Review of the Norwegian Star NYC to Bermuda - June 24 to July 1, 2012

[ihopfar]

Great Review! Thanks. :)

 

Really making us look forward to our visit on the Breakaway next summer.

 

A couple of quick questions:

 

You mentioned the facilities at Horseshoe Beach left something to be desired. Did you see this construction to upgrade them: http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000272.htm

 

Also, you mention having a cop of the chef's table menu. Can you please post it when you get a chance?

 

Thanks!

[barbienj]

Loved your review and your adventures!

[Linda the Book Lover]

Wow your review was the best I read in a long time. It was just like reading a serialized book. I am glad your enjoyed Bermuda. I felt as if I was with you every step of the way...well not the gym part! LOL

[Planmaam]

Dear NCL and Kevin,

 

Forget about trying to do a "Love Boat" style reality TV show, it really wasn't that good.

 

HIRE THIS GIRL NOW. If you want an ambassador to get the Norwegian Frestyle Crusing message out there, get this girl on board and let her cruise every itinerary.

 

To TerpGirl77 - Thanks for the great review. My wife of 38 years and I love to cruise Norwegian but she could not convince me on the Bermuda itinerary until now. We ar booked on the Breakaway for it's first trip out of New York.

 

I wholeheartedly agree! I just tuned in to this thread today, and luckily could read the review all in one sitting. I previously did not have any desire to visit Bermuda, but after this, it is on my short list of next cruises.

 

My last and my next cruise was/is on the Star; glad to hear it is so high in the NCL ship ratings!

 

Thanks, TerpGirl77

[TerpGirl77]

TerpGirl, this is absolutely the best, most thorough, informative and entertaining trip review I've ever read. I felt as though I were sitting right beside you through the entire journey, experiencing the sights, sounds and aromas. Your descriptive style of writing is simply delightful! Many thanks for taking us along as you relived your trip.

 

I'm glad you were able to catch a glimpse of Mr. H after disembarkation, and give credence to that nagging feeling you had. What an absolute cretin!

 

I'll be thinking of you on October 17th, when we step off the Star at the Dockyards. ;)

 

Barbara,

 

Thank you so much! I bet Bermuda in October is going to be just fantastic. Happy cruising!

[TerpGirl77]

What a great review.

For years I have done Bermuda with my soulmate and enjoyed the beaches, golf courses and the people. In September I am doing my first solo on the Star to Bermuda and was a little aprehensive. I picked Bermuda because it is safe, I know the island and travelling around the island is so easy. After reading your story I am now a lot more confident I can go and enjoy myself.

Thanks so much.

 

Sailaway,

 

You are going to have so. much. fun. What I loved about this itinerary is how much time we got to spend in port and I too felt Bermuda was very safe and easy to navigate. Enjoy your trip!

[TerpGirl77]

Dear NCL and Kevin,

 

Forget about trying to do a "Love Boat" style reality TV show, it really wasn't that good.

 

HIRE THIS GIRL NOW. If you want an ambassador to get the Norwegian Frestyle Crusing message out there, get this girl on board and let her cruise every itinerary.

 

To TerpGirl77 - Thanks for the great review. My wife of 38 years and I love to cruise Norwegian but she could not convince me on the Bermuda itinerary until now. We ar booked on the Breakaway for it's first trip out of New York.

 

Dave and Laura,

 

Thanks so much for your nice comment. Now that would be a dream (that I didn't know I had) come true. I know you are going to enjoy Bermuda and I'm glad you are going! Happy Cruising!

[TerpGirl77]

Terp Girl, it is rare I break my own rule of "logging on at work" but your review was captivating all throughout the week and I found myself doing just that. You have an amazing talent to write and you have wonderful experiences to share. You have brains, heart, and gut instinct! I love it! Thank you for sharing with us. This review would also be helpful to those on the solo/single cruising board...have you thought about posting it there too?

 

Thank you again so very much for sharing stories and pictures and fun on cruise critic as others like me might not have seen it on a blog, Facebook, or other social network. I hope you stick around here as cruise critic is a wonderful de-stressor from the rat race just like being a cruise ship! I hope also you continue writing in this venue...for when you are ninety-nine and unable to travel or move around as much...you can reminisce all this fun...or have someone read it all aloud to you! :D

 

Coka,

Thanks so much for your nice note! I hadn't thought about the solo board but I'm going to post it over there now. And yes, Cruise Critic is definitely an escape and is THE reason I'll be call my PCC this week to book the Epic the week before Christmas!

