Norwegian Star
Norwegian Star / Kristen Boatright
1 of 5
Oasis Pool
Oasis Pool / Norwegian Cruise Line
2 of 5
Planet Kids
Planet Kids / Norwegian Cruise Line
3 of 5
Teen Club
Teen Club / Norwegian Cruise Line / Rick Diaz
4 of 5
Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview Stateroom / Norwegian Cruise Line / Anderson Grace
5 of 5
Cruise

Norwegian Star Review

Our Ship Review
by Judi Cuervo
Deal Expert / Travel Blogger

The 2,348-passenger Norwegian Star is a lively ship — and a casual one — that appeals to a wide range of guests, thanks to accommodations that run the gamut from cozy inside cabins to the 6,694-square-foot Garden Villas. Norwegian Cruise Line refurbished more than 20 venues aboard the ship in 2018, with added enhancements in 2021, creating a more contemporary ambiance. This is especially notable in Star’s public spaces and restaurants. Hungry? Pick up chicken wings or loaded nachos at the 24-hour O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill, make a reservation at Cagney’s Steakhouse…or choose from 11 other dining options, including Ginza, a complimentary venue serving noodles, dumplings, and wok-fried main dishes. 

What We Love

A Large Ship With a Small Ship Feel: Despite its hefty guest capacity, Norwegian Star’s vast selection of public rooms and restaurants allows guests to escape the crowd and find a spot for a quiet meal.

The Stateroom & Suite Options: No matter your budget, you can enjoy a cruise on Norwegian Star. The most popular option is a Balcony cabin (203 to 303 square feet), while the most affordable is a 142-square-foot Inside stateroom that sleeps from one to four people. The biggest splurge? It’s the massive 3-Bedroom Garden Villa that sleeps up to seven guests, which is three times the size of many homes, and features a private garden with a hot tub and dining area.

Drink and Specialty Dining Packages: Money-saving packages help you budget your beverage and specialty restaurant charges.

Best Known For

Fun Specialty Dining: Book a dinner at Teppanyaki and you’ll enjoy an experience that’s part dining and part entertainment. Sure, this space is a bit like your local Benihana, complete with sizzling antics, but it's a favorite with kids. Another action-packed option is Moderno Churrascaria, Norwegian’s Brazilian steakhouse, where servers carve an endless feast of sliced steak, pork, and sausage right at your table. Neither is cheap ($59 per person in late 2023), but booking a Specialty Dining Package can lower the cost a bit. 

Who It's Best For

Bargain Hunters: Families, singles, and couples flock here for a casual, reasonably priced cruise experience to destinations all around the globe — with plenty of complimentary inclusions when it comes to dining and entertainment. That said, Norwegian Star lacks the more exciting onboard activities (there are no waterslides or ropes courses) and flashy evening spectacles of newer Norwegian ships.

Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Watch Your Surcharges: Prices at specialty restaurants are already steep (most are priced a la carte while Teppanyaki and Moderno Churrascaria charge a flat fee), and a 20% gratuity will also be added to your bill. 

Expect a Packed Pool Deck: Like on most ships this size, crowds gather poolside on sea days, and early risers reserve multiple deck chairs. Consider nabbing a chair on deck 13 for a more serene experience.