From The Deck Chair: Focus On...Norwegian Star, Part II

A multitude of original art adorns Norwegian Star's stair towers.

Norwegian Cruise Line has always held a special place in my heart. It was aboard the Norwegian Wind in 1998 that I took my first cruise, a seven-day voyage to Alaska. Since then, I've sailed aboard Norwegian Sun in 2005 and Norwegian Pearl in 2009 - effectively covering the line both pre-and-post Freestyle Cruising.

The main atrium aboard Norwegian Star, facing aft.

Stepping aboard Norwegian Star for the first time, passengers find themselves in the ship's magnificent atrium. More elaborate and spacious than her later fleetmates, the Norwegian Star's atrium spans three decks in height, with an opening rising the full height of the ship, topped with a skylight. Dual sets of glass elevators flank either side and multiple staircase landings allow passengers from any deck to gaze down at the action far below.

Looking up through the expansive skylight

and glass elevator banks.

The atrium, facing forward.

The atrium is very much the heart of the Norwegian Star, and plays host to a coffee bar, the Guest Services desk, as well as the Shore Excursion desk. Up one level is the Blue Lagoon, NCL's 24-hour, casual dining venue. Specializing in comfort food, this unique eatery carries no surcharge but can be easy to miss - make sure you sample its fare at least once during your cruise. The Internet Centre is one deck up from this, on Deck 9.

The Atrium encompasses decks seven, eight and nine.
Photo © 2010 Aaron Saunders

The new photo-gallery occupies the former

location of the Blue Lagoon.

Heading aft on Deck 7 we come to the first altered public room: the new Photo Gallery. Formerly the location of the Blue Lagoon restaurant, the new photo gallery has a bright, airy feel and seems much better suited here than in its previous location farther forward.

The all-new Spinnaker Lounge, aft on Deck 7.

Heading aft still, we come to the brand-new Spinnaker Lounge. Spinnaker's was formerly located up on Deck 12, but was moved to make way for the new staterooms being built. While its new iteration lacks the sweeping views the old room had, its location on Deck 7 makes much more sense: this is your bingo, trivia, and secondary show lounge, and as a result is a popular hotspot.

Seating for large and small groups can be found here.

In keeping with the "freestyle" theme, colors are vivid and bright, but the entire arrangement seems to work well here.

The Red Lion Pub.

Emerging on the port side and heading forward is the Red Lion Pub. Drinks and music are on the menu here, as well as - oddly enough - popcorn that everyone raves about.

Amble up to the bar for a long list of pub favorites.

The entire pub is so well conceived that you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in Dublin and not at sea aboard a 950-foot long ship. Ninety-two people can comfortably sit here, and no doubt that is often the case.

The staircase leading down to deck six, and Bar Central.

Moving forward and crossing over to the starboard side of the ship, we come to the two-level staircase leading to Bar Central. Located on Deck 6, Bar Central has become something of a hallmark on NCL ships and is the result of grouping a series of bars, each with its own particular specialty, together in one area.

Looking down at Gatsby's in Bar Central.

The effect is several intimate areas with the sitting power of a much larger room, and works to great effect. We were a little pressed for time on our tour, so we didn't get a chance to photograph Deck Six up close and personal; rest assured, however, that the concept is executed beautifully.

The proper sushi bar provides an endless array of delicacies.

Ginza and Teppanyaki are our next stops. These unique dining venues occupy one distinct area onboard, and boast a variety of sushi and sashimi prepared right in front of you, all of which can be paired with an excellent Sake.

There's no shortage of tables for two in this

unique dining venue.

The entire Ginza seating area, looking aft.

Within Ginza itself, the Teppanyaki room allows twelve guests to sit at an authentically styled table while their meals are prepared right in front of them in a process that combines cuisine and entertainment. We indulged in a similar offering aboard Norwegian Sun and can say it is well worth the $15 cover charge.

Re-styled and re-located: the new shopping area

aboard Norwegian Star.

Heading forward is the new shopping area, moved from its former location at the stern. Once again, passenger flow seems to have been greatly improved, and the renovation has been completed seamlessly.

The Parisian-themed entrance to

the Stardust Theatre.

The Stardust Theatre: seating for 1,037 guests.

