Star Princess North to Alaska! Sept 10 2016

[Jasperdo]

I didn't see much in the way of reviews of her and the only photos of note were by Jasperdo from some years ago.

Thanks for the shout out, Norris. I'm certain your photos will put mine to shame. Can't wait to follow along. I even found your review on the first day for once. So I'm only 3 pages behind instead of 45 :)

[cdngrl]

Thanks for the shout out, Norris. I'm certain your photos will put mine to shame. Can't wait to follow along. I even found your review on the first day for once. So I'm only 3 pages behind instead of 45 :)

 

hahaha, me too!

[rgmacm]

I followed your review of the Western Caribbean (Caribbean Princess) in 2014 out of Galveston. You went just 4 months before we were on that exact ship and itinerary... so I was very happy to open CC this evening and see that you're reviewing the NEXT cruise we're planning to take - Alaska!! :) We're looking at this time next year - probably end of Aug. into early Sept. We haven't booked yet - I've just begun reading and researching so haven't decided if we'll go on the Star, Island or Coral. It will probably be based more on date than ship though. I love your reviews, pics, humor. Looking forward to the rest of this...and finding out more about Star because as you said, there's not a lot of reviews of her.

 

I'm particularly interested in the weather during your cruise - as everyone is telling me Sept is the 'wet month'.... It's the only time we can go so I"m hoping for a 'good weather report' from you...to help with my apprehensions. ha! :)

Edited September 19, 2016 by rgmacm

[TracieABD]

Thank you so much, Norris! This is a truly improved end to a rather blah day. Love the food porn-- but need some info on the elixir of life- e.g. coffee!

[Adanac16]

Hi Norris

 

I'm kinda shy and rarely post, but I have to come out of lurkdom to say how much I love your reviews.

 

I am on the Star in just 5 days for my 2nd Princess cruise. Even though the itinerary is different this is making me even more excited.

[Smikev]

Norris, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you on the star princess. Right now I'm at the McKinley princess lodge awaiting the aurora borealis and just thoroughly enjoying your post laughing along the way reading your commentary. Thus far your pics are amazing and I look forward to following your posts. Thank you so much for sharing your information prior to disembarkation so I can follow in your journey. Sincerely, Kevin. :)

[perfect match]

Hi, Norris! I just found this review. I knew you and Carol were heading somewhere, but I couldn't remember when, where, or with who. I haven't started reading yet because it is too late, even for night owl me. I will get started tomorrow - well, actually later today. I will be very motivated to get the tasks on my list done promptly so I can get back here and start reading!

[Hoosier-Cruiser]

Another review from Norris! What a great way to start the work week!

 

Unfortunately, that means another cruise that will be added to the bucket list. Oh the humanity!

[RBAlbany]

Glad to find you review. Like others glad to find more on the Star. We are doing your trip Southbound next August. Looking forward to your pictures and opinions of the ship.

[Bimmer09]

I'm definitely along for the voyage. Looking forward to your usual surplus of excellent photos.

 

Jimmy, so glad to see you reading along. Thanks for the compliments on the photos! I'll show the gear I dragged around the ship later on. Certainly more than I had on my first two Alaskan cruises when it all fit into one pocket.

Astro FlyerWe haven't sailed on the Star since 2010 & looking forward to enjoying your experiences before we sail on the Star early next year roundtrip LA to Hawaii.

 

You'll see the Star sailing into the harbor later this morning, once the coffee kicks in. Lots of interior shots as the review winds/grinds along.Thanks for joining us here!

 

PMorton3360 Hello Norris. Glad to see you and Carol are well. Looking forward to the new review. Always enjoy. Was in Alaska on a land tour for 10 days. Spent 5 days in Seward for my niece's wedding.

Leaving for Barcelona for our Med cruise in 10 days. Using some of your suggestions. I know my pictures will not compare, but will give it a shot. Pam

 

Pam, when we retire we'll put boots on the ground in Alaska before a cruise but until then it's the same 3 ports unless we sail HAL at some point. Barcelona we love and will go back to. Which suggestions, I wonder? Have an amazing cruise Pam. Which ship?

 

MGnutGreat! I was having serious Norris & Carol withdrawals!

 

We board the Star on Nov. 10 for a Mexico/Sea of Cortez cruise, so I'm interested in how she is holding up.

__________________

Howard & Janeen

 

I'll be giving a Rust report along the way Howard, LOL.Good to see you here!

 

DickinsonEnjoying your review and pictures!

 

Thanks Dickinson and welcome aboard!

 

txwriterGoing on the Star SB next May. It's been hard finding reviews of this ship, so I'm looking forward to reading this.

 

Plus, your reviews are always a delight to read.

 

Sending my regards to the great state of Texas! Thanks for the compliments and for coming aboard! We are returning to Houston next May.

 

cdngirli'm enjoying this already, its so difficult to be patient and wait for more!

 

More coming right up! Thanks for being part of the review.

