TRAVELCruise ship tours: Princess Cruises' Star PrincessPrincess Cruises 2002-built, 108.997 gt, 2,600-guest Star Princess is the third of the line’s original Grand Class trio of ships.Peter KnegoHull number 6051, the Star Princess was built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone-based shipyard near Trieste Italy. The ship’s godmother, Gunilla Antonini, is the wife of Fincantieri executive chairman Corrado Antonini.Peter KnegoThe Star Princess is 951-by-118 feet and has a draft of 27.7 feet. The Star and its Grand Class fleetmates have distinctive, whale-inspired bows, which are further distinguished by a walk-around promenade in the inner rim of the prow, itself.Peter Knego4. The Grand Class ships are also noteworthy for their massive, visor-like wheelhouses that are cantilevered atop diagonal struts. The ship is manned by a crew of 1,150 and is driven by diesel engines that power twin screws at a service speed of 22.5 knots.Peter Knego5. The edgy architecture of this series of ships is enhanced by streamlined, grilled funnels that sport Princess Cruises’ trademark SeaWitch logo.Peter KnegoThe most immediately distinguished element of the Grand Class design is the pod-like Skywalker’s Lounge and Nightclub that towers over the ships’ sterns.Peter KnegoThe highest point on the Star Princess is the observation platform atop Deck 17. The view facing aft from here encompasses the Movies Under The Stars and Neptune’s Reef pool area.Peter KnegoThe Deck 18 platform has fixed benches and open space for sunning.Peter KnegoThe forward-facing view from the Deck 18 platform overlooks the lap pool and Sanctuary areas.Peter KnegoFormerly the Princess Links putting green, the Lawn Court now occupies the sheltered space between the Movies Under The Stars LED screen and the base of the funnel. It is used for putting, bocce ball and other turf-friendly activities.Peter KnegoAft of the funnel on Deck 17, there is a net-enclosed Sports Court for basketball and volleyball.Peter KnegoOn aft Deck 16, there is shuffleboard and an oversized chess court.Peter KnegoThe al fresco Oasis Bar is on aft Deck 16.Peter KnegoFrom the Oasis Bar terrace, there is a stellar view of the ship’s wake and the Terrace Pool area underneath the Skywalker’s structure.Peter KnegoLocated at the forward end of Deck 16, the adults-only Sanctuary provides cushioned sun beds and a tranquil, relaxing environment for a nominal fee. It can be booked for half day and full day access.Peter KnegoSpa treatments are offered in the Sanctuary, which has several private cabanas for the ultimate indulgence.Peter KnegoA swim-against-the-current lap pool is accessed via the Sanctuary and the Spa on forward Deck 15.Peter KnegoOn Deck 15, there is an observation platform directly above the bridge.Peter KnegoThe views from forward Deck 15 can be spectacular but when the ship is at sea, the platform is often closed due to high winds.Peter KnegoThe al fresco Tradewinds Bar on Deck 15 serves the open-air Neptune’s Reef Pool area.Peter KnegoTerraces on Deck 15 continue aft from the Tradewinds Bar.Peter KnegoThe open-air Neptune’s Reef and Pool area is also home to Prego’s Pizzeria, the Mermaid’s Tail Bar, the Trident Grill, Sundaes Ice Cream Parlor and two hot tubs.Peter KnegoThe Conservatory houses the Calypso Reef and Pool underneath a retractable glass dome. On Deck 15, there are sheltered terraces overlooking the pool area.Peter KnegoOn the Conservatory’s Deck 14 level, the Calypso Reef Pool and two hot tubs are served by the popular Calypso Bar.Peter KnegoThe Star Princess has a fully encircling promenade on two levels that are connected via outside stairs. The forward portion of the promenade is located on Deck 8 and encircles the ship’s prow.Peter KnegoThe Deck 7 level of the promenade surrounds an entire deck of public rooms.Peter KnegoFrom aft Deck 17, the only access to Skywalkers is via a futuristic walkway that has a moving ramp in its center.Peter KnegoSkywalkers offers some of the most spectacular and vertiginous views at sea. It also has its own bar and a large dancefloor.Peter KnegoThe Lotus Spa is located on forward Deck 15 adjacent to the lap pool.Peter KnegoThe Beauty Salon is on the starboard side of the Lotus Spa and offers a wide range of treatments from hairstyling to facials, manicures and pedicures.Peter KnegoLotus Spa guests have a relaxation area that can be enjoyed before and after spa treatments.Peter KnegoThere are numerous treatments rooms in the Lotus Spa, including the Tropical Floral Suite for couples.Peter KnegoThe Lotus Spa has a thermal suite with a wet and dry sauna area as well as separate men’s and women’s changing areas.Peter KnegoAt the forward end of the Lotus Spa, there is a free-of-charge fitness center with cardio machines, free weights and weight machines.Peter KnegoOn the port side of the fitness center, there is an aerobics and stretching room.Peter KnegoThe Wedding Chapel is located on the port side of the forward stairtower on Deck 15.Peter KnegoOn the port/aft side of Deck 