Gerolamo Scorza Completes Refit Projects on Norwegian Encore

Gerolamo Scorza Completes Refit Projects on Norwegian Encore

Gerolamo Scorza S.p.A., a member of Genova Industrie Navali S.p.A., has completed four refit projects onboard the Norwegian Encore.

The work was carried out during the ship’s recent drydock, which took place in Brest, France, in November 2024.

According to a statement, the challenging project was successfully completed within a two-week deadline and included the conversion of a tender lobby into a store.

Gerolamo Scorza also reinstalled the metallic ceiling and renovated tiles in Encore’s American Diner restaurant.

The Italy-based contractor also installed a new counter at the ship’s Cruise Next office and added new customized furnishings to the onboard photo gallery.

“This project gave us the chance to showcase both our technical skills and our craftsmanship attitude, as some furniture was manufactured in our workshop,” the company said.

After completing its drydock in Brest, the Norwegian Encore welcomed guests back onboard on Dec. 3, 2024, for a trans-Atlantic crossing.

Now cruising from Miami, the 2019-built vessel underwent a major refurbishment that included the creation of new features onboard.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the project followed guests’ feedback and included the debut of Spice H2O.

The complimentary adults-only sun deck was created in the area previously occupied by the ship’s laser tag arena.

Other enhancements included the expansion of two of Norwegian’s speciality dining venues, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, as well as the addition of over 20 new balcony cabins.

The ship’s Haven suite enclave was also updated with the expansion of the Premier Owner’s Suites, which now offer new bedrooms in addition to fully renovated living rooms and a new separate dining room.

Before returning to the Caribbean, the Norwegian Encore also underwent technical work, including class overhauls, planned routine maintenance and more.

During the 2024-25 winter season, the Encore is scheduled to offer a series of seven-night cruises departing from Norwegian’s cruise terminal in PortMiami.

Teppanyaki restaurant to open on Carnival Horizon

Carnivals Teppanyaki

The new Carnival Horizon coming in April 2018 will feature the first Japanese teppanyaki-style restaurant in Carnival Cruise Line's fleet.

Located within the Bonsai Sushi restaurant, the Bonsai Teppanyaki will have two cooking stations with seating for eight at each. The restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner.

Teppanyaki chefs will make tableside grilled meals with a theatrical flourish of knives and other utensils, often tossing food in the air for effect. 

Lobster, steak, salmon, cod, shrimp and tofu are among the entrees served with Japanese spices and sauces.

Entrees are priced a la carte from $18 for chicken, salmon or tofu to $30 for lobster tail. The price includes appetizer and dessert.

Norwegian Jade in Bergen Norway. Photo Credit Dave Jones.

Norwegian Jade July 2017 Review

Norwegian Jade in Bergen Norway. Photo Credit Dave Jones.  

This was our third cruise on the Norwegian Jade, but the first since the estimated $40 million refurbishment; needless to say I was looking forward to see how much of the original Pride of Hawaii was left.

In the main Atrium the roof used to have very large plastic flowers, and have now been replaced with a curving lighting display which changes colours to create a bold lighting display, which takes some time to get used to. The surrounding orange roof tiles have been replaced by a plain white tile, which reflects the new colours from the lights. The red furniture and wooden floor have also gone, and have been replaced with light blue and gray seating with marble tiled flooring. The Java Coffee and cake bar has been replaced by the Atrium Cafe and Bar, still offering cookies and handmade chocolates at $1.50 per one. At centre stage is still the grand piano where musicians play; we had onboard a talented Guitarist called Jumari, who could play a wide range of music from Rock to the Blues. Jumari also had a night on the Stardust Theatre with a Neil Diamond tribute; He filled the theatre as he fills the Atrium. The bar staff in the Atrium are as ever attentive and soon learn your tipple of choice and your name.

Norwegian Jade's New Atrium, Photo Credit Dave Jones

Surrounding the Atrium (deck 8) is now the O’Sheehans Neighbourhood Bar and Grill; replacing the Blue Lagoon, offering a good selection from the bar and a simple menu, and some extra seating for the musicians playing in the Atrium. Around the base of the Atrium you still have the Guest Services, Onboard Credit Desk, Restaurant Reservations, Shore Excursions Desk, and the CruiseNext Desk; all have had a subtle make over’s. Overall a nice relaxing area, offering some great entertainment and a area to meet and chat.

