Star Princess 3/19(yes that Star) Review

[sunshine426]

I hesitated about writing a review after the fire, but decided to after all. I did write a first person acct of the actual fire experience my family had, you can read it(sunshine426 first person acct of Star Princess Fire). For this I will try to keep it a little lighter, and less detailed.

Our party consisted of my husband Rich,myself and two twentysomething daughters. You guys can do the math on our ages... We have not had a family vacation in many years due to study abroad for the girls, different colleges, spring break's on their own,etc and this year both girls pushed for a trip together. Darn, I guess we had to go on a Princess Cruise. As both girls were paying for their own cabins we did some serious price shopping, but the Star Princess just kept coming to the top of the list. Rich and I took our first cruise on the Island Princess last April, and one quick Carnival weekend jaunt last fall. Kristen has cruised once on Carnival (graduation gift with her grandmother) and Terri has never been on a cruise line. We were all very excited about this trip.

 

Embarkation: We arrived in FLL about 3pm on Sunday. No lines, quick embarkation and then to our rooms. Lido 234-balcony for Mr. Sunshine and myself, L237 inside for college girl and working girl. We all met our stewards, asked for different bed configuation, special requests then off for lunch. Pizza, burgers, and our first bucket of beer all within one hour.

 

College and Working girl are renamed "hot tub" girls as they quickly meet up with other spring breakers and spend the rest of the afternoon and early evening in the hot tub. I really don't think they bought their own drinks either... Some things parents really don't need to watch, so we went off to explore the ship, unpack, attend the MUSTER DRILL, etc

 

Mr Sunshine and I wave to hot tub girls and tell them we're off to dinner, see ya later. Girls wave, parents off to Portofino Dining Room. Arrival about 6:30 pm, yes we will join others, can we sit by the window, certainly, we are seated within minutes with two other couples. Excellent dinner, fun conversation, then off to our room

 

"Hot Tub" Girls meanwhile decide to have dinner as well. They change into cute outfits (mom said no jeans in the dining room and that means jeans skirts too) and go to the Capri Dining Room. Arrival time about 7pm, two for dinner, like to sit by themselves, no escorts?, no problem, waiting time: none. Sevice:Excellent. Both head waiters stopped to greet the girls, waiter "Jun" new best cruise friends. Youngest daughter has not much appetite which concerns Jun and others. Long day, sun, hot tub, and a long week of mid terms are catching up with her.

 

We have a note and a phone call when we get back to our cabin, youngest DD now known as "Little Strept", has a fever, chills, and is in bed. Oldest DD staying with her. Give her some Ibuprofen, tell her to call us if she needs us and check out the ship medical centers hours.

10am, guess we'll be there.

 

Monday: At Sea... Check on little Strep, she is hungry, still with fever, get her some breakfast, coffee in the Horizon Court, takes bagel back to our balcony. Mr. Sunshine and I off to breakfast in dininig room, then to the Lido Deck. Oldest DD needs a new nickname, off to explore the ship...,"little strep" sleeps on a deck chair.

0950 we are at the medical center station. Want to be first in line. Doors open and we sign in. Couple number 2 has a cold, and can't find any over the counter remedies in the boutique? Can't get anything without seeing the ship's docter: Always prepared me, offers our cold medicine, we exchange cabin numbers, they depart, we stay. Ships MD and staff great. Quickly test "Strep" for flu, not for strep as she has a long history of testing negative, then positive after 24 hours. Negative flu (yea), rx for zithromax,tylenol with codeine, and a bill for our insurance purposes. I advise youngest to go back to her cabin for the morning, does she listen,no... I find the Tylenol Cold in my bag, call new friends from medical station and head to Lido Deck. Cold guy's wife insists on buying us a bucket of beer, Mr Sunshine and I say no more drama for this cruise and soak in some rays.

 

Formal Night number 1 was going to be a birthday celebreation for both girls. We decide to wait to celebrate "strep" and she is still feeling under the weather. Both girls arrive at our cabin about 30 minutes late, but that is ok as we have already opened the champagne and are enjoying "no more drama". Girls look lovely in black coctail dresses, Mr Sunshine has on dark suit, mom is also in black. Mr. Sunshine escorts his

"Ladies in Black" to dinner. Off to Capri, ask for Jun, but end up in his area, not his table. Table for four, 7pm, no wait. Head Waiter guys come over to fuss over the girls, Jun sneaks over and is chased back to his station by "Pietro" . We enjoy delicious dinner, laughs, discuss going the 1030 show but we are all bail out and go to bed. Big day in Cozomel tomorow.

