Photo: kees torn / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wikimedia Commons (resized)
Dawn · refurbished 2025 · Mexican Riviera & West Coast, South America & Antarctica
Built in 2001, Norwegian Star is a Dawn-class ship with 91,740 GT and capacity for approximately 2,348 guests, placing it among the current fleet's mid-sized ships. It lacks the large attractions found on newer ships, but its smaller size allows a wider choice of ports and longer itineraries, including 10- to 11-night voyages around Iceland, Scotland, and Norway. In summer 2026, its main schedule will be one-way cruises between Southampton and Reykjavik, with some sailings including an overnight stay in Reykjavik. In winter, it will move to San Diego for Mexican Riviera cruises. It underwent refurbishment in 2024–2025, so its interiors remain well maintained for its age. This ship suits travelers who prioritize destinations over onboard activity.
Current position (external site)View on VesselFinder (IMO 9195157)External site. Position information has not been checked by Cruise Pitta.
A guide to public baths, Japanese food and language support, payment in yen, smoking, dress codes and power outlets, based on available official and other sources. Details may vary by itinerary and season. Check the official website for current information.
Similar facilities, such as a thermal suite
Japanese food at extra cost
Confirmed services
Some Japanese language support
Smart casual
Line-wide details: Because of the Freestyle concept, no mandatory formal nights are scheduled. There is a "Dress up or not" night that encourages guests to dress up if they wish, but participation is free.
Plug types: A, B, C, F
Line-wide details: Many ships have both North American-standard 110V-range and European-standard 220/230V-range outlets.
English text in preparation.
Official: confirmed by the cruise line or another official source / Secondary source: confirmed by other sources / Estimated: inferred by Cruise Pitta / Not stated: no information found in official sources
The base fare includes meals at complimentary restaurants only. Choosing More at Sea, which is included with many fares, conditionally adds unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, several visits to paid restaurants, port credits, and other benefits.
Prices are shown in the onboard currency; no currency conversion is applied.
A conventional-fuel ship that entered service in 2001. With each refurbishment, it maintains the engines and hull (ship's body) to improve efficiency. NCL Group has set targets of expanding shore-power connections and achieving net zero by 2050.
These are articles and videos by other publishers, not Cruise Pitta. Their content is their own and has not been reviewed by us. Links open in a new tab.
destinationsbyamy.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
alaskatravelgram.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
youtube.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
robertahill.com · Link checked Oct 5, 2026
coupletraveltheworld.com · Link checked Oct 4, 2026
Source: Wikipedia “Norwegian Star” (CC BY-SA 4.0)
An approximately 13 m², compact, windowless category at the lowest price. As the ship entered service in 2001, it is narrower than newer ships. ADA-accessible cabins are available.
383 cabins Decks 4-10
A cabin with a window, approximately 15 m². Depending on the location, some types have partially obstructed views.
250 cabins Decks 4–8
Approximately 15 m² inside with a balcony of about 3–5 m². There are many cabins to choose from, making them easy to select. Smoking is prohibited, including on balconies.
368 cabins Decks 8-11
Approximately 21 m² inside plus a balcony of about 5 m². It is more spacious than balcony cabins, with a smaller price difference, making it a popular category.
107 cabins Decks 9-11
A suite group added around Deck 12 during the 2010 refurbishment. Balcony availability varies by type, and there are also 2-bedroom suites for families.
Decks 11-12 (added during 2010 refurbishment)
The highest class onboard. Garden Villas have approximately 212 m² of interior space and more than 300 m² of private terrace, making them famous oversized suites within NCL. Only 2 cabins.