[TerpGirl77]

TerpGirl77:

 

It sounds like Mr. H. was a super sneaky shady kind of guy, did you see a ring on his finger? Even if he wasn't "married" that didn't mean he hadn't gotten divorced, whatever, then he was dating someone new that maybe his son didn't like so much? Sorry, I've been married since I was too young to drink so I tend to live vicariously through others. OOooh other possibilities: Dad does this kind of thing and his son is "used" to it :eek: Dad is married, took off his ring for the cruise and would have lied about being married anyways (let's face it, if the dude is pushing for "moonlight strolls", he ain't lookin' just to get some digits on his pedometer, if you know what I mean) :eek: :eek:Hmmmmm final theory? Your instincts are epic, period. I bet you've never been mugged etc. because your spidey senses tingle when it's a dicey situation, congratulations on superior spidey senses (yeah I have spiderman on the brain).

 

Hi Tilly,

No, I didn't see a ring and actually was smart enough to take a peek for that. In some small way I would be interested to know what Mr. H's cover is, but there is no way I'm going to contact him to find out! Thankfully, I have never been mugged. My friends tease me constantly about being overly cautious about everything but in this instance it paid off!

[TerpGirl77]

The fact that the older gentleman you met at the casino warned you he was no good really amazes me. What insight this man displayed! You carried yourself with grace, class and dignity. It is shame others don't encompass these attributes. Good thing you trusted your instincts, as you did everything right and as a result you has an amazing trip. If Mr. H is indeed married, feel sorry for his spouse and for his son, which constantly have to deal with this chaos he calls life. However, for you, he was just part of your vacation journey. :)

 

Ramrac,

 

The casino high roller story is amazing. It reminded me of two things that have proven true for me time and again -- there are signs from above (and I believe this was definitely one) and trust your elders -- they've seen it all before and almost always have the answer if you take the time to listen!

[TerpGirl77]

best. review. ever.

 

seriously. and i usually go for photo-filled reviews. but this one didn't NEED photos. loved it loved it loved it!

 

and of COURSE he was married. slimy jerk. way to stick to your instincts!

 

glad you like my blog. it is the best hobby i've ever had. hobby, obsession...same thing, right? ;-)

 

i hope you do book another cruise for the holiday season--mainly so i can read another trip report of yours! i wasn't going to do a detailed one for my upcoming sailing (the DAY AFTER TOMORROW) but now i think i will. you've inspired me. :-)

 

Elbodans,

 

I think you off on your cruise and I can't wait for your review. I'm booking Epic this week -- can't wait!

[TerpGirl77]

Hi TerpGrl77

 

As a result of your review I have booked a Solo cruise to Bermuda on the Dawn out of Boston for the 20th of July. As I have a booking for 20 days on the Epic in a Studio in October and did 21 days on the Pearl in April I was not planning another cruise but hey life is too short.

 

I always use the term Solo rather than Single when I write as I find there is a different connotation to the terms. I am enjoying life but not looking for someone and when I hear the word single I think of trying to meet up with somene. At my stage of life I just try to enjoy everything I can while I can. i.e. On the Panama Canal cruise I did the Zip Line/Rope bridge/Rappell tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. Last Christmas I did Parasailing with my Grandson in Nassau.

 

Thanks again for the wonderful review.

 

John

 

John,

 

That's so cool! Never did I think my little review would inspire others to book the same trip! I hope you enjoy Bermuda and the Star as much as I did!

[TerpGirl77]

Terp:

 

Here's the link to the final version that I made of your epic story. I hope you are able to relive your cruise until you can take the next one! Thanks again for the amazing journey, felt like I was right there!

 

Starry Night by TerpGirl77

 

Tilly,

 

THANK YOU so much! This is the sweetest thing someone has done for me in a long time. I printed it out today and put it my scrapbook. Thank you, thank you again -- I'm so tickled by it!

[TerpGirl77]

Terpgirl77, I was delighted with your Star review. Loved all the details. Read it out loud to my husband since we're setting sail on the Star Sept. 9th. A few questions. How does one book the Chef's Table ahead of time (or is it done immediately upon boarding, as you did this time)? What is the cost per person? Is attire formal? Thank you in advance! We are doing a similar Bermuda itinerary minus all the shopping. I like to look, but am really not much of a shopper. I cruised to Bermuda in 1999 with my children, sister & brother-in-law & 2 nephews. I'm very excited to share this trip with my husband as we celebrate our 13 year wedding anniversary in September.

