Great trip thru the Panama Canal with Windstar

Item: Star Pride
Rating: 4.4
Author: mohaggerty

Star Pride Cruise Review to Panama Canal, Central America

mohaggerty

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 2-3 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

7 Night Costa Rica & Panama Canal (Puerto Caldera To Colon)

Sail date: January 04, 2020

Ship: Star Pride

Cabin number: 303

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 4 years ago

Review summary

The Star Pride was the perfect size for me. Only 300 passengers, get to meet people but not overwhelmed with the crowds. Size makes it easy and quick to get on and off. The ship quality was excellent especially since it is at the end of its tour and set for retrofitting. Little entertainment but had a dance party, on deck barbeques and got to see ports most cruise ships won't fit into. Would definitely sail with Windstar again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Windstar bus to the port, easy on to the ship, luggage waiting in the room.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

The good ranged from very good to excellent. They have one specialty restaurant limited to one night per passenger but it was very nice dining on the open deck. Regular dining room was consistently great.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

No shows, small pool, but that's not why you sail Windstar.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

A duo sang during lunch, evening. Okay.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Our room steward and regular waiter were great. Most of the other staff were good.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Perfect size ship. Well laid out. Big enough that everyone could see the Panama Canal passage.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Great size, well laid out. Bed very comfortable.

Ship tip

Book Candles specialty restaurant as you enter the ship. Reservations go fast.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica

4 out of 5

Took the Rainforest Extravaganza excursion which was good but the Manuel Antonio Rainforest was better our friends said.

Thumbs Up 0

PUERTO JIMENEZ (GOLFO DULCE), COSTA RICA

4 out of 5

Kayak tour that was a lot of fun. Great beachside bar after.

Thumbs Up 1

ISLA PARIDA, PANAMA

3 out of 5

Had a beach barbeque. It was nice but limited to the beach.

Thumbs Up 0

Balboa, Panama

4 out of 5

Lots to see here.

Thumbs Up 1

Panama Canal Transit

5 out of 5

This was a lot of fun. Ship allows you to stand in the bow to watch the passage through the locks, or there are plenty of other places to stand or sit.

Thumbs Up 0

Colon, Panama

4 out of 5

Took the Panama City old and new tour. Okay, tour guide not great.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

4 out of 5

1 Comment

Gwbigdog 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing

Thumbs Up 0

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