Norwegian Star

Norwegian Star's 2019 refurbishment added Food Republic (an Asian-fusion dining concept), a new bar setup, and cabin refreshes that brought the interior up to a standard competitive with newer mid-size ships. The result is a ship that doesn't feel two decades old where it matters most: in the cabin and at the dining table.

The dining roster includes Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki (excellent on Star — the smaller guest count means you actually get a table without months of advance reservations), and Food Republic. The buffet, The Garden Café, is the most-improved space from the refurbishment, with better flow and expanded options. Specialty dining surcharges apply to most restaurants other than the main dining room and buffet; the packages are worth evaluating before boarding.

Alaska is Norwegian Star's strongest deployment. She accesses Glacier Bay National Park, which not all ships can, and her size means the ship fits into Juneau's compact dock setup without the logistics disruption that larger ships create. The observation lounge is positioned well for sea days in the Inside Passage. Wildlife viewing from the deck works better on smaller ships where the crowd disperses.

Norwegian Star is appropriate for: first-time Alaskan cruisers who want a mid-size ship with genuine venue variety, European travelers who want to avoid megaship crowds in port, and NCL loyalists who prefer the older mid-size ships over the newest 4,000-guest vessels. It is not appropriate for travelers who need the full entertainment complex, climbing wall, go-kart track, or racing simulators that newer NCL ships offer.