 

JasperdoThanks for the shout out, Norris. I'm certain your photos will put mine to shame. Can't wait to follow along. I even found your review on the first day for once. So I'm only 3 pages behind instead of 45

 

I'm glad you got to it early. Thanks for appearing in every review I have written to date. I'm excited to show you the photos-in chronological order as always.

 

TracieABDThank you so much, Norris! This is a truly improved end to a rather blah day. Love the food porn-- but need some info on the elixir of life- e.g. coffee!

 

Tracie- I am traveling on a Princess ship so the coffee report won't be enthusiastic. Great to see you here!

 

Adanac16Hi Norris

 

I'm kinda shy and rarely post, but I have to come out of lurkdom to say how much I love your reviews.

 

I am on the Star in just 5 days for my 2nd Princess cruise. Even though the itinerary is different this is making me even more excited.

 

I love people who come out of Lurkdom to say hi ! Read on....

You will enjoy the Star, especially the beloved Captain Tuvo.

 

perfect matchHi, Norris! I just found this review. I knew you and Carol were heading somewhere, but I couldn't remember when, where, or with who. I haven't started reading yet because it is too late, even for night owl me. I will get started tomorrow - well, actually later today. I will be very motivated to get the tasks on my list done promptly so I can get back here and start reading!

__________________

Nancy

 

Nancy, always good to have you along for the ride. No rush to read it as the URL guarantees it being around for a long time to come.

 

Hoosier CruiserAnother review from Norris! What a great way to start the work week!

 

Unfortunately, that means another cruise that will be added to the bucket list. Oh the humanity!

__________________

Rob

 

Welcome Rob, another long time reader. I use your "oh the humanity" quote a lot, even though it comes from the terrible crashing of the Hindenburg airship.

Yes if you haven't been to Alaska it is time to pencil it in. Our 3rd visit in 5 years so it can't be bad....as you'll see.

 

Thanks to all who have been reading and commenting!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris, it was an absolute pleasure meeting you on the star princess. Right now I'm at the McKinley princess lodge awaiting the aurora borealis and just thoroughly enjoying your post laughing along the way reading your commentary. Thus far your pics are amazing and I look forward to following your posts. Thank you so much for sharing your information prior to disembarkation so I can follow in your journey. Sincerely, Kevin. :)

 

For our readers I'll explain that Kevin was someone I met in the fog on our first sea day and spoke to him every day after. It was his first Alaska cruise and the weather didn't dampen (pun) his enthusiasm one bit. He was unaware of CruiseCritic as was all but one of the people I spoke to that week.

 

Kevin, thanks for coming aboard. You saw me everyday lugging the cameras and lenses around so I am glad you'll get to see what my camera saw. Have a great post-cruise tour! You're doing something we have only dreamed of...

 

Cheers!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Yay, all is right with the world, another Norris review. We have been wondering where you and Carol were vacationing this Summer.

We are considering an Alaskan cruise on the Star so, we're anxious for your review.

We haven't cruised to Alaska yet but, we have been there and know that everywhere you look is an award winning photo. So, really looking forward to your fabulous photography.

OMG, the Lobster Bisque!

Settling in for the extensive review.

Margie

 

Margie good to see you again! Yes an Alaska cruise/cruisetour is an uplifting experience. Glad to have you along as this unfolds.

 

Norris

[Pmorton3360]

Sailing on the Harmony. Unlike you, I love the big ships. A year ago did Regal on a first solo cruise. Really enjoyed the ship, made many new friends. Not sure the solo is for me. This cruise my son is going with. A new and different life for me now. Have moved to Baltimore from Michigan.

Mainly Rome in Limo for 8 with guide for Vatican. Can hardly wait. Also , I want to see some of the side streets.

 

Sent from my BLU STUDIO 5.5 HD using Forums mobile app

[Bimmer09]

I followed your review of the Western Caribbean (Caribbean Princess) in 2014 out of Galveston. You went just 4 months before we were on that exact ship and itinerary... so I was very happy to open CC this evening and see that you're reviewing the NEXT cruise we're planning to take - Alaska!! :) We're looking at this time next year - probably end of Aug. into early Sept. We haven't booked yet - I've just begun reading and researching so haven't decided if we'll go on the Star, Island or Coral. It will probably be based more on date than ship though. I love your reviews, pics, humor. Looking forward to the rest of this...and finding out more about Star because as you said, there's not a lot of reviews of her.

 

I'm particularly interested in the weather during your cruise - as everyone is telling me Sept is the 'wet month'.... It's the only time we can go so I"m hoping for a 'good weather report' from you...to help with my apprehensions. ha! :)

 

Thanks for joining in the review and for the compliments! Lots of Star and weather coming up. We said before we went that the weather would'nt spoil our cruise and we were put to the test. I am getting better at taking fog and rain photos!

 

We have 2 Alaskan cruise reviews before this one. One it rained for 5 days (Coral) and the other (Diamond) rain was a rarity.

 

Keep reading...

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Between courses we talked and caught up with Terry's life in Vancouver and looked out the window.

