Tips for Star

[Travel_Lover28]

Cruising on the Star in Aug., our second trip to Alaska. Does anyone have any tips & info. on the Star.

 

I would love to hear about your cruise on the STAR when you return. Let me know what tips that you received was helpful or not. By the way, could you bring back all the dailies and menu/prices and post them here.:)

 

I will be on the STAR for the first time in July 2009.

[terrymtex01]

See. I knew I would think of something else.

 

I have seen the concern on here about laundry. Honestly.. their laundry rates are not that expensive. I think I had three pair of jeans and four or six polo style shirts done for like 24.00. That is cheap to me, compared to me spending an hour at a washer and dryer (if they had them on board for public use, that is). I'm sorry. I'm on vacation.. I'm not about to spend an hour of it doing laundry.. ehheehehe

 

Also.. Blue Lagoon..OH MY GOODNESS.. get their hot wings. I had to have them every day.

 

Also.. if you are a burger person like I am.. get you a good one and enjoy it before you cruise, because my personal opinion is that the burgers on board SUCK...LOL.. some may love them, but i sure didn't. I loved the burgers on the Sun.. but not on the Star.

[mommacl]

Yes I'll post info on my cruise.

 

I always bring back the dailies. I put them in sheet protectors & put them in my scrapbook in order with the pictures also in order. So it's like a story of my vacation.

 

I can scan & post the dailies.

 

Also I have a packing list if anyone is interested.

 

I'll look over my tips for theSun Princess from last year & see if anything can apply to any trip & post them later today.:cool:

[BaileyandBella]

We never ate at the Blue Lagoon, the menu looked good, but the restaurant looked claustrophobic.

 

Do you seat yourself or wait for someone?

[mommacl]

Some tips I gathered last year.

 

Check your account balance periodically during the cruise at the Purser's desk. Take care of discrepincies before the end of the cruise, when lines are long.

 

If you need cash before going to port, use the ATM on the ship. it is most likely cheaper than the fes charged at port.

 

Don't jump into buying your on board pix right away(each day). There's plenty of time & many ships have specials at the end of the trip. They don't thrugh those pix away each day & if you have a budget you may find you really wanted the pix from Wed. & not Tues.

 

Expensive jewelry should go in the Purser's safe. It's safer than the room safe & is usually covered by the ships insurance.

 

Keep images of passports & phone numbers of family & major contacts, on hotmail or a yahoo acct. where it can be located by any computer in the world.

 

Watch you time in port. Life's to short to watch your ship sail away without you.

 

Make copies of your passport. Keep one in your luggage & put one in the bag you carry off ship.

 

Many of the crew have the day off on port day. Services may be limited & casinos are closed.

 

On an Alaskan cruise north, the clocks will be set back one hour usually on the second night - to adjust for the Alaskan Time Zone, Going back south, clocks are set to the Pacific TZ, usually on the second to the last night. Check the dailies. (We missed a show because of the wrong time on our watches) You could miss the ship!

 

You'll be in "The Land of the midnight sun". sunsets around 10PM & sunrises around 4AM.

 

When anyone from the staff offers you food or drink, immediately ask "How Much?" before agreeing to anything.

 

MORE TO COME.....:eek:

[98Charlie]

We never ate at the Blue Lagoon, the menu looked good, but the restaurant looked claustrophobic.

 

Do you seat yourself or wait for someone?

 

You seat yourself and will be waited on by the staff. Service has always been very quick during our 3 cruises on the Star. Very little time to think about being claustrophobic.:D

 

Dianne

[flacity49]

We had a wonderful time and really great weather. We thought the buffet was pretty bad. Nothing very hot and not much variety.

 

Do not miss the cruise to the glacier. Breath taking and a lot of surprises. We ordered room service and did not leave of balcony.

 

Have a great time.

