djasinsk

I am from DC, so I was intrigued to read your take on the star. I have cruised a lot, but mostly on celebrity never on ncl, and never on a 20 year old ship. Found a kick-a$$ itinerary on the star this fall for Lisbon to Rio and can’t resist going. Super excited. Not too many sea days (crossing just three days) I appreciate the candor, will probably bump up the specialty dining (cruise is very inexpensive), and just make the best of it and enjoy the 11 new ports I have never been to, and the sun and the balcony and pool during this warm weather crossing over the equator.

Hi there. First time ncl cruiser (previous celebrity, most recently in suite using upgraded restaurant). Headed on 18 night Lisbon Rio transatlantic this fall on the Star. 7 sea days out of 17, the rest are in port. my question is around how to maintain flexibility to use specialty dining but still get a lot of value. 1. On these long cruises esp transatlantics. Are specialty walk ins usually available between 630-8? We like to be flexible and go when we feel like it. 2. Are they strict on 24 hour cancellations? If so, are they flexible say if you book for 8pm and show up at 630? 3. We don’t mind paying for the specialty dining but the price per meal goes from 60pp per meal for two meals to 30pp pm when you buy and pay for a large number upfront (the latter charge being what it costs to upgrade from a say 5 meal package to a 6 meal package is $30 for the one extra meal). Is there any way to get this 30pp price point but not commit all meals in advance? 4. Ideally we would like to just decide where to dine from buffet to mdr to specialty each evening when the time comes, but if we don’t prepay it seems like places like cagneys would cost $70 80 or even $90 bucks each if we were to order everything. just trying to figure out how to be “free style” but not pay more than needed. suggestions welcome!

How was the cruise guys? Good crowd on the ship? My husband and I are booked for the same itinerary in November.