The Main Pool area has had a major refurbishment. Gone are those plastic palm tree lights, and the large slide, it still contains two large pools and 4 Jacuzzi’s. The whole decking area has been renewed with decking replacing the green lino, and the pool tiling is now a vivid blue, compared to the pale green before. Topsiders Bar and Grill is still there offer the usual hotdogs and burgers, and cocktails. Above the pool area on deck 13 is the Pit Stop themed bar offering cool beer and iced cocktails, a great place to cool off. Overall the area looks a lot larger, and cleaner; it is a great improvement.

Norwegian Jade New Pool Deck Space, Photo Credit Dave Jones.

Complimentary Dining or NCL’s branded ‘Freestyle Dining’ hasn’t changed that much, except for the addition of O’Sheehans. The Grand Pacific main restaurant has had its bright and load carpet changed and the large Hawaiian Statue disappeared. The menu hasn’t changed, and you still need a minimum of an hour to enjoy your meal. Jasmine and Alizar restaurants are the same as they were, with the possibility of having a lick of paint. The menu is the same as in the Grand Pacific, and still gets very busy. The Garden Cafe has had a major change, the tables and chairs are now brown or green, and the carpet has been toned down, gone have the large bright coloured floral flooring and replaced by two toned gray square lines. This has made the whole area look clean and very modern.

Speciality Dining or dining that has an extra charge, offers unique individual experience. There are six restaurants offering a 5 star service, and a high quality of food; enough to satisfy all tastes.

Norwegian Jades Cagney's SteakHouse Photo Credit Dave Jones.

• ·         Cagney’s is Norwegians signature steakhouse offering a large range of steaks, chicken and fish.
• ·         La Cucina is Jades Italian offing and I can vouch for the pasta dishes they send out.
• ·         Le Bistro is set in a typical French setting, with a French Polynesian decor; little tip for enjoying your meal, don’t eat for 5 hours before your reservation, as the portions are huge.
• ·         The Sushi bar offers exactly what it says; raw fish in rice, as you can tell I’m not a fan.
• ·         Teppanyaki is a sort of a diner show, where the chef cooks your choice of food in front of you. The food tastes amazing, but after you’ve been there a few times, you just want your food served. Teppanyaki is worth a visit for good food and a bit of fun.
• ·         Churrascara Modderno is a Brazilian meat feast from all cuts of steak, Lamb, Chicken, Pork, sausages and even Pineapple. Modderno is my personal favourite, and the meat just keeps coming for as long as you want.

The Norwegians Jade has one main theatre over two decks called ‘StarDust Theatre’. I first went on the Jade in 2011 and the show have not changed that much, it holds a cheesy first night show, an illusionist, a Russian acrobatic display, and a juggler who was very good and funny. A Beatles tribute band played two shows and were good, shame John Lennon came from Glasgow not Liverpool. There was also a unique string quartet that played, danced and had a Python sense of humour. For once bingo tickets or lottery tickets weren’t push down our necks. We watched the shows from the private Haven balcony, I don’t think we had the best views, and saw the Magician hidden secretes, and anything that was going on in the wings.

Norwegian Jade's Stardust Theater Photo Credit Dave Jones

 We stayed in room 14010 a two bed Haven Villa, we chose Haven because it was only a few hundred pounds more than booking two balcony cabins, to accommodate or family and is spread over two decks 14 and 15; both of which you need a keycard to gain entrance. So what do you get, priority boarding, and tendering. A butler (which we don’t know what to do with), a room stewardess to keep the rooms clean, and a Concierge who can book excursions and Speciality dining bookings, and is the main first contact to deal with any complaints. Our room had two bedrooms, one a sofa bed, but both had an personal bathroom; the main bedroom had his and her basins, large shower, separate WC, and a bath with a picture window. In both room there are plenty of wardrobe space, and a flat screen TV and DVD player. The living area has a sofa bed, coffee table, dinner table with four chairs, and patio doors leading out to a large balcony with table and chairs. There are five air conditioning units spread around, offing personal comfort in all areas. 

