28 Days to Polynesia and back!

Star Princess Cruise Review to Hawaii

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 4
Helpful Votes: 142

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5
Verified Review
Star Princess

28 Night Hawaii/Tahiti/Samoa (Los Angeles Roundtrip)

Sail date: March 30, 2019

Ship: Star Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: B401

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

28 days seemed a long time - but it was over far too quickly. The staff and crew were excellent, engaging, and spontaneous, and there were activities for everyone who wanted to join in. Because of the placement of the common areas, it did not seem crowded most of the time even though the ship was at capacity.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
The process was very efficient in spite of the temporary dock assignment.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We first opted for traditional dining and found it limiting - especially on port days and when table mates requested quick service so they could attend an activity,

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We enjoyed the pool areas (when the music was not so loud that you could feel it!), the fitness center, and the numerous common areas where we could relax. The enrichment program topics were excellent - the presentation was subpar.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
With the exception of 1 performer, we found all the entertainment personnel very talented. Along with the super-amplified music in the pool area, I believe feel the entertainment in Crooners would be enjoyed more if it were not amplified. On this cruise, there were several very talented performers whose abilities were greatly minimized by too-loud sound in a rather intimate space where people gather to enjoy each others' company.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
All the wait staff we encountered were excellent, as was our room steward. The attitude and professionalism exhitibited by all staff is a reflection of the Captain, and Captain Tuvo is one class act!

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
We enjoy the layout of these ships - especially the common areas, where seating is abundant. The ship is well maintained.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Our cabin, conveniently located mid-ship, was in need of some rehab. The lamps, tables, fixtures and trim were showing a great deal of wear.

Ship tip

Enjoy the experience but expect to be enticed to buy something 24 hours a day through flyers, public announcements, etc.

Ports of call

San Pedro (Los Angeles), California

4 out of 5
Was there just to embark and disembark. All went well.

Hilo, Hawaii

5 out of 5
A first visit to this port - and we enjoyed it a great deal. No tour was taken - we did some research on the city's history and walked the city for the day.

Honolulu, Oahu

4 out of 5
A crowded big city - not my preference on holiday. If you have visited before, it is not baffling, but a newcomer could be put off because the pier is a long walk from Waikiki Beach and shuttles are not offered.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

5 out of 5
Charming and very walkable. Did not do an excursion.

Lahaina, Maui

5 out of 5
Always fun to walk the town. No excursion taken.

Cross International Dateline

5 out of 5
This is not a port - it is an experience only, but quite an item on one's bucket list. No excursions offered - it is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean!

Apia, Samoa

5 out of 5
A great port and easy to navigate. The town is very walkable. No excursion taken.

Pago Pago, American Samoa

5 out of 5
Again, a great port. Did not take an excursion.

Papeete, Tahiti

5 out of 5
A wonderful port. No excursion taken.

Moorea, French Polynesia

5 out of 5
This island was beautiful - Shangri-la. We took a island tour and enjoyed it immensely.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

5 out of 5
Again, a beautiful island. We opted not to take an excursion because it was too hot and humid, but we did enjoy time in the village.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Very well organized.
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2 Comments

javawoody    3 years ago

I was on that cruise and it was my all-time favorite

Patty4paws    5 years ago

Thanks for interesting review

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