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South American Adventure! by
Beth J from Fort Mill, SC Sailing date: Dec 2009Pros: Exotic Ports Cons: Brazilian Customs and Visa process!! We enjoyed the Star Princess! The ship was large enough to not feel crowded and there were plenty of lounges to get away from the action when needed. The common areas were not as large as another line I've been on, but were quite adequate for the cruise. They often do performances in the Piazza, the drawback here is that space is limited and often these events, such as the Captain's events are not repeated and it's difficult to see. Had I never been on the other line, this would have been one of the best ships on which I've cruised.
Communication from the bridge to the cruise director did not always match up, we almost missed the scenic cruise around the Cape Horn! We loved having a balcony so that we could rush out quickly to see sights!
We enjoyed our brief time in Brazil, but I would advise that if you are not planning on spending a day or more extra in Brazil, you should chose to get off the ship in Argentina, or meet the ship in Argentina depending on the direction you are traveling, to avoid the Brazilian Visa fee and the headache of getting off the ship due to the local government regulations. We had several friends that missed their flights out of Brazil due to the lengthy disembarkation. We were originally slated to leave the ship around 11am but did not get off until 4:30pm!!! Brazil had sent only 4 (FOUR) agents to check out 2500+ passengers! It had nothing to do with Princess, but a lot of passengers were upset and blaming them. If you can stay extra days in Brazil, then by all means finish the itinerary. Otherwise, hop off in Argentina and use the money for more time there! Ship QualityMost of the events were in the Princess theatre. This space was usually large enough due to the mulitple showings, however there is a bar below the theatre and the smoke would waft up into the room. They need better ventilation!
The gym and spa facilities were nice, people were not always conscientious about sharing time on the machines and there wasn't enough staff to enforce the time limits.
It was handy to have the laundry facilities. I wish I would have packed less and just done another load of laundry! Dining/FoodWe had traditional dining, which we love. It's easier to get to know a few other people and not waste time on the small talk every day and every meal. It was nice to have some consistency with our tablemates and our staff waiters! We did go to anytime dining a few times because of scheduling conflicts, and that was nice but we missed our table!
The food was okay, there were nights I had a hard time to find something I wanted, but at least there were a lot of other choices available! We did not try any of the extra cost restaurants, we never had the need. The pizza on the Lido deck was a great standby! We tried the afternoon tea several times and enjoyed it immensely! Stateroom QualityOur room steward did a fantastic job! We splurged for a balcony for this trip and were very glad that we did! We were a little sad that we didn't have the towel animals waiting for us at night! I guess this is not a Princess treat! Ship Staff QualityThe cruise staff was fantastic! An energetic, engaging and enthusiastic team took great care of us and made the events a lot of fun! I had even more respect for them after they handled the difficult Brazilian disembarkation process, not allowing the passengers to rattle them despite the rudeness.
The head waiter in our dining room was excellent as well! My aunt had a special dietary need and he was so good to consult with her every night for her next day's menu. Entertainment & ActivitiesThe comedian, pianist and naturalist were excellent! The broadway style shows left a lot to be desired! The dancers were good, some of the lead singers were good but one was awful and so we quit going when he didn't get better after the third performance.
We enjoyed the trivia events, the Wii and the various other daily events. There was lots to do, which was great when we were on board for several days in a row!  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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  The Star Princess Is a Queen by
Aurolyn L. from Seattle, WA Sailing date: May 2009Pros: Just relaxing in my outside ocean view stateroom. The Amalfi Dining Room. Cons: Too short. I look forward to an Alaska cruise on Princess cruise lines in the future. Thank you for such a lovely time. I will definitely recommend Princess cruise lines to my friends and associates. The Star Princess is gracious and elegant, from the Skywalker Nightclub to the beautiful Grand Foyer. Our ocean view stateroom was very comfortable. We really enjoyed all of the dining options available to choose from. All of the public were absolutely beautiful. Our cabin stewart Marlon was very nice. Ship Quality
Dining/FoodThe Amalfi Dining Room was lovely, and our meal was very good. Stateroom QualityMarlon had our room nice and neat. Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Took my breath away by
A Traveler from Miami Sailing date: Dec 2008Pros: Ports of call - Patagonia Cons: Brazil only country had to get a visa for, and the Rio debark was worst in my life! Most pleasant crew I've cruised with; most beautiful ship I've been on; best balcony room I've ever had. Ship Quality
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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excelent cruise by
Roy S. from livermore, CA Sailing date: Oct 2008Pros: they way we were treated Cons: n/a It was our first cruise, we had a GREAT time & would do it allover in a heartbeat,
the one thing is that there were alot of really old people on this cruise (sorry) Ship Quality
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Stateroom Qualityour steward Reymond took very good care of our room & us, he's the best!! Ship Staff Qualitythe staff was great Entertainment & Activities
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Acapulco, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Mexico
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Cruise far exceeded our expectations by
Suz T from Dallas, TX Sailing date: Aug 2008Pros: We enjoyed the entire cruise. Ship was amazing. Alaska is beautiful. Especially liked the "anytime dining." Cons: Wasn't long enough. We were not ready to get off the ship after a week. We needed a vacation as a time of rest. This cruise gave us the opportunity to do as little or much as we wanted. Tours were varied, and we found tours we could do, with our limited energy. The food was excellent, and we especially loved the "anytime dining." We enjoyed meeting and visiting with many wonderful people from around the world. The entire trip was wonderful. We enjoyed the port cities, but our favorite part was the Tracy Arms Fjord...
absolutely amazing. And the ship captain was able to get us very close, and then turn the ship so we could sit and enjoy the beauty of the Fjord! We came home totally rested and ready to go on another cruise!
