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Overview I can tell, almost with certainty, what my experience will be like from the moment I cross the threshold on a ship. When a smiling young purser grabbed our carry-ons and led us to our room, joking along the way with my mother, and when every staff member we passed offered a cheery "hello, welcome aboard," I knew the eight days we would spend aboard Norwegian Star
 would be, well, stellar."It's so BIG," my mother had murmured as we looked at the ship at anchor in Los Angeles, bright stars and streamers decorating the bow. The largest ship she had ever sailed had been just over half the size of the Star and she had found that ship big, too. With a 2,240 passenger capacity, the Star is a big ship, designed for Freestyle Cruising NCL's signature program of "dine whenever you want, with whomever you choose." When it debuted in 2001 in a unique dual christening ceremony with Norwegian Sun, the Star was touted as "the first ship custom-built for Freestyle Cruising" and with 10 restaurants and 11 bars and lounges, no one can argue that fact. Family-friendly and handicap accessible, with public spaces that range from intimate to exuberant, a stunning two-level spa and workout space, activities and entertainment all day and night, and guest quarters that range from standard inside cabins to the enormous 5,700-square-ft. Garden Villas, this ship has something for everyone. No other cruise line knows Hawaii better than Norwegian, and this floating resort is the fleet's original ship custom-designed for cruising America's most exotic state. Call on four Hawaiian islands in addition to a secluded Micronesian hideaway. With Freestyle Cruising, you can enjoy a variety of fun activities and dining at 10 restaurants choose from Japanese, Spanish, Italian, French, and other delectable flavors whenever you like! Enrich your mind and stimulate your body with everything from hula lessons to personal finance seminars. Try a four-hand massage or a coconut body polish at the Mandara Spa. Or, simply laze in the sun and enjoy the beautiful Hawaiian scenery.
The 2,240-passenger Norwegian Star is the sister ship of Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Jewel. This ship represents the ultimate expression of NCL's Freestyle Cruising, probably the industry's most innovative concept since the introduction of balconies in standard cabins. Gone are the old days of dining with the same people every night, at the same time, in the same restaurant. Instead, Star offers freedom and flexibility unmatched by any other ship. There are 10 distinctive restaurants, and you can dine in any of them virtually whenever you want. Equally impressive is the number and variety of public rooms onboard, ranging from quiet card rooms to a massive show lounge featuring high-energy productions. Be warned: If you consider yourself old-fashioned, or simply like the idea of dining at the same table every night, study the ship and the Freestyle Cruising concept thoroughly before booking. Many will simply not like this new way of cruising; but those who want more options or are willing to try something new could find Star to be one of their favorite ships. With Freestyle Cruising, NCL attracts an active, energetic crowd. Sunbathing and drinking by the pool are highlights of the cruise for many. The scene there is always festive, aided by the ever-popular "Buckets of Beer" for sale, with music constantly playing in the background or the "Men's Hairy Chest Competition" competing with the sun for attention. It may be hard to find quiet deck space on top of the ship, but there are several places inside to sit peacefully and look out at the sea, and the promenade deck offers a nice retreat. Freestyle Cruising ostensibly makes it easier to get to know people on the cruise, but I found it harder to meet people at first, as you are not forced to meet your dining companions. At one of the main restaurants, when I asked to sit with others, I was told most people do not like to share, and was given a table for two right away. Only once was I able to share a table-during lunch-and I eventually gave up and accepted the inevitable table for two. Once you become friendly with other passengers, however, it's easy to make plans to dine with them if both parties are willing. Fun-loving? Into sports & fitness? Looking for a family-pleasing adventure? Here's your cruise ship. Here's why:
Public rooms Although this is a large vessel, the public areas are designed in such a way that makes many areas of the ship feel cozy and intimate. Most of the bars, lounges and restaurants are centrally located so you can just go steps from one to the other and have an immediate change in atmosphere. Norwegian Star is a huge ship that, for its size, offers probably the most varied collection of public rooms afloat. A wide variety of spaces and concepts can be found onboard. Norwegian Star was originally intended to enter service for parent company Star Cruises in Asia, there are options not usually found on American-market ships. >Starting at deck 13, an intimate, low-key Martini bar overlooks the pool area, one deck below. Further aft is Cagney's, a 1930's style American steak house. Below on deck 12, the airy, forward-facing Spinnaker Lounge, functions as an observation lounge during the day and a secondary showroom at night. Also forward are two card rooms, a genuine reading room complete with writing desks, and a subdued, peaceful library. Deck 12 aft is home to the Barong Fitness Center, the Teen Club and Video Arcade and the Market Cafe buffet-style eatery. Other public rooms are spread out over three decks. Around one level of the atrium is a striking restaurant, offering views below to the Java Cafe. Here, various musicians play throughout the evening, causing passengers to congregate and listen on the lower levels as the music wafts upward. Just aft of the atrium on the port side is the English-style tavern where fish and chips with malt vinegar are available during the evening and a guitarist leads convivial passengers in songs after dinner. The state-of-the-art Star Club Casino was added to deck 6, forward, during the 2004 refit after Star left Hawaii. It offers Blackjack, Mini Baccarat, Roulette, 3 Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker and Craps tables. Other changes included the transformation of the Teen Club on Deck 7 into the Pearl Martini Lounge while the adjoining Karaoke Circus was converted into the Carousel Bar and Night Club. The casino is located on deck six forward on Dawn and will be added to Star at this same location in 2004. Currently on Star, this area is Dazzles nightclub. Modest compared to the fanciful creations found on other vessels, this room serves well as a place to dance or merely sit and have some drinks and talk with others. Events such as the Elvis dance-a-like contest draw standing-room-only crowds. >Gatsby's Champagne Bar is an elegant, faux Art Deco lounge, dramatic with its two-story-high ceiling and four large bronze relieves depicting modes of transportation lining the large staircase from the deck above. Serving as a pre-dinner venue for Le Bistro, it is an inviting place to sit and quietly listen to a piano player. Just off Gatsby's is the Havana Cigar Club, seating 12 in leather chairs. This ship also has an Internet cafe, conference rooms, additional bars and extensive teen and children facilities, including a large outdoor children's playground and pool. Fitness and Reacreation Norwegian Star Mandara Spa runs the modern and well-equipped spa, with the usual selection of wraps and hydrotherapy baths, and special waiting rooms overlooking the wake for those with treatments. Upstairs, the Barong Fitness Center is somewhat dark. It was expanded in size during the refit in 2004, taking over the former Video Zone area. The facility has an adequate number of exercise bikes, treadmills, and Cybex weight machines. A juice bar is inside the fitness center. Happily, chairs and tables are on the ship's Promenade Deck, and passengers flock here to play shuffleboard, read, or simply walk round and round. This is one of the most used and active promenade decks on any new ship, and it is a delight to see passengers rediscovering the joys of its social aspects. A large pool is on top of the ship, with two water slides and four whirlpools. This pool is often full of partying passengers, and the area is rarely quiet for those wanting to do actual exercise. Another Jacuzzi is located forward on Deck 13. There is a jogging track around the top deck, although it tends to be narrow along the sides and is rarely used. Shuffleboard, ping pong and a golf driving range as well as a large volleyball/basketball court are also on top of the ship. This ship is so long that it only takes three and a half laps on the Deck 13 walking and jogging track to make a mile. The view from here is great, too, looking down on the pool and the gallery that rises above it at the forward end. And when you're done with your jog, you can flop into one of the chaises which are close at hand. Barong Fitness Center For Every Body. With her major refurbishment in 2004, Norwegian Star expanded the Barong Fitness Center. Here, you can attend aerobics, boxercise, or even yoga classes in a room equipped with a sprung wooden floor. Or pump some iron using the free weights or exercise equipment. It’s all here and waiting. And your reward? Just step into the adjacent Barong Juice Bar for your favorite protein shake or frosty, fruity beverage! Barong Spa Go ahead, indulge yourself. Jogging Track Five laps equals one mile around this jogging track that fully encircles Deck 7. So run, jog, walk, jump, or skip (whatever floats your boat!), all with a wonderful view out over the water. Sports The Star is fully equipped with a variety of sports facilities to keep you in shape, and in practice. So play