Norwegian Star Reviews

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Overview Dining Cabins Entertainment Casino Fitness / Recreation Spa Kids Shopping Dress Code Gratuity / Tipping

Overview

NCL's brightest star, Norwegian Star a $400 million supership, was built expressly with "Freestyle Cruising" in mind. The Norwegian Star cruise ship offers 10 remarkable restaurants, 13 bars and lounges and an astonishing array of cabins and suites – over two-thirds of which feature a private balcony or ocean view and the luxurious rooftop Garden Villas – the largest suites afloat.

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Dining

The Choice Is Yours
You’ll see what NCL means when they say Freestyle Dining from the moment you step onboard this Norwegian ship. NCL offer's more savory restaurants, cuisine and dining experiences than you ever imagined. There are up to 10 different restaurants, giving you more choice than days of the week. Join us on one cruise and we know you’ll be hooked. Because NCL knows good taste. Here are just a few of their restaurants to give you a flavor.

THE SOHO ROOM
Fusion Cuisine
This high-end Pacific Rim restaurant features a fusion of Californian and Polynesian cuisines. Coriander, Garlic and Ginger Roasted Medallions of Monkfish, and a sizzling Szechwan Encrusted Beef Tenderloin Steak that's "to die for" are just a few of the delights that await you in SoHo. Or for something truly extravagant, pick your own lobster from the cold water lobster tank. Of special note: The SoHo Room features 3 exclusive private dining rooms – perfect for intimate gatherings.

GINZA
Japanese/Chinese/Thai Restaurant Complex
Featuring a sushi bar, teppanyaki room and a Thai/Japanese/Chinese restaurant. Servers dressed in elaborate garb are happy to help you select from such specialty items as Sukiyaki, Peking Duck, or tempting steak and seafood combos. Chilled or warm sake served in a traditional wooden box is a popular accompaniment to any selection. À la carte menu pricing.

LE BISTRO
French/Mediterranean Restaurant
While enjoying an intimate meal at Le Bistro, one could easily imagine sitting in a charming café on the Champs Èlysées. But the menu also reflects many delicious Mediterranean influences, it's clever mix of traditional specialties and inventive signature dishes has made Le Bistro "le favorite." Enjoy the best seat in the house as a Maître d' prepares a traditional Caesar salad tableside. Then get ready to say, "C'est bon!" $10 per person cover charge.

AQUA
Contemporary Cuisine
With it's contemporary venue and menu, Aqua will clearly delight patrons. Aside from the regular menu, a variety of exclusive President's Menu selections can always be found. The chefs have also teamed up with Cooking Light® magazine to offer a variety of dishes which are low in cholesterol, salt, and fat yet high in flavor. The ever-changing selections include Baked Flounder with Thai Scallion Sauce, Sauteed Veal Scallopini topped with Crabmeat and Sauce Bearnaise, and a Red Currant Glazed Pork Chop served with Root Vegetables.

VERSAILLES
Traditional Cuisine
This elegant restaurant is reminiscent of an ornate French château, where master chefs prepare a sumptuous feast. Every artfully presented course is a delight to the senses. The traditional yet highly sophisticated dishes served include a wonderful Broiled Caribbean Lobster Tail, Duck â l'Orange, and Filet of Beef Wellington. An extensive wine selection makes it easy to choose the perfect complement to your meal.

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Cabins

All cabins on Norwegian Star have a TV, refrigerator, safe, duvet, bathroom with shower and tea and coffee facilities. Most lower beds are convertible to a queen size bed. All suites and penthouses feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors with private balcony. For more information, contact your Travel Professional or NCL Reservations.

Garden Villa
Spectacular 5,750 sq ft Garden Villa complete with living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms each with king- or queen-size bed, private luxury bath and CD/DVD library. Two bedrooms also feature a full bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Each Villa features a private garden with hot tub, outdoor dining area and terrace. Butler service and concierge available.

Owner's Suite
With over 740 sq ft, these suites include a living room, private balconies, dining room, separate bedroom with king-size bed, mini bar, CD/DVD library and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Butler service and concierge available.

Penthouse
Living area, private balcony, dining area, separate bedroom with queen-size bed, separate children's bedroom, CD/DVD library and luxury bath with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Butler service and concierge available.

Mini-Suite
Sitting area, private balcony, two lower beds that convert to a queen-size bed, and luxury bath and shower. Concierge available.