Ship QualityShip was beautiful. Since this was our first cruise, we were concerned that we would get lost. However, between the signs which were effective in pointing us in the right direction and the helpful staff, we felt at home immediately. Dining/FoodFood was excellent. We ate too much, but enjoyed every bite! We especially enjoyed the afternoon "tea"...a real treat. And we also enjoyed the formal evenings, though were disappointed that some people ignored the dress code. Food was not only excellent, but the chef was even willing to do some adjustments when we had special requests. Wait staff were great and made our meals a "dining experience" not just "eating. Stateroom QualityWe had a balcony room and spend much time in our room and on the balcony watching the scenery. Room was nice size. We never felt cramped. Service in the rooms was exceptional. Now that we are home, it is a shock...no chocolates on the pillow at night! We felt very pampered the entire week. Ship Staff QualityStaff was wonderful. Always helpful and pleasant. Service was always very good. We were amazed at the many countries represented in the staff...from all over the world. Yet, their English was always good, and they were very friendly. Entertainment & ActivitiesMusicals were good, and there were some excellent musicians on board. The comedian was suggestive...we skipped his show. There were many events available. We especially enjoyed the ship's "talent search. Also, if we missed something in the evening and wanted to see it, the evening events were shown on the television the next day, so we could watch if we wanted. There was more than entertainment, but events where we could learn about Alaska, shopping, crafts, computer classes, etc. We expecially appreciated the cancer walk fund raiser. 14 out of 14 people found this review helpful.
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A wonderful cruise by
Loretta K. from Indiana Sailing date: Jul 2008Pros: We have cruised with Princess Cruise Lines several time as as always it was great. As always the ship was great..... Ship Quality
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Juneau, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Victoria, British ColumbiaBe sure and visit Buschard Gardens
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
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the friendly staff. by
Bob C. from Ft.Myers.fl Sailing date: Jun 2008Pros: the ship Cons: too muchy time at sea The ship and crew were out standing. They were there for us at all times. We were given and upgrade, VERY NICE. Thank you. We spent a lot of time at sea,between stops. Dining/FoodI had better food on other cruise lines. We ate at the private dinning room on more than 2 occasions. The food and service was outstanding. Stateroom Qualitythe stateroom was beautiful,3 stars Ship Staff Qualityoutstanding staff, above and beyond,friendly courteous. Entertainment & Activitiesit was there if you wanted to participate
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Juneau, Alaskaneeded more time ,whales,glaciers ,bears
Don't Miss: all of it Ketchikan, Alaskathe weather was bad.
Don't Miss: lumberjack show Skagway, Alaskamore time,we nhad to rushy from one trip to the other in less than 30 min.
Don't Miss: MORE TIME Victoria, British Columbianot enough time spent there. A whole day would have be great
Don't Miss: not enough time 4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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ALASKAN CRUISE by
Oscar R from Miami, Florida Sailing date: Jun 2008Pros: GREAT ITINERARY Cons: WISH IT WAS A BIT MORE LIVELY Great cruise for someone not wanting to fly so many hours and sail from Seattle. Ship Quality
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Juneau, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Skagway, AlaskaDon't Miss: Don't miss the railway tour, its great Victoria, British ColumbiaDon't Miss: Don't miss the city tour 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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beautiful alaska by
sue f from Central NJ Sailing date: Jun 2008Pros: scenery Cons: times of stops third time on Princess and quality was as good as ever but seemed a little shortstaffed this time. Ship Quality
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Juneau, Alaskasame sops as everywhere else. Our excursion was canceslled at last minute dueto fog and no alternatives were offered yet otheres went on a similar excursion at the same time. Town was a waste of time
Don't Miss: need to go on an excursion to see anything worthwhile Ketchikan, Alaskafirst stop so it was good to see Alaskan way of lfe and scenery but would have done more if I had to do it again.
Don't Miss: Creek st and logging show were typical sights you shouldn't miss Skagway, Alaskacute walking town. unique sights and train ride was great
Don't Miss: see the town first and then take a leisurely ride up the mountail or whalewatch Victoria, British Columbiabutchart garden were beautiful but not enough time in the port to do much else and timing for stop was awful. didn't get there until 5pm
Don't Miss: Emprss hotel, butchart gardens 1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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The Perfect Princess Cruise!! by
Sharon M from Braselton, GA Sailing date: Jun 2008Pros: Beautiful Ship, Friendly & Accommodating staff Cons: Departing the ship! Absolutely Gorgeous Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom QualityMy only complaint is that it could be a little bit cooler (as in temp) Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & ActivitiesToo much of the same thing seen on every other cruise ship.
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Juneau, Alaska
Ketchikan, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Victoria, British ColumbiaDon't Miss: Unbelievably beautiful, with so much history 4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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