Our week on the unfairly infamous Star- December 6 to December 2015

For those of you that have read recent reviews of the Star, there is a understandable concern about the mechanical operation of the ship, the service, food, and the overall look and maintenance of the approximately 14-15 year old ship. We shared your concerns.

In our opinion, those in doubt should rest easy. We had a blast on the NCL Star. The short of it: there were no mechanical issues that we were aware of, the service was terrific (as with any other cruise - there are some of the crew who are superstars and there are some not so much), the food in our opinion was some of the best we had in our past cruise experiences, and the ship was spotless (it is a older ship, so expect a dated look and feel in some places as you would in any other older ship on any cruise line.

We loved this cruise. We had so much fun!

Now for the journal/review. It will be done like many others... when I have time.

Background:

We are Thad and Jen. This was our get away trip. We haven't taken a trip alone together for many years. We left our 3 teenage children with the grandparents. It's wonderful to have family.

We chose the Star, because of it's location. We fit in a 3 day trip to Indian Shores, Florida prior to our sailing. We love the Clearwater/St. Pete beaches.

We loved the itinerary. This would be our first western Caribbean cruise. We have not visited Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Cozumel on our prior cruises.

We also loved the price and the promotion. We chose the ultimate beverage package. So glad we did. The ability to sample different drinks was really a cruise highlight.

Yay!!! I was so hoping someone would do another Star review! We leave in a few weeks and this will definitely help us get in cruise mode!

If you are able, could you include some photos of the ship itself? I have had a hard time finding many pictures of the Star post refurb. We have only sailed RCCL, and don't know what to expect as we prepare for our first NCL cruise! :)

Yay!!! I was so hoping someone would do another Star review! We leave in a few weeks and this will definitely help us get in cruise mode!

 

If you are able, could you include some photos of the ship itself? I have had a hard time finding many pictures of the Star post refurb. We have only sailed RCCL, and don't know what to expect as we prepare for our first NCL cruise! :)

We took a few pictures, but we were not as good as we should have been. I will post a few. Many pics have us in them, so I don't want to over do it with pics of us. I don't think we have many of post refurb. The ship is in great shape.

We were new to NCL as well. We have sailed RCCL once and loved ut, but honestly I think we are sold on NCL. The Freestyle concept works very good for us,

I'm following. Glad you had a good time. We are sailing on her Jan. 3rd.

If possible- Can you include anything on the ship you would recommend? Anything to avoid? Thanks so much!!

Hi,:)

There will always, always be people who will nitpick about something. I think it just makes them feel "special?". The purpose of a cruise is to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. There will certainly be somethings one enjoys more than others but why not just report the fun one had, like you did DreamingBig1.

There is enough sadness in the world today that if we are so privileged to be able to get away on a cruise lets just have a great time. I think cruising is one of the most economical ways of vacationing. Try to do all you do on board on land and see what it will cost just for a hotel for a week forget about your meal!

Remember you can spend as much or as little as you want on your cruise.

Merry Christmas to all and a wonderful New Year as well.

happytotravel:)

We will be on the Star Jan. 10th and I was getting a little worried, but you made me feel much better. I love to cruise and I try to always think on the positive side 1st. I have been on many cruises and some were better then others. But we make it good its our vacation and we want to have a good time! Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all!

I too was aboard the Norwegian Star last week and will echo the OP's comments. I will add my two cents if you don't mind, DreamingBig1, as I didn't want to start a new thread for the same topic!

I too was concerned with everything I had read but I decided I was going in with an open mind and whatever happened happened but I was going to have a good time regardless. I had nothing to worry about, in hindsight.

The Star was the best cruise I've yet taken and considering it was our first on NCL, if it is any indication of how the line operates, I have flipped my loyalty from RCI to NCL. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Our cabin steward kept our room clean but was never around and somehow kept forgetting to replenish towels but we didn't let such a small thing dampen our experience.

The ship was spotless. In fact, it was the first thing I noticed when we got to the pier in Tampa. My last cruise was aboard Enchantment of the Seas which is only a few years older than the Star but yet she looked her age. The Star looks wonderful in comparison and the crew was constantly painting everyday we were in port. The interior was kept very clean as well- people always vacuuming and tidying up.

The food was great, we had purchased the 4-night SDP and dined in Teppanyaki, Cagney's, Le Bistro and Moderno. All were good with the exception of Le Bistro where service was very slow (nearly two hours for dinner). We often dined at Market Cafe or O'Sheehan's during the day and found the food always fresh and service prompt. Ultimately, the food served everywhere aboard was as good if not better than what I had grown accustomed to on Royal. I did notice that the Fleet Executive Chef was aboard with us and don't know if his presence made an impact or not, but the food quality impressed me as I had always heard iffy things about NCL food.