Ok I promised to brief, to the point etc... Guess I can't control myself once I start typing. I'll come back later to post the rest of the story. Keep reminding ourselves "No More Drama"

[Druke I]

Keep it coming. Interesting so far!

[sunshine426]

Apoligies if some randon posts come up. I have tried to write the rest of the story, and keep losing my posts.

Trying again: Tuesday: Cozumel. Kristen and I are off the explore the Muyil Ruins, Mr. Sunshine and Strep off on the Deluxe Beach Break.

Kristen(Indiana Jones) and I are off on the early ferry to the mainland. I have to say, I have been on intraisland ferries before and this one was clean, airconditioned, and no diesel fumes to be inhaled. We met up with the rest of our group on the pier, and boarded a bus. Met "Tour Escort Dave" a musicain from the Princess Orchestra. He was doing an evaulation of the tour for the ship. Jesus our tour guide was shared his knowledge of the Mayan Culture with us on the bus ride. We made one stop at a rest area, and had a shopping opportunity, then off to the ruins. It was a very interesting tour, and Indie and I were glad we went on it. If you have any questions regarding this tour, I will be glad to answer.

We returned to the ferry, back to the Star, ran into Strep and Mr. Sunshine on the Lido Deck by the pizza place. As we had not had lunch on our tour, we grabbed Pizza, coctails, and caught up with each other days. Tour Escort Dave came by, and ate with us. Encourged us to see the show tonight. Indie said we would cheer for him at the show.

 

Mr Sunshine and Strep had a great day at the beach. Lots of beach toys, sunshine, cocktails, photo opportunities, and a nice bonding day for the two of them. 24 hours of antibiotics have made "strep" feel a lot better. She wins the award for prettiest girl on the beach, and she and "papa" score shots of tequila from the bar.(the good stuff from behind the counter). I think the fact that she made a point of talking to everyone in spanish also was a factor in the "award" We all agree to meet for dinner about 730 pm. Capri Dining Room, Jun, table we will share...

[sunshine426]

This was our favorite evening in the dining room. It was Italian night. We did not mind sharing a table, but did want Jun's station. We were escorted quickly to a table for eight. Four others were at the table, also a family of four. A young couple our age... and their parents. We all quickly exchanged names, perused our menus. Pietro and Fausto ( I really don't know their roles, head waiter, matre'd, guys who like to schmooze with the passengers...) came over quickly to ask how everyone day was. We all ordered dinner, and Jun was happy to see that "strep's" appetite had returned. We are all having a great time, sharing stories, "strep" and "Indie" recounting their days on the ship in their own fashion, having everyone laugh. I ask Fausto why their is no olive oil on the table since it is "Italian" night. He rushes off, I hope I didn't hurt his feelings. He returns with a plate of freshly broiled Italian bread, and olive oil..Everyone at the table laughs, and enjoys the treat. From that point on olive oil was always on our table. Strep decides that she wants to learn a new italian phase of the day and Pietro is more that happy to oblige. We all are soon saying "ciao" and "grazie" with our southern accents. We learn how to give the Italain air kiss goodby to our guys as we leave, but Jun is happy to receive hugs. Strep tired after the day, ( and she is the youngest of us all) bails out and goes to bed. Indie, Mr. Sunshine, and I walk around the ship, and then go to the show. It was an Irish duo who played the violin(more like an electric fiddle) and guitar, backed up by the Princess Orchestra. Great Show and we stood and Yelled "DAVE" after the show. Probably have been to to many sporting events, and not enough fine arts, but his buds in the orchestrsa seemed to get a kick out of it. We thought about buying the CD of the duo, and wished we had. Great evening was had by all, but know it was time to turn in. Grand Cayman in the morning and we were off the find us some Sting Rays, so far, no more drama...

[LARGIN]

Thanks sunshine... Great review...

[ssbeagle]

I would like to hear the rest. This story almost sounds like something I would read in Readers Digest.

[ChrissyM_Cruiser]

I love the play by play. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment!

[LisaH]

I love the play by play. I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment!

 

 

Me too! Now you have us hooked...

[Iamthesea]

Love it so far!

