Just got myself on the 11/7 sailing of the Norwegian Star, a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise. I have been on the NCL Pride of Hawaii (now the Norwegian Jade), a near-sister ship. Nice ship, nice layout, I expect, from looking at the deck plans, to be able to navigate the Star with minimum difficulty. The 91,000 ton ship, with just under 2,000 passengers is the perfect size, in my opinion...big enough to have 13 dining venues and multiple bars/lounges/theaters, without being overwhelming and impersonal, as I find most of the 100,000 ton plus, 3,000 passenger plus vessels entering service lately.
The Pride of Hawaii was with NCLAmerica, the American division of NCL Cruises. They have gotten a mildly bad rep for service issues, which most passengers blame on having to utilize American crew.
NCL does not have that problem, and by all accounts has better service than NCLA. Personally, I did not have any significant problems on my cruise with NCLA, and in fact had some really great interactions with various crewmembers...so if NCL is even better, I anticipate a great cruise. Of course, I always anticipate a great cruise, and am seldom disappointed.
The fantastic deal is called the PhD@sea program, and is a result of my many hours of study to become "FREESTYLE CERTIFIED" by Norwegian Cruise Lines. It's wonderful when hard work pays off.
So, I will be posting my review when I return, and in the meantime, anyone who wishes to experience the Freestyle Cruising concept: give us a call at DAVE HOLMAN TRAVEL SERVICES, 760.265.3687 or by email at sales@daveholmantravel.com