 

 

We didn't even notice the sun setting and soon it was dark. I took photos through the windows. Here's the big convention hall which has the grass roof some of you will be familiar with.

 

 

and what lies on the other side of the street

 

The sun has gone now

 

 

A delicious, truly memorable meal (TripAdvisor review coming up when I have the time) was rounded off by the presentation of a little box of house-made chocolates (which we ate just last night!) and the presentation of a bill of 100 dollars a head. Canadian dollars! What a steal!!

 

Down to the huge plaza in front of the hotel where the weather was still pleasant- 62 degrees at night.

 

 

[Bimmer09]

That's Carol and Terry sitting on the bench as I wander around taking photos

 

 

Two of the few out of focus photos you'll see in the review, I promise!

 

 

The front of the Pan Pacific/attached Convention Center on left

 

 

A tour booth closed for the day

 

 

Canada Place cruise terminal

 

 

Carol excused herself and went up to the room while I hung out with Terry by the harbor. He suggested a walk over to Gastown nearby but as I had been up since 5 a.m and my body clock said it was midnight and not 10 p.m I decided to call it a night too and headed back into the hotel after saying goodbye to my long-time friend. When will I see him again?

 

Shutter-speed lesson # 1....don't take pics on a moving escalator...blurry

 

[Bimmer09]

Other hotel lobby details

 

 

 

 

Boutique shopping

 

 

 

I would set my iPhone alarm to 5 a.m. I was up and awake before it went off.

 

I wanted be waiting on the harbor for my first glimpse of the Star Princess...

[Sadebud]

Another review by Norris...woo hoo!! Knew you were cruising this month but didn't remember if it was Princess or X...I think you have another X coming up, right?

 

So glad to have caught this one early so I can follow along. All your others I read "after the fact"...sometimes waaaaaaaaaay after the fact, but have always enjoyed, no savored your reviews!

 

We had a cruise booked on the Grand in January to Hawaii, but have since changed it to South America around Cape Horn on the Crown, also in January. Your reviews have helped filled the time!! Looking forward to more!!

 

Tracy

[josumello]

I too am along for another Norris review. You write with such enthusiasm and a nice sense of humor. Also love your positive energy, your no negativity, and of course your great photos. Thanks!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[Boats07]

Have enjoyed read your review and pictures so far. Looking forward to more. We will be on the Star next August for a land/sea cruise. We have sailed to Alaska twice but this will be our first Land/Cruise.

[Bimmer09]

Another review by Norris...woo hoo!! Knew you were cruising this month but didn't remember if it was Princess or X...I think you have another X coming up, right?

 

So glad to have caught this one early so I can follow along. All your others I read "after the fact"...sometimes waaaaaaaaaay after the fact, but have always enjoyed, no savored your reviews!

 

We had a cruise booked on the Grand in January to Hawaii, but have since changed it to South America around Cape Horn on the Crown, also in January. Your reviews have helped filled the time!! Looking forward to more!!

 

Tracy

 

Tracy, thanks for stopping by and I am glad you are reading along in real time!

 

Our next cruise is Celebrity Reflection to the Western Caribbean in January.

We are very much looking forward to that one.

 

Around Cape Horn from Buenos Aires is high on our bucket list!

 

Thanks for the kind comments!

 

Norris

Edited September 19, 2016 by Bimmer09

[morbihan]

I am delighted to see you back. I had wondered if you had managed to get tickets for Wagner. Such a shame but Alaska looks great from the few 'teaser' photo's. Due to worsening health problems for OH we are stuck with sailing from Europe. Mind you, he wouldn't fly! Makes it more exciting for me as you take me there. So saves me money!

 

It was a good job our last cruise was from Amsterdam so I could drive there. We could sail from Barcelona or Marsaille. I want to do a round trip transatlantic with Cunard from Southampton.

 

So many trips on my list.

 

Keep up the good work Norris and thank you.

[Lin336]

Another Norris review! We very much enjoy following along.

 

Linda & Mike

[WDWDVC]

So glad to find your report! While I'm waiting for you to get back to "work" on it, I went and looked at your report from the Ocean Princess in 2014. We were on the ship a month after you doing Athens to Rome. We got off in Rome and did a land tour around Italy and met back up with our friends when the ship got to Venice. What a difference a month makes! Our weather in Venice was horrid as it was during the flooding season. I waited at the Grand Canal for the ship to sail in and the fog was so heavy you could barely make it out!

 

Sorry to see that a lot of your photos from that trip are "no longer available", but glad to see the ones I did and your lovely shots of the ship. I loved the Ocean and was sorry when it was sold. Just a month later and we had a different captain - ours was Tim Stringer.

[Shimsdan]

Norris, I'm joining you from the Celebrity board and am looking forward to your review. Alaska is on our bucket list and you may help us jump over to try our first Princess cruise.

 

Kim 😀

 

Me, too! I love your reviews Norris. In fact, I'm reading your review, instead of my own roll call for my Celebrity cruise next year! Please don't tell anyone!!! :D