[sunshine426]

Wednesday: Grand Cayman. We decided not to book a ship's tour for this port of call, not being elite members or suite passengers, we had no idea what time we would actually be able to step onto a tender, so were reluctant to book an independent tour. We figured that someone on the Island would be more than happy to take our money and show us around. We actually were on one of the first tenders out, and stepping on to Grand Cayman soil around noon. Soon found out that a tour to stingray city would be available at 12;30. Parted with our cash and spent a few minutes shopping. Have to buy the obligatory magnets.

We met up with others on this tour, took a bus ride to the boat, then about 45 minute boat ride out to sting ray sand bar. We had a great time on this outing. Warm weather, friendly stingrays, lots of photo opportunities,etc. After awhile we all boarded the snorkle boat, and were taken to a reef for snorkeling. I have seen prettier reefs in the bahamas, florida keys, and Hawaii, but hey, whose complaining. Our two daughters took did not snorkle at this time, but soaked up the sun on the boat. Strep entertains everyone by doing back flips off theside of the boat. Showoff. We then leave to go back to Grand Cayman. On the way back one of the tour guide guys opens a fresh conch. Offers the meat around. Once he called it Carribbean "*****", more of the men decided to try some. LOL. It was very good, very sweet.

 

We have a little time to go to the beach, but all decide that we will have beach time at Princess Cay and Jamaica, so let's just go back to the ship. No line at the tender and we are back on ship around 5pm. Have lunch on the ship, then coctails, then just relaxing. We decide on dinner about 8pm. Island night tonight.

[sunflower1972]

Your review is like reading a wonderful story:) I've been smiling since I started.......:)

[sunshine426]

Wednesday Afternoon: Coctails on the Lido Deck, then we all dress for dinner, Discuss what shows we want to attend, know we all want to attend the Island Party that evening. Indie and Strep anticipating the wet t-shirt contest for the men.

 

Wine on our balcony, awaiting Indie and Strep who are keeping us waiting again...darn guess we have to have two glasses of wine.

 

We all go to the Capri(I think it is abt 8) but I did not keep a journal. None of us are really hungry as we had a late lunch, plus coctails and wine. We decide to just see where they will place us tonight, but do askfor a table for four. Again, we are seated without a wait. Not in Jun's station, but again near him. Fausto sweeps over for his evening italian lesson, we again peruse the menu, and over comes Jun... Pietro once again chases him away, and the girls again call out "Jun come back" Carribbean night had some interesting choices, but nothing really appealed to me. We all ordered some kind of fish soup, it was well "fishy", and we asked to have it taken away. Offered more but declined. For the life of me I can't remember one thing that we ordered that night, except for some interesting sugar free desert that was shaped like a swan. We have pictures of it, so I guess that is why I remember it. We all give Jun his hugs before we leave, and arivaderchi waves to Pietro and Fausto as we leave. Indie and Strep ready for the evening activities, I am feeling somewhat quesy. I beg off, the girls ask their dad along, and he accompanies them for the evening. They tell me later they had a great time, and I see the pictures of the wet tshirt contest, dancing at Skywalkers, many martini's being consumed by Daddy and his girls, Mr. Sunshine is now to be known as Mr. Skywalker.:D He meets the young men the girls have been hanging out with. Now to be known as young fly boys as they are all in attendance at Embyr Riddle and having a very fun spring break. Tour Escort Dave comes in without his saxophone and with a few of the orchestra buddies. All are dancing and having a good old time. Mr. Skywalker returns to our cabin about 2pm. Several hours past his curfew I told him. I got a yawn, "had a good time, girls are still out by they are with those nice young men from Embry Riddle." I am wondering who is this man and how many martinis has he had, as to the best of my knoweledge he says there is no such thing as a nice young man when you have two lovely daughters...:rolleyes:

 

As to the rest of the night, I will again refer you to the many accountings of the fire on the Star Princess.

 

I'll pick up the story 2pm Thursday, some 12 hours later in Montego Bay. Ciao

[astarwar]

i was also enjoying the hott tub party they first day to was a great time. iposted videos of the fire also on this site

[sunshine426]

Thursday: Montego Bay. After the captain made his announcement that the cruise would terminate in Jamaica, he asked for passengers to notifiy the purser's office where you needed to fly back to. If Princess had arranged your travel this was not needed. We decided to have Princess fly the girls back to ATL as Strep needed to be back to college on Monday morning for classes, and Indie had work. Mr. Skywalker and I would fly to FLL to retrive the car and then drive to ATL.

We turned in the paperwork, made a half hearted attempt to pack, decided we had better finish off the rum we had in our room as we didn't want to carry it back. Hey, it was for medicinal purposes only!

