NCL Star

The NCL Star was made 2001 and refrubished for freestyle dining in 2004.

The 400million dollar vessel can carry as many as 2240 passesngers that are serviced by more than a 1095 support personnel. From the info section:

Cabins aboard the Norwegian Star are finished in rich cherry wood and outfitted with tea and coffee makers and larger bathrooms. Innovative and eye-catching are the ultra-luxurious garden villas -- multi-room accommodations featuring panoramic ocean views, private sun terraces and whirlpools. Dining options are wide and varied with 12 restaurants on board, including Pacific Rim, Japanese, French, Spanish, Hawaiian and Italian restaurants, as well as the main dining room serving the traditional six-course Continental menus. Also available are an indoor/outdoor buffet, grill, food court and other casual eateries. With all these tempting culinary choices -- plus 24-hour room service -- it's nice to have access to a 24-hour fitness center, plus a sports deck with an outdoor jogging track, and sports court. Relax at the Barong Spa, with rejuvenating treatments utilizing both Eastern and Western techniques. The 1,150-seat Stardust Theatre, cinema, karaoke rooms, and 14 different lounges and bars offer an entertaining nightlife. This ship is particularly family-friendly with a recreation center just for younger passengers; a child-sized serving counter, tables and chairs in the buffet restaurant; computer rooms; an arcade; and entertainment with Kid's Crew.

We had a great time once we figured out that not all elevators will get you to all floors. Also we had to remember that our cabin was in the aft or backend of the ship. It was right over the dining area entrance for the main dinning hall, the Versailles and under the floor that had the buffet, the 12th floor. The 12th floor also had the library, game room and the workout area/spa. The best walking track was on the 7 floor and the the best quiet area to sit/lie in the sun or shade was the 13th floor.

You could get lost or have difficulty with getting your room open if you were not familiar with modern hotel like lodging. I came across an elderly lady that was very perplexed. She wanted to get into her room but couldn't figure out how to use her card. Just like many new hotels, the ship had credit card id entry. The passenger puts in the card, waits for the card to register (as indicated by a small green light lighting up and then removes the card, and presses down on the handle to let get into the door. The elderly lady was embarrased to ask anyone to help her. I guess I looked harmless so she asked me. I showed her and she was happy to figure it out.

Such is life. I think that we all think that everyone knows about these things. There are still many who don't.

: ) Pat