Norwegian Jade's Haven Suite Master Bed. Photo Credit Dave Jones.

We had a few problems with a large vibration below the room which was sorted out, and the water from the shower and taps being having no cold water, and hot enough to boil lobsters; which a engineer came and sorted it out within three minutes, after a very large rant. The room was more than large enough for us, and the complementary snacks at 3pm were a bonus. The Haven also has a smallish pool, large Jacuzzi and sun beds all under a retractable roof. Above the pool area on deck 15 is a large sun deck with sun lounges and four large, four poster sun beds. 

Norwegian Jade's Haven Court Yard with Pool and Jacuzzi. Photo Credit Dave Jones.

Norwegian Jade's Haven Court Yard with Pool and Jacuzzi. Photo Credit Dave Jones.

On the pool deck there is an area for having meals delivered from Cagney’s, and a waiter for getting you your favourite drink from the bar. There is also a table with a coffee and tea station with various cookies and confectionary to help yourself with. In my point of view the Haven was worth the extra money paid, but all options should be weighed before choosing. If you travel with a large family it is worth looking into, as it might save you a few pounds.

Norwegian Jade has 15 bars and lounges, all offer different entertainment options, from Musicians, comedians, bingo, quizzes to party nights and Mr and Mrs Shows. We enjoyed the Musicians in the Atrium and spent a bit of time in the ‘Mixers Martini & Cocktail bar’ and ‘The Bliss Lounge’. There are other options from the ‘Spinnaker Bar’ to a ‘Cigar Lounge’ to explore. A lot of the bars and lounges have been refurbished to a tastefully finish, the waiters and waitress are constantly hovering around to keep your drinks topped up.

The last topic is shopping, there is no Norwegian logo shops; so don’t expect to pick up any Jade souvenirs’. There are plenty of watches, and jewellery display cases, and quite a few designer clothing racks. You can also pick up your duty free goods like Cigarettes, Cigars, Booze and perfumes. I do have my doubts about the cost of the jewellery, and will be investigating a real example about a diamond ring, with various prices; so keep an eye on my blog for the results.

Norwegian Jade's Gift Shop. Photo Credit Dave Jones.

There is a Spa and Fitness centre offering the usual treadmills, bicycles, weights and stretching mats. The thermal suite offers a Thalasso pool, various steam rooms and saunas. A strange thing was the Jacuzzi’s are situated in the Male and Female and are not a mixed Jacuzzi, as are the steam rooms! Our son who has a grade 0 haircut all over, went to the spa to find out how much it was to get his grade one cut before he goes back to work, he was told it would cost $95, for basically 5 minutes max of a hair dressers time, work that one out.

Norwegian Jades Fitness Center. Photo Credit Dave Jones.   

Over all the Norwegian Jade offers a great cruise option, with some great value itineraries; her refurbishment has given Jade a fresh new look, I still think there are a few touch ups still going on, but overall she is looking good. Jade is only 38 meters wide (Beam) and 294 meters long, so can be classed as a small but very friendly ship, able to enter the smaller ports, and the need to tender is a lot less than say the Breakaway class. Jade has a passenger to crew ratio of 3 passengers to 1.3 crew, which is a good ratio, and means the crew will remember your name and favourite tipple. The crew offer excellent professionalism, with a friendliness that can’t be matched. Will I book another cruise on the Norwegian Jade, with no hesitation, we have met a wide range of new friends from all over the world who helped make the cruise a very memorable one. 

To View any Photos or 360 Images please visit  https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1LS4LV or click the photo.

Norwegian Dawn debuts after extensive refit

Norwegian Dawn debuts after extensive refit

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn sailed into her seasonal homeport of Boston, Massachusetts on 17 June following a month-long drydock.

Norwegian Dream, which was renovated as part of the US$400 million The Norwegian Edge programme, now has two new restaurants, three new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in all public spaces, and refurbished staterooms and suites.

“As with each of the ship refurbishments in the Norwegian Edge programme, this was not your average drydock,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and COO. “Norwegian Dawn was brought down to the steel in many spaces and rebuilt to evoke the look and feel of the newest Norwegian ships, allowing guests sailing on her to enjoy all of the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian offers, along with a more premium experience from bow to stern.”