Which leads me to bar service. Honestly, it didn't seem any worse than any other cruise I've taken. The pool bar always has a wait (on any ship) but there were so many bartenders and they were working so hard all week they kept up well, IMO. With so many bars aboard, if you are waiting you just haven't found the 'go-to' bars yet!

The crew was nearly universally friendly and all would acknowledge you as they passed, something I wasn't quite used to. Overall, as I said, this cruise flipped me and I purchased an FCC aboard and am currently looking for my next NCL cruise!

I too was aboard the Norwegian Star last week and will echo the OP's comments. I will add my two cents if you don't mind, DreamingBig1, as I didn't want to start a new thread for the same topic!

 

I too was concerned with everything I had read but I decided I was going in with an open mind and whatever happened happened but I was going to have a good time regardless. I had nothing to worry about, in hindsight.

 

The Star was the best cruise I've yet taken and considering it was our first on NCL, if it is any indication of how the line operates, I have flipped my loyalty from RCI to NCL. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. Our cabin steward kept our room clean but was never around and somehow kept forgetting to replenish towels but we didn't let such a small thing dampen our experience.

 

The ship was spotless. In fact, it was the first thing I noticed when we got to the pier in Tampa. My last cruise was aboard Enchantment of the Seas which is only a few years older than the Star but yet she looked her age. The Star looks wonderful in comparison and the crew was constantly painting everyday we were in port. The interior was kept very clean as well- people always vacuuming and tidying up.

 

The food was great, we had purchased the 4-night SDP and dined in Teppanyaki, Cagney's, Le Bistro and Moderno. All were good with the exception of Le Bistro where service was very slow (nearly two hours for dinner). We often dined at Market Cafe or O'Sheehan's during the day and found the food always fresh and service prompt. Ultimately, the food served everywhere aboard was as good if not better than what I had grown accustomed to on Royal. I did notice that the Fleet Executive Chef was aboard with us and don't know if his presence made an impact or not, but the food quality impressed me as I had always heard iffy things about NCL food.

 

Which leads me to bar service. Honestly, it didn't seem any worse than any other cruise I've taken. The pool bar always has a wait (on any ship) but there were so many bartenders and they were working so hard all week they kept up well, IMO. With so many bars aboard, if you are waiting you just haven't found the 'go-to' bars yet!

 

The crew was nearly universally friendly and all would acknowledge you as they passed, something I wasn't quite used to. Overall, as I said, this cruise flipped me and I purchased an FCC aboard and am currently looking for my next NCL cruise!

 

I agree with everything you said. Most people I spoke with said that they were having a great cruise as well.

December 3, 2015

We flew in early to the Tampa International Airport. For our car rental, we used the company Sixt.

We were very pleased with Sixt, and would rent from them again in a heart beat. Their car rental prices are unbeatable, the staff was friendly, and the car was in great condition.

Indian Shores Beach is approximately 30-45 minutes because of traffic from the airport.

We stopped for lunch at Sweet Tomato's, a restaurant chain that we do not have near us, but love to stop at when able. The buffet restaurant has a huge salad bar, and many home made soups and pastas available. All quality products.

After a stop at Publix, it was off to the beach.

That evening we drove down to Clearwater and walked around for a little bit.

http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/s605/wextj/IMG_0047_zpsg0gxhwwf.jpg' alt='IMG_0047_zpsg0gxhwwf.jpg'>

The next day we decided to visit a place that we have not been to in many years, Ybor City.

Ybor City is fairly close to the cruise pier, so for future cruisers keep this little place in mind.

Ybor City is the old Cuban area of Tampa. They have many cool little Cuban restaurants, interesting architecture and history. You can watch cigar rollers applying their trade which is fun to watch. I (Thad) am a cigar enthusiast, so I really enjoyed that aspect.

We ate a local restaurant where we enjoyed excellent Cuban sandwiches.

I highly suggest a visit to Ybor when in the Tampa area.

That evening we enjoyed some time listening to the waves on our balcony, and a dinner at a favorite restaurant of ours, The Pub.

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Beach Day!

We went out to the beach and had a wonderful day. Listening to music, watching the sea birds and just relaxing.

That evening we went to the Backwater restaurant for dinner in Bellaire Beach. Highly recommended!

Following dinner we stopped at Crabby Bills (Indian Rocks Beach), where this well known touristy restaurant has a incredible outdoor bar. We sat and enjoyed great conversation with two couples local to the area.