[more cruises]

Golden Egg, what ship are you going to Mexico on? I am truly looking forward to this. I have always done the Caribbean, so this is a totally new expierance to me. My dad has always wanted to go to Alaska so I am taking a small family group, 9 people, and bringing dad to Alaska! (he is 77) Hopefully after waiting a lifetime to visit Alaska, he will still love it when he returns home!!!

;)

 

We're taking the Carnival Pride to Mexico. It was about the only cruise I could find before my first grandbaby arrives. The Star will go later in Sept but it was just too late for me. So, Texascat, tell me about the Caribbean - we're going in Jan on the Jewel.

 

A word of warning for the Star glaciers - they still are having a hard time getting to the Sawyer glaciers because of ice. Book the glacier excursion so you can get up close and personal. I just didn't feel like we got close enough to Dawes to really see much.

[NEW 2 CRUISIN]

Good reading about the STAR!

 

Thanks to all who posted the tips! We're looking forward to our first time on the STAR and to the Mexican Riviera this October.

 

Reading these tips boosts the excitement level!

 

:)

[MBprincess]

This is from our cruise in April pre-2.0. Not mine but a bunch of hints we got. Most were very good.

 

Ice cream on deck 12, on your way to the outdoor kids area.

 

Seaweed wrap in the spa, followed by a massage, followed by a long soak in the spa-area jacuzzi, followed by a long sit on the lounge chairs looking at the wake (do this during the day).

 

Any of the fruit soups

 

Anything that Second City puts on (Stardust theater shows, smaller lounge shows, or their very fun improv workshop)

 

A frou-frou drink in the Carousel Lounge. Be sure to get something with a ton of umbrellas and get your photo snapped on one of the merry-go-ground animals by the bar.

 

Dinner at Le Bistro. Dinner at Teppenyaki, try the Steak & Prawns combo

 

Your favorite brew at the Red Lion Pub, while listening to the house singer (he's a blast). Also a great place to people watch.

 

Fish-n-chips at the Blue Lagoon, any time of day or night

 

Cookies from the Garden Cafe, served 3-5pm (snag a few and keep them in your room)

 

Crepes from the Garden Cafe, filled with fruit topping and a scoop of ice cream

 

Photos on the atrium staircase

 

People-watching from the Java cafe while nursing a Mexican coffee (or whatever your favorite poison is).

 

Free champagne at the various art auctions and jewelry events, which is another great people watching event (I saw someone win a surprisingly lovely piece of amber jewelry at the amber event, and was jealous that I did not enter in such a "silly" event.)

 

Tapa appetizers from Endless Summer before a late dinner.

 

1)Did you know that you can get popcorn in the Red Lion Pub.

2) In the Men's restroom nearest the stardust theatre, there are multitudes of windows overlooking the ocean!!

 

Find out when the kid's crew does their pirate parade, and take photos of the kids in their get-up, singing pirate songs as they tour the ship.

 

We absolutely LOVED the burgers at The Grill by the pool. It's been over a year, and that memory hasn't left yet. And it's QUICK!

 

We loved Il Popo that they serve at Endless Summer, although I heard the ribs are wonderful, too.

 

The Pearl Martini Bar is behind the Carousel Bar and so out of the way that people miss it, and it's really nice (and quiet).

 

I almost forgot our very favorite place -- Le Bistro, but outside the actual restaurant -- in the wine cellar area. There are 3-4 tables out there, and the last table is surrounded on 3 sides with wine and interesting photos of Napa wineries and winemakers. It feels very private. The area is right next to the piano, and someone is playing there nightly. Ahhhh.

 

karoke (sp?) at the carousel bar, on our cruise it was standing room only.

walking through the area of the blue lagoon and grabbing some of the dessert breads or cookies.

the views from the star bar or from the spinnaker lounge.

 

Grab some Banana Nut Bread in the Blue Lagoon on your way to the theatre

 

The hidden bridge viewing area behind the curtains in the Stardust Theater.

 

Omelette station for breakfast out by the pool. They also make great waffles.

 

Be sure to poke your head out the door when Captain Lars starts talking about the day (or turn on the TV-- they broadcast the announcements there as well).

