We had a great time on the STAR June 18-25

[Kathy Q]

Hello Hikini

 

Could you take a moment for a first timer? We are leaving on the Star on 7/30 to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. this is our first cruise...ever!

 

In the staterooms, is there a hair dryer? An ironing board and iron?

 

Thanks so much. haven't been able to find the answers to these questions.

 

Harriett

 

Hi Harriett,

 

There's a pretty neat web site that has lots and lots of information on the Star. Here's the overall link:

 

http://cruiseclues.com/shipstips/norwegianstar.htm

 

There's a specific link describing information about each type of cabin. That's this one:

 

http://www.choosingcruising.co.uk/cruiseweb/cabins.asp?client=choosing&nShip=260

 

It shows that each cabin on the Star does have a hair dryer. I think you have to request the iron and ironing board, but I'm not sure about that.

 

Hope this helps! We'll be on the Star just before you, on the 7/23 sailing. :D Can't wait!!!

 

Kathy Q

[Harriett in Hamburg]

thanks Kathy! Much appreciated!

[Hikini]

Harriett - yes there are hair dryers in the cabins, and I have found them to be completely sufficient for my long hair. Some people complain they aren't powerful enough, but they are for me.

 

I can't answer about the irons and ironing boards. I avoid ironing at home at all costs, so I'm for darn sure not going to iron on my cruise!:D

 

Have fun! You will love the Star!!!

[CruiseRookie2006]

Hi Hikini and everyone,

 

What a great forum I seem to have stumbled into! We're booked on the Star cruise July 23-30...like someone else, for our 25th Anniversary. Seemed a great compromise: gorgeous scenery and nature for me, casino for him! We are in an unofficial group (told one person we were doing this, they joined, before we knew it our group is about 20!) and they think I am the 'expert'...so we have some questions:

 

Is smoking permitted in the casino?

 

Is there a 10 percent gratuity surcharge per person per day and does this take the place of tips?

 

What kind of weather should we prepare for? Raincoats, sweaters, shorts?

 

Is it daylight for 24 hours?!

 

For our one romantic alone evening, what should we arrange? Which bar, restaurant, etc.?

 

We drink a lot of water. Can you drink from the tap? Do they provide free water?

 

Is it worth bringing a laptop?

 

Does your cell phone work?

 

Well, these are the questions our group has asked for the moment. Thanks in advance for your response.

[cruisetexas]

Hi Cruise Rookie...we're also cruising the 23rd on the Star...join our group under "roll calls". We have a group of sixteen, ages 2-85, all one big happy family! Also on that cruise, a large group of time share users...called TUGERS...something I just learned! As far as your questions go: definitely smoking in the casino, water is available at all times and is excellent, I've been watching the Juneau weather in our local paper and it's been in the 60s for the most part, but recently with showers, so definitely something waterproof. As far as cell phone service, I've read horror stories on these boards about huge bills, even if your plan has no roaming charges..I plan on just turning off my phone. The laptop would come in hand to download pictures to empty a digital camera memory card...so you can load it up again! Being new to the Star, can't help you on the romantic evening restaurant...lots of options from what I've read! See you on board in two weeks! cruisetexas

[Hikini]

Hi CruiseRookie - I'll try to help you out here as much as I can.

 

Smoking IS permitted in the casino

 

The gratuity is ten DOLLARS (not 10%) per person per day. Any tipping you do above that is up to you. (Some people are not included in the tip pool and one area that applies is the kids crew.)

 

In AK the weather is unpredictable. You should take a jacket or coat along for your time in Glacier Bay. You will want to be out on deck a lot and it's chilly out there. But your days in port will most likely be high 50's to high 60's and a sweater will most likely be just fine. But it's best to be prepared for that unpredictable AK weather!

 

It isn't daylight 24 hours but you will have daylight longer into the evening/night than we have down here in the lower 48.

 

I take my laptop and consider it to be worth it. I like to look at my digital pics as soon as I can, and having the laptop along is the best way. Also, if you're lucky in port you can find a free wireless access.

 

The tap water and water they serve (free) in the restaurants is good water. They do offer specialty water if you want to pay for it. I don't see the need, myself.

 

Don't use your cell phone on the ship unless you want to pay the price. But in port, except for Victoria, I have had great service and NO extra charges. My plan is T-Mobile.