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Hi, just wondering about your car rental. Did you pick up at the airport and drop off there, out were you able to drop off near the pier? We are spending 3 days in Tampa before our cruise and this is what we are hoping to do.

Our last day in Indian Shores, and we decided it would be a beach day. We relaxed on the beach. It was a beautiful day. We could have sat there all day, but darkness falls early this time of year. Our day ended too soon.

After grabbing a couple last minute things for our cruise, we went to another favorite restaurant of ours. PJ's in Indian Rocks serves seafood of all sorts. It resembles a Margaritaville. We were after the fried kind. That evening we ate on the patio while listening to a local band that played light rock. They were pretty good.

After grabbing a quick drink at Crabby Bills next door to PJ's, it was off to bed. Tomorrow we set sail!

The day we have been looking forward to for months is finally here. We set sail on the NCL Star.

After getting packed, and cleaning the abode we drove back to Sixt near the airport.

Again I can't say enough about Sixt. The return was painless and professional. Check them out. We grabbed a cab to the port. The cab fare cost $20.00. Not too bad.

The check in process in Tampa was pretty painless. Just the typical queue that one finds in any typical cruise check in. Make sure to bring your documents.

We did the obligatory picture, and were ready to go to lunch. Instead we cozied up to the bar at O'Sheehan's and enjoyed time together. The promotion we chose was ultimate beverage package. We loved it. We didn't have to constantly check our balance, which just allowed us to relax and have a good time.

After an hour or two we remembered that we were hungry.

We thought O'Sheehan's was a awesome venue. The ability to grab a meal any time instead of little finger sandwiches or cardboard pizza is a beautiful thing.

I really liked their cheeseburgers. I think it's the bun... it's a little sweet, which go's well with the meat and cheese.

While sitting at the bar, the ship set sail. We sat there watching Tampa move backwards.

Side Note: We had a obstructed oceanview cabin on the eighth floor, just down the way from O'Sheehans. The room had just enough space. I know there are balcony snobs, but we really are hardly in our cabin. For us it really is just a place to sleep and shower. We were hardly in our cabin for this cruise.

We did hear music coming from various venues including the Atrium and Gatsby's. If you are sensitive to noise, you may want to re-think a eighth floor room. We made due.

Now back to our first day. Following a quick look at our room and unpacking our items, we went to the Beir Garten on the 14th deck. While there we sat, had a cocktail and watched as we sailed under the beautiful Skyway bridge. For the smokers out there, half the Bier Garten allows smoking.

After a long day, we decided to take a nap. We ended up sleeping through dinner, so we got up and had a quick bite in O'Sheehan's. Love Freestyle!

We walked around the ship to get acquainted, and had a cocktail in the Spinnaker Lounge.

Spinnaker is the all purpose room on the ship, and in the evening it is used as a disco. It was a disco when we went. We had a few cocktails, and listened to the DJ. On this evening, the place was dead.

Off to bed we went.

Sitting at the bar in O'Sheehans right after getting on the ship:

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nice. Crabby Bills seems to be the place where our visitors end up too! and us on occasion.

O'sheehans was good. good bartender too.

I though the cheeseburger was ok. The poutine was great though - as long as you asked for extra gravy. Looking forward to the rest of the review!

thanks.

The next day we decided to visit a place that we have not been to in many years, Ybor City.

 

Ybor City is fairly close to the cruise pier, so for future cruisers keep this little place in mind.

 

Ybor City is the old Cuban area of Tampa. They have many cool little Cuban restaurants, interesting architecture and history. You can watch cigar rollers applying their trade which is fun to watch. I (Thad) am a cigar enthusiast, so I really enjoyed that aspect.

 

We ate a local restaurant where we enjoyed excellent Cuban sandwiches.

 

I highly suggest a visit to Ybor when in the Tampa area.

 

That evening we enjoyed some time listening to the waves on our balcony, and a dinner at a favorite restaurant of ours, The Pub.

 

[/img]

 

Our hotel is in Ybor city for our upcoming cruise so I was glad to see your thoughts. For some reason I can't see your pics. I can see the others that were posted, but not yours.

Our hotel is in Ybor city for our upcoming cruise so I was glad to see your thoughts. For some reason I can't see your pics. I can see the others that were posted' date=' but not yours.[/quote']

 

You can't see any of them? I used Photobucket.

You can't see any of them? I used Photobucket.

I think it's a firewall thing. (shhh I'm at work) :D

I'm following. Glad you had a good time. We are sailing on her Jan. 3rd.

