spritzy Posted September 14, 2004 #1 Share Posted September 14, 2004 We are a couple in our forties and are well travelled . I have gotten alot of advice on these board and it is my time to pay it back . I hope you enjoy this review . We have many fond memories of this cruise and would recommend doing the Med. with Star Princess . I would give it a 8 out of 10 . Review of my trip on Star Princess in Med. from August 20 - Sept 1 , 2004 . Embarkation was quick and easy . I would recommend you pre -register on line to make the process fast . Ship was well decorated and lovely . She does not have a big feel to her even though she is 109,000 tons . Staff for the most part is freindly and helpful . We lost our luggage and Princess reassured us that they would help recover them before we sailed . They did very little and we had to be proactive . Thankfully they were recovered with the help of another cruise critic member which I met onboard 2 hours prior to sailing .Thanks Highroller ! The food is good but I would not consider it fine dining . We have been to the best restaurants in Toronto and Princess does not even come close .The waiters will try and be accomodating to your needs and wants. I would if I had to do it over again do personal choice dining especially on a med. cruise . The day in ports are long and we missed half of our dinners . We had the first seating at 6:15 ..No problem going to personal choice or the buffet in the Horizon court . We did go to Tequilas' one night ( the steakhouse ) for 15.00 per person . We enjoyed it very much and I would recommend it . We did not have time to go to Sabitinis' .The room are neat , clean and simple . We chose not to spend our money on an outside cabin . We were hardly in our room except to sleep and change . The ship only rocked the first night at sea . I put on my patch and was fine for the rest of the trip . The sea was very calm . If you do not like the heat I would say go in the early spring or fall . It was hot everyday 80 degrees plus with no rain . We did all ports on our own . I cannot justify the prices Princess charges for port excursions . If you are fearful of missing the ship though you may want to consider using them for Rome and Florence . However you are paying large for that insurance that the ship will not leave without you . They do try to wait a few minutes if not everyone is onboard before departure . Barcelona - You do not need a tour here . We got into Barcelona on the 18 and stayed at the Hotel Colon for 1 night . It had a good location and we could walk everywhere but it was tired looking and we overpaid in my opinion (120 Euros with no breakfast ).Getting around Barcelona is easy . You can take the Hop on Hop off bus to see the main sites and attractions . You can do this at the foot of Las Ramblas . Beware of pickpockets !!! We saw a few on our trip . Wear a money belt on the inside to be safe . Monte Carlo - We tendered . Walked up to the palace with the help of an elevator . You do not need a tour here . Saw the palace , museum and car museum . Took the public bus to go to the casino . Being Sunday the stores were closed . MonteCarlo is beautiful , clean and rich . We also took the trolley . Do not waste your money on this one you do not see much more . Pisa / Florence I would recommend if you do not want to be stressed to do one or the other . We walked to the train station . However I would recommend you take a taxi for about 15 Euros . Share if possible . There is always others around you can ask . It is about a 5 mile walk . We did not know this at the time . We speak italian so we did not have any problems in Italy . You can take the train into Pisa . It is about a 30 minute walk from there to see her . We then took the train from there into Florence . It was Monday so the museums were closed . Florence has good knock offs and no lack of jewelery stores . Ponte Vecchio is where you will get the best selection . The train ride is about 1 and a half hours each way . Make sure you check the train shedule . Rome A short walk from the port one can take the train into Rome . It is about 1 hour into the city . If you want to go to St. Peters first get off at St. Pietro station . If you want to go see the other sites get off at Termini . Getting around by bus or subway is inexpensive and easy . After buying your tickets in the subway or train make sure you get it validated . Hefty fines if caught . I would recommend going to see the Vatican , Sistine chapel , Coloseum , Forum , Spanish Steps , Trevi Fountain ( to throw your coin in ) and for you ladies who love to shop Via Condotti . Designer stores galore . You will have to make some choices . You can not do these all in one day . Part 2 I will make my remarks on Pompeii , Capri , Rhodes , Turkey and Venice . Any questions feel free to ask . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawra09 Posted September 15, 2004 #2 Share Posted September 15, 2004 Have enjoyed your review so far - we're booked on the Star Transatlantic in Oct. Do you happen to remember who your captain was? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spritzy Posted September 15, 2004 Author #3 Share Posted September 15, 2004 The captains' name is Tony Yeomans . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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