During our research before the cruise, we found the website cruisecritic.com, a site devoted to cruisers and cruising. There are discussion groups with the good, bad, and ugly of cruise experiences. In particular, there were wonderful and informative reviews of cruises people had taken. We spent a lot of time looking at other cruisers' experiences on the Star.
There is a "traditional" get-together of people who've posted on the web, always 6 PM on Monday (the second day out) at the Bier Garten. We met some very nice folks and got to compare notes. In addition, staff members of the Star were there to assist us and provide VIP treatment throughout the week. In particular, we commend Hotel Director, James Deering, and Food Director, Tony Lockett. These two gentlemen were very cordial and generous with both their time and with NCL resources. Their actions helped to make our trip far more enjoyable. They gave all of us their business cards, with their telephone numbers on the ship. Both carried cell phones at all times. Mr. Deering hosted a great wine tasting during the trip, and also presented a very useful and entertaining lecture about Fanning Island.
The "thumbnails" following this narrative show a couple of photos we took during the Cruisecritic party. They may be "enlarged" by clicking on them with your mouse pointer. Enjoy!
NCL Staff [James Deering is on the left, Tony Lockett is center, looking to the right, talking with "ardac" |
Deering on Left, Lockett Center |
Tony Lockett on His Cell Phone [typical pose] |
Some Goodies Arrive at Our Cabin [these came every night as part of our VIP treatment by NCL -- greatly appreciated] |
Note with the Goodies |