Star Princess North to Alaska! Sept 10 2016

[Bimmer09]

I left the breezy Sanctuary and returned to our cabin. We get a free mini-bar set up as an Elite perk.

 

 

As we don't intend to drink this selection I call Room Service to have them change it out for 8 beers (Buckler Non Alcoholic for balcony drinking) and Club sodas for Carol replaces the other soft drinks in situ.

 

Today I had already made two phone calls and was therefore exhausted. The first was to the Dine Line to make a reservation for Anytime Dinner at 9 pm.

Why reserve when you can go Anytime? We might as well as we know when we will eat-and that's after the first show in the Princess Theater. We usually eat late at home anyway anywhere from 9 pm to 11.30. Having a reservation means we walk right up and don't have to wait for a table as many walk-ups have to.

 

Call number two was to room Service to have Afternoon Tea for 2 delivered to our room at 4.30 (available in the MDR and Sanctuary 3.30 to 4.30 pm.)

 

Now we would meet for the British Pub Lunch where they have a menu about the same length as I remember pubs having when I last lived in Britain, my homeland which I left back in 1986. Now they have much more eclectic and varied menus. I've enjoyed many good pub lunches during my 12 years in London.

 

On the Star the Crown Grill is forward-the last but one stop before you reach Princess Theater. It's followed by the enclosed Shore Excursions office.

 

I go down the aft elevators to deck 7 and walk along inside to avoid the wind on the Promenade. Midships there' s a sale going on- it was cheap tee shirts from the Alaskan ports-priced at 2 for $20.

 

 

 

We are ready to dine!

 

 

We're used to it being in the Wheelhouse Bar on other ships. That was in use this morning. I popped in there for 10 minutes earlier for a GoPro seminar but didn't stay as what I heard was familiar to me already. They sell the cameras on the ship as well as Nikon and Fuji brands.

 

 

 

Wow they really make a splash on the presentation! Table for two only please.

 

We are sat in the middle of the room but would have wished a window seat.

 

 

I already know what I will have ...

[Bimmer09]

 

The presentation continues inside. Oddly there is no British Pop Music playing-on the Ocean Princess they played nothing but the Beatles. Marvelous.

 

We wait a few minutes and a couple at a window booth leaves. The table is cleared and reset and I pounce on it. Now we can look out the window! Hooray!

 

 

A waiter comes to take our order. Carol is usually happy with the Ploughman's Lunch but is interested in Bangers and Mash. I urge her to try it.

 

I would have to say Pub Lunch is my favorite treat (and it's FREE!) on a Princess Cruise. It reminds me of my former home. Simple fare washed down with....

 

 

What? You were expecting a Martini? A Moscow Mule? Give me this Manly beer or give me Death!

 

Now the provender arrives and a choir of Angels sing

 

 

Carol loves the herbed sausages with a little spicy heat and the creamy mash. The onion gravy is sublime-she passed a composed forkful to me. Superb!

 

What I crave is this

 

 

 

Steak and Kidney pie with *"chips". Beware- the contents under the light flaky pastry are oven- hot. Poke a hole in to let the heat dissipate. The spoon is there so that no rich oniony gravy shall escape. Tender steak chunks and kidney. My mouth is watering as I type. I wish I had some now but I don't. From our freezer Omaha Steaks is coming to my rescue. Any readers from Omaha? Where ya all from? (I'm working the room like Neil Roberts)

 

*Yes, fellow Brits, they have Malt Vinegar for those hot salty chips!

 

A great filling meal-we couldn't even manage the delicious Bread and Butter Pudding dessert....Next Time!!

 

Princess-you rock!

Edited September 27, 2016 by Bimmer09

[Leo Mcgary]

Great review , Love the pictures, you were asking earlier where everybody was from , posting from Sacramento CA , Will be on Grand Princess in early January, we can't wait ,your awesome review will have to hold us over till then

Thanks again !!

