My Star Thankgiving Week Cruise Review

[augie]

This is my review of the Star Princess 11/18 sailing.

 

The cruise departed Ft. Lauderdale with scheduled stops at Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Princess Cays.

 

Our group consisted of myself and my wife, and our two sons, ages 15 and 13.

 

Including this cruise my wife has cruised 16 times, 10 on Carnival, 1 on Disney, 2 on Royal Caribbean, and 3 on Princess.

 

I have cruised 15 times, 10 on Carnival, 1 on Disney, 1 on Royal Caribbean, and 3 on Princess.

 

The boys, 4 times, 1 on Carnival, 1 on Disney, 1 on Royal Caribbean, and 1 on Princess.

 

Embarkation: We only live a couple of hours drive from the port, so we drove down the day of the cruise, leaving late in the morning and arriving at the Ft. Lauderdale Park 'N Fly lot shortly after 1:00PM. Within minutes we were on a shuttle bus which fropped passengers off at two other ships before delivering us to Terminal 2 in front of the Star.

 

This was actually a little earlier than I had planned to arrive, as I hoped to miss the lines completely. Since we had filled out everything that we could ahead of time, all we had to complete at the pier were the forms staing that we had not been sick the last 72 hours, then we were directed to the check in lines.

 

There were two lines for the Caribe deck, so we got in the shorter one, but after standing there for several minutes with no apparent progress we moved to the much shorter and faster moving line for Baja deck, and were checked in within 10 minutes. After that there was no waiting for boarding and we had our pictures taken for security and for the Embarkation photo and were on the ship in no time! We dropped our carryons off in the staterooms and went to the Horizon Court to get some lunch. It was busy as expected, but finding a seat was easier than I had expected.

 

Staterooms: We normally get a balcony cabin, but since this was a last minute vacation and we brought the boys, we got two adjacent inside cabins, C725 and C729. Our only other inside cabin was on RCCI's Sovereign of the Seas, and we liked this one much better (it may be because the SOS is an older ship?). The cabin is basically divided into two sections, the front (as you walk through the door) that contains the bathroom, the drawers, and a roomy closet, and the back with the bed (made into a double in our room, twin singles in the boy's room) and a dresser and refrigerator at the foot of the beds. There was not really a good seating area, but we felt that for an inside it was a nice layout and not too cramped.

 

 

The Ship: The ship looked to be in superb condition to me, and it is beautiful. The layout was different than any other that we've been on, so there were some areas that took a little bit of effort to find. The only functional oddities that I found to the layout were that you had to walk through the casino to get to the Princess Theater if you were on deck 6. It also seemed strange that the Wheelhouse Lounge was midships instead of near the front of the ship like it was on our other Princess cruises (on the Sun and the Diamond). I really like the area at the back of the ship, especially the upper decks. I must mention the infamous "sewer smell". There may have been one or two times the whole week where I briefly smelled something that could have been this, but each time it was very brief, and not all at pervasive throughout the ship.

 

 

The weather: This normally would not warrant a section in one of my reviews, but it did have a major impact on the cruise so I'll discuss it. There was a major cold front that wreaked havoc on the caribbean during the week of our cruise. During our day at sea on Sunday it was pretty windy on all of the outside decks, overcast, and unseasonably cool. It was rainy and overcast on Monday in Ocho Rios, very windy and with rough seas from the time we left Jamaica Monday evening until just before we arrived at Princess Cays on Friday. Most of the time the "report from the bridge" on the stateroom TVs indicated gale force winds and rough seas.

 

On board activities/entertainment: The boys spent a lot of their free time at the Off Limits teen center. There were a lot of families, and while they may not have made any lifelong buddies, there were a group of kids that seemed to get along and help each other stay entertained. They also liked playing table tennis and did that quite a bit.

 

For the most part I do not attend any of the shows anymore. I did see the comedian Sarge on this cruise, twice, during his midweek show, and on the final night. He is mentioned so often on the Cruise Critic message boards that I felt compelled to check his act out, and I thought it was quite good. I also very much enjoyed juggler/comedian(?) Mike Price.

 

My wife went to the first production show, (Cinematasic maybe?), and although she seems to be less and less impressed with these type of performances as of late, she said this may have been the best one she's ever seen. She talked me into going to see an encore presentation of the Motown show with her also, and it was most very good in my opinion. The lead singers were a tad better than most that I remember seeing.

 

Bingo was usually held in the Vista Lounge, there was a band that played nights in the Explorer's Lounge, which also hosted art auctions, trivia, and a couple of theme parties (the Island party had to be moved indoors). They also showed some of the big college and pro football games in there (on Thanksgiving the early game was on in the Princess Theater).

