Europe 2024 - Cruising

We boarded the Norwegian Star after our time in Lisbon, and it would become our home and base camp for the next eleven days. Ironically it was the same vessel on which we had last cruised on in 2018, though there had been some renovations and updates in the meantime.

Originally we had booked an oceanview room, but when prices came down closer to the cruise, we were able to upgrade to a balcony. As a result, we did spend more time in our room than normal, to take advantage of the balcony. It was also extremely nice having fresh air with the sliding door open all night. We also took advantage of room service a few times!

The cruise took us out in to the Atlantic Ocean, turning north and following the English Channel up to the North Sea, into the Elbe River and back to Southampton, England. Along the way, we enjoyed the scenery, food, drink package, live music and placid serenity of our floating palace. The only mildly rough water was the first day heading straight north off the Portuguese coast, and after that it was literally smooth sailing.

Our stops included Bilbao in the Basque country of northern Spain, followed by three different stops in France at Le Verdon, La Rochelle and Le Havre. From there we continued on to Ijmuiden in the Netherlands and Hamburg in Germany, before culminating the trip in England.

Our cabin was further forward than we were used to, almost at the front of the boat (two decks above the teal star!), which meant a little more walking to the midship social areas and the aft dining room and lounge deck. All in all though, we loved our location. We also had a few straight sea days to enjoy 

We also noted that COVID had resulted in some improvements in efficiency in certain processes, including boarding and disembarking. We did also at times remember why we also enjoy quiet road trips in camper vans, with no lineups or oblivious and/or rude people. All in all though, we still love cruising and will definitely do so again!

(rest of the cruise destinations still to come in the blog!)

Boarding the Star in Lisbon

Stateroom 9022 on the Starboard Side

Farewell to Lisbon from our balcony

Passing under the April 25th Bridge on our way out to sea....

Sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean

Relaxing on Deck 12 Aft

She's a happy ship...take a bow!

Coastline of Northern Spain from our room

Sea's the Day!

Watching the French port crew try to figure out how to remove the gangway.....

Our local pilot comes aboard!

Props to the Star!

Best view on the ship!

Reading on the pool deck

Sunset over the Elbe River