 

Hi Birdmom,

 

You are going to love the Star and Bermuda! To book the Chef's Table as soon as you board head on up to Moderno, where there will be a table to make restaurant reservations. The cost is $75 per person which is pricey but I thought was totally worth it. I wore a dressier sundress and wedge sandals and no one at the table wore formal -- lots of sundresses and nicer summer outfits. Most of the gentleman had on slacks or khaki and a nice button down or golf shirt. Happy, happy anniversary!

[TerpGirl77]

Great Review! Thanks. :)

 

Really making us look forward to our visit on the Breakaway next summer.

 

A couple of quick questions:

 

You mentioned the facilities at Horseshoe Beach left something to be desired. Did you see this construction to upgrade them: http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000272.htm

 

Also, you mention having a cop of the chef's table menu. Can you please post it when you get a chance?

 

Thanks!

 

Hello ihop,

 

I didn't see any construction -- it's definitely still the blue building in the photo. The shower area had poor/clogged drainage so there was about four inches of water to slog through in the area if you wanted to shower, which a lot of people do because the sand is so fine and it really sticks to you. I wasn't expecting a bathroom from a five star hotel but this was pretty outdated and in need of a cleaning. I'm a bit of a germaphobe so just skipped it and hosed off outside.

[HUBison2008]

Thanks for the review.

[VegasChic]

I loved your review! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this, it was lively, diverse and entertaining. I sailed on the star 9 years ago in hawaii. It was my first cruise on NCL and I totally fell in love with NCL. It's so nice to hear that she ranks #1 in among the NCL ships. What you did for Armando was really nice! We always take really good care of the employees. They work so hard and sometimes I think people don't care. I can't imaging my husband leaving for 6 months to work so he can provide for us it's sad.

 

I was so glad to hear about your experience in bermuda most reviews I've read lately, the port descriptions are very brief and the whole review is about food. Although I initially was not thrilled about Bermuda, I have a different perspective now thanks to you. We are booking the breakaway next summer in celebration of our 10 year anniversary and plan to renew our vows with our daughter. So, I'm saving your review so that I can reference back to some of the places you visited.

 

The Chef's table sounds tempting but don't think I can sit down at a table for 3 hours:eek: I get antsy in the MDR I think it's because I'm on my feet most of the time I'm a photographer and after having 10 hour days (weddings:mad:) I have a hard time sitting for so long.

 

It's evident that you had a wonderful cruise and although Mr. H was a fluke at least you had a wonderful time. I hate the last day I start thinking of all the things I have to deal with when I get back. One thing I do is make sure I have something else booked. So all the work and stress I go through daily is for a reason. Honestly I work so hard just so that I can vacation.

 

I wonder if I will ever go on vacation alone (doubt it!) my husband and daughter are also obsessed with vacations. I just came back from one today and already have 3 more lined up. I don't think I would want to go without them. However, I'm quite jealous;) It's nice to have that time for you without having to answer to anyone or take care of someone else, just doing you. Take advantage now before you have kids I know I did.

 

Cannot wait to read more reviews from you in the future:)

[wasiii]

.....it was a pleasure reading it. It has given me some insight to my upcoming cruise.

 

wasiii

[cruitenn]

Thanks for taking time and sharing your adventures. I really enjoyed reading each chapter and could not wait for the next one.

 

We also love, love, love Bermuda!!! It was great to relive our favorite places through your wonderful stories.

 

We usually cruise about 3 times a year but we have not been able to for a year due to DH's illness. Our last one was on the Gem last May, 2011 for DH's 61's birthday. He is now recovering and God willing our first one back will be on the Star to Bermuda in October.

[gkny]

This was the best review ever that I read. CC should hire you or even the cruise lines. I think that you should change careers if you want. You have a great life ahead of you.

[MustangJean]

Hi TerpGirl,

 

First of all, thanks for the very detailed review - you are such a great writer. I plan to take it with me when we are on the Star Sept. 9th.

 

Question: I'd like to know more about the gym - did you do any fitness classes? Are there plenty of treadmills and ellipticals? Did you have to wait for equipment? Is there a scale? (I do weight watchers and am worried about gaining weight on the cruise - I still want to enjoy the food!) What are the hours - is it 24/7?

