A Cruise to Remember (Winds, Waves, And All)
What. A. Trip.
My husband, Rocco and I sailed the Norwegian Star for two unforgettable weeks from Reykjavik to Oslo - and honestly, it was a ride in every sense of the word.
Let's be real - she's an older ship, but she's got soul. The Star might not have all the shiny bells and whistles of the newer NCL fleet, but she's clean, comfortable, and full of personality. And her crew? Absolute rockstars!
We met so many incredible people onboard - from the Captain and General Manager, who actually took the time to chat with guests, to John and his crew at The Proof Whiskey Bar, who made us feel like old friends by night two. (John, if you are reading this, Rocco misses your Manhattan's)
Nights at The Proof Whiskey Bar: Music, Martinis & Memories
This bar quickly became our nightly hangout - laughter, live music, and that perfect cruise-night buzz where you lose track of time and just feel happy.
Rocco, being Rocco, couldn't resist the karaoke mic. He performed one of his all time favorites - Piano Man - the same song he sang at our wedding (yes, with his harmonica back then...though sadly not this time!). He still nailed it, harmonica or not.
And then came one of those cruise-magic moments: John the bartender serenaded us with a song of his own. I mean, when your bartender breaks out into a performance for you - that's a story you'll tell forever.
Weathering the Arctic Winds
Now let's talk about that night near the Arctic Circle. The winds howled. The waves roared. I was in bed gripping the sheet, whispering to myself, "Just make it to morning." It was wild - the kind of wind that reminds you who's really in charge out there.
So here's the PSA, for future cruisers: Mother Nature does her own thing. When you're this far north, heavy winds and missed ports happen - and it's not the crew's fault. The staff kept us safe, calm, and cared for the entire time. And honestly, that's what matters most.
The Crew That Made It Special
Our butler, Roland was an absolute gem - twenty years with NCL and still going strong. Professional, kind and now officially part of our cruise family. He deserves all the recognition (and a promotion, if anyone from @NCL is reading this).
Despite missing a few ports, every day onboard felt full - delicious meals, genuine service, and those spontaneous little moments that make cruising.
Would We Sail the Norwegian Star Again?
Absolutely.
And get this - she's heading to Tampa next month, which also happens to be home to my favorite island stop ever....Aruba! You better believe I'm tempted to hop back onboard.
Because here's the truth: it's not about the newest ship or the flashiest features. It's about the people, the laughter, and those "wow, we really did that" moments that make travel worth it.
Thinking About Cruising?
I'd love to help plan your next adventure at sea. Whether it's chasing glaciers, sipping martinis at the whiskey bar, or finding your own "Piano Man moment", I'll help make it happen.
