NCL Star Docking Procedure in PV

#1 (**permalink**) April 3rd, 2005, 06:07 PM

Does anyone know why NCL Star never docks in Puerto Vallarta but always tenders?
It is not the largest ship to dock here and has not tied up once this season. Would this be because:

l) The captain doesn't know how to turn around after docking
2) They owe the harbour master money
3) They don't have money to pay to dock
4) They like to exercise the tenders

It is unfair to passengers to have their day cut short in PV and also a nuisance to have to board tenders. Today there were no other ships in port and the Star was anchored out as usual.

Just curious if anyone knows why they choose to do this.

#2 (**permalink**) April 8th, 2005, 06:47 PM

It has to do with seasonal arrangement with the port authority. The arrangements for berthing are made at least a year in advance and probably at the time they were planning the Stars itenerary the leases were taken. Take a chill pill and relax and enjoy your vacation. Cruise lines have been tendering passengers into ports in the caribbean longer than they've been able to dock even back to the days when they were sailing ships.
Another thing...the Star drafts a little deeper than a lot of other ships. I've never been to PV, but it might just be that she's to deep to approach the docks.

vclst · #3 (**permalink**) April 15th, 2005, 12:28 AM

I was on the Star Dec 15-23, and it did indeed dock in Puerto Vallarta, and we were the only ship at the dock...it was docked right next to the terminal. The ship was backed in, and if you looked across the street, you could see Wal-Mart and Sams club.

Bill

#4 (**permalink**) April 15th, 2005, 01:30 PM

It looked like they were dredging the channel when we were their last week.

#5 (**permalink**) April 26th, 2005, 06:04 PM

Do you have anything to add about sailing NCL Star? We are sailing Nov.2005 & the reviews i've read have not been very good. Do you have anything to add? Thanks

#6 (**permalink**) May 5th, 2005, 02:13 PM

We also are going on the Star first week in december and would like some up to date info from any recent cruisers.We cruised with Carnival on the Conquest last December and had a great time.Also would like some comparisons of the two.
Thanks Danny

OLD MAN · #7 (**permalink**) May 5th, 2005, 07:30 PM

Well, the Star does not dock at PV because the Mexicans are rebuilding the dock.. After the construction is finished then all of the ships will not have to tender.. I have been on the Star to Mexico a couple of times and it is a good ship.. Also when you get to PV you can walk across the street and go to Wal-Mart.. OM

#8 (**permalink**) May 6th, 2005, 01:26 AM

Old Man,

I've read a lot of your posts and respect your opinion. Any tips you could give me on the Star cruise to the Mexican Riviera would be wonderful.

Annie