He'll bring up all sorts of topics-- the weather, the food, how important good health is compared to other things in your life, etc etc. He's the most talkative Norwegian I have ever come across, and I quite enjoyed his shipwide announcements

 

Jean Ann Ryan Company is so good. Dont miss any shows with them

 

I LOVED the hot wings in Blue Lagoon. Had to have them every day.. LOL

 

I loved meeting Rosita (sorry I can't remember her last name). She is the Hotel Manager on board. Great person.

 

And two things to AVOID like the plague - Endless Summers. It might be that we are from Texas and know what true TexMex and Mexican food should be like, but I found Endless Summers GROSS. The other thing to avoid is the casino. We lost more money in their casino than we have in any casino we have been in around the world.

 

There are door hangers for breakfast in the 'info folder.' (You can write in extra items that are available via room service, like cookies)

 

The french toast in the Market Cafe is probably the BEST I've had. Not to be missed. The breakfast in the dining room is mostly the same as the buffet, so I wouldn't waste my time there...especially on a short cruise.

 

Dont' miss the shows with the Chinese acrobat team. They are amazing.

[flacity49]

We never had trouble. Go down to atrium. They were there everyday. I made reservations every day for dinner 24 to 48 hours in advance. It took about 2 minutes.

[mommacl]

A few more tips....

 

FIRST DAY AFTER BOARDING

Ask the cabin stewrd for daily bucket of ice.

Ask the steward if they have more comfortable pillows.

Ask the steward for more hangers.

Ask you steward to leave two dailies (daily newspaper of what's happening on the cruise) one for your room & one to take with you in port. The local ship rep.s # is usually printed in it, just is case you have some trouble.

Ask your steward to remove all of the cruise lines for purchase items---this leaves you more room for your items.

________________________________________________________________

At the pier in Seattle make sure you get a coupon book. They have valuable coupons in them.

*Note -great bargins on Tshirts & sweat shirts.My zipper broke on one piece of luggage & with a coupon a got two great ALASKA luggage straps for $1ea.

 

Don't miss the Bon Voyage Party before sailing. Streamers & confetti FREE PARTY!

 

Bring highlighters to mark your extra daily for things to do the next day.

 

Bring colored post it notes..great for sticking to the mirror w/ a message for your steward & sticking to the door of Husband/Wife where you can be found or message to traveling companions.(It's a BIG ship)

 

Order fresh fruit from room service at night, cut it up & leave it in the fridge for later.It's refreshing to have there after a day in port.

 

Bring zip lock bags. Good for may thing like your cut up fruit.

 

Remember you are charged for the water left in your cabin.

 

Bring refillable water bottles & find out where they can be refilled daily & keep them in your fridge. Usually at the buffet.

 

Bring a insulated coffee mugs so you can get some coffee or tea and sit on your bacony & enjoy the view. *We used our almost every day.:)

[BaileyandBella]

Another tip if you have kids. We brought Playstation 2. We were able to watch DVD's on it and they could play games during down time.

 

I thought it would be a pain to bring, but it wasn't, we just put it into a laptop case. Thankfully I brought a LONG extension cord for it. :)

 

For those going to Alaska, the outdoor grill was barely open for us, only one time.....it was freezing and no one was out there.

[mypleasure]

On port days get the room service breakfast.

You get a wake up call if you oversleep as they call to tell you they are on the way and you avoid the queues in the buffet which can be crazy on port days when everyone wants to eat at the same time to get onshore.

 

Mog

[texascat]

Golden Egg - We are thinking of the excursion to the glacier, but I haven't seen much on people who have actually been on the excursion!

 

I have been to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamica, Bahamas, St Thomas, St Maarten, Haiti, Puerto Ricco. My favorite - Grand Cayman, Sting Ray's, and Cozumel - Dune Buggy / Snorkeling.