Oceanview Cabin w/Balcony
Two lower beds, sitting area, floor-to-ceiling glass door opens to private balcony.

Inside Cabin
Two lower beds.

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Entertainment

The Oasis Pool
Guests keep cool in these two beautiful pools surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Lay back in one of the comfortable deck chairs or hop into one of the four hot tubs when it's time to unwind.

Stardust Theater
You'll enjoy world-class entertainment in one of the most elegant theaters afloat. It features traditional European opera-house ambiance, reaching up three decks. Enjoy the show before or after dinner.

Card room. Video Arcade.
Internet Café. Computer, Internet facilities and computer lecture/training area.

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Casino

Star Club Casino
NCL lets the good times roll at their Casinos at Sea. Novices and veterans alike will enjoy Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Let It Ride® and Caribbean Stud Poker.TM NCL's slots and video poker machines provide more exciting opportunities than ever.

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Fitness / Recreation

There are plenty of ways to stay active afloat with a basketball court, jogging and walking track, two pools and a modern fitness center open 24 hours. Be sure to give your friends and family back home email address or you can give them your personalized Cruise-email™ (located on your cruise ticket) so you can stay in touch throughout your cruise.

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Spa

NCL is proud to announce its fleetwide agreement with Mandara Spa, a leading operator of exotic resort spas in the world. The name "Mandara" comes from an ancient Sanskrit legend about the gods' quest to find the elixir of immortality and eternal youth. Mandara spa, originating in Bali, has embraced the legend. With over 45 land and sea-based spas worldwide and on Norwegian Cruise Line, they have developed unique and exotic spa treatments to reflect the beauty, spirit and traditions of Bali. NCL cannot promise immortality but when you experience one of their unique treatments, you too will feel as if you can live forever.

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Kids

FUN FOR EVERYONE
This is the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of. A place where you can unwind while your kids are just winding up. A place where you can all agree on what to do next.Welcome to NCL and NCL America’s Kid’s Crew™ and Teen’s Crew™ programs. They are custom designed for toddlers, teens and everyone in between.

KID’S CREW AND TEEN’S CREW
How do they do it? Every exciting moment is filled with age-appropriate entertainment in mind. For kids from age 2-12, they offer everything from arts and crafts to pajama parties. Teen’s Crew, for age 13-17, has options like pool parties, a teen disco, a video arcade and much more. Now, you can enjoy a hot-stone massage, a yoga class or a cocktail by the pool while they’re having the time of their lives. But don’t think of Kid’s Crew as babysitting – there’s very little sitting involved. This program is active, energetic, educational and, most importantly, fun.Whether your kids are at NCL's elaborate children’s facilities, taking a dip in one of the pools, or doing any other activity, they will be under the constant supervision of NCL's carefully chosen staff of youth counselors from leading universities and organizations. Each team counselor attends a special training course on safety, communication skills and confidence-building.

NO WORRIES
It’s easy for you to relax when you know your kids are safe and happy. In fact, safety is of paramount importance to NCL staff. Each child’s name, cabin number, allergies, medications and lifeboat station numbers are written on the back of their Kid’s Crew ID bracelets. Teens are free to come and go as they please, and children 12 years and younger are not allowed to leave the program unless picked up by a parent. And when the day is done, you’ll find NCL's family suites and connecting and adjacent cabins are perfect for family togetherness and privacy.

KID’S CREW & TEEN’S CREW PACKAGES COMPLIMENTARY KID’S CREW PROGRAM Includes:
• Age-appropriate, supervised activities
• T-shirt for painting
• Mom’s and Dad’s night out
• Kid’s/Teen’s Crew News
• Chef’s hat (for cooking classes)
• Birthday party (for kids celebrating a birthday)
• Child Care Center

Children must be 2 years old to participate. Group sitting is available for a nominal fee. Parents with participating children who are not potty-trained will be issued a beeper and be alerted when the child needs to be changed. Beeper range is limited to on board the ship. Programs and age groupings are subject to change. According to United States Public Health (U.S.P.H.) regulations, no diapers of any kind are permitted in the swimming pools or hot tubs, including those marketed as “swimmers.”