 

For your evening alone, if you want to pay extra for a specialty restaurant I would recommend Cagney's. If you don't want to pay extra, then a table for 2 at the Endless Summer would be nice. Endless Summer is a very pretty restaurant and 2 people should be able to sit at a window. You can request that when you make the reservation but make your reservation soon after boarding the ship. Endless Summer is no extra charge but you have to make reservations. They don't have the tables crowded together in there like they do in Aqua and Versailles so you could have a more private time together.

 

We ate in Endless Summer on Monday night and had great views as we traveled along, and passed another ship along the way. It was nice to be able to watch out the windows.

 

Enjoy the Star!

Hikini:D

[smarterman64]

Is smoking permitted in the casino?

The casino gets VERY smokey later in the ight as there are more gamblers. I spent most of my night of the chocoholic buffet there watching people playa nd watching how fast the dealers are manage to deal.

 

Is it daylight for 24 hours?!

It's almost like it is. If you sleep before 11 and wake up by 5 or 6, then you won't realize it got that dark.

 

We drink a lot of water. Can you drink from the tap? Do they provide free water?

You can ask almost any bartender at the bars for a glass of ice water. Some gave me two, but that may have been my fault.

 

Is it worth bringing a laptop?

I barely used mine. I Tried to type up stories but never finsihed. And i never needed to unload pictures as i had a large memory card.

[wyboy]

Great review, looks like you and your family had a great time! I have to agree that the food and service was quite good. The portions were just right for us, especially if you order an appetizer, salad, soup, main dish and dessert as we did most nights. We had the same room stewards as you did and they did a great job meeting our needs.

 

I wish you had gone before us so we could have taken advantage of some of your tips. We kind of wished we made it to the Liars Club and had a meal at Endless Summer. I guess we'll have to do it again soon.

[CruiseRookie2006]

Really appreciate the tips and advice...Cruisetexas, we are also coming out of Texas (presuming that's what your name means!). We made our initial reservation through a Poker tour. I tried to find the 'roll calls' area but never found it.

 

Thanks, Hikini, for the info and suggestion of Cagney's where I'll make a reservation.

 

Smarterman64, thank you for your response to my question. Very helpful info.

 

One more question popped up today - one lady asked me if there is a limit to baggage weight?? Can't imagine there is...but...

[Kathy Q]

 

One more question popped up today - one lady asked me if there is a limit to baggage weight?? Can't imagine there is...but...

 

Although there isn't a weight limit on bags once you're on the ship, there is a 50 lb limit per bag if you fly in.

 

I'm also on the 7/23 cruise, part of the Timeshare Users Group (TUGgers!). We've got a roll call going and I'd be happy to organize a CC meet and greet if anyone is interested in getting together.

 

Here's the link to the roll call for the 7/23 sailing:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=319668

 

Hope to meet you on board!

 

Kathy Q

[cruisetexas]

Hi Cruise Rookie! We're flying out of Houston on Sunday morning...we decided to have NCL do our transfer to the ship so they'll know we're coming if there are any delays in our flight. I've been watching the Roll Call for you to sign up...Kathy Q. posted it for you. It's mostly those TUGger people....sign up so we're not so out numbered! :) Two weeks from today...YAY us!

[Kathy Q]

Hi Cruise Rookie! We're flying out of Houston on Sunday morning...we decided to have NCL do our transfer to the ship so they'll know we're coming if there are any delays in our flight. I've been watching the Roll Call for you to sign up...Kathy Q. posted it for you. It's mostly those TUGger people....sign up so we're not so out numbered! :) Two weeks from today...YAY us!

 

and... like I said, I'd be happy to set up a meet and greet for just Cruise Critic cruisers if anyone's interested. Best to post on the roll call thread. I'm looking at that one every day. :D

 

I organized a Cruise Critic meet and greet on the NCL repo cruise I took last Sept. It was fun. There were about 7 of us who got together early in the week and then would see each other throughout the week at various meals, events, etc. I'll actually be staying in one of the wrap around penthouse suites on the 7/23 cruise (WooHoo!!!) :) and if we can't book a meeting room through NCL, we can meet in my cabin.

 

Hope to meet some of you on board!

 

Kathy Q

[baycat]

Hello-I have been trying to keep up with all of the information from everyone, so I hope I am not repeating too many of the same questions. We are sailing on the Norwegian Star on July 30-Inside Passage. This is our first cruise and we are taking our Mothers along. We are all very excited and anxious to get going. I have a few questions also:

1. I thought I had read somewhere that the spa area was free of charge-so far as the whirlpool and sauna area. Just charges for the salon and massages. Then I read that there is a new charge for the spa-like $70.00 for the week. Is this so?