 

Thanks again!

 

MustangJean

[wolfcel]

TerpGirl77

Again, I have to agree with everyone else, this is the BEST review of a cruise that I have ever read. I think I actually forgot it was a review and not a book I was reading!!

We are going on the STAR at the end of the month and am now looking forward to it even more after reading all your positive comments.

This will be my second time to Bermuda, first time last summer, and I just love it there.

Can't wait till you cruise again so we can have another great read!

 

Christine - wolfcel

[calenita]

Really interesting detailed review. Thanks

[dpnyc]

Tilly,

 

THANK YOU so much! This is the sweetest thing someone has done for me in a long time. I printed it out today and put it my scrapbook. Thank you, thank you again -- I'm so tickled by it!

 

terpgirl77,

 

you deserve it!!

 

a month ago, i returned from the 7-day cruise to the Bahamas on the Gem. still high from the trip, i decided to buzz by the CC message boards a couple of hours ago, and came across your story. i couldn't put it down! i am impressed and inspired, both by your clever writing, and by the kindred-ness i found in it.

 

kindred-ness #1: cruising is the perfect balm for the burned-out. last year when i took my first cruise, it was also my first vacay in ten years... which i saw nothing wrong with because i work from home and so why would i need to go away? yet, i was always encouraging others to take a break. by the way, most of my precious few vacations had been solo travels, and i was hooked.

 

i'd never even been curious about cruising. but when a friend of mine was going on a cruise and texted me to say "i'll be inaccessible by phone or email for a week," i had an unusual reaction. a pang of jealousy. a thought: oh wow. how wonderful it would be to be unplugged and inaccessible.

 

so i asked another friend who'd cruised, "what do you DO on a cruise, anyway?" she replied simply, "NOTHING!"

 

the following week, i had a little meltdown. DUH. so i rushed over to a travel agency and cried on their shoulder--which is how i ended up on the Norwegian Jewel last June.

 

kindred-ness #2: i went solo! but that's part of my habit. i've always been spoiled by the freedom of solo travel.

 

kindred-ness #3: i'm a freelance journalist and editor. although it's not my first career, it's my third, and so i absolutely identified with the description of your professional responsibilities and your schedule.

 

kindred-ness #4: i love the inside cabin too! especially the king-sized bed. i truly appreciated seven days of rest and relaxation. i needed a bit of light so i brought along flameless votives from the dollar store. as for a window and a balcony? the whole ship was my window and my balcony!

 

kindred-ness #5: i met some wonderful, wonderful people on the cruise. couples, kids, seniors, babies, and the crew too! we made some great memories.

 

kindred-ness #6: loved your description of the last-day blues! last year on the Jewel, on the morning of debarkation i could NOT stop crying. i actually had to flee the ship so no one would see me blubbering.

 

okay, so there are a couple of areas in which we are not so kindred:

 

non-kindred-ness #1: i travel on a tight budget. so my buzz came from the free liquor tastings in the shops! and i didn't check out the premium restaurants. so i thank you for the vicarious meals!

 

non-kindred-ness #2: i didn't meet any touchy-feely dudes. but your experience made for a great memory. woulda been so funny if you'd posted his photo. ha!

 

non-kindred-ness #3: i didn't post the account of my trip (except for some captioned facebook photos). but maybe i should. i do know how valuable it is to have posts from solo travelers.

 

non-kindred-ness #4: i drank the "put down a $250 deposit toward a future cruise" kool-aid. hence, my recent cruise on the Gem. same itinerary, same time of year. my vow to myself: a vacay every year!

 

and finally, i agree with your fans: you should hook up with some travel mags and get yourself a free cruise... you absolutely deserve it!

 

thanks again for helping me relive my cruise, and for inspiring me in many other ways. and please, please, make sure you take regular cruises. it gives you something to look forward to when the work gets... work-y.

 

you're a STAR!!

 

deepee

[NeuroQueen]

I don't think I have ever enjoyed a review this much. You make Bermuda sound so enticing I am placing it on my bucket list. I live close to so many ports that it is so easy just to jump on any ship. Going to Bermuda is now very high on my list. Enjoy your time on the Epic and please post a review, as I am considering this one next. Maybe the Transatlantic. Hope to see you on a cruise sometime. You sound like a fun traveler. I still can't believe he was MARRIED!!! I am such a romantic!