olympic National Park entrance near Port Angeles. The mountains were breathtaking as we sailed out to the Pacific Ocean.

Next stop was Astoria, Oregon where the Lewis & Clark Expedition landed. We were surprised to learn that Astoria was discovered by a sea captain from Boston--which is our homeport.

We encountered fog along the coast of California and could not see the Golden Gate Bridge as we passed under it. Fortunately we were able to drive to the wine country and find the sun. We enjoyed a walk thru Muir Woods--definetely a must see for anyone who has never been there. Redwoods are incredible to see in person. We shopped at Fisherman's Wharf and accidentally bought a women's 49ers hat for my SIL's birthday gift. After a cocktail near the Embarcadero, we headed back to the Star for dinner.

Unfortunately, the fog moved in again and stuck with us all the way to LA. Luckily, the fog lifted at Huntington Beach just in time for us to enjoy our oceanfront view from the hotel balcony. Best view was of our 2 grandsons when they greeted us at the pier in LA.

We sailed NCL Star a few years ago and were pleased to see it is still in great shape. The CD, Ray Carr, was also our CD on NCL Gem last January in NY. He is by far the best CD we've ever had on a ship. His demeanor and sense of humor is outstanding--doesn't wake passengers up to hear himself talk on the loudspeaker like some CD's do.

One thing both DH and I miss on the new NCL ships is the movie cinema that the Star and Dawn have. I don't understand why NCL has not found a spot for movies onboard their new ships. We also prefer the Blue Lagoon and British Pub on the Dawn and Star. What we love on the new NCL ships is the Great Outdoors.

If you are looking for a great new itinerary with fantastic ports at a budget price, look into a Pacific Coastal repo cruise. We absolutely loved this cruise--fog and all.

[chachi]

Glad to hear you had a good time.

[dobiemom]

Leafpeeper, how was the ship itself? Did you try any of the specialty restaurants? I'll be on the Star in November for the Cruise to Nowhere and I can't wait!

[STARFISH*4]

glad you ENJOYED your cruise on the STAR* we will be sailing her for the 4th time in dec and really LOOKING FORWARD to it...hope to take that PACIFIC COAST cruise one day too!!

[amistad]

Mary, I am so glad you wrote this review. I had considered taking a similar cruise on Celebrity several years ago, but I just couldn't talk myself into it. I am not a cold weather person, were you comfortable or was the weather pretty cool? I would love to see the ports you wrote about, they sound very interesting. Thank you for taking time to write about your experience.

[alwayssingin]

We are planning on doing this next year. How far off the coast does the ship sail? If it's not foggy, would we be able to see the coast?
Was thinking of booking another AFT, but might have to rethink that...

[mtwingcpa]

Originally Posted by alwayssingin

We are planning on doing this next year. How far off the coast does the ship sail? If it's not foggy, would we be able to see the coast?

I've cruised the Pacific Coast three times and the ships are generally NOT within sight of land except when entering ports. I haven't researched this, but reasons I've heard include restrictions on casino operations in most states' territorial waters, possible fuel quality restrictions in California waters, and just plain efficient navigation.

[FanofFlorida]

I was just looking at this itinerary- I am a few hours from Astoria and never get up there; too many beach towns closer to home. I lived for awhile just a 100 miles South from there.

I wouldn't say it is COLD off the coast- of course gliding on the Pacific could be chillier than the beach. It is definitely sweatshirt weather most days of the year.

Whatever the Pacific lacks in warm weather, it is AMAZING in landscape; sometimes I forget (take for granted). Too bad you dont get to watch it cruising down South.

I TOO am going to be on the Star soon!