 

The girls are bikini bound on the aft deck. Mr Skywalker and I on the sun deck overlooking drained pools and smoky charred windows on the port side of the Lido Deck. At this time all of the port side is roped off with yellow crime scene tape.

 

I wander aft and see that the Terrace pool is open with water, as is the Terrace Bar. College Boys are playing shuffle board, as I watch I realize that they have made it into a drinking game. It is called "drinklepuck" and has some very complicated rules. Got to admire the resiliancy of youth. They invited me to play, but I declined at this point.

 

We took a bottle of our "in our cabin" wine to the dining room that evening. Were seated immediatley with our bud Jun. Of course Pietro and Fausto are over to check on us. We were more interested in them andkept thanking them for all they did during the fire. Occasionaly you would see them lose their game faces and appear so sad. Then deep breaths and they would be back to their old cheery selves. It was a somewhat somber dinner. Crab Legs on the menu and Strep orders two and two deserts. Jun can't believe such a "little" thing can eat so much.

After we finished our wine, Jun brought four more glasses of wine to the table, and said they were on him. More hugs from all of us.

Evening entertainment is still on, and we hurry back to catch the production show as they are only going to have one tonight.

Indie and I loved it as it was a variety of broadway showtunes. Mr Skywalker and Indie bailed after this, but Strep and I changed into jeans for me, jeans skirt for her and went to country western night. Got theirlate, but had time to do the "cotton eyed joe" with the cruise directors staff. After that we went to the hypnotist show. It was very funny. I appreciate the cruise directors attempt to provide evening entertainment to dwindling crowd.

Strep attempts to lure me up to Skywalkers with her, but our long day is catching up with me, attempts to wake up Indie, then decidees to call it a night. We have had way to much drama in the past 24 hours!!!!

[Coolmama_1]

Great story! I have enjoyed reading about your cruise. Thanks for taking the time to share.

[sunshine426]

Friday Morning: Montego Bay

Awake to an announcement to please check your mail boxes as flights are being arranged and be ready to leave as soon as you are notified. Check our boxes, empty, call girls room, empty boxes.

Find out that the internet is free now, so decide to check email and of course cruise critic. Read some very interesting comments on cjskids fire on the star princess and was glad she had escaped but very sorry for her experiences. Said a prayer for all those who were not having quite the experience that my family was having.;

Went out to soak up some more Jamaican sun, we took turns checking our boxes every hour, and just tried to pretend we were having a sea day.

Less and less people as the day went on, and more passengers disembarked.

No cabin service, have seen many room stewards standing gaurd at closed off doors. Hope that our cabin attendent is ok, we see the girls steward, he hugs us all and wishes us safe travels, except we aren't going anywhere yet.

 

Make a little more effort to pack, Mr. Sunshine is taking pictures of the ship, bikini bound girls still soaking up rays of sun, and having a good old time.

 

Some time around 4 the captain announces that he will be moving the ship to another berth in Montego Bay for an early arriving cruise ship to use the berth we are currently occuping. Also crew shore leave is granted. We have a nice sunset harbor cruise. Open bar on the aft deck. No charges for drinks tonight. They have not been charging for soft drinks since the fire. Open seating for dinner in the Portofino Dining Room. We see Fausto and Jun both on Horizon Court Duty, and decide to give them an extra gratutity, and have dinner in the Horizon Court. Fausto offers to get me some lobster if I want. The girls decide to eat in the dining room with a couple of college boys. Boys put on ties, girls nice dresses. No charge for wine in the dining room for them. Strep confesses to eating two lobster tails.

 

We eat under the stars on the aft deck, and enjoy the quiet. Try to convince Fausto to sit with us for awhile, and he does. Try to buy Jun a drink and he passes, but still checks on us frequently.

 

We watch a movie in the Princess Theatre. Girls are off playing some kind of name that tune trivia game in the Explores Lounge.

Charter plane making two trips to Atlanta and FLL in the am, but our names are not on the list.

 

Check with the pursers office, no news yet but they indicate everyone will be off the ship tomorow.

 

We move our suit cases off the bed, encounter our room steward, who brings us fresh towels. He aplogises that they are not attending the rooms, we wave off the apology and offer an extra gratutity.

 

Say another prayer for the gentleman who died and his family, prayers for those who suffered smoke inhalation, and for those crew who took such good care of us. Off to bed, waiting to see what the morning brings.