a game of pickup basketball at the basketball/volleyball court or practice your swing at the golf driving range. Eat your heart out sports lovers! Snorkeling/SCUBA Diving Dive into this… Entertainment As usual on an NCL ship, the entertainment shines brightly. There is "the usual" bingo, art auctions, karaoke and fantastic Jean Ann Ryan company production shows at night in the Stardust Theater. The nightly shows include magicians, comedians, production numbers and a Cirque du Soleil-type of gravity-defying extravaganza. This is a vast ship and the activities are numerous, spread throughout the ship and spread throughout the day and night. Repeated announcements from the Cruise Director keep you informed of all the activities, ranging from Bingo to "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" games. On my cruise, during the day NCL did offer a series of lectures, including financial management talks and two sessions on marine life. A proper cinema showed movies as well. The evening brings a variety of entertainment options, and music seems to be coming from everywhere on the ship as bands play in the atrium and lounges. At least two different shows are shown twice each night, including a comedian, magician, and large dance revues. One in particular is very impressive, a sort of "Cirque De Soleil meets Asia," featuring Chinese acrobats. This dramatic show featured humans doing impossible contortions, whether balancing on others with only one hand or hanging upside down while spinning rapidly from lines. Activities After an long exciting day jammed packed with activities and scrumptious dining you're probably beyond tired, but I dare you to sleep. The fun has just begun and there are any limits to the abundance of entertainment contained on this ship. You are guaranteed to find either a Lounge or Bar with the ideal atmosphere that you've been looking for.
Stardust Theater The Spinnaker Lounge Gatsby's Champagne Bar Star Club Casino Wine Cellar Havana Club Family This is a ship that is designed for families, and its recent refurbishment just added to the already great amenities for kids and teens. On Deck 13, at the aft of the ship, is Planet Kids, with activities for all age groups through 12, including five computer stations, a movie theater, a nursery and a playroom. Kids are welcomed from age two, and if they aren't yet potty-trained, the parents will be issued a beeper so they can be called when it's time to change a diaper. Dress Casual, casual, casual. There is one voluntary formal night for those who want to dress up, but most choose to leave their jewels and tuxes at home. The fancier restaurants (Bistro, SoHo Room) do lend themselves to cocktail attire, but the other dining spots only require resort casual. No shorts, swimsuits or tank tops are allowed in the restaurants after 5 p.m. Passengers can wear pretty much whatever they want at night, except for T-Shirts and bathing suits. While a few passengers dressed up, the majority dressed merely comfortably and neatly (although some pushed the boundaries of what would be acceptable at similar restaurants on shore). Those who prefer to have everyone dressed up at the same time, or who might be unhappy with fellow passengers dressing sloppily, should think twice before booking this vessel. I heard some who did dress up grumbling about the casualness of the other passengers. Seeing a couple in a suit and cocktail dress seated next to passengers wearing baseball caps in the dining room did not seem consistent. Gratuity NCL automatically adds a fixed service charge to your shipboard account which covers all service personnel. The amount is $10 per person per day for passengers age 13 and over; $5.00 per day for children age 3 - 12 and no charge for children under the age of three. Further tipping is not necesary, however, NCL recommends a 15 percent gratuity for bar service and suggests those receiving concierge or butler services consider offering a gratuity for services rendered. Additional gratuities are at the passenger's discretion. Interestingly, the verbiage in NCL's new contract of carriage calls the $10-per-day fee that is added to shipboard accounts a "service charge," and advises that "tipping" is not required but would be nice for those staff members who are deserving. This is a change from the old policy of charging $10 per day as gratuities and allowing guests to add to or deduct from this amount as service warranted. We were reassured that the "service charge" still goes to the staff, but were also told that it isn't considered a "tip." Ship hightlights
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has what is said to be the largest indoor pool at sea. Located in the lower level of the Barong Spa on deck 11, this lap pool is a welcome addition, especially if the weather turns cloudy, and makes for an attractive spa area that overlooks the stern and features a Jacuzzi. Hot and cold plunge baths are also available.