NCL Star Hawaii

We are sailing 12/14/2003 on the NCL Star.
Does anyone have information about the ship, cruise/itinerary, etc.
Thanks,
George and Ronnie

We did this cruise June 02. It was a lot of fun for getting a taste of the
islands. The Hawaiian setting and Aloha atmosphere seems to put everyone
in a relaxed mood. It was the most casual cruise we've ever enjoyed both
in dress and overall ambiance. (I think they've even done away with the "optional
formal" night....)

If you've never visited Hawaii before, I'd highly recommend that you check
out a Hawaii travel guide or two from the library to find out what sights
and activities appeal to you. This will help you make decisions about what
to do in each port. You can compare what you read about to the NCL-offered
excursions. Some prefer the convenience of going with the cruise ship's excursions.
We prefer to handle our port activities independently--it's usually cheaper
& you can be more flexible with scheduling. Note, also, that it is very easy
to rent cars in each Hawaiian port. Better to pre-reserve with your preferred
vendor or at the best daily rate you can find. The rental car company shuttles
will begin circling through the port areas as soon as the ship arrives. If
you want to make sure the van is coming and you have a cell phone, call the
local rental car office (you will need to get this number before you cruise!)
when you are ready to get off the ship.

Your itinerary should allow for some lava flow viewing as you transit around
the Big Island. The Volcanoes National Park is a popular excursion there,
as well. I'd highly recommend a helicopter tour of Kauai. On Maui--wow! There
is so much to do there, you'll have to narrow down your choices based on
interests. There is an extended "At Sea" period surrounding the brief visit
to Fanning Island. You can use that time to explore the ship, play shipboard
games, work out in the gym, lounge around the pool, read, see movies, etc.
At Fanning Island, you will tender over to the NCL-developed beach area.
If you like to bike and explore, hop on one (NCL provides them for a reasonable
charge) and pedal the few miles across Fanning Island to get a peak at life
on an undeveloped Pacific island--return and cool off in the coved swim area.


The Star is a good-looking ship--the staterooms are handsome and well-appointed,
and the common area theming and decor is excellent. You will have so many
dining choices--some restaurants are no charge, some are additional charge--and
NCL's Freestyle concept allows you to dine whenever you want. There will
be all types of entertainment on board (except no casino).

The ship will likely be decorated for the holidays, and you will no doubt
have a chance to pick up some holiday-themed Hawaiian crafts and gift items.

If you could be more specific as to what information you are seeking, we
could probably be of more help.

Have fun!

Diana Ball
Near Houston, TX
http://www.dianaball.net

NCL Sea – W Carib - Holidays 99
RCI Explorer – E Carib - Holidays 00
RCI Rhapsody – W Carib - Holidays 01 (back-to-back)
NCL Star – Hawaii - June 02
Dawn Princess – Alaska - July 02
Star Princess – Mex Riviera - Holidays 02
RCI Serenade – Transatlantic – Maiden 08/04/03
RCI Mariner – E Carib - Holidays 03


(George & Ronnie) wrote:
We are sailing 12/14/2003 on the NCL Star.
Does anyone have information about the ship, cruise/itinerary, etc.
Thanks,
George and Ronnie

my wife and i did the the star trip in june. our 4th cruise on ncl.
the ship was beautiful, fun excursions, food was not good. definitely
go to le bistro. ask for sonny and his assistiant maria. what a
fantastic team. johnny at the gatsby bar was especially good. look
into the atv excursion--it ws a lot of fun.

George & Ronnie wrote:

We are sailing 12/14/2003 on the NCL Star.
Does anyone have information about the ship, cruise/itinerary, etc.
Thanks,
George and Ronnie