[Freespir8]

One very nice gesture by Princess for the smokers is the coffee, tea and juice set up at Tradewinds (on the smoking side so be aware) which is ready soon after 6 a.m. It's here that I meet Kevin from Pennsylvania sailing his first Princess/first Alaska cruise. He's even enjoying the fog as it is so atmospheric

 

 

The fog has lifted and the foghorn silenced

 

 

 

View from atop the bridge

 

The Gym (deck 15) topped by the Sanctuary where today we have an all day pass @ $80 for two. I picked out our loungers on Saturday.

 

 

Which side is the smokers side? Port or Starboard?

 

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[JimmyVWine]

I would have to say Pub Lunch is my favorite treat (and it's FREE!) on a Princess Cruise. It reminds me of my former home. Simple fare washed down with....

 

 

Now the provender arrives and a choir of Angels sing

 

I agree. At first I was skeptical about the quality of what I would be getting for free. But those fears were quickly laid to rest. I very much look forward to a plate (or two) of bangers and mash washed down with a Guinness (or two).

[Freespir8]

Your review is so fun to read! Love your sense of humor. We aren't cruising on the Star to Alaska until next Sept but you have me excited to try our first Princess cruise!

 

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[IECalCruiser]

We're used to it being in the Wheelhouse Bar on other ships. That was in use this morning. I popped in there for 10 minutes earlier for a GoPro seminar but didn't stay as what I heard was familiar to me already. They sell the cameras on the ship as well as Nikon and Fuji brands.[/size]

Norris' date=' You must have sailed previously on the Crown, Emerald and/or Ruby. They are the only three ships that have food service capability for the

Pub Lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar. All other ships have the Pub Lunch in a specialty restaurant or DR.

 

 

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Edited September 27, 2016 by IECalCruiser

[Bimmer09]

Which side is the smokers side? Port or Starboard?

 

Annie, welcome! It's port side on deck 15 at the Tradewinds bar.

Also port side aft of the buffet on deck 14.

 

Other smoking areas will be described as I ramble along.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Norris, You must have sailed previously on the Crown, Emerald and/or Ruby. They are the only three ships that have food service capability for the

Pub Lunch in the Wheelhouse Bar. All other ships have the Pub Lunch in a specialty restaurant or DR.

 

Indeed, I have sailed all three.

 

On the Diamond it was the Savoy dining room and the Ocean used the Sterling Steak House. I don't think we knew about the lunch on the Coral-I'd have to check my review to see if it is mentioned.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

Your review is so fun to read! Love your sense of humor. We aren't cruising on the Star to Alaska until next Sept but you have me excited to try our first Princess cruise!

 

Please stick around Annie as somewhere in this review there will be some Alaska!!

 

Congrats on deciding to give Princess a try.

 

We're happy we did.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

I agree. At first I was skeptical about the quality of what I would be getting for free. But those fears were quickly laid to rest. I very much look forward to a plate (or two) of bangers and mash washed down with a Guinness (or two).

 

Jimmy I'm very glad to see you still reading along.

 

The end of the review is in sight (um, if you have a direct feed from the Hubble Telescope as I have).

 

Hang in there!

 

Norris

[Astro Flyer]

I don't think we knew about the lunch on the Coral-I'd have to check my review to see if it is mentioned.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Norris

 

 

The last time I was on the Coral the Pub Lunch was at the Bayou Cafe steakhouse.

Edited September 27, 2016 by Astro Flyer

[Bimmer09]

Great review , Love the pictures, you were asking earlier where everybody was from , posting from Sacramento CA , Will be on Grand Princess in early January, we can't wait ,your awesome review will have to hold us over till then

Thanks again !!

 

And thank you Leo for stopping by to say hi!

 

Glad to see you aboard.

 

I always love to see who's reading along as I sit here in Chicago tapping away.

 

Cheers!

 

Norris

 

[Bimmer09]

Just so I can order this meal. Looks fantastic.

