Setting Sail! The Norwegian Star... Day 2 09/22/19
Today was the big day! We were boarding the Norwegian Star for our Greek Islands cruise! This cruise was booked nearly a year ago, and the day was finally here! It was a port intensive cruise, which I love! We visit a new destination every day. All of these ports are new to both of us as well, so that's even more exciting!
When we woke up this morning, it was raining a bit, and much cooler than yesterday. We were very lucky to have had such beautiful weather yesterday and we were glad that today we were boarding our ship.
Speaking of weather and rain in Venice, it's the perfect time to mention the devastating flooding that they have been experiencing the past week or so. Every year Venice does experience high tides and flooding, known as Acqua Alta, but this year the flooding has been the most devastating in over 50 years. There has been much damage to buildings, workshops, homes, and it has destroyed property. I have had clients and friends ask me what can be done to help. There is a great article in the link below. If you would like more information, please feel free to click below for more information. Most importantly the Venetians are asking that visitors continue to visit. Nothing helps the economy more than people coming to spend money. Buy products from the locals, and help them get back on their feet again. Visit the city, see it in all of it's wonder! It's a beautiful place!
How to Help Venice After the Acqua Alta
We had a nice breakfast at our hotel, checked out and then waited by the entrance for our water taxi to take us to the port.
Our driver showed up right on time, and off we went! We were dropped off right at the cruise port, we left our bags with a porter and we walked to our ship. Depending on where your ship docks, it may be a slightly long walk from where the water taxi drop off location is, so be prepared for that!
The Norwegian Star is a much smaller ship than we've sailed on in quite some time. This ship holds just about 2350 passengers as compared to some of the mega ships. For example, this summer we sailed on the Symphony of the Seas which carries over 5500 passengers! The Norwegian Star is an older ship, but it has recently been refurbished to bring the contemporary feel that the newer Norwegian ships have. We definitely chose this ship for the itinerary, but we had high hopes that it would be a great base for us while sailing too!
When we got on board we wandered around a bit.
I can't remember how many ships were in port with us, maybe 4 or 5, but it was a very busy port!
We began our journey just as the sun began to go down. The fact that it was an overcast day actually made it more beautiful I think!
As we sailed through the canal it was lightly drizzling, but it was still pretty perfect.
When we woke up this morning, it was raining a bit, and much cooler than yesterday. We were very lucky to have had such beautiful weather yesterday and we were glad that today we were boarding our ship.
Speaking of weather and rain in Venice, it's the perfect time to mention the devastating flooding that they have been experiencing the past week or so. Every year Venice does experience high tides and flooding, known as Acqua Alta, but this year the flooding has been the most devastating in over 50 years. There has been much damage to buildings, workshops, homes, and it has destroyed property. I have had clients and friends ask me what can be done to help. There is a great article in the link below. If you would like more information, please feel free to click below for more information. Most importantly the Venetians are asking that visitors continue to visit. Nothing helps the economy more than people coming to spend money. Buy products from the locals, and help them get back on their feet again. Visit the city, see it in all of it's wonder! It's a beautiful place!
How to Help Venice After the Acqua Alta
We had a nice breakfast at our hotel, checked out and then waited by the entrance for our water taxi to take us to the port.
Our driver showed up right on time, and off we went! We were dropped off right at the cruise port, we left our bags with a porter and we walked to our ship. Depending on where your ship docks, it may be a slightly long walk from where the water taxi drop off location is, so be prepared for that!
The Norwegian Star is a much smaller ship than we've sailed on in quite some time. This ship holds just about 2350 passengers as compared to some of the mega ships. For example, this summer we sailed on the Symphony of the Seas which carries over 5500 passengers! The Norwegian Star is an older ship, but it has recently been refurbished to bring the contemporary feel that the newer Norwegian ships have. We definitely chose this ship for the itinerary, but we had high hopes that it would be a great base for us while sailing too!
When we got on board we wandered around a bit.
Versailles is one of the two Main Dining Rooms
Spice H20 is the adults only area at the Aft of the ship. We spent most of our time on board the ship here. We had an inside cabin this trip, so if we wanted a place to hang out with a view of the ocean, this was a great venue. It is also right by the Garden Cafe so we were able to get breakfast and bring it out here to the tables to eat with an ocean view!
There are two hot tubs out here, one on each side
There is a nice size sun deck above Spice H2O as well
Big Chess, Ping Pong and Shuffle Board are all on board too
We had an inside cabin this trip. It was tiny, but for two people, we made it work. There was plenty of storage space and our cabin steward kept the room very clean for us!
The bathroom on the other hand was really, really small!
The Atrium
There was usually music playing here in the evenings, and there's a Starbucks where you see that counter.
It was time to sail away! The tug boat was ready to pull us through the canal
I can't remember how many ships were in port with us, maybe 4 or 5, but it was a very busy port!
Even Uniworld, a river cruise ships was visiting!
We began our journey just as the sun began to go down. The fact that it was an overcast day actually made it more beautiful I think!
As we sailed through the canal it was lightly drizzling, but it was still pretty perfect.
I've sailed out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, New York City and even Budapest when starting a cruise but nothing has compared to sailing out of Venice as day turned into night, and the buildings lit up. This was by far the most incredible sail away ever! Just beautiful! And with that, we were heading out to sea...
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