New dining venues include Mexican restaurant Los Lobos Cantina, which will open on 1 July, and the popular O’Sheehan’s Bar & Grill. Now, guests can also visit bars such as Sugarcane Mojito Bar, Bliss Lounge (formerly Spinnakers Lounge) and The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar to enable guests to enjoy tastings and educational events. This venue was previously the Pearly King Pub.

Existing complimentary dining venues, such as The Venetian, Aqua, Bamboo Asian Restaurant and the Garden Café, have all been revamped with new flooring, wall coverings, furniture, artwork, signage and decorative lighting.

Similar upgrades where completed in the ship’s speciality restaurants, including Cagney’s Steakhouse and Moderno Churrascaria, which has been moved to Deck 13 adjacent to Sugarcane Mojito Bar. Le Bistro and La Cucina have also switched places, while Teppanyaki restaurant has been doubled in size to add to more tables and a divider between Bamboo and Teppanyaki.

The ship’s existing bars and lounges – such as Gatsby’s Champagne Bar and the Cigar Bar – have also been fitted with new flooring, furniture, decorative lighting, artwork and more. All staterooms received updated carpets, bedding, drapery, artwork, flat screen TVs and furniture. The two Garden Villas were completely remodeled with new flooring, inside and outside furniture, ceilings, lighting, bedding, décor and 42-inch flat screen TVs.

Other highlights include refreshed décor in the public spaces, elevators, toilets, the library and the Atrium – which also features an additional seating area – while the upgraded shopping area has been renamed Tradewinds. Tides, which sells jewellery, was added to the Atrium. The Photo Gallery also features individual digital monitors and larger photo display panels, while the Dawn Casino and Entourage teen space and video arcade were refurbished. The Stardust Theater has reupholstered and recushioned seats, and will offer performances of Band on the Run, Showdown and Elements.

Meanwhile, the pool deck has new decking, white awnings, exterior showers, pool loungers, and a fresh look to all exterior corridors. In addition, the Bimini Bar overlooking the main pool deck was redesigned, the Pulse Fitness Center now offers Techno Gym equipment, and the Mandara Spa has updated treatment rooms and a new barber shop, nail salon, spa pool and eight heated loungers.

Norwegian Dawn will sail from Boston to Bermuda each week until the end of October, spending three nights in port. In the winter, the ship will sail from New Orleans to the Western Caribbean, calling at Norwegian’s private island Harvest Caye, as well as Belize.

Norwegian's specialty restaurants to go a la carte

Norwegian Cruise Line said most of its alternate dining venues will move to a la carte pricing rather than cover charges starting next year.

The line is introducing a la carte pricing on the Norwegian Escape, due in November, for three of its specialty restaurants that now have cover charges. In addition, it will also introduce a new dining concept.

The restaurants are La Cucina, Le Bistro, Cagney's Steakhouse and the new Bayamo by chef Jose Garces. At the same time, diners will be able to choose how many courses to order.

At Cagney's Steakhouse, starters on the new a la carte menu range from $4.99 to $7.95 and main courses from $17.99 to $29.99. Main courses at Le Bistro start at $15.99 and $12.99 at La Cucina.

Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki will remain at a cover charge of $19.95 and $29.95 respectively, and entertainment dining will also stick with a single fee.

The new a la carte pricing will apply to Ocean Blue restaurants on the Norwegian Getaway and Breakaway starting Oct. 3. The plan will then go fleetwide in January.

Norwegian said anyone buying a specialty dining package will have access to all menu items at La Cucina, Le Bistro and Cagney's Steakhouse at no additional charge, while dining in Bayamo by Jose Garces will cost an extra $15.

Review: Norwegian Star 13 night Cruise.

Review: Norwegian Star 13 night Cruise.

Norwegian Star

By Dave Jones

17th November 2014 - 13 nights.

