As a part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s NEXT Programme, bringing new enhancements and experiences to the youngest fleet amongst leading North American cruise lines, Norwegian Star follows Norwegian Jewel as the third ship in the Norwegian fleet to receive updates since the programme launched in 2014.
Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed Norwegian Star back into service on March 17, 2015, following a two-week dry dock where the ship received numerous enhancements and new dining and entertainment venues as she readies for her busy summer season sailing the Baltic Capitals and Norwegian fjords from Copenhagen.
As a part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s NEXT Programme, bringing new enhancements and experiences to the youngest fleet amongst leading North American cruise lines, Norwegian Star follows Norwegian Jewel as the third ship in the Norwegian fleet to receive updates since the programme launched in 2014. Highlights of the ship’s new features include two complimentary dining outlets, enhanced offerings in the popular Ginza Asian restaurant and Norwegian’s first 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar.
“Our guests can dine like nowhere else at sea with Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining and these exciting new venues on Norwegian Star make it even easier, more exciting and more fun for guests to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that only a Norwegian cruise can offer,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Fans of Jimmy Buffett and patrons looking to escape and unwind can enjoy the fleet’s first 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, in an exclusive partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. The newest watering hole will serve up signature margaritas and “boat drinks” such as the “Who’s to Blame Margarita”, ice cold LandShark Lagers and more, coupled with nightly live musical performances.
Norwegian Star’s popular guest favourite Asian fusion restaurant, Ginza, can now be enjoyed on a complimentary basis, as the previous $15 cover charge has been eliminated. In addition to a full complimentary menu that now includes delicious dishes from a dedicated Noodle Bar such as traditional Chinese noodles, wok-fried specialties, and dim sum favourites, Ginza Asian Restaurant will now also feature exciting new à la carte offerings such as Japanese Hot Rock Ishiyaki for a nominal fee and a sushi menu developed by expert Sushi Chef Yuki Ieto. The new mouth-watering sushi and sashimi pieces such as the Sashimi Hamachi Poblano, Ten Shades of Grey Roll and more will be served at the restaurant’s sushi bar or guests can also choose from four specialty rolls directly from a moving sushi belt, a first for the cruise industry.
Norwegian Star has also been retrofitted with the popular O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, a 24-hour complimentary restaurant that serves up local traditional pub fare in a friendly neighbourhood-pub setting. In addition, the ship’s Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, was relocated to a more intimate setting on Deck 13 and Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, was added adjacent to the new restaurant.
A number of additional guest area enhancements included: updates to the Casino and Photo Gallery, new carpets and flooring throughout guest areas, window replacements, upgrades in galley areas and updates to the pool deck. Norwegian’s innovative digital signage, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway, has also been added to the ship. The interactive touch screen signs allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key, providing even more freedom and flexibility for guests to create their ideal holiday.
Technical modernizations also took place during the dry dock. The ship received an Azipod hydrodynamic upgrade and state-of-the-art silicone paint on the hull, in order to further improve fuel efficiency. Additional significant technical and safety updates include: lifeboat and tender boat release systems upgrade; thrusters and stabilizer maintenance; and ballast and bilge piping replacement.
Norwegian Star will spend her summer season sailing from Copenhagen with a number of 7- to 14-night itineraries through the Baltic Capitals and Norwegian fjords. Norwegian Star’s 9-night sailing through the Baltic Capitals will feature culture-rich exotic ports of call including Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (2 days); Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden. Fares start at 1.129 euros per person in double occupancy.
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