Uppermost part of Deck 12
| Cabins | Size | Occupancy and beds | Features | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Inside Stateroom An approximately 13 m², compact, windowless category at the lowest price. As the ship entered service in 2001, it is narrower than newer ships. ADA-accessible cabins are available. 383 cabins / Decks 4-10 | from 13 m² (140 ft²) | 2-4 people 2 twin beds (convertible to a queen). A Pullman bed is used for 3-4 guests. | Accessible: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Oceanview Stateroom A cabin with a window, approximately 15 m². Depending on the location, some types have partially obstructed views. 250 cabins / Decks 4–8 | from 15 m² (161 ft²) | 2-4 people 2 twin beds (convertible to a queen). Add a Pullman bed for 3-4 guests. | Window: YesAccessible: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Balcony Stateroom Approximately 15 m² inside with a balcony of about 3–5 m². There are many cabins to choose from, making them easy to select. Smoking is prohibited, including on balconies. 368 cabins / Decks 8-11 | from 15 m² (161 ft²) | 2-3 people 2 twin beds (convertible to a queen). A sofa bed is used for 3 guests. | Balcony: YesWindow: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Club Balcony Suite (Mini-Suite) Approximately 21 m² inside plus a balcony of about 5 m². It is more spacious than balcony cabins, with a smaller price difference, making it a popular category. 107 cabins / Decks 9-11 | from 21 m² (226 ft²) | 2-4 people 1 queen bed + sofa bed | Balcony: YesWindow: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Penthouse / Family Suite A suite group added around Deck 12 during the 2010 refurbishment. Balcony availability varies by type, and there are also 2-bedroom suites for families. Decks 11-12 (added during 2010 refurbishment) | 27–46 m² (291–495 ft²) | 4–6 guests King or queen bed + sofa bed. Two-bedroom types have 2 bedrooms. | Window: YesConcierge: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Garden Villa / Owner's Suite The highest class onboard. Garden Villas have approximately 212 m² of interior space and more than 300 m² of private terrace, making them famous oversized suites within NCL. Only 2 cabins. Uppermost part of Deck 12 | 53–212 m² (570–2,282 ft²) | 4–6 guests A king-size bed in each bedroom (Garden Villas have multiple bedrooms) | Balcony: YesWindow: YesConcierge: Yes | Check on the cabin overview page |
Approximate figures from official and reliable sources. Cabins vary by ship, category, and sailing.Links generally lead to official pages; some have not been verified.
A complimentary main dining room at the stern, distinguished by an ornate French-style interior accented with gold.
Hours: Breakfast, lunch (on full sea days), and dinner 17:30-21:30
Another complimentary main dining room amidships, with a more contemporary interior than Versailles.
Hours: Dinner only: 17:30-21:30
A complimentary buffet available throughout the day, with outdoor seating.
Hours: Breakfast 7:00-10:30, lunch 11:30-15:00, dinner 17:00-21:30
A complimentary pub open 24 hours. Burgers, french fries, and more are available late into the night. Bowling lanes and games are on site.
Hours: Open 24 hours
A complimentary restaurant serving Asian dishes from various countries, such as sushi, stir-fried dishes, and noodles. The attached teppanyaki room has only 12 seats and is charged separately.
Hours: Dinner: 17:30-21:30
A paid steakhouse at the top of Deck 13, with a calm atmosphere and white tablecloths.
Beer $10
NCL's classic French restaurant on Deck 6, the most formal restaurant on the ship.
Beer $10
A paid Italian restaurant offering appetizers, pasta, seafood, meat dishes, and Italian desserts.
Beer $10
A show-style meal in which chefs cook at the teppanyaki grill in front of guests. Seating is limited, so early reservations are needed.
Beer $10
A Brazilian-style steakhouse with an all-you-can-eat salad bar and assorted grilled meats carved at the table by servers.
Beer $10
In addition to the main pool, there are several pools, including a children's pool, and several jacuzzis.
An adults-only sun deck at the stern, created in the 2018 refurbishment. A relaxing space with the sea as a backdrop.
The approximately 1,000-seat, three-story main theater offers production shows free of charge.
A casino of about 900 m², added in the 2005 refurbishment. It has slot machines and table games.
A spa offering massages, facials, and salon services. Use of the thermal suite costs extra.
A gym equipped with cardio machines and weights. Basic use is free of charge.
A multifunctional court for basketball and volleyball, plus a golf practice net.
A loop track on the deck that can be used for walking and running in the morning and evening.
Splash Academy for ages 3-12 and Entourage for ages 13-17 are available. Basic use is free of charge.
A corner with a collection of arcade games. Each game is charged individually.
A dance and nightclub lounge added during the 2018 refurbishment.
A bar newly installed on the upper deck during the 2018 refurbishment, where guests can enjoy a drink while looking out over the sea.
Copy or save this page's reference material to discuss it with your preferred AI. Sources and check dates are included.
I am considering Norwegian Star for my first cruise. Explain what to watch out for, what is included in the fare, and what costs extra. Do not guess information missing from the material, and list what I should verify on the official website.