What We Love
The Pools: Sun-seekers can be in the center of the action on the Lido Deck (deck 17), where the main pool area features two pools, multiple hot tubs, a jumbo LED screen, live music, three bars, and four casual grab-and-go eateries (Lido Grill, Lido Taco, Lido Slice, and Lido Greens). All guests can also access two other pools. Forward on deck 17 is The Dome, a climate-controlled solarium with rows of cushioned sun loungers (its spare, tiered design and potted olive trees give it a Santorini vibe) and a small pool that lets you swim from indoors to a terraced outdoor relaxation area. The third is the Wake View Terrace, hidden away on deck 8 aft behind the Sanctuary Restaurant and featuring a bar, two hot tubs, and a glass-walled infinity pool that extends over the back of the ship.
Sanctuary Club: Star Princess features 80 specialty suites whose guests have access to the Sanctuary Club, a private haven on deck 18 aft that features comfy loungers, a bar, a pool, and a hot tub. In addition, guests who book Sanctuary Collection staterooms — available in the Mini-Suite and Balcony categories — also enjoy access to the Sanctuary Club and the Sanctuary Restaurant. While Sanctuary accommodations and amenities aren't located within an enclave requiring keycard access, like on several other cruise lines, the more upscale ambience of the Sanctuary Club does create a "ship-within-a-ship" effect for guests seeking a calmer, quieter place to relax.
Special Moments: Princess is known for its romantic touches, and on Star Princess couples can indulge in some truly amazing extra-cost experiences. A must-do is Spellbound by Magic Castle (in partnership with L.A.'s members-only magic club) to experience its elaborately detailed 1930s speakeasy décor during an immersive mind-reading show. Another must-try is Love by Britto, a dining experience with sweeping ocean views that embraces romance down to the tiniest detail. A collaboration between Chef Rudi Sodamin and Brazilian artist Romero Britto, the space delights the senses with Britto's vibrant artwork and tableware and a menu of superb dishes that include cappuccino of wild mushrooms, butter-poached tail of lobster, and chocolate lava cake.
Star-Studded Cocktail Culture: Star Princess has more than a dozen bars and lounges, all showcasing how Princess has upped its cocktail game by partnering with a glittering array of celebrities and their beverage brands. The impressive onboard cocktail menus include beverages crafted with Matthew and Camila McConaughey's Pantalones tequila (the two are also the godparents of Star Princess), Jesse and Jon Bon Jovi's Hampton Water Rosé, Liev Schreiber's Slainte Irish whiskey, Jason Mamoa and Blaine Halvorson's Meili Vodka, and Elizabeth Banks' Archer Roose wines. Additionally, the Good Spirits at Sea bar offers a nightly cocktail experience featuring bartender demos of three drinks inspired by world destinations, in which celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd (of "Bar Recue") appears in videos to explain the locales and their beverage origins. The cruise line's newest partnership is with Mexico City's award-winning Handshake Speakeasy, which has created five special cocktails exclusive to Princess ships.
Stateroom Options: Until its Sphere-class ships, Princess offered a very basic selection of staterooms and just a handful of suites. Both Sun Princess and Star Princess, however, feature 80 suites and a dozen accommodation categories ranging from 136-square-foot Interior Staterooms to the 1,262-square-foot Sky Suite. All suites are part of the Sanctuary Collection, but guests who want extra amenities can also book 179-to-279-square-foot Sanctuary Collection Balcony staterooms or 302-square-foot Sanctuary Collection Mini-Suites, which also offer access to the Sanctuary Club and Sanctuary Restaurant. In addition, the ship has 389-square-foot Cabana Deck Mini-Suites and 329-square-foot Cabana Mini-Suites featuring an outside cabana area with access to a shared or private deck.
