We are going on an alaska cruise in September on Norwegian Star and was wondering what the weather is like during that time? Is it cold or rainy, or?

Also, never cruised norwegian before, is it true that you pay for most of the food onboard compared to for instance carnival?

Thanks!!

No, it isn't true. You don't have to dine at a surcharge restaurant if you don't wish to. There's plenty of free food aboard the Star.

Here's a list of restaurants aboard the Star:

Versailles Main Restaurant (Main Dining Room)
Cuisine: Continental
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: No

Aqua Main Restaurant (Main Dining Room)
Cuisine: Light Modern Continental
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: No

The Soho Room
Cuisine: California, Hawaiian, Asian
Surcharge: Yes, $15 per person
Reservations Required: Yes

Ginza Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian (Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki)
Surcharge: Yes, $12.50 per person
Reservations Required: Yes

Le Bistro French Restaurant
Cuisine: French
Surcharge: Yes, $15 per person
Reservations Required: Yes

Cagney's Steakhouse
Cuisine: Steak
Surcharge: Yes, $20 per person
Reservations Required: Yes

Salsa
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex Tapas Bar
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: Yes

Market Café/Kids' Cafe
Cuisine: Assorted Buffet, Food Stations, Kid-Sized Buffet
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: No

La Trattoria
Cuisine: Casual Italian
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: No

Blue Lagoon
Cuisine: Food Court, Grill
Surcharge: No
Reservations Required: No

As you can see, you don't have to pay a surcharge at many of the Speciality restaurants.
You only have to pay a surcharge at the French, Asian, and Steakhouse restaurants. Even so, you'll pay far less than you would at a real French, Asian, or Steakhouse restaurants at home.

As for September weather in Juneau, here's some climate statistics.

Average High Temperature: 56 F
Average Low Temperature: 43 F
Average Precipitation: 7 inches
Average Days of Precipitation:: 20
Average Humidity: 93%

There's a good chance you'll see rain at some point in your cruise.

Weather can be almost anything at that time...
Bring light and one or two warm outfits....Jeans, and a jacket...and some rain gear....and it can change from day to day...No matter what the weather is...you will have a wonderful time...Happy Cruising....and I love Freestyle cruising....eat where and when I want...

Bob E

We will be leaving for Alaska on Sept 15 on NCL, have read a lot of pros and cons regarding freestyle cruising. So we are kind of concerned by all the conflicting reports. Is it that difficult to make reservations at these specialty eating areas, if you are an early diner. I have not seen anything regarding what time these are open for dinner.
Maybe we'll meet one of you on our trip?

The main dining rooms open at 5:30 and getting a reservation for the specialty restaurants isn't that hard....they do have specials if you eat early......sometimes a $5 to $10 dollar discount....at least when I went they did...Read the reviews on the Star in Cruise Reviews....I have one in there for 2006, but there is a new Alaska review for this year...and a good one....Happy sailing...we've booked for Jan...and I just made the decision to book for Alaska next year again too....

Bob E

Thanks for the quick response, this will be my first NCL cruise, but my 6th cruise altogether. I've booked another RCL Hawaiian round trip for next Oct.

More and more ships are going to some type of Freestyle dining....It just makes sense with today's form of eating....and casualness...Some like it, and some don't, so give it a try and make your own decision....I'm sold on it....13 of our 19 cruises have been on NCL....Happy sailing...

Bob E

I'm sure I'll enjoy the cruise, I've read a myriad of reviews both pro and con, and get the feeling the majority of people enjoy NCL. One said "A cruise is what you make it"
How true that is...