If anyone is looking for a great Cruise, try the Norwegian Star leaving out the Tampa. The ship was nice, but I'm sure there is better, the food was good. Again, I am sure there is better. But the stops were unbelievable, beautiful and adventurous = fun, fun, fun vacation.
Ratings
Food on Norwegian Star = 7 out of 10. If you go to a specialty restaurant, they are a 10 but they do cost extra
Ship and Service = 8 out of 10. This Ship does not have all the bells and Whistles that some of the Royal Caribbean ships do, but the service was great and still, we had a blast
First stop, Honduras = 10 out of 10. I highly recommend the Dolphin SWIM/SNOKEL at Anthony Key Resort. Sadly, you can only book this through the cruise, but it was worth it.
Second Stop, Belize = 8 out of 10. I also recommend the Cave tubing tour. Do not book this through the ship. Book Through Cavetubing.com. They are fantastic, half the price and will get you back on time. They also have the best tubes, pick you up at the port of call and include lunch at their fun little Tiki hut after the adventure.
Third stop, Costa Maya = 9 out of 10. Beautiful place, Beautiful beach and a beautiful day. We did not book an excursion. Instead we flagged a cab and wen't to the nearest beach. The beach was beautiful albeit crowded, but we didn't mind. There are tables, chairs, and messages on the beach for $20 and hour. Um... yes please.
Here, we mainly hung out and enjoyed the sun. I also shopped for a bit... I walked away with a frog magnet for my Mother in Law and some amazing t-shirts for my son and Nephews.
Fourth Stop, Cozumel - 10 out of 10. We did a personal Discover Scuba Tour. We hired an instructor (It was $50 for an hour or instruction and an hour of diving. So worth it) and had a blast. I recommend Scuba here. Also, we did not book this through the cruise. I never recommend booking through the cruise. The vendors outside of the cruise take care of you just as well and will have you back in time. They are very aware that you are with a cruise ship and have a debarkation time.
On the ship I recommend going to Watch David perform in Gatsby's. He was amazing and hilarious. The magic show and comedy show were also very good, though we did she the magician and his assistant fighting on the last day down in a corridor. Oops. That as a little awkward.
Oh, and can I just say that the workout facility was magnificent. On the first day it was packed. On the last, I was pretty much the only person in there. I guess I was the only die hard on the ship... te he.
All in all, it was an great trip and amazing to spend time with my hubby. Though, I have to add that being away from my 1 year old for 9 days was the hardest thing I've ever done. He didn't even miss us. He was having too much fun getting all hopped up on Junior mints and Ice cream at Grandma's house.
