Just Back from the Star

[mimi01]

This was my 4th trip to Alaska and even thought the weather wasn't perfect we had a great time and are already thinking about our next cruise there.

 

I would recommend to anyone that enjoys sauna's to book the Thermal Spa package on the first day. It's 115.00 per couple versus 75.00 per person if you book on day one. We took the tour and couldn't wait to lie on the thermal beds and hit the different saunas that are available. My favorite was the aromatherapy sauna. It was a quiet place to get away from the crowds after touring the ports. We also all purchased a coffee card so we could enjoy fresh brewed and cappachinos. I had some left on my card and sure enough they told me I could use them on any Princess ship. We enjoyed the buffett more than the dining rooms. We did try the steakhouse and the food was good but the room is kind of spacious and bare. Also take advantage of the tea in the afternoons around 3:00 served in the dining room. Skywalkers well what can I say, we indulged quite a few nights and took to the dance floor. Pack tylenol. We enjoyed the shows especially the comedian. Their were lots of kids for those bringing the families. They all seemed to be having a great time. Plenty for them to do. We wandered into the casino one night at the end and we got lucky on a couple of machines. Overall we enjoyed the ship although my group including myself didn't feel that the staff is all that happy on this ship. We sailed the Golden last September to Alaska and the staff was a very happy group.

 

We loved all the ports. The weather was not the best but we managed to stay warm and dry. We were all glad we brought some sweaters and a good waterproof jacket. Bring your most comfortable shoes for all the walking in port. We took the ferry to Haines from SKagway for $62.00 round trip and it turned out to be a great choice. In Ketchikan we hit our favorite bookstore at Creek street and loaded up on great books about Alaska by local writers. It's up on the second floor if anyone wants to check it out. We went to Mendenhall in Juneau and it was as beautiful as ever. The day we spent in Tracy Arm was overcast but we managed to take some great photos. The Art auctions were great fun to watch. There were some wonderful artist featured on this cruise.

 

 

We really enjoyed the Star and Alaska. Can't wait to go back.

 

Mimi

[JWJs]

Nice report and some very useful tips. Thanks for posting.

[Quacker]

:cool: We were on the same cruise. Had our 14 year old grandson with us. We all had a great time. He spent some time in the teen center but went to most of the evening programs with us. One of the highlights on board was lunch with the Captain. We are Elite and were able to take our grandson as a guest. (his second cruise)

As mimi01 said the weather wasn't the best but didn't find it too cold. In Ketchikan we did the float plane in the morning and the "Duck" in the afternoon. Great fun with both. Juneau was whale watching with Orca Enterprises - got some fantastic video or whales and eagles. Skagway was the 7 hr. train and bus tour. Victoria was the gardens and Seattle the city tour. Only tours we booked on Princess was Victoria and Seattle. (saved a bunch of money)

We booked a outside obstructed E422. Outside our window as one of the small life boats so we still had a great view. Was a great cabin for a cheap price. A group of us plan to do the 14 day cruise in 2010. Looking forward to Alaska again as is a great place.

[joanne1]

Thanks for the review . . . we are leaving in a couple of days and really looking forward to the ship!:D

[GottoCruise]

:cool: One of the highlights on board was lunch with the Captain. We are Elite and were able to take our grandson as a guest. (his second cruise)

 

Was this the "Most Travelled Luncheon" ??- I didn't know if they would have this on a 7-day cruise. Could you please let us know how many 'Days at Sea' and/or Cruises were needed to make the cut for this?? Thanks

[Pia1913]

Was this the "Most Travelled Luncheon" ??- I didn't know if they would have this on a 7-day cruise. Could you please let us know how many 'Days at Sea' and/or Cruises were needed to make the cut for this?? Thanks

 

Are YOU worried about making the cut? LOL I figure you should be most travelled on this one.

 

Pia

[GottoCruise]

I just read a post where the Most Travelled had 90 cruises and well over 900 days - 2nd in line had over 70 cruises and well over 700 Days - We've a little ways to go to match that!!! :D :D :D :D

[Pia1913]

I just read a post where the Most Travelled had 90 cruises and well over 900 days - 2nd in line had over 70 cruises and well over 700 Days - We've a little ways to go to match that!!! :D :D :D :D

 

You know perfectly well that one cruise can have all the "oldies" and the next cruise can have all newbies. Let's see what happens with yours.

 

Pia

[Quacker]

GottoCruise this was the Most Traveled Luncheon. Don't know what it took to make the cut as on the invitation it just said we were in the top 40 on board. This was our 22nd cruise with 214 days at sea. Quacker Don

[GottoCruise]

That's lot of Sea Days - Happy that you made the 'cut' and hope you got a nice 'present' from Princess.........:D

[Pia1913]

GottoCruise this was the Most Traveled Luncheon. Don't know what it took to make the cut as on the invitation it just said we were in the top 40 on board. This was our 22nd cruise with 214 days at sea. Quacker Don

 

22 cruises/214 days would never have made the cut on the long cruises. We've made 3rd most travelled twice and once, on a B2B, didn't make the cut for the second leg. Go figure. It is an enjoyable experience, right?

[Quacker]

Hi - we have made the cut on just this cruise and a 7 day last summer in the Carribbean. Both were very nice. The Captain on the Star was very friendly. We had met him on the old Royal. I think the winner at the Captains Circle Party was 51 cruises - usually it's many more than that. Quacker Don

[pocketfulofsunshine]

Thanks for the review. We are leaving on July 13th. I am looking forward to checking out Skywalkers as well...it seems like a good time.

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the comments. :)