The Norwegian Star returned to service with the new 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar and two new dining options included in the price: the popular O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill and the Asian restaurant Ginza.
Norwegian Cruise Line has rejoined the Norwegian Star in its fleet since March 17 after two weeks in dry dock, where the ship has received numerous upgrades as well as new dining and entertainment spaces, preparing for its summer season during which it will sail through the Baltic Capitals and the Norwegian Fjords from Copenhagen.
As part of Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian NEXT program, focused on delivering new enhancements and experiences on one of the youngest fleets among North America's leading cruise lines, the Norwegian Star has followed the Norwegian Jewel to become the third ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet to receive refurbishments since the program's launch in 2014. Highlights include two new included-price dining options, an enhanced offering at the popular Asian restaurant Ginza, and Norwegian Cruise Line's first 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar.
“Our guests will be able to dine like nowhere else at sea thanks to the Freestyle Dining , and these exciting new venues on the Norwegian Star make it even easier, more exciting, and more fun for guests to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian Cruise Line can offer,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Jimmy Buffett fans and those seeking a relaxed atmosphere can visit the fleet's first 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar, the result of an exclusive agreement with the American singer and entrepreneur's Margaritaville® restaurant chain. This new venue will serve signature margaritas and boatdrinkssuch as the Who's to Blame® Margarita, ice-cold LandShark Lagers, and more, along with live music performances each night.
The popular Asian fusion restaurant Ginza, a favorite among Norwegian Star guests, is now complimentary, as the previous $15 surcharge has been eliminated. In addition to a complimentary full menu, which now includes delicious dishes from the Noodle Bar, such as traditional Chinese noodles, wok specialties, and the famous dim sum, Ginza will also feature exciting new à la carte options, such as Japanese Hot Rock Ishiyaki for a nominal fee and a sushi menu curated by expert Sushi Chef Yuki Ieto. New and delectable sushi and sashimi pieces like the Sashimi Hamachi Poblano, Ten Shades of Grey Roll , and many more will be served at the sushi bar, or guests can choose from four varieties of rolls directly from a rotating sushi buffet—a first for the cruise industry.
The Norwegian Star has also been equipped with the popular complimentary O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, serving classic American dishes 24 hours a day in a relaxed pub atmosphere. In addition, Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, has been relocated to a more intimate setting on Deck 13, and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on the Norwegian Getaway, has been placed next to the new restaurant. A number of other public areas have also been upgraded, including improvements to the casino and photo gallery, new carpeting and flooring throughout the public areas, window replacements, kitchen area upgrades, and renovations to the pool deck. Norwegian Cruise Line's innovative interactive digital signage, which debuted on the Norwegian Breakaway, has also been added to this ship. Interactive touchscreens allow guests to make special requests, get directions on board, and book tables at restaurants and shore excursions simply by scanning their cabin card, providing even more freedom and flexibility for guests to create a tailor-made holiday experience
Several technical upgrades have also been carried out during its dry-dock stay. The ship has been fitted with Green Tech Marine scrubbers to reduce fuel emissions, overall energy consumption, and the company's environmental impact. In addition, the ship received a hydrodynamic upgrade of its Azipod and a state-of-the-art silicone hull coating to further improve energy efficiency. The Norwegian Star will also benefit from the installation of connectivity to shore power sources. Other technical and safety improvements include: upgrades to the lifeboat and tender release systems; maintenance work on the thrusters and stabilizers; and replacement of the bilge and ballast piping.
During the summer season, the Norwegian Star will sail 7- to 14-night itineraries from Copenhagen to the Baltic Capitals and the Norwegian Fjords. The 9-night Baltic Capitals itineraries include ports of call with ample cultural options, such as Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (2 days); Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden. Prices start from €1,129 per person based on double occupancy.
