**LIVE from Star Princess 3 day coastal LA-Van May 7-10, 2013

[remydiva]

This will be a short review as this is a short cruise, or as 'the comedian you've never heard of... Sarge' calls it 'The Trip to NOWHERE".

 

The Princess transfer was extremely quick as we only had carryon so didn't have to wait the usual 20 mins+ to pick up checked baggage. Most passengers seem to have gone that route so we had our names checked off the list and were on the bus and on our way in less than 5 minutes...pays to pack light!

 

Boarding the ship at 12 noon was quick and seamless and we appreciated the friendliness of the Princess staff saying 'Welcome Back!' when they noticed the green colored banner on the top of our boarding passes. You had to show your boarding pass to security right at the front entrance to the terminal before even stepping foot into the building so make sure you have it handy!

 

At the Preferred Check in, one fellow at the next window had forgotten his passport...presumably tucked away in his luggage that was still on the bus. The Princess staff who bid us farewell on the bus did mention to make sure you had your passport WITH you, not IN your suitcase so he was prewarned. The Princess clerk had to go running to try and sort it for him.

 

Once on board and in our room we quickly unpacked...only carryon luggage as this is a 3 day coastal. then sought out which dining room was open for lunch (we had been up since 4 am to catch out flight so were a tad peckish!). The sign out front said 'closed' but it wasn't...guess they were trying to dissaude people from dining there? We had a delcious lunch and met two other couples who were also bumping up their cruise stats. This was our 15th cruise with Princess so now have reached Elite ...woo hoo....in anticipation of a longer cruise later this year so the 'free' laundry (after 15 cruises...it really isn't free is it? hahah) will be appreciated. The other couples were doing the one day to Seattle to get more points and one couple even went so far as to book two inside cabins so they will double their points. For me, not worth it but to each their own.

 

I know a lot of discussion has been on CC about the 'new menu' but we are thoroughly enjoying the new choices and so far everything has been excellent.

 

Also lots of chat about the new shorter entertainment in the Princess Theatre and the aft lounge but we personally like it. 30 mins and you're ready to roll to see something else. The first nite presentation in Princess Theatre called 'Destinations' was excellent with probably 6 costume changes and scene changes in that mere 30 mins so no way did we feel cheated. What WAS missing was the ...to me,....boring chit chat by CD as they filled in time with 'hi how are you?' where you all from? who is crusing for the first time? how many years have you been married? etc etc. The lights went down, the music started and we were enjoying the show.

 

Saw the magician the next nite and he was ok. The Vista Lounge is so comfortable so we enjoy anything there. The ship is half full (my guess so don't quote me) with many passengers in a group of Chevron retirees and many families fresh from Disneyland. No waits for meals or shows. In fact we went to the magician show 1 min ahead and got great seats.

 

Sarge the comedian was a better singer and piano player than comedian but to each their own. The crowd seemed quiet and probably it was a hard room to play to when it is only half full.

 

Zumba each morning at 9 am in the Vista Lounge with Karen a certified ZIN teacher and she is great. Lots of energy considering the early hour. Smaller turnout than on other cruises but that is a plus as there is lots of room to spread out. Also, many first timers on this cruise so maybe they didn't know about it. Karen said that almost all the cruises now have certified teachers on board so that is great news.

 

Did line dancing with ?Abby? and she was a hoot. Lots of fun.

 

Pub lunch today in the Crown Grill (usually it is Wheelhouse Pub on other cruises) so that will be a change of pace.

 

Seas are VERY calm. I have done this trip many times in both dirrections and this is probably the calmest ever. We lost the sun the first day but forecast for Vancouver was to be sunny for our arrival tomorrow so here's hoping.

 

MUTS have been Argo, Life of Pi, Oz and the Hobbit in case anyone wants to know...chilly so bundle up.

 

Star Princess is showing her age. Brass on lamps is worn and tarnished, our carpet looks wet and in some places even feels damp, curtains are dirty so hopefully she is due for a rehab visit in dock soon.

 

Changes since I was last on her (the week before the fire) is the internet cafe is moved to library and the Shore Excurison area moved to internet cafe. Vines looks much expanded and lovely tables by the window to enjoy food and wine. A candy/chocolate bar with Godiva chocolate next to it. And the Horizon Court has the desserts in a separate area out side of the buffet line up behind glass so looks quite tempting...I believe there was staff there to select your treat (like in the IC) so maybe this is for health regulations?

[Keith1010]

Thanks for taking the time to write and share this review.

 

Keith

[Valminx]

Thank you, we are on the Star in August so it's nice to have something up to date! Enjoy!

[Nan_Sea]

We were on the Star last month for the Hawaii South Pacific cruise for 28 days. We thought the best entertainment on the ship was Tom Franek, the piano player. He is a truly great entertainer who gets the audience involved. He was in Crooners Bar in the beginning. He played several nights in the Vista lounge later because the crowds who wanted to see him were too large for Crooners ,and people were standing for the whole show.

 

The half hour shows were a problem for us because the ship was near fully booked and we had to get to the Princess theatre about an hour before the show started to get a seat. Wait an hour to see a half hour show. That gets old fast.

[melody hounddog]

Thanks! Sounds like a great trip.