NCL Star Alumni (Mexico) Questions

[platterb]

Although we have been on 11 Carib cruises, 6 previously with NCL, our 11/1 trip on the Star will be our first on the Pacific. My husband and I tend to prefer the outdoors, snorkeling, kayaking and beaching it. We know all the best places in Caribbean for these activities but would love to hear about which of the shore excursions you enjoyed.

 

We're splurging a little this time and have booked one of the Mini-Suites. My husband teases me about how we were perfectly satisfied with outside cabin in the past. Then we made the mistake of booking our 1st Balcony on the NCL Sun. Well, once you've done that, you can never go back. Now, he's wondering what category I'm going to talk him into next go-around. For those who had one of the suites, was it worth it?

 

Would love some comments regarding the various dining options. Which ones did you enjoy?

[immargaret]

Hi Barb,

 

We had always choosen the blue waters of the Carribean, before our cruise on the STAR in April of this year. We didn't bother hauling along our snorkeling equipment, because we knew the experience wouldn't be the same. Many on our cruise did find the water a bit murky and unclear, but I think that depends on what time of the year you are cruising.

 

We opted for some different types of excursions. We did the jungle canopy zipline adventure, a shotover boat ride, basic touring, and found a beach one day, just because we missed relaxing on the beach. Check out the ports of call board on the "mexican riviera" and you will see reviews on so many different things to do. On our next trip, again on the STAR in Feb. 06, I think we will be doing parasailing, whale watching and an ATV excursion.

 

We booked the same aft BA category for our next cruise. They actually have larger balcony's that many of the mini suites, but don't come with the concierge service or special treats in the cabin. The advanced tender tickets are a pretty big perk for suite people. We had new Cruise Critic friends on the last cruise who requested a couple extra tender tickets for us, and it worked out great.

 

I'm sure you will enjoy your cruise.

[1cruiselvr]

If you expect the blue waters of the Caribbean for snorkeling in Mexico you can forget it. The waters are always murky and often times impossible to view sea life. I would pass on snorkeling and spend the time enjoying other features of a Mexico cruise. They offer parasailing, water crafts, etc if you want water activities.

[platterb]

Thanks for the hints. We thought that the snorkeling wouldn't be that good and the reason why I initially posted. Bill loves to Kayak so I'm sure we can pick a couple of those. Did either of you go over to John Huston's (Las Caletas) in Puerto Vallarta? If so, how was it?

[karfest]

 

We're splurging a little this time and have booked one of the Mini-Suites. My husband teases me about how we were perfectly satisfied with outside cabin in the past. Then we made the mistake of booking our 1st Balcony on the NCL Sun. Well, once you've done that, you can never go back. Now, he's wondering what category I'm going to talk him into next go-around. For those who had one of the suites, was it worth it?

 

Would love some comments regarding the various dining options. Which ones did you enjoy?

 

Our first cruise we were on Deck 2- inside, next cruise was on the Riviera deck (carnival) porthole, then an AE mini-suite on NCL, then an AA full suite (no concierge or butler) on Princess, and finally an AB penthouse on NCL (with the fabulous Irinia and Amit the butler). We have to take a year off from cruising because I'm afraid I'll take the Garden Villa next!! It was the mini-suite that spoiled us and we can't go back to anything without a concierge and little snacks delivered to the room everyday!! If you knew me you would laugh because I am so not like that in real life. I just like to be spoiled when I'm on vacation.

 

We spend very little on alcohol, limit our casino losses, and take our own excursions- I like putting the money into a nice room. Others prefer a smaller room and spend money elsewhere. I guess that's why they give us so many cabin choices!

 

Consider yourself warned--you will never think a porthole or even just a balcony is OK ever again:eek:

 

Go and have some fun- it's well worth it:)

[katiel53]

We were in an AF mini-suite on the Star. We loved it! I am a later sleeper and my husband is up by 5AM. The curtain that closed off the bed area from the couch area was great. He could make his coffee, go sit on the deck and I could sleep 'til 8. We had concierge service, but never used it because when we wanted to on the first day, we were told our concierge was meeting/greeting people who were still arriving. We would go on the Star again in an AF or on the Jewel in the same category. The extra space and refig was worth it to us. Happy cruising.