At the very bow of the ship is Norwegian Star's main showroom, the Stardust Theatre. Capable of holding 1,037 guests at any time, NCL's renowned stage productions and entertainment is put on in this room which again holds the semi-Parisian, elegant old-world style found in some of her staterooms.

Relocated but not forgotten: the new library

aboard Norwegian Star.

Up on Deck 12, it's nice to see the library hasn't been forgotten: it's been moved from its former location to an interior position ahead of the pool deck, but still retains its former cozy atmosphere.

The Norwegian Star's funky pool deck.

Speaking of the pool deck, there's plenty of seating for those wishing to soak up the sun, and plenty of pool space for those who prefer to get wet. Two large yellow waterslides ensure the kids are happy, and an outdoor casino - something exclusive to NCL - ensures that those who may normally be cooped up in a windowless casino get some sun.

Intimate dining at Cagney's.

Up one deck is the Star Bar and Cagney's Steakhouse. While both are open to all passengers in the evening - Cagney's for dinner, and the Star Bar for drinks - suite passengers can use these rooms exclusively during breakfast and lunch.

Bar, meeting place, and VIP Lounge: the Star Bar.

We were fortunate to have lunch in Cagneys, and found the food to be a continued improvement over the older NCL-fare. Food is such a subjective issue, but generally, if my fiancee and I can both agree on something, it means the meal was excellent.

Grilled Asparagus appetizer in Cagney's.

NCL has always had excellent chilled soups, and my fiancee raved about the Chilled Banana soup. I had grilled asparagus over prosciutto and roasted portobello mushrooms to start, and the Chicken Fettuccine as a main course. Both were delicious, as was the Carrot Cake dessert. Service was polite and attentive, and staff seemed to be going out of their way to satisfy all their guests.

For dessert: the excellent Carrot Cake.

It's nice to see Norwegian Cruise Line taking an active interest in maintaining and capitalizing on their older vessels. Not that Norwegian Star is in any way old - at nine, she's still got a long way to go. And with these recent renovations, she will no doubt play host to many happy passengers for years to come.

A Maritime Matters-esque carpet shot in Cagney's.

Norwegian Star docked at Canada Place

on October 2nd, 2010.

For more information on the Norwegian Star, her amenities and itineraries, be sure to visit Norwegian Cruise Line's website.

3 comments:

The Simmons said...: Aaron,
There's some confusion if there are slides in the main pool on the Norwegian Star. Some pictures only show slides at the kiddie pool while yours shows slides in the main pool. NCL Website shows pictures with and without the big yellow slides. A question answer on NCL website says there are no slides in the main Oasis pool. Was there a change when the ship was remodeled? Should I assume there are slides in both the main Oasis pool and the kiddie pool?
Thanks, Zach; October 21, 2010 at 11:03 AM
Aaron Saunders said...: Hi Zach,

The waterslides I photographed are indeed located at the Oasis pool; the Q&A on NCL's site is incorrect.

Part of the confusion might stem from the fact that sister-ship Norwegian Dawn doesn't have the waterslides around the Oasis pool, but is almost identical in every other respect (less so now after the refit.)

The slides have been onboard the Star since Day 1.

Hope that helps.; October 22, 2010 at 12:59 PM
AZfreedom said...: Great article Aaron! We are heading out Sunday to Miami for a 10 day onboard Star. We have 12500 and your article helped with knowing what to expect. I am a draftsman and will be taking some measurements and do a layout and post afterwards to help people know. It is funny that they don't have layouts for the four Deluxe Owners Suites, as they are all so different from what I am finding. Your article had more insite and description than anything on the web on this ship. Great job!!!!

Was Cagney's an extra charge for Suite users to use during breakfast and lunch? Also, it says there is a full expanded breakfast menu for room service, was it worth it or dining else where better?

We were just on the Jewel and I had sworn I would not go on NCL again after bad ship on last one before that (bad ship, our room restroom didn't work for 3 days, had to get up and go down to public rooms on opposite side of ship) and yet we still had a blast (we always find a way to make it fun). This time, we booked this as NCL earned my vote on the Jewel. We hope the Star will be as good.

Thanks again,

Gary; October 22, 2010 at 1:31 PM

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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Focus On...Norwegian Star, Part II

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