We had some idea what to expect when joining the Norwegian Star, as we have sailed several times on the Norwegian Jade which has the same layout or be it a bit smaller. We had booked the Family Suite on deck 12, because it gave us and our son (26yrs) more room than a normal balcony. As we arrived at dockside in Miami and got shown into the Suite guest's check-in, where there were drinks and canapé if wanted. Check-in was over within a few minutes, and a Concierge took us past the normal check-in desks and up the walkway straight on to the Star. This was our first experience of being a suite guest and didn't know what to expect or what it really meant.

Cagneys-Steakhouse-Norwegian-Star

We were shown to Cagney's by our Concierge Hanno Meyer a German from just outside Papenburg, Dawn (wife) had to ask if he was any relation to Bernard Meyer of the Mayer-Werft family, unfortunately not, but he did tell us a bit about his home and how he used to watch  the ships sailing down the river, anyway Cagney's is where the suite guests can have their Breakfast and Dinner, very nice.

Some of the main benefits to having a Concierge and a Butler are; priority tendering, canapes delivered to the room every afternoon, personal shore excursions booking, via the Concierge, and if we needed anything at any time of the day, one of them are at hand to assist.

Family Suite 12526

After a quick bite to eat we went to our Suite and WOW it was huge and overwhelming, a possible 2 double beds (one pull down and one settee bed) and a Queen bed, it had a seating area and a dining area, a large LCD TV (with Movies, ESPN sport, news channels, and the mandatory ship channels selling its wares). There was a espresso/coffee/tea machine with all the little plastic packets, refilled three times a day, a mini bar and complimentary fizzy wine and water, flowers and more canapés complements from our Butler Romel Carandang from Bali. There were bedside tables with lamps and two draws, two end of bed storage units, and an array of draws in the unit under the TV and mirror. There is no balcony in this room but there are 6 floor to ceiling windows which gives a good view.

There is a large wardrobe/dressing area with more hangers than we have at home, when the wardrobe doors open a light shines to give a better light, in one of the 4 wardrobes was the safe, its the normal size and normal operating systems. Bathrobes and slippers were also in the wardrobes with the life jackets. Extra storage for the suitcase's could go under the Queen bed.

The bathroom consisted of a large shower with a ceiling hanging shower-head with a shampoo and soap dispenser, a medium sized bath not big enough for me being over 6 foot tall, a toilet on a strange angle and his and her sink units. There are also Elemis  soap (bars) body lotion and conditioner supplied and plenty of different sized towels, from face cloths, hand towels, to large bath towels.

Norwegian Star Atrium

The Ship herself is very nice, all areas kept clean and quite a nice flow, although we heard some complaints about the lack of shopping, we found it has the usual shops including, the logo shop, duty free (alcohol and cigarettes), perfumes, watches and jewellery and toiletry's.

The Atrium area had a nice staircase which in the evening doubled as a stage area for groups and bands, with the glass elevators in the back ground. The Bar/Cafe; Java cafe,  at the base of the stairs is now a Carlos Bake Shop, where some very tasty cakes and muffins can be purchased to go with a Latte or cold drink. Very nice but it's a shame that it replaced a Free coffee and cake stand which I enjoyed while reading my latest adventure book, in the centre of the ship where everyone passes; also a great place to people watch. also in the Atrium is the Reception which did not have any stamps, Shore Excursions desk, and the Port o'Call shop selling perfumes, also there's always a desk with the latest Spa offers being pushed.

Further along the Atrium going to the aft starboard side is the Photo Gallery with all the latest shore side Photos and sales of camera's of all sizes, on the opposite side is the Red Lion Pub, which sells premium European beers such as Carlsburg, and Newcastle Brown Ale; which went down well. They also so Premier League Football and other European football leagues.

Thanks Greg for some great drinks and company

On deck 6 7/8 forward from the Atrium, there are various speciality restaurants, La Cucina (Italian), Le Bistro (French), Teppanyaki, Ginza (Japanese, Chinese, Thai fusion foods), and Sushi, and the Blue Lagoon restaurant (included in your free dining option). Around these restaurants are a few bars, Sake bar, and Gatsby's Champagne bar, which we all had some great nights with some good music but most of all the Bartenders Greg and Donnie and their waiters, the guys were exceptional at their job, also willing; if you are, ready to try new Cocktails out. We had some good chats with the guys, and other passengers even meeting a great couple from Glasgow, thanks for all involved.