[Russterus]

[quote name='MBprincess']
And two things to AVOID like the plague - Endless Summers. It might be that we are from Texas and know what true TexMex and Mexican food should be like, but I found Endless Summers GROSS. The other thing to avoid is the casino. We lost more money in their casino than we have in any casino we have been in around the world.
[/QUOTE]

One thing people should be aware of in any cruise ship casino; they are not subject to the same regulations you find in Nevada or most land based casinos. Cruise ship casinos often pay off at a far lower percentage than allowed elsewhere. You should also note that progressive amounts are reset at the start of every cruise, a big time no no in the land based gaming business. You can still win, but cruise slots generally will suck down your money quicker than you may be used to.

[terrymtex01]

[quote name='texascat']Golden Egg - We are thinking of the excursion to the glacier, but I haven't seen much on people who have actually been on the excursion!

I have been to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamica, Bahamas, St Thomas, St Maarten, Haiti, Puerto Ricco. My favorite - Grand Cayman, Sting Ray's, and Cozumel - Dune Buggy / Snorkeling.[/quote]

We took the excursion and it did go to Dawes glacier.. IT WAS AMAZING.. well worth the money.. That one and Misty Fjord.. both fantastic

[deepnite10]

2 previous cruises on the Star were wonderful..both time s in aft.
balconies..

best place for the wife and i..first time was a ocean view on the 8th deck..2nd time was a balcony on the 10th..and this upcoming cruise,
will be a balcony on the 9th..

we book aft. cuz , first we luv the Star deck setup..from the aft. elevator s we have easy access to main dining, the buffet, the gym..and for late night snacks, the Blue Lagoon..

i ve heard they re now surcharging the Tratorria and Endless Summer..this
true?

[BaileyandBella]

LaTrattoria is $10 and Endless Summer is free.

[wvgolfchic]

We just got off the Star. One tip I would like to add for the ladies. DON'T use the dispenser soap on your hoo-ha!!!! It is mint scented and gives the same sensation. YOWZA!!!!

Another tip is to not sit on the back row at Spinaker's for the non-music shows. Standing room only guests gather there and it's very loud with the bar noise. You can't hear what is going on.

Also, maybe not a tip, but information. The staff does not enforce the "Adult Only" rule. They will repeat it often, but some people think the rules don't apply to them. We witnessed this type of rudeness quite often on our cruise.

[sealuber]

[quote name='deepnite10']
i ve heard they re now surcharging the Tratorria and Endless Summer..this
true?[/quote]
Just on the Star there is a charge for Tratottia which is 10.00 per person and no charge for Endless Summer Nights. Make sure to make reservations for endless summer nights. We ate there twice this cruise :)

[packercruising]

Waht do they serve at Endless Summer Nights?

[littlepea]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][QUOTE][quote name='texascat']Golden Egg - We are thinking of the excursion to the glacier, but I haven't seen much on people who have actually been on the excursion![/QUOTE][/COLOR]

We took the NCL Helicopter Tour to the Glacier and Glacier Trek....awesome experience. I am so glad that we had the opportunity to actually walk on the glacier, drink the glacier water, and watch our kids have a snowball fight :) ....well, well worth the money in my opinion. Our kids wished we would have spent the extra money for the climbng adventure...oh well..maybe another time.

[98Charlie]

[quote name='packercruising']Waht do they serve at Endless Summer Nights?[/QUOTE]

Endless Sumemr serves many entrees that are a Tex-Mex variety plus an entree of BB Q ribs that's about the best ribs DH & I have ever had on a cruise ship.

We ate at Endless Summer at least twice on each cruise we took on the Star and never had a meal we didn't enjoy.

Dianne

[deepnite10]

for those who are used to Tex-Mex cuisene, the Endless Summer might fall short..but, for me the food is great !!

this past cruise we ate there 2 nights..the second night i had to turn away the entree cuz i was already full on all the preliminaries..:o

too bad the Tratorria is now a surcharge restaurant..but, i ll probably give
another try if i see a change in their menu..