Thanks - I think you will have a great time!

If possible- Can you include anything on the ship you would recommend? Anything to avoid? Thanks so much!!

Hmmm.... as far as recommendations... we thought Ginza was a nice change of pace for dinner. Make sure to get one night there. The sushi bar is pretty good as well. Go in the evening to the Bier Garten. There is nobody there, and you over look the lighted up pool area. It's a relaxing place to unwind before the nightly activities. Grab lunch at Versaille. The view out the back of the ship is outstanding.

As far as avoid... this is more difficult. We went on this trip with a attitude that we weren't going to worry about dining at a certain time so we could do a certain activity or show. My recommendation is to do your planning ahead each day, however avoid getting caught up in it, and just go with the flow. If your enjoying the company, and want to sit a little longer relaxing, just do it.

Hope you have a blast like we did.

Hi,:)

 

There will always, always be people who will nitpick about something. I think it just makes them feel "special?". The purpose of a cruise is to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. There will certainly be somethings one enjoys more than others but why not just report the fun one had, like you did DreamingBig1.

 

There is enough sadness in the world today that if we are so privileged to be able to get away on a cruise lets just have a great time. I think cruising is one of the most economical ways of vacationing. Try to do all you do on board on land and see what it will cost just for a hotel for a week forget about your meal!

 

Remember you can spend as much or as little as you want on your cruise.

 

Merry Christmas to all and a wonderful New Year as well.

happytotravel:)

I agree with you Happytotravel. Just relax and have fun. We totally agree with you as to cruising being a economical way to vacation. Even if you don't care for the ship, your traveling to exotic locations. So the ship, doesn't have to be the be all and end all. Some of the best values are on the older ships.

Thank you for the note and Merry Christmas to you as well.

We will be on the Star Jan. 10th and I was getting a little worried, but you made me feel much better. I love to cruise and I try to always think on the positive side 1st. I have been on many cruises and some were better then others. But we make it good its our vacation and we want to have a good time! Thanks again and Merry Christmas to all!

Thank you for the note! I think you will have a fabulous time, and will be pleasantly surprised. We were worried as well. It's a very nice ship.

Have fun!

The day we have been looking forward to for months is finally here. We set sail on the NCL Star.

 

After getting packed, and cleaning the abode we drove back to Sixt near the airport.

 

Again I can't say enough about Sixt. The return was painless and professional. Check them out. We grabbed a cab to the port. The cab fare cost $20.00. Not too bad.

 

The check in process in Tampa was pretty painless. Just the typical queue that one finds in any typical cruise check in. Make sure to bring your documents.

 

We did the obligatory picture, and were ready to go to lunch. Instead we cozied up to the bar at O'Sheehan's and enjoyed time together. The promotion we chose was ultimate beverage package. We loved it. We didn't have to constantly check our balance, which just allowed us to relax and have a good time.

 

After an hour or two we remembered that we were hungry.

 

We thought O'Sheehan's was a awesome venue. The ability to grab a meal any time instead of little finger sandwiches or cardboard pizza is a beautiful thing.

 

I really liked their cheeseburgers. I think it's the bun... it's a little sweet, which go's well with the meat and cheese.

 

While sitting at the bar, the ship set sail. We sat there watching Tampa move backwards.

 

Side Note: We had a obstructed oceanview cabin on the eighth floor, just down the way from O'Sheehans. The room had just enough space. I know there are balcony snobs, but we really are hardly in our cabin. For us it really is just a place to sleep and shower. We were hardly in our cabin for this cruise.

 

We did hear music coming from various venues including the Atrium and Gatsby's. If you are sensitive to noise, you may want to re-think a eighth floor room. We made due.

 

Now back to our first day. Following a quick look at our room and unpacking our items, we went to the Beir Garten on the 14th deck. While there we sat, had a cocktail and watched as we sailed under the beautiful Skyway bridge. For the smokers out there, half the Bier Garten allows smoking.

 

After a long day, we decided to take a nap. We ended up sleeping through dinner, so we got up and had a quick bite in O'Sheehan's. Love Freestyle!

 

We walked around the ship to get acquainted, and had a cocktail in the Spinnaker Lounge.

 

Spinnaker is the all purpose room on the ship, and in the evening it is used as a disco. It was a disco when we went. We had a few cocktails, and listened to the DJ. On this evening, the place was dead.

 

Off to bed we went.

 

Sitting at the bar in O'Sheehans right after getting on the ship:

 

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Beautyful image and from my home town Tampa [emoji2]

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