 

I bought a coffee card, and loved to go and get a cappucino first thing in the morning from Eric at the lobby bar. When my wife got cold I could also get her a hot chocolate there - she said it was very good.

 

The Princess Idol competition seemed to be very well attended and received - the finals were in the Vista Lounge Friday night.

 

Dining: Since we booked so late, our normal traditional dining choice was unavailable. With the boys along that was probably just as well. we kind of played it by ear as we went along. My wife and I ate in the Capri dining room for anytime dining three times - once at a table for two on Italian night. we were at table 151 with Matteo and Klaudia - they were great. We ate at 6:00PM and were ushered into the dining room right away. Our sons joined us there one other night and we shared a table with an older couple and with two young ladies that are school teachers, and the final time was on Friday night, when our family ate with a family we had met in Jamaica. They are from India, and have vegetarian Indian food prepared for them (and others) each night. The son and daughter also ordered something from the regular menu, but I thought it was neat that they Princess was willing and able to provide that for them. My wife and oldest son also ate in the dining room on the second formal night - they said it was a very long wait to get seated that night.

 

Most of my dinners came from the Horizon Court. I never had trouble finding enough that I liked, but I have a wide range of foods that I can and will eat. Several times my wife and youngest son opted for burgers or pizza from the grill instead of something from the buffet.

 

Most breakfasts we ate in the dining room. Not a lot of variety, but it was generally good, but not much to rave about. Lunch we'd either go to the buffet or grill if we were on the ship.

 

 

Ports:

 

Ocho Rios: We had arranged to do a private tour in Ocho Rios with Ionie McBeam, who my wife and I had used before. There were two other families of four on this tour as well, one from Orlando (our new friends from India), and one from Wisconsin. We went first to Dunn's River Falls, arriving there before all of the organized tours. In fact, we were the first group that went up the falls that day. I had not done it in 12 years, and the boys as well as the other families, and the others we were grouped with, had a blast. next she took us to the White River where we rode down the river in inner tubes. There was a stop where you could jump off of a ledge into the water, and also select pictures that they took during the trip to buy. Next we drove through the Fern Gully rain forest - very beautiful! Then we went to a buffet restaurant, The Ruins, where you could choose from a number of Jamaican dishes, including the world famous jerk pork and chicken, while eating near a waterfall. A stop at the Soni shopping center (my youngest son was looking for a Reggae Boyz soccer jersey) completed our tour. Ionie drove us on her bus back into the pier area, and we got back on the Star, bidding a fond farewell to Ionie, Ocho, and Jamaica.

 

Grand Cayman: High winds and rough seas caused the harbor master to close the port at Georgetown the day we were supposed to be there. There is an alternative port at Spott's Bay, but they only have the capacity to host three ships. The cruise lines use a rotation policy to decide who gets to go there on days when Georgetown is closed and more than three ships are scheduled, and as it turned out, it wasn't the Star's turn, so no Grand Cayman for us. We were disappointed because the boys and I had plans to scuba dive, and my wife was going to see "her babies" - the stingrays at Stingray City. The impromptu day at sea was hampered by the fact that the high winds made the outside decks uncomfortable at best, and the rough seas caused the pools to be closed.

 

Cozumel: We did make it to Cozumel, despite the conditions not being that much better than they were the day before. I found out later that the captain was *very* close to cancelling that port day as well - maybe wanting to avoid a mutiny helped him with his decision! Once again the rotation policy bit us in the behind as it was not our ship's turn to claim one of the four pier locations, but instaed would have to tender in. Some combination of high winds, rough seas, many ships, etc. caused the tendering process to go VERY SLOWLY. As is their prerogative, they gave tender priority to those on ship's excursions - that was no surprise. I was surprised however at just how long everyone had to wait. The ship arrived in port at 8:00AM. We weren't among the first to get our tender tickets, but were closer to first than we were to last, and we weren't called to board until just before noon, and it was after 1:00PM before we made it ashore. That late arrival meant we had to cancel our plan to spend the day at the Playa Uvas beach club. No scuba (sorry boys) or massage (sorry Mom). it was nice to be off of the ship and the sun came out, although it was still breezy and cool. We ate at a local outside restaurant, Case Denis, and shopped and strolled the streets of downtown San Miguel, then took the slow tender ride back around 4:00PM.

 

Princess Cays: I'm sure the Princess folks were happy that this was the last stop. The nice sunny weather and flat ocean was the kind of day they'd want their customers to remember. We waited (not nearly as long as in Cozumel) for our tender, went ashore, snorkled, laid around, had a beer, walked the island, and went back. A very nice and relaxing day. It is a shame we couldn't have had more just like it.

