These are Norwegian Star's Best Kept Secrets! #cruisetips #norwegianstar #cruise #cruisesecrets

We’re globetrotting through retirement aboard the Norwegian Star on a 5-night cruise to Key West and the Bahamas, sailing round-trip from Tampa. If you’ve ever wondered why Norwegian Cruise Line’s larger ships don’t sail from Tampa, here’s the reason: they can’t fit under the iconic Sunshine Skyway Bridge on the way out to the Gulf! That makes ships like the Norwegian Star a perfect fit for this port. Although the Star was built in 2001, she’s been beautifully refreshed—most recently in 2024. The open atrium is a magnet for guests and features entertainment around the clock. If you’ve sailed on her sister ship, the Norwegian Dawn, the layout will feel very familiar. 🌴 Tip #1: Find Your Secluded Escape Head to Spice H2O—an adults-only oasis at the back of the ship on Deck 12, right next to the gym. Comfortable seating, two hot tubs, ocean views, and a relaxed vibe make it one of the best places onboard to sip a drink and unwind. Best of both worlds: work out… then soak it out! 🍸 Favorite Cocktail Spots Two standout lounges quickly became favorites: • Proof Whiskey Bar (Deck 7) • Gatsby’s Champagne Lounge (Deck 6) Both feature classic Art Deco style and feel like stepping back in time. Pro tip: Find your favorite bar early and give the bartenders an extra tip at the beginning of the cruise. Very few passengers do this, and the payoff is huge—excellent service and bartenders who remember your favorite drink all week. 🍔 Casual Dining & People Watching O’Sheehan’s is perfect for people-watching and live music in the atrium. Bonus: 24-hour pub food and plenty of seating make it a go-to spot any time of day. 🍽️ Tip #2: Dining Room Strategy For the best service—and the best tables—arrive early. We were lucky enough to score window tables in the coveted section of the Versailles Dining Room every night. The views were incredible, and the service was outstanding. And don’t forget to fill out comment cards for crew members who go above and beyond. It truly makes a difference in their performance reviews and promotions. 🔥 Must-Do Specialty Dining Teppanyaki is one of the most popular specialty dining experiences on both the Star and the Dawn—and for good reason. Great food, great fun, and unforgettable service. 🛳️ Why Cruisers Keep Coming Back Like other cruise lines, NCL rewards loyal guests through its Latitudes Rewards program. We met a couple in the Sapphire tier who have cruised with NCL 25–30 times. Why do they keep coming back? Smaller ships, relaxed atmosphere, great value, and consistently good service. ⭐ Final Thoughts If you enjoy smaller ships and love sailing out of Tampa, the Norwegian Dawn or Norwegian Star may be perfect for you. With just over 2,000 passengers and about 1,000 crew members, the ship rarely feels crowded—and cruising the Caribbean can be surprisingly affordable, especially if you follow our tips.#norwegianstar #TampaCruisePort #RetirementTravel #CruiseTips #FirstTimeCruiser #CaribbeanCruise #SeniorTravel