 

She refers to this

 

 

Judy wants to eat at Vancouver's 5 Sails and I'm with her and can't wait to sail out of Van again.

 

Judy it was one of those meals where there were no negatives. No over/under seasoning, no tough cuts, no too much nor too little of any ingredient. Cooked with consulate skill. We all made noises of delight and satisfaction, shared forkfuls, patted our tums. Nothing was sent back to the kitchen except our compliments.

 

I promised them a TripAdvisor review and by gum they'll get a glowing one.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

The last time I was on the Coral the Pub Lunch was at the Bayou Cafe steakhouse.

 

Thanks for that Astro- I guess the Crown was our first Pub Lunch then.

 

Cheers!

 

Norris

[perfect match]

The Sanctuary roof is made of stretched canvas with gaps in it and gaps in the windows so the wind can whip through there with ease and it was doing so when I joined Carol before our pub lunch. We both love it for the peace and quiet but as one of my middle names is "Mr. Toasty" I didn't plan to stay for long. There are only 2 bookings today....

 

 

 

Carol's mode of dress might clue you in....

 

 

I know it is easy to stay warm on an Alaska cruise, even when it gets a bit chilly outside, but I have to be sure DH doesn't see how bundled up Carol is in this picture. :eek: All chances of me ever getting him to agree to go on an Alaska cruise would be over. He's the guy you see in long pants and a jacket when it is 95 ° out! Yes, I do have my work cut out for me if I want to get an Alaska cruise booked.

 

I think Carol looks really comfy in her warm clothes! :D

 

I didn't know I wanted Pub lunch, but Carol's Bangers and Mash looks really good. Note to self - try Pub Lunch next year on our CB cruise.

Edited September 27, 2016 by perfect match

[Bimmer09]

I know it is easy to stay warm on an Alaska cruise, even when it gets a bit chilly outside, but I have to be sure DH doesn't see how bundled up Carol is in this picture. :eek: All chances of me ever getting him to agree to go on an Alaska cruise would be over. He's the guy you see in long pants and a jacket when it is 95 ° out! Yes, I do have my work cut out for me if I want to get an Alaska cruise booked.

 

I think Carol looks really comfy in her warm clothes! :D

 

I didn't know I wanted Pub lunch, but Carol's Bangers and Mash looks really good. Note to self - try Pub Lunch next year on our CB cruise.

 

Nancy, Carol's notes say that the temperature was 55F that morning but it was windy (not "French mime walking into the wind" windy, but breezy) And, yes if you have the right clothes with you and layer you can stay toasty. Carol will in future take one of those warm headbands the Sanctuary loaned her and of course gloves don't take up much luggage space if it gets really cold.

 

Pick an earlier month of the year-we were forced into taking September, end of season but wouldn't balk from sailing then again. We've had a cool rainy cruise there and a warm sunny one and they were both in mid August. While the weather (rain/cloudy/cool) might spoil a Caribbean Cruise it doesn't spoil Alaska and adds to the drama of the scenery.

 

We will return.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

After Pub Lunch I hit the Promenade deck for a smoke. There's an ashtray screwed to the bulkhead on deck 7 outside the Vista Lounge, starboard side through those heavy wooden doors that are hard to open when it is windy.

 

 

It's where the deck narrows near the stern so walkers have no escape. There were often staff members there-Casino and Gift shop mainly but I would meet an Italian sous-chef from the main galley there often and chat with him about Italy and Italian cooking.

 

Narrow aft Promenade walkway

 

 

This is the long deck 9 corridor we walk end to end to get to the Princess Theater in the evening to bypass the crowds on deck 7, looking through the photographs or being photographed as in the case of tonight, Sunday, a Formal Night.

 

 

The carpet on both sides of the ship was blue so didn't help you differentiate between port and starboard as you got out of an elevator. The ship maps were on the walls though to help you get your bearings.

 

At 4.30 Room Service would be wheeling a cart full of goodies down this hallway to serve us Afternoon Tea.