[sunshine426]

Promise this will be my last post. Satuday:Montego Bay

Still no news on our flights. Breakfst in dining room, still somewhat somber mood, Strep joins us, chatting in spanish to our server, who seems to enjoy it. We stop to talk to Pietro on our way out. Catch him looking sad. Strep takes both his hands and tells him to take a deep breath, it will all be ok. I see tears in his eyes briefly, then we all get big hugs. The ladies get kissed on the cheek as well. We tell him we hope to see him on a future cruise.

I post on cruise critic in the free internet cafe, Mr. Sunshine checks for the latest information at the purser's desk. We leave the ship for a brief shopping trip at the pier, and to take photos of the Star. Wow, the fire looked worse than we could see from our balconies.

Finally around 4pm we hear that the ship has been cleared to sail to Freeport for some repairs, and all the passengers will disembark now, and we will be taken to "RIUS" resort in Ocho Rios. Flights will resume on Sunday.

Disembarkation a little crazy, with orange tags being handed out. Luggage thrown on trucks, immigration to go thru etc, but soon we are on our way to Ocho Rios...

2 hours later we check in to this lovely 5 star all inclusive resort. Suites for all the Star Guests, including open bar.

Indie,Strep and new friends off to dance away the night under the Jamaican moon. We eat dinner, walk around a little, and head to bed.

 

Sunday: Ocho Rios... Princess reps arrive at 9am to lobby with flight information. We are on 4pm flight to MIA, Girls on 5pm flight to ATL.

We enjoy the morning at the beach, then board the bus for another 2 hour ride back to Montego Bay.

 

I guess Mr. Sunshine and I look pretty rough, as we are picked for a random search of our luggage.:eek: Great underwear out for all to see, where are our Princess people now.

 

Anyway, we meet up with the girls after security check, then off to our respective gates. Rich and I are met by Princess Reps in MIA, they took us to our car in FLL, offered a room for the night if we wanted in the Miami Hilton. Agreed to pay for our hotel on our way home as we wanted to drive for a few hours, then stop.

 

Home sweet home in Atlanta by Monday evening.

So that is the end of the story....

If anyone has any questions, I will be glad to answer.

Meanwhile Bon Voyage for anyone heading off to a cruise.

[ssbeagle]

Fantastic report. I am happy to hear that Princess took good care of you and your family. I missed the report on when they sounded the alarm and how they handled the situation during the fire. If you could elaborate a little on that I would be interested in reading it.

 

Have you booked your next Princess cruise yet?

[Lynda90]

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was really nice to read about the positives and can see you are a definitely a "the glass is half full" type of person. Not to minimize the trauma others have written about, but it was nice to read your upbeat report. Sounds like you have a great, fun-loving family. Keep on cruising and writing about your experiences. Your user name "Sunshine" is certainly appropriate.:D :o

[mamag]

Thank you for taking the time for the great post!. I am sorry others had such a horrible experience but it was reassuring to hear Princess got it "right" for you. From what I've read Princess did a very good job in a bad situation and I feel good about sailing with them in the future. Your post was wonderful. Again, thank you.

Lynn

[gopher's girl]

Hey Sunshine,

Sounds like your family did ok even with all the drama. Glad that it was a mostly happy trip for all of you!

[sunflower1972]

What an awesome report. Thank you for taking the time to post.

I must say that I have never heard of anyone taking things in 'stride' as you and your's did. The way you and 'Mr Skywalker' handled this is amazing, and your children are so fortunate to have parents like you!!

I truely mean that.

Your compassion towards the staff brought tears to my eyes....you are a prime example of the old saying.....'If the world had more people like you':)

 

Again thank you for sharing your experence.....

I wish you, Mr Sunshine, Strep and Indie all the best this world has to offer.....

Sunflower:)

[karstic]

Boy it sounds like when you got handed lemons, you went looking for the tequila and salt!!!

 

Way to make the best out of a bad situation.

[tacomita]

Hi thanks for your review and for the positive side of life. By the way I am going on the Baltic trip in August and have your room L234. How is the room, I have a concern that its on the Lido deck and also that its in front, could be bumpy. What was your experience. Thanks for your feedback.

[Kellie in Texas]

:p Your writings have given me chills, a few tears, laughs, and a lot of suspense as you worked your way up to "the" night. It was like reading the plot of a movie. Your sense of humor is so great that I think you'd have an audience for reading about your everyday activities! :)

Many bon voyages to you in the future. Kellie in Texas