Star Princessis third in the trio of proud plus-size cruise liners from Princess Cruises that, at 109,000 tons, rank among the largest ships at sea.
Star Princessreigns as the biggest and most amenity-rich vessel ever to sail from the West Coast, and she made substantial waves when she transited the Suez Canal in January as the largest cruise ship ever to make this passage.
Bermuda-registered, she sports a mostly European and Filipino staff and crew, overseen by British and Italian officers. Like her sizeable sisters, Grand and Golden, 2002-built Star is agleam throughout her 951 ft, and while she is big enough to host 2,600 predominantly American passengers of all ages, her sophisticated design provides breathing room.
While currently voyaging in Europe, Starmakes her way to the southern Hemisphere from early December through the spring, taking passengers to some of South America’s most vibrant ports, including Chile, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. During the second half of the year, she heads Seattle for 7-day Alaskan cruises.
Like her sisters, Starstretches over 18 decks, with a glam 3-story atrium where a pianist and a string quartet provide music that recalls the elegant seagoing experience of times past. Not surprisingly, the experience gets livelier and louder in certain other venues, most notably the huge, Greek mythology-themed casino. In the showtime mix are three main venues that serve up entertainment ranging from the ship's major musical productions to enjoyable cabaret acts. Party animals kick up their sandals 155 ft above the sea in Skywalkers, a jazzy disco by night and a peaceful observation lounge by day. Passengers in search of a less frenetic spot for drink-sipping head for the maritime-themed Wheelhouse Bar. The Sun Deck spa provides pampering, while the gym and four pools offer counteraction to the nonstop noshing. Passengers can also stay fit and busy by sampling nine holes of mini-golf, a golf simulator, basketball, and volleyball, while their kids are kept happily occupied with their own deck space and age-specific activities. The less sports-inclined can opt for the movie theater and art auctions—or call home via the 24-hour Internet cafe.
Princess takes pride in its Personal Choice Dining program, in which passengers may opt for traditional dining with a fixed first or second sitting, or an unstructured restaurant-style approach. In Star'sculinary collection are three main dining rooms, an Italian trattoria, a Southwestern-style eatery, and a 24-hour buffet and bistro. Most fun is the Italian specialty restaurant, Sabatini's-a show itself with its contagiously high-spirited cast, roving accordionist, and hefty platters of irresistible faves. It's well worth the $15 cover charge. The pool area has a grill and pizza, plus ice cream at an additional cost.
Cabins, decorated in soft colors, have ample stowage and closet space, phones, TVs, safes, refrigerators and hair dryers. Robes and fruit bowls are brought on request. Of the 1,301 cabins, 711 boast balconies (80% of outside cabins), and 28 are wheelchair accessible. Mini-suites and suites have separate sitting areas. Two family suites sleep eight adults or up to 10 if four are children.
Princess' newest Staris a destination ship with, quite literally, something for everyone.