 

Therefore- time for a nap!

[Pmorton3360]

I think I was pretty much dressed like that when I viewed the glaciers in June.

Never have done the Pub Lunch in 6 Princess cruises. It seems each time I'm on a sea day , there is so much to do and never enough time. Looks so good. It may be the main dining room breakfast that does me in too. Enjoying the review as always. 2 days we leave for Barcelona for Med cruise. So excited. Your pictures will come to life for me. Thanks for all you post. Pam

 

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[Bimmer09]

Room Service were on time and I tipped the young man $3 for delivery and set-up. When done with the dishes don't call RS-it's your cabin steward who is responsible for taking the tray away.

 

Unlike on say, the Diamond Princess, where they brought a boxed assortment of teas, RS had asked me when I ordered which teas I wanted. Green for Carol and English Breakfast for me.

 

I will let the photos show you what we had. Too much food to eat at one sitting in our case.

 

 

 

 

 

We had the tea because I aborted the plan of ordering an Ultimate Balcony Dinner tonight once I saw the weather that morning. We would never think of having it in our room-has to be on the balcony and it was breezy out there.

 

We would have dinner at 9 p.m. First night in the MDR.

 

So after tea and some relaxing it was time to change and prep ourselves as we had a show at 7 p.m and Carol wanted to be in a seat on the aisle around 6.30.

[oceanlover1210]

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! :)

Please keep us in the loop regarding your research. We are also planning an Alaska trip in 2017, late August. Also comparing the HAL line, but I hate smoke. We may plan to do a bit of land excursion to one of the Princess hotels. Pat

[oceanlover1210]

We have never cruised with Princess before, just HAL and RCI. Which Princess do you like the best that goes to Alaska and why? Much appreciated. Pat

[jlf1]

She refers to this

 

 

Judy wants to eat at Vancouver's 5 Sails and I'm with her and can't wait to sail out of Van again.

 

Judy it was one of those meals where there were no negatives. No over/under seasoning, no tough cuts, no too much nor too little of any ingredient. Cooked with consulate skill. We all made noises of delight and satisfaction, shared forkfuls, patted our tums. Nothing was sent back to the kitchen except our compliments.

 

I promised them a TripAdvisor review and by gum they'll get a glowing one.

 

Norris

 

Good description of an extraordinary meal. There are only a few for me but even now many years later.....if I picture those meals in my mind I can still taste every bite.

 

Judy

[MisterMet]

Being Sunday there was NFL Football on MUTS and to correct something I said earlier there was sound for the commentary-the only time I heard sound from the screen but I never went to the night time movies. I'll list the movies sometime later for anyone sailing on her soon.

 

I ordered a Guinness and watched for a while as the NY Jets were playing and I used to have tickets for the Jet games in the Meadowlands many years ago when Ken O'Brien, Al Toon and Wesley Walker were playing (well, Ken was on the field, anyway)

 

J-E-S-T!! ( I was never good at spelinng)

 

 

The JETS were playing, um, some other team and there were studio men with headphones and shiny suits with big shoulders talking about "match-ups" and "a game of inches" and "he bench-presses UPS trucks in the off-season" and "the team that puts the most points on the board will win the game" and similar insights.

 

A crowd gathers at the railing to watch the game

 

 

I can't watch the entire game as it is streaming live and that means commercials which I manage to avoid at home so I take my leave and head up to the Sanctuary to meet Carol as we have a booking there today...

 

Norris,

 

I gave up going to J-E-T-S games because they became a bit to rowdy for my taste. Maybe they're all still unhappy that the J-E-T-S picked O'Brien over Dan Marino?

 

Trip:confused::confused:

[CruzinNoony]

Norris, I'm loving your review. We have been to Alaska 10 times; most recently in August on the Ruby. I never get tired of the beauty. Plus, we are going on the Star in less than 2 weeks, so I am really enjoying all the pictures. BTW, I love the animal videos that I click on after your ship videos. :)