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Star Oct 23 sailing

crusguy

By crusguy,
in Princess Cruises

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keysersose

keysersose

Posted
Posted

revised itinierary blew......

 

San Juan - 1/4 day.....you call that stop a port of call??

 

St. Thomas - 1 day ........nice

 

Tortola - 1 day.........very nice, a few showers, went to smugglers cove and had the whole beach practically to ourselves

 

Princess Cay - scratched, bad weather

 

Basically I felt as if we stopped in 2 ports on a 4 port itinerary, no consideration or commensurate compensation from the Ship was really weak, Hey commodore.....how abouts you get on the P.A. system and tell the ship they could get a complimentary drink or a scoop of ice cream or something to make your passengers feel they get a little something out of the deal. Princess Cruises Co., don't be such tight a$$e$.

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tiffygirl

tiffygirl

Posted
Posted
revised itinierary blew......

 

San Juan - 1/4 day.....you call that stop a port of call??

 

St. Thomas - 1 day ........nice

 

Tortola - 1 day.........very nice, a few showers, went to smugglers cove and had the whole beach practically to ourselves

 

Princess Cay - scratched, bad weather

 

Basically I felt as if we stopped in 2 ports on a 4 port itinerary, no consideration or commensurate compensation from the Ship was really weak, Hey commodore.....how abouts you get on the P.A. system and tell the ship they could get a complimentary drink or a scoop of ice cream or something to make your passengers feel they get a little something out of the deal. Princess Cruises Co., don't be such tight a$$e$.

 

 

I was also on that sailing. However, I had a fantastic time regardless. Cruising during hurricane season is the risk you take. Princess can not control the weather. Had a balcony, and on Saturday morning it was pouring rain, the seas were really bad. We had circle Princess cays completly before the commadore made his announcement that we were not going.

 

The atmosphere of the ship was really bad that morning IMHO, as I know a lot of people were really looking forward to the beach day. But the wind was howling and the swells were big. I personally was not going to tender with those sea conditons. So I felt he made the best decision.

 

So word to the wise..... AVOID cruising during hurrican season. I know I will. The ship rocked most of the trip. Saturday night was really bad... We talked with carnival passengers while in St. Thomas and they were experiencing the same thing. Seas were very choppy.

 

Also, Princess orginally was going to leave FLL (embarkation) at 1:30pm. Was told by port officials (we took Princess transfers they made announcement on the bus) that those who did not make the sailing would have to catch up at next port and their would be shuttles to take passengers to hotels. Because port will be closing at 3:00pm....thankfully that did not happen. we did leave around 3:45 . But it was a close call for those who could have missed this ship.

 

I was just glad to have made especially with Wilma in our way. The Star was a gorgeous ship, the food was wonderful and staff was execellent.

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lynwar

lynwar

Posted
Posted

We were on the same ship. Several of us were in Ft. Lauderdale the night before to make sure we were there.We drove and others flew in. Word got around in our group that the embarkation would be at 11 and sailaway would be at 2PM. Trevor and I got to the terminal at 10:15AM and were in our cabin by 10:45!! Ernie is a nice steward on Baja deck!

Overall, I was delighted to be diverted as this would have been the 4th Western in a row, after having been diverted West last year instead of going East as planned. San Juan and Tortola were new ports for us and we were happy about that.

Yes, we arrived in San Juan at 5PM, but were having some "liquid refreshments" in the cabin of one of our group who had a suite and a large balcony, and honored the "Morall(?) Castle (Fort)on the way in. After we docked, Trevor and I went into town and shopped a little, gambled at the Casino behind the hotel a little and met some friends at Senor Frogs for awhile.I left there with a new T-shirt and 2 shot glasses and we ultimately ate a late supper up in the Horizon Buffet, but that was okay.San Juan is a tad reminiscent of New Orleans with the lacy balconies.

Tortola was fine. Not everyone's favorite, but we walked into the "city" after going to the Spice and Gift shop "recommended" by the Ship.The worst part was the traffic-cars zooming everywhere. On the way back to the ship we stopped at the area of booths outside the secured area and bought some souvenirs. A friend said the men's shirts are a good price.

We awoke shortly before the Commodore's announcement about not getting off at Princess Cays. I was awake before we reached PC and the seas were rough and the skies were cloudy. I already had my doubts about stopping there. It was rough all day Saturday and Saturday night.But, the best part of not going to PC was the time afforded for packing!!! I had all day to do it! Many of the wives were happy for the time, too, I think!

I feel bad for B+B who did not make it to Ochos Rios and for other cruisers who were planning to meet family there, as well. And, I think the families with small children, as well as those with the teen-agers, were hoping for the Princess Cays stop so the kids could blow off some energy. Their "cabin fever" was evident the last night when some were chasing each other up and down the stairways and halls.

 

This was the 4 Grand Class ship in a row that we've been on and I believe we were not as overly impressed as before. Our favorite is still the Golden. However, was it a bad cruise???? Not in my book. I enjoyed the journey and meeting some newfound roll call friends and others I met during the week. I'm ready for the next one! Lynne

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