 

 

Debarkation: We went to breakfast in the dining room one last time, then collected our carry on luggage and went to the Explorer's Lounge, where we waited about an hour and a half until our color was called. It took about 15 minutes to get off of the ship and another 15 or so to find our luggage, get a porter, and proceed through customs and have our stuff deposited curbside, where we waited about 30 minutes for the Park 'N Fly shuttle bus.

 

Final thoughts/observations:

 

It's a shame that the weather derailed what should have been an excellent cruise. As it was, I was still on vacation, didn't have to answer my phone, do laundry, cook, clean, etc. I had plenty of opportunities to relax, and I took advantage of them. I met some really nice people. And I encountered a number of unhappy people as well. I understand the disappointment, especially for those folks that had traveled a long way, spent a ton of money, and/or looked forward to this cruise for a long time. There will always be some things that aren't perfect,and while there will be some folks that will line up to list them, I can't help but think that if the weather had allowed for the normal sea and port days, many of the complaints about all of the other stuff would never have been spoken.

 

Overall I found the crew to be very friendly, helpful, and efficient - and some were absolutely outstanding.

 

The programs and activities were varied and plentiful.

 

The food was mostly good to excellent.

 

The entertainment (apart from one comedian so I'm told) was very good.

 

I'll certainly sail on Princess again, although after doing two cruises in two months, it will be a while before I sail again on any line!

 

If you've managed to stay awake through this whole thing congratulations (or - get a life!). If there are any specific questions you have that weren't coverd I'll be glad to answer them for you if I can.

[helpmesailaway]

Sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. Sorry the weather was not cooperating completely!!!

 

Could you tell me the name of the company that arranged your Ocho Rios excursion. Sounds like fun. Was the cost comparable to a ship excursion?

 

Thank you.

[honeymoon4ever]

Glad you guys had a great time! We popped into the Wheelhouse at noon on Sunday and didn't see anyone who looked like they were from CC, so we left.

 

Wish we could have met you guys!

[augie]

Could you tell me the name of the company that arranged your Ocho Rios excursion. Sounds like fun. Was the cost comparable to a ship excursion?

 

Thank you.

 

We used Ionie McBeam (http://www.ocho-rios.com)

 

For $55 per person we went to Dunn's River Falls, the river tubing, and drove through the rain forest. We also got transportation to a restaurant and a shopping center, and had a safe and secure place to leave our stuff (her bus, which was locked when she wasn't on it).

 

In my opinion it is a much better deal than the ship's excursions.

[KauaiKris]

Thanks for the review. I'm glad your family had a pleasant vacation despite the bad weather and disappointments.

 

As I have looked at weather reports for the caribbean over the next 10 days, they have indicated winds ranging from 17 to 22 mph. Anyone know what is "normal" at this time of year? What were you experiencing over the Thanksgiving cruise? Weather Undergroun lists the winds on Grand Cayman on Tuesday the 21st at 7mph with a max of 16mph, but that doesn't sound like it's what you actually experienced.

[Shogun]

Hi There,

 

thank you for a well balanced review, I am sure others who have been on your cruise will post about how it was the worst cruise in history and blame Princess for the rough seas rain and other cruise ships getting into port a head of you. As I cruise more I understand the level of service that is offered by Princess which I like but I also understand the things that Princess have no control over.

 

But two cruises in two months you need a holiday before your next cruise.

 

yours Shogun

[augie]

Weather Undergroun lists the winds on Grand Cayman on Tuesday the 21st at 7mph with a max of 16mph, but that doesn't sound like it's what you actually experienced.

No, it isn't. For several days in a row we experienced gale force (40mph +) winds. 16mph may not even qualify as a stiff breeze :D

 

We experienced a nor'easter that is pretty rare this time of year, especially in this one's size and intensity.

 

I would hazard a guess that we got several month's worth of crummy weather, so when your weather is wonderful you can thank us! :cool:

[flvol77]

tell me about park n fly - we usually just park right next to the ship - can u give me a website and some info on where you park ? thank -

 

we ususally drive down - we live in vero beach about 30 min to the south of you -

 

 

btw how long did it take you to get from the parking lot to the ship? and the cost?

 

Thank You for review, looking forward to being on the Star soon!

[islandersx4]

Hi Augie, We've chatted before and I am veering off topic a bit. When you were on The Sun, did you go to St. Thomas? If so, could you tell me about your experiences docking at Crown Bay? If memory serves me you had a sailing excursion...how was transport to Red Hook?

 

Thanks So Much.