2. Is there a safe in the room?

3. What credentials do you need to carry with you onboard (Exp: Room Key, I.D., etc..)? On shore, I assume your Passport and I.D., money, room key and any other ship identification?

4. When you say free water-do they have bottled water available? My Mom always has a bottle of water with her. Should we bring any along and do they have refrigerators in the cabins? I will check out the site referenced for the NCL rooms.

5. Do we need to lock our luggage before embarkation-or do they need access like the airlines?

6. Our Mothers would like to know about bringing their insurance cards and prescriptions? Do they need them or not? Original bottles only?

7. When they say "resort casual" can my husband or I wear dressy shorts to dinner or only slacks/skirt?

8. Do we need to make reservations for dinner for the whole week once we get aboaord-or do we have time through out the week?

9. We arrive in Seattle on Fri night at 10pm and have all day Sat. What should we absolutely see that day?

10. What time should we head to the pier to begin our boarding?

 

I know I have alot of questions-but I have been saving them up and trying to get as much info before we go. I was the planner and I want to have everyone as prepared as possible.

 

Thanks for all of your questions and answers-this site has been a wonderful find and I will keep checking back for the next 19 days:)

[CruiseRookie2006]

Baycat - I am new at this too but I do know that the Star has safes in their cabins...

 

I did get myself signed up on the July 23-30 roll call, thank you ladies.

 

Another question: presume there is a laundry on board - is it self-wash and/or send out?

[Kathy Q]

Baycat - I am new at this too but I do know that the Star has safes in their cabins...

 

I did get myself signed up on the July 23-30 roll call, thank you ladies.

 

Another question: presume there is a laundry on board - is it self-wash and/or send out?

 

BayCat,

 

I'm going to try to answer your questions, but before I do that I just want to be sure the first time cruisers know about the clothespin trick... Unless you're in a suite, most of the rooms have a cloth shower curtain that billows into the shower and sticks to you when you take a shower. The way to deal with this is to bring 3-5 clothespins and pin them to the bottom of the shower. It's enough weight to keep the shower straight and keep you from having to bat away the shower curtain for the duration of your shower.

 

On to the rest of the questions:

 

1. Last I heard, the exercise area and hot tubs are free. You only pay if you buy specific services.

2. There is a safe in every room.

3. If you are out of the U.S. you need to carry your passport ashore. Otherwise, your cruise ID card and a photo ID is sufficient. You'll want to bring whatever else you need on shore, depending how you want to pay for things.

4. Tap water is free. There is a charge for bottled water. keep in mind there are 4 port stops on this cruise and if you want bottled water you can buy it at each of the stops (and in Seattle before you leave port).

5. I think I remember they advise you to lock your luggage after you claim it but before it goes on the cruise line. Does anyone know more about this? I think I read that somewhere in the fine print...

6. I always take my original prescription bottles and insurance cards with me. Saves a lot of potential misinformation and misunderstandings if something does go wrong.

7. No shorts in any of the dining rooms, no matter how dressy. It's probably ok in the buffet or in the Bier Garden or other really casual places to eat. In the regular dining rooms (no reservation, reservation and cover charged) I wouldn't chance it. I've heard too many stories where people were turned away.

8. If you make reservations for where you want to go during the week as soon as you board, you have a better chance of getting what you want. If you wait, the places might book up.

9. I'll leave this one to someone who's been to Seattle more than me.

10. The official time for boarding is 1:30. Depending on if you've traveled with NCL before or what kind of cabin you've booked, you may be able to get on board earlier but be prepared to haul your carryons with you until 1:30 or 2:00, when they start opening up the cabins for the new cruisers.

 

BayCat, I believe there are laundry rooms on board, or you can send your clothes out for cleaning and/or pressing, much like a hotel. Plan ahead though, so your clothes are ready when you need them...

 

Hope this helps!

 

Kathy Q

[cruisetexas]

I've read recently that they've instituted a $60/week spa pass, and they only sell a limited number of the passes. Here's a quote from a cruiser that posted on 6/26:

The sometimes controviersial $60 spa pass. THIS IS A MUST! It is at the very back of the ship, comfortable padded lounge chairs looking back through the floor to ceiling windows. It was very peaceful back there and only once were the chairs all taken. If you plan on getting some reading done, this is the place to do it! It will be the best $60 you spend on this cruise. Or, your money back! ;)

[Harriett in Hamburg]

Thanks to Hikini and everyone else who answered my questions! You guys are the best!:p

[herewego]

Pikes Place market is a great place to spend time along with exploring the waterfront. There is always the Space Needle for a great lunch and/or just a trip to the top for the view!