Other bars onboard include the Spinnaker Lounge; where they hold Bingo and Zumba Latin American fitness dancing, at night they hold special

shows such as an adult only nights. Topsiders Bar and Grill, on deck 12 just opposite the Oasis Pool,

Bier-Garten-Norwegian-Star

just above Topsiders is the Star bar where you can have intimate drink while a musician plays, overlooking the pool area is the 'Bier Garten' where you can get cocktails, beer, spirits, and our favorite Frozen Cocktails, such as BBC and a Passionate Kiss (not from the bar tender) to cooldown those warm days at sea.

Where as the Bar Tenders did their job extremely well and with high enthusiasm, it can't be said for the majority of the staff in the Versailles and Aqua, Main Dining Rooms, the service was slow (they seem to have too many tables and tasks to perform) not as attentive as on the Norwegian Jade and Epic, and when the food arrived it seemed to have been hanging around under the heat lamps to long (plates hot, food warm), and the food was nothing special, unlike the 'Didju' on the Carnival menu, where you could try food that you could not make at home. I'm not getting at the staff in these dining rooms, but they do seem to have to do everything, such as drinks ordering and fetching from the nearest bar, table clearing, ordering from 5 tables (25+ passengers) and resetting the table, its just to much for them. we waited an average at the table 30 minutes for the first course to turn up, we went down to Versailles as it opened at 5pm in order to have dinner and a drink in a bar before the 7pm show starts, after 1 hour 30 minutes we had our starters, dry and very cold, not good. We did the same at the Aqua Dining which opens at 5:30pm, pick two course's main and dessert, and nearly missed the show!

The garden Cafe self service restaurant was probably the saving grace, food wise for choice and did put on different different varieties, from Pizza, Pasta, freshly made sandwiches, Burgers, hotdogs, and chinese food, there were some very tempting desserts, cookies, and flapjacks. This area is always busy and probably tells us something about the main dining restaurants!

Stardust-Theater-Norwegian-Star

As for the shows, the first thing to mention is the sound system, very poor compared to the Jade , Epic and other cruise companies; hopefully they will rectify this problem when shes in dry dock. The Stars singers and dancers put a lot of effort into the shows, but they were average and the shows sometimes confusing. The special acts that came on weren't up to much, The Divas of Motown were poor, but that could have been down to the sound system, and the comedians had trouble rising a chuckle, and could not flog their CD/DVD's after the shows. The Juggler was very good and funny at the same time, a tribute group 'Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' who had their own sound system were fantastic, they did all the classics from 'Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry and Valli's own hit Grease (is the word)'. Another great show was a comedy troupe called 'Second City' who have permanent show's on the Epic and Breakaway class of ships,  they did some of their normal routines and some about what goes on behind the scenes on a cruise ship, very funny. Other to these there was a Guitarist from Argentina who was excellent playing, but hopeless interacting with the audience, a Aerial Acrobatic show called 'Marrambolla'  did their show very well, but it's not new and we have all seen this type of show on other ships, they were very fit and the show flowed, even included their 7 year old son, who did well.

mandara spa

Dawn had a Thai Poultice Massage at the Mandara Spa, which she had at 8am (you get a free 15 minutes treatment) which she found very relaxing and felt good with all the different oils and scents used, the only down side was she was asked for an extra tip on top of the onboard gratuity being added and tried to push the products such as the body lotions and face cream for $40-$60 ago, which spoilt some off the relaxed effects of the $215 treatment. We both got the unlimited (60 guests per cruise) access to the indoor lap pool, jacuzzi, thermal suite, which we used nearly every day because the main pool and jacuzzis  were always very busy, but there is a cost for the suite $190 each for the cruise, we think we got our moneys worth out of it, when dawn was having her treatment I spent the time in the Jacuzzi and a on the loungers drinking juice and coffee and reading my book in total peace and quiet.

