Star 2001 vs 2015

[crockea]

We recently sailed on the Star for our 2nd time. The first was in her inaugural year of 2001. On board this time we found ourselves wondering where some of the places we enjoyed prior went to. It certainly is a different ship today. After looking at all the changes, the "upgrades" have definitely been to add casino space, the lame family suites with no balcony but a high price and accommodate more specialty restaurants. For anyone wondering themselves, I thought I'd share the changes I noticed the most.

 

Deck 13 - The Spinnaker Lounge which used to have views is gone. It is now located on deck 7 where the shops used to be. In its place are the suites with no balconies. FAIL

The Star Bar is now Moderno. No more having a nice Martini while looking over the pool area. For breakfast and lunch I am sure the suite guests enjoy the views.

 

Deck 7 - The Karaoke Circus, Teen Club and Photo Gallery is now where some of the on board shops are. Probably no big deal as Karaoke is no longer the "in" thing.

The Blue Lagoon is now the photo gallery and The Red Lion bar is now the 5 o'clock somewhere bar.

 

Deck 6 and most disappointing - Dazzles Lounge and Night Club is now the Casino. The ship does not have adequate ventilation to keep the smoke from going into Le Bistro and Gatsby's Champagne Bar making them unbearable to sit in unless you are not bothered by the overwhelming smell of smoke (not picking on the smokers, I was one for years and did used to be OK with the smell so I get it if you're not bothered by the smoke). We met some 21 year olds on board who complained very badly about the lack of dancing available on board. Most dance parties didn't get started until after 10/10:30. Now I see it's because they no longer have the space as they removed the main night club and now have to share The Spinnaker.

What used to be the Galleria Shops is now Spinnakers.

 

We are platinum members and still have a Getaway Haven booked for next September. Prior to this cruise on the Star I claimed NCL was my favorite because of the Haven but have told people they probably wouldn't enjoy the new larger ships in a regular category. I thought the Star, being older would still have ample common areas. The changes they are making have me thinking I may be done with NCL? Who knows though, I am a female and could change my mind at a moments notice :). The cruise in September will probably be the last time we sail with NCL unless we get a Haven Suite again as there is now too little common space. They have raised the Haven prices so much that I can no longer say it is worth it. I'd rather go back to Carnival for fun yet no bells and whistles and to Holland America when I want to relax and be pampered. Or perhaps I'll even venture out to Celebrity and try them out for a change?

 

I am sure I'll get some hater comments. I had nothing against NCL prior to this past cruise but can now see why so many are pooh pooh'ing the line and it's new direction. Any company in any industry has to make changes to stay profitable. I will simply choose to spend my money elsewhere and I am sure they will stay profitable with guests who are OK with the new direction.

[FranknBeans]

These changes were made years ago. I guess you should have done some research before hand. The Star has been the ship we have cruised many many times before and after reno's and still like the ship. I guess to each their own!

[dexddd]

It is Deck 12 where Spinnaker used to be and the suites and inside rooms were added.

[gpb11]

I don't get it. You were expecting no changes to a ship over fourteen years despite a changing market?

 

What other ships (regardless of carrier) are the same today as they were fourteen years ago?

[jpcdds6]

I like most of the changes. Don't miss blue lagoon at all. Nothing but a bottleneck. Did like the shopping area in the stern though. You can still have a drink at the mojito bar next to Moderno.

[Rede411]

Four of the Suites on Deck 12 (Where the old Spinnaker used to be) has balcony's. SG Category 12510. But most of the others are Family suites with huge windows which most people seem to enjoy. I had heard that they added Portholes/windows to Spinnaker during it's last renovation

[gpb11]

I had heard that they added Portholes/windows to Spinnaker during it's last renovation

 

Yes, there are a handful windows in the back of the deck 7 Spinnaker lounge on the Star as of our cruise a couple weeks ago. Not knowing this was something "new" I didn't pay attention to the details.

[rhblake]

You can still have a drink at the mojito bar next to Moderno.

 

If you can land one of the 10 bar stools. Otherwise you are standing in Moderno next to someone's table who is trying to eat dinner for which they paid money. I was trying to have dinner there when there were more drinkers than bar stools. The noise the drinkers created did not provide for a very nice dinner atmosphere.

[crockea]

I don't get it. You were expecting no changes to a ship over fourteen years despite a changing market?

 

What other ships (regardless of carrier) are the same today as they were fourteen years ago?

 

LOL - No, I knew there were changes. I just didn't realize how much it took away from common space. I am not angry or anything, I just don't like the direction. Still love all my past (even the most recent cruise) with NCL. But it may be time to move on if they keep shrinking the space for the majority. We are all allowed to have our own preference :)

Edited November 6, 2015 by crockea
a

[crockea]

It is Deck 12 where Spinnaker used to be and the suites and inside rooms were added.

 

Yes, sorry for the typo.