 

Does anyone know if there will be a charge for the Spa on the Mexican Riveria cruises -- I can understand the Alaska cruises drawing in more people (to avoid the cold3er decks) so I am hoping they drop it for Mexico??

[wyboy]

Baycat - I am new at this too but I do know that the Star has safes in their cabins...

 

I did get myself signed up on the July 23-30 roll call, thank you ladies.

 

Another question: presume there is a laundry on board - is it self-wash and/or send out?

 

I believe on Thursday night they had a laundry special. I can't recall the specifics since we didn't take advantage of it, but I believe it was $25.00 to wash a bag of clothes (as much as you could stuff in the bag). You may want to wait for the special.

 

Regarding Baycat's question about embarkation time. We were on the May 28th sailing. I would recommend getting there early, before 11:00am. We used Seattle Express to pick us up at 10:00am at the Sleep-Inn Seatac. After picking up a few more people, we got to the pier around 10:40 and were brisked through check in. They give out numbers to board the ship and we were able to get #1 tickets. They started calling numbers at 12:00. By boarding early, we also avoided long lines at the buffet for lunch. We left our luggage in our room and had time to walk around Pikes Market and the piers before the ship left port. When we left the ship, the line to the ship was very long. We were relieved that we decided to get there early.

[southpaw]

My wife and I are on the Star July 30. Question about the safes. An estimate on their size? In addition to the laptop I am bringing with me I also have camera lenses that I don't want to have to carry around but also don't want to leave laying in the room so I'm wondering about the size. I'm familiar with ones in hotel rooms which can take a couple laptops and thinking they may be same size on the Star but wanted to ask.

 

Also, question about Internet access - I see there is an Internet cafe of sorts. How expensive is it to use the cafe computers and/or my own that has wireless?

 

Thanks for all the help and great information !

[smarterman64]

it will not hold a laptop. A lens, perhaps, but defiantely not a laptop

Internet can be as cheap as 40 cenets a minute to 75 cents a minute. Depends on how muhc you want to shell out first. Also some people have coupons for better deals like 30 free minutes or so.

[Kathy Q]

it will not hold a laptop. A lens, perhaps, but defiantely not a laptop

Internet can be as cheap as 40 cenets a minute to 75 cents a minute. Depends on how muhc you want to shell out first. Also some people have coupons for better deals like 30 free minutes or so.

 

Hi,

 

Any idea where I might find any of those coupons???

 

Kathy Q

[Ella618]

Thank you, Hikini, for posting such an informative review. I am traveling on the Star 8/6, and your information is quite helpful for someone like me who has never traveled on a NCL cruise before.

 

I read on one post that some of the rooms have coffee makers, while others have hot water heaters. We're not staying in a suite, but we do have a balcony. Do you (or anyone else reading this) know what the situation is?

 

I am a coffee fan, and I'm used to strong coffee. I'm trying to decide whether I should bring my French press for some in-room morning coffee.

[baycat]

Hello again, Thank you to Hikini for your great review and all of your help. Thanks out to Kathy Q and everyone else too. I just talked to the Ship Coordinator, Jennifer, and ordered a fruit basket for our Moms' room and a bottle of Tangueray for ours. I read on another thread where you could order "set ups" for your cabin and it would be cheaper in the long run. It will be waiting for us when we arrive. I did get the two other answers- Yes, there is a refrigerator in the cabin and No-there is not an iron and you cannot request one. I forgot to ask about the spa charge for the week-DOH! We are less than two weeks away and going crazy with packing dilemmas. Well, I am, my husband will just show up and wear whatever comes out of the suitcase. I have been checking the weather and it is rainy and cool-only in the high 50's and low 60's. I am always freezing so this is like sweatshirt weather for me! Just wondering what type of clothes to pack for evening wear? Any cocktail dresses or just slacks and skirts? Is it cold inside with air conditioning? I was told check in begins at 1:00pm-but can you arrive earlier and get the process started?

Thanks in advance for your help. I look forward to our trip Harriet:)

[Harriett in Hamburg]

HI everyone!

 

Baycat...thanks for the iron answer...I am going to have to be creative! I am a slave to "touchups". lol.

 

I am going to call the Ship Coordinator too and order a set up. I had read that earlier and completely forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.

 

I am starting to watch the weather now.....rain, rain GO AWAY!

 

kathy Q...loved the clothespin idea. They are on my list! So is extra hangers for another cruisers review.

 

The countdown is on!

 

Harriett