 

Katie

[johnql]

Would love some comments regarding the various dining options. Which ones did you enjoy?

I dined in four of the alternative restaurants on the Star: Le Bistro (from soup to nuts, the best of the lot - excellent filet mignon and wonderful chocolate fondue); Cagney's Steakhouse (delicious steak); Teppanyaki (very tasty entrees but the side dishes didn't do much for me); and Soho (okay but probably not any better than the main dining rooms).

[platterb]

Karfest: Sounds like your cabin migration sound very similiar but a little ahead of ours. As mentioned, Bill's prediction of going to the next level isn't altogether unreaslistic. I really didn't have to twist his arm too much as he liked the idea of the larger balcony.

 

Kaliel: Now you sound just like me. The cabin layout with the drapes between the sitting and sleeping area sold me. I'm a nightowl and Bill is the early bird.

 

Johngl: Thanks for the dining tips. We ate in the Le Bistro on the NCL Spirit and had the same filet and chocolate fondue. Yum! I always take a walk down by the main dining rooms after 10:00p when the menu for the following night is displayed. When we didn't care for that night's options, we would then select one of the speciality.

 

Again, thanks for all of your input and suggestions!!

[katiel53]

When we were on the star we ate in several of the restaurants. Here is my opinion of them.

 

Versailles- ok food, very very slow service. (breakfast and 1 dinner)

 

Aqua- ok food and service

 

LeBistro- had the romance package. It is $79 and includes a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival as well as chocolate covered strawberries. Also, dinner in the restaurant for two with an $18 credit towards a bottleof wine. They also sent us a cake to our room and canapes one night. Very worthwhile package and great food and service. The mushroom soup is excellent and so was the steak.

 

LaTrattoria- Had chicken parm and fettucine alfredo. Pretty good, and great service. Not like eating in Little Italy, but still good.

 

Endless Summer-Great fajitas and great service.

 

Blue Lagoon-Ok burgers and good fish/chips. Good service.

 

Cagney's-Great steak but we had very poor service. It was not the normal service for there I am sure.

 

Buffet-ok food. No one to carry trays to your seat. No omelette station which I would have liked but they had some omelettes premade that were ok.

 

Bar-b-que on deck-Ok, nothing to write home about but pleasant service.

 

The food servers throughout the ship were pleasant and wanted to make sure things were as they should be. I hope this helps you a bit. Other people might have different opinions or views than I do, that's why there are so many restaurants. Enjoy!

 

Katie

[platterb]

Katie

 

Appreciate your input on the various dining options. We had the same type of experience last December on the NCL Spirit with the two main dining rooms. While the food quality was similiar, the service was much better in Windows vs. Garden Room. The big difference is the variety of dining options on the Star.

[parrothead0918]

Las Caletas was very beautiful and peaceful. The lunch was terrific. There were ample chairs and umbrellas on the beach and if you take any of the paths up the hillside you will find many isolated areas with chairs and hammocks overlooking the beach. The one drawback on the day we were there was the fact that there was a large jellyfish population so only the bravest ventured into the water.

 

In Cabo San Lucas I would strongly urge anyone to stop at the Cabo Wabo Cantina for lunch. It had some great salsa, mexican food and waboritas (margaritas). It is partially owned by rock star Sammy Hagar and really rocks at night, but is calm by day and has a great lunch.

 

On ship, Cagneys was outstanding although we too found its service not up to the standard of the steak, but was still worth the extrta charge. Great Filets.

 

Aqua, Versaille and Endless Summer were also well like by my team. The buffet was average. Blue Lagoon was a great place for a quick or late nite meal (open 24 hours). Hope this helps.