[sunprincess]

Welcome Home

 

Appreciate your review :)

[augie]

tell me about park n fly - we usually just park right next to the ship - can u give me a website and some info on where you park ? thank -

The website can be found at http://www.pnfnetwork.com/

 

It's very easy to find - take I-95 or the turnpike to I-595 east, get off at the Port Everglades exit and turn right, and the lot is on the left - you can't miss it.

 

we ususally drive down - we live in vero beach about 30 min to the south of you -

 

 

btw how long did it take you to get from the parking lot to the ship? and the cost?

 

Thank You for review, looking forward to being on the Star soon!

It only took about 5-10 minutes to get to the ship from the parking lot. It's $9/day, $8 if you have AAA.

[augie]

Hi Augie, We've chatted before and I am veering off topic a bit. When you were on The Sun, did you go to St. Thomas? If so, could you tell me about your experiences docking at Crown Bay? If memory serves me you had a sailing excursion...how was transport to Red Hook?

 

Thanks So Much.

 

We had no problems - we were among the last group called for immigration, and our taxi/trolley stopped at two other places before Red Hook and we still got there before 9:15.

[Amanda & Roger]

Although it was not the worst cruise in history, that honor would have to go to the Titanic or the Luistania, it was still pretty bad. Missing port and safety issues are expected, however poor service and incompetence at both the purser's desk and the shore excursion desk is not. This was our tenth cruise and it could, and should, have been better despite the poor weather. Like others have said before, a bad cruise is still better then a day at work.

 

Our room steward was great, the larger balcony and caribe was great, the food was ok, the shows were really good, the casino staff was wonderful and the Amalfi dinning staff was average.

 

Now for the bad.

 

We had a diving excursion scheduled in Cozumel through the ship and asked whether it was cancelled. We were told that it was not and where tendered ashore. Once on shore we where told by Cozumel authorities that the port was closed for diving and snorkling. Asked Princess personnel on the the dock and no one knew what was going on. After two and half hours we finally made to back to the ship. We wen't back to the shore excursion desk and were told that they would check to make sure it was cancelled and if it was we would receive a refund. About 7PM they finally determined that the port was closed and all diving excursions were in fact cancelled. According to the purser, it is not their responsibility to know whether or not their shore excursions are cancelled.

 

In addition, one of the assistant pursers actually told a passenger that the reason we did not dock in Cozumel was "budgets." If passengers were willing to pay a little more, the Star would have docked.

 

Finally, when we got our final bill thier were only a bunch of codes with no amounts or descriptions. Had to wait in line for nearly an hour and half to get a copy of the bill that we could read.

 

However, with that said, we took advantage of the future cruise discount program.

 

Roger

[JLC@SD]

In addition, one of the assistant pursers actually told a passenger that the reason we did not dock in Cozumel was "budgets." If passengers were willing to pay a little more, the Star would have docked.

Roger

I think you misunderstood or got some wrong information.

 

They do not poll the passengers to see if they want to pay more to dock or tender........it is predetermined based on space available, number of ships in port and priorities of the different ships.

[Amanda & Roger]

I think you misunderstood or got some wrong information.

 

They do not poll the passengers to see if they want to pay more to dock or tender........it is predetermined based on space available, number of ships in port and priorities of the different ships.

 

I realize that, however the asst. purser still told the passenger next to me that it is based on "budgets". Those were her words not mine. Hence, my complaint about the incompetence of the purser's desk.

[Benita]

I only wish it was bad weather that hampered our cruise. For those of you who noticed the ambulance at the dock in Jamaica, it was for my father -in-law. He said he was not feeling well at dinner on the day we embarked and proceeded to have a major gastrointestinal bleed the next day, while at sea. The ship's doctor almost had to put a call out for card carrying blood donors to help him. It was too windy for a helicopter landing, so they just opened the IV fluids full blast and he made it to Jamaica. We disembarked and followed the ambulance that took him from Ocho Rios two hours to Montego Bay. It took over 24 hours to get a transfusion there. There was no gastroenterologist available, but they had endoscopy equipment and allowed my husband (who is a gastroenterologist) to scope his father. Luckily the bleeding stopped and after three days in the hospital he was able to fly back home and is doing well.

My husband and I flew back to Ft. Lauderdale the same day (Thanksgiving) and came down with the worst cold we have ever had and spent the next three days in bed.

[Cruzbw]

Well Benita,

It's too bad your vacation was interrupted so significantly by this unfortunate event. It sounds like, in the end, he's doing fine. Isn't that a blessing that your husband could help his father with his specialty. Hopefully you can celebrate continued life by another cruise, a full cruise, soon. Your experience in Jamaica...those are the times we appreciate the medical facilities and care in the States. Something similar happened to us on a transatlantic, and were just trying to make time pass until we could get to New York for emergency care. I'm glad for you that he seems to be on the mend.

Bill