Star Club Casino Bar

The Star Club Casino on deck 6 is a cordoned off area so  if you didn't want to walk through the casino you don't have to, there are washy washy, happy happy staff at the two entrance's and these also stop the underaged from entering. The casino has all the normal tables; Black Jack, Poker, Craps, and Roulette, and a vast amount of slot machines, if you run out of Dollars they will at the cashier fund you more, or there is a ATM machine; with a transaction fee! James (son) had a few games of Blackjack we watched and the dealer was fair and offered some good advice, and some tips how to play, he still lost but a good time was had by all.

Splash-Down-Kids-Pool

On deck 12 is the Video Zone for kids of all ages including james and I, there is a good selection of video games from first person shoot 'em' ups, car and boat racing, Guitar Hero, motorbike racing and the old favorite Air Hockey, all for a swipe of the cardkey, oh and $1.50 a play. There other ways to entertain yourselfs on sea days, such as 4 Shuffleboard courts (if they are called courts) giant Chess set, and two Golf Driving Nets with clubs, left and right handed supplied. To keep the kids and toddlers happy and cool there is a Splash Down Kids Pool, which comprises of; Kids pool, 2 whirlpools, 2 slides all situated on deck 12 aft, looks like a great area.

Norwegian Star library

On deck 12 forward is the ship's Library with a huge selection of books, covering a variety of reading options, such as love stories, murder mystery, biography, history books, language learning, and books on the countries you might be visiting. Every day there are new Crosswords, and sudoku puzzles photocopied and free to take away and complete, or take a seat and chill out and enjoy. The Library is manned during the day time and they can also book out a wide range of  DVD's, to take back to your stateroom and return at a later date. On this cruise it was the first time i've seen the Library used so much, with the puzzles being done, people of all ages reading and some teens doing a bit of studying.

Overall The ship is a very nice ship and is taken care of (even if major alterations were being done prior to its drydock in 3 months time), and the crew were very attentive. Hygiene is very high on their priority, Washy Washy staff are at the entrances to all the Restaurants, and Casino, there are pump dispensers out side all other gathering points such as the Theatre, Library and bars. They also recommend  opening all toilet/restroom doors with a paper towel after washing your hands, good advice.

Would I pick this ship again, without a doubt, yes there are problem's but nothing that could have ruined our trip. The crew make up for any shortcomings.

Our photos of the Star plus ports of call; Cartagena-Columbia; Puntarenas-Costa Rica; Huatulco-México; Acapulco-México; Cabo San Lucas-Mexico. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45642696@N07/sets/72157649685216732/

Marks out of 10

Ship and Amenitys ~ 9/10
Crew ~ 7/10 (main dining let them down)
Entertainment ~  8/10 (theater sound system let them down)
Spa ~ 9/10 (masseur asked for a extra tip on top of the manditory Gratuities)

Total ~ 8/1o Thanks for a great Holiday/Vacation.

Norwegian Escape ship to feature 3-level atrium

Norwegian Escape ship to feature 3-level atrium

The Norwegian Escape will benefit from a three-level atrium, among other features.

The ship will also boast dining and entertainment venues within the 678 Ocean Place complex, offering passengers a wide variety of activities to look forward to.

Dining venues such as Le Bistro, Moderno Churrascaria, Cagney's, Teppanyaki and O’Sheehans will all be featured on decks six, seven and eight of the Escape vessel. The facilities spill onto the waterfront, giving passengers fantastic views.

Stretching for a quarter of a mile, the promenade allows travellers to benefit from stunning ocean views while tucking into some of the delicious food on board. 

However, the casino will remain on deck seven, where it spans more than 19,000 feet. On deck six, there will also be the Taste and Savor dining rooms, along with the Prime Meridian, Mixx and the Bar at the Atrium. 

It is expected that the new ship will launch in October 2015 and will become the largest to home port in Miami across the year.

As well as this, there will be a private room accommodating 100 people at Taste and a private dining venue situated just below it, where there will be a lounge and dining area. 
Another new area is the Skyline Bar within the Escape Casino.Decorated with gold and metallic finishes, the area will offer entertainment,video poker and a number of LED screens providing a variety of stunning,relaxing vibes.

What’s more, the vessel will benefit from a new portrait studio on deck six and more dining and entertainment venues will be confirmed in the coming months.

Norwegian Escape offers a number of luxurious staterooms, ranging from cosy studios to spa rooms and spacious two-bedrooms.