TEEN PASSPORT PROGRAM
Includes:
• Passport booklet with 20 non-alcoholic drink tickets, including non-alcoholic smoothies: $34.50
• Afternoon dance party for teen and a guest with D.J., pizza and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks
• “Farewell Frat Party” on the last evening of the cruise Available only to teens age 13-17.
KID’S CREW BACKPACK WITH UNLIMITED SODA PROGRAM
Includes:
• Backpack with unlimited soda program: $39.50* NCL’s sturdy Kid’s Crew backpack with luggage tag includes a T-shirt, baseball cap and a souvenir cup with free soda fountain fill-ups good throughout the cruise.
• Unlimited beverage program: $16.00* *Price based on a 7-day cruise. Available only to kids up to 12 years of age.
FUN FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES
Our fun and flexible Kid’s Crew and Teen’s Crew programs are designed for kids and teens, age 2-17. The well-trained counselors offer an array of age-appropriate, fun-filled options so kids can get as much excitement out of the cruise as you do. And your kids can also learn while they’re having fun! With everything from parties and video arcades to stimulating learning sessions, NCL provide's so much fun we know your kids will have the trip of a lifetime.

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Shopping

The Galleria
Large department store offering a wide selection of branded & choice items.

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Dress Code

Freestyle Cruising gives you the freedom to dress as you please. So come as you are. No need to check for a suggested dress code in the ship's Freestyle Daily as you would on traditional cruises. Resort casual attire is always appropriate morning, noon and night. If you like, you can slip into a pair of khakis and a polo shirt, a skirt and blouse or a sundress for dinner. NCL does not allow jeans, T-shirts, shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, bare feet, etc. in any of the restaurants at dinner.
For those who do love to dress to the nines and get that annual formal portrait photography done, there is one optional formal evening in at least one of the main restaurants on every cruise; at least two formal evenings on longer cruises. This means black tie or dark suit for gentlemen and evening gown or cocktail dress for ladies. But remember, on formal evenings you can always choose to dine in one of the other restaurants instead and enjoy some of the other lounges and leave your dressier clothes at home.
In warm climates, shorts, slacks, sundresses, jeans and tops - and of course a swimsuit and cover-up are all appropriate daytime attire. Air conditioning can feel chilly, so pack a sweater. Because weather is difficult to predict, in cooler climates dressing in layers is the best approach. For visits to places of worship, check your Freestyle Daily for attire guidelines. Be sure to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes, too. Other essentials: sunglasses, a sun hat or visor and sunscreen. Don't forget to bring prescription medicines in original containers and an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses. Carry valuables and medication in a handbag you keep with you at all times. Important Note: All suitcases are collected the night before we return to our home port, so be sure to bring an overnight bag.

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Gratuity / Tipping

SERVICE CHARGE
A fixed service charge of $10 per person, per day will be added to your onboard account. For children ages 3-12, a $5 per person per day charge will be added to your onboard account; there is no charge for children under the age of three. NCL's crew is encouraged to work together as a service team and is compensated by a combination of salary and incentive programs that the service charge supports. It is NCL's earnest wish that you enjoy your Freestyle Cruise experience and that the entire crew in all areas of the ship will provide you with the standard of service for which NCL is known. Therefore, if you have any concerns about the service you receive during your cruise, please bring them to the immediate attention of our reception desk staff on board so that we can address any issues in a timely manner before the cruise is over.

Both NCL and NCL America have a structured guest satisfaction program on board designed to handle any concerns raised by the guests relating to the service or on board product quickly and efficiently. In almost all cases they are able to come up with a satisfactory solution to any issues which are raised and make sure the guests can focus on enjoying their cruise vacation. In the unlikely event we cannot satisfactorily resolve the issue through the guest satisfaction program, guests will be able to adjust the service charge according to the level of inconvenience they feel they have experienced. NCL's clear priority is to have the opportunity of resolving the issue, when it happens, to everyone’s complete satisfaction.

GRATUITIES
Unlike most other ships in the cruise industry, there is no required or recommended tipping on NCL America or Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Guests should not feel obliged to offer a gratuity for service that is generally rendered to all guests.

However, all of the staff is encouraged to "go the extra mile", and so they are permitted to accept cash gratuities entirely at the discretion of the guests who wish to acknowledge particular staff members for exceptional or outstanding service. In other words, there is genuinely no need to tip but you should feel free to do so if you have a desire to acknowledge particular individuals. Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent. Similarly, for guests using concierge and butler services, we recommend they consider offering a gratuity commensurate with services rendered.

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