NCL Star or Costa Firenze?

[lucas34]

Who has experience with the following ships? Alternatives would be 11 nights Norwegian Star or 16 nights Costa Firenze in an inside cabin, same price and almost the same cruise itinerary.

I know that Costa is a newer ship, but is the quality and selection of food better at NCL considering also the little things like free water, iced tea and coffee at meals.

How much does the Gala menu differ between these two ships (is there lobster anymore?)? Both prices are cruise only and do not include the beverage package. All information will be more than to welcome.

[lucas34]

Up

[Dancer Bob]

Firenze is being transferred to Carnival in the US next year, I assume this is before. Firenze was designed for the Chinese market, big casino and expensive restaurants and shops. Not popular with the European market.

If itinerary is important, 16 days would be better than 10.

Have not been on NCL Star, but I expect to be a much more American experience culturally. There will be more English-speaking solos. When I was on Firenze, it was only 1/4 full, there was not a critical mass for most activities.

Without a drink package, Firenze will probably be more expensive. I'm booking non-alcohol soft drink packages now, seems to work out well.

Food will be much more American on NCL. It is difficult to predict exactly what will be extra cost, all cruise lines are charging as much as they can now.