more Star 12/26

I tried to post this yesterday, but it timed out on me so I'll be brief today!! We were a group ages 5 to 70. Young marrieds, young singles, 1 15 yr old, etc. We did not all know everyone, but we all had a great time except for a couple of folks who had a hard time with the rough seas. Wrist bands helped one, but not the other. As has been mentioned embarkation was delayed by the late arrival of the Star on Sunday the 26th. The confusion of the port guides who didn't know where to put those of us waiting to board was not a good way to start the cruise - a few signs would have really helped. Also the wind was blowing so hard (part of that cold front that dumped snow on southern Texas and up the east coast) that it separated the gangway from the ship for about an hour delaying some other folks even more. We were not able to get reservations at Sabatini's so we'll have to go again I guess. Second seating in Amalfi was excellent- terrific waiter Ferdinand and asst waiter Corbea. We ate lunch by the pool most days, good hamburgers. Breakfast in Horizon Court.

I had preordered a bottle of wine and a bottle of Jack Daniels to be delivered to our cabin and they were there within an hour of our arrival. We took our 4 cup coffee pot and really enjoyed our coffee on the balcony in the mornings. The coffee on ship was as bad as has been related many times on this board. We had a balcony cabin on Baja which was large enough, plenty of room in closet. Small bathroom but ok. Excellent steward, Narrette.

Other than my negative comments on disembarkation in response to another thread, the only other negative was experienced by several of the ladies in our group at the Spa. Apparently rude was the attitude of the day. These gals are not snobs nor hard to please but were really disgusted by the way they were treated.

About 25 of our group privately booked a catamaran, the Aristocat on Tortola - had a wonderful day, snorkling and sailing. The only excursion my husband and I booked through Princess was the Fort Everglades tour when we returned on the 2nd. However we were so late getting off the ship (and we were in the 2nd color called) that we didn't get to do the whole tour. But loved the airboat with "Capt Dave" a dead ringer for Crocodile Dundee flying over the everglades. Even saw an alligator up close and personal!

We only saw one show, but the singers and dancers were quite good. Karoke was fun in the Explorers Bar. There was somewhere for everybody, different music for different folks. Even a string quartet. Casino is nice size, no Texas Hold Em for those of you who have asked. They did have Let It Ride, 3 card poker, Caribbean Stud and several versions of Black Jack as well as craps and roulette and enough slots to keep it loud and fun. Bingo was good tame fun with good Bloody Marys! New Years Eve was a blast - parties everywhere.

Balloon drop in the Atrium, etc.

All in all we had a great time other than disembarkation and the nightmare of FLL airport. Hope this is not too long and rambling. This was our first Princess Cruise but hopefully won't be our last.

Glad you had a great first Princess cruise on the Star.:)

Sorry to hear about Sabatinni's. When did you attempt to make your reservations?