15, there is a Teen Center that caters to 13-to-17-year-olds with activities like wii games, dance parties, sports tournaments, talent shows, DJ workshops and even hip hop dance classes.Peter KnegoThe Youth Center is geared for ages 3-to-12 and is located on the starboard side of aft Deck 15. Shockwaves caters to 8-to-12-year-olds and has a range of activities including dance parties, movie screenings, scavenger hunts and more.Peter KnegoPrincess Pelicans is the Youth Center’s 3-to-8-year-old domain with activities that range from movie and cartoon screenings to t-shirt coloring, art projects and ice cream and pizza parties.Peter KnegoThis is the toddler’s corner in Princess Pelicans.Peter KnegoThe Youth Center has a glass-enclosed games area on the aft Deck 15 terrace.Peter KnegoHorizon Court is the casual buffet eatery on the port and starboard sides of Deck 14 spanned by full length windows that have spectacular views.Peter KnegoAction stations in the Horizon Court include everything from a salad bar, carving station, hot and cold entrées to sushi, pasta and an incredible selection of desserts.Peter KnegoThe three deck Princess Theater is the main showroom. With terraced seating and excellent sightlines, it begins an entire level of public areas on Deck 7.Peter KnegoThe Crown Grill is a reservations-required, extra-tariff steakhouse with a Manhattan-inspired decorative theme. It is located on Deck 7 aft of the Theater.Peter KnegoThe Shore Excursions Office is on Deck 7 near the Crown Grill.Peter KnegoCrooner’s Bar is a popular piano bar overlooking the Piazza from Deck 7.Peter KnegoA gallery of seating surrounds the piano, making it an ideal spot for sing-alongs in the Crooner’s Bar.Peter KnegoSeen from Deck 7, the three deck Piazza is in the heart of the ship and lined with eateries, shops and bars.Peter KnegoThe Explorer’s Lounge is a cabaret style venue with Rudyard Kipling-inspired decor. It begins a suite of spaces that are connected via a wide starboard passage on Deck 7.Peter KnegoFurnished with maritime artifacts and richly paneled, the Wheelhouse Bar is an L-shaped space with intimate alcoves on Deck 7.Peter KnegoPaintings and models in the Wheelhouse Bar represent ships that were once owned by Princess Cruises’ former parent company, the British-based P&O Lines. This painting is a reproduction of a well-known oil of P&O’s 1937-built SS Stratheden.Peter KnegoSabatini’s is the extra-tariff, reservations-required Italian eatery on Deck 7.Peter KnegoThe Photo Gallery is located on the starboard side of Deck 7.Peter KnegoAt the aft end of Deck 7, the Vista Lounge is the Star Princess’ second largest entertainment venue.Peter KnegoShooter’s is a sports bar near the Deck 6 entrance to the Princess Theater.Peter KnegoThe Grand Casino on Deck 6 has numerous slots in addition to Poker, Black Jack, Roulette and other gaming options.Peter KnegoThe Passenger Services Desk overlooks the Piazza from Deck 6.Peter KnegoShops line either side of the Piazza on Deck 6.Peter KnegoOne of three nearly identical full service eateries, the Portofino Dining Room is adjacent to the Piazza on Deck 6 and offers full service breakfast, lunch and open seating or “Anytime” dinner.Peter KnegoThe Amalfi Dining Room is located on aft Deck 6 but can only be accessed from aft Deck 7 via the aft lifts and stairs. It has the same menu and is decorated in a similar fashion as the Portofino and Capri Dining Rooms but offers traditional dinner in two seatings.Peter KnegoThe Fine Arts Gallery begins a suite of public spaces directly aft of the Princess Theater on Deck 5.Peter KnegoThe lower level of the Piazza is on Deck 5. Surrounded by bars and dining venues, it is like a city square in the heart of the ship.Peter KnegoThe Piazza boasts fine detailing, including hand-inset mosaics. Jugglers, acrobats and musicians perform here throughout the day and evening.Peter KnegoA dedicated wine bar with impressive selections, Vines is located on the starboard side of the Deck 5 level of the Piazza.Peter KnegoAdjacent to Vines, there is a shop selling fine chocolates.Peter KnegoThe internet center and library are also on the starboard side of the Deck 5 level of the Piazza.Peter KnegoFine coffees and favorite beverages are available on the port side of the Piazza at the International Cafe and the Piazza Bar.Peter KnegoThe third full service restaurant, the Capri Dining Room, is located directly aft of the Piazza on Deck 5 and offers open seating or “Anytime” dinner.Peter KnegoAt the top end of nine overall categories of accommodation on the Star Princess, Grand Suites with Balconies measure between 319- and 730-square-feet.Peter KnegoGrand Suite 751 has an especially large living room with a dining nook.Peter KnegoThe bathroom of Grand Suite 751 boasts marble paneling, a full-sized tub with Jacuzzi jets and a separate shower.Peter KnegoThis is the walk-in closet of Grand Suite 751.Peter KnegoIn Grand Suite 751, an especially large balcony with room for a dining table, as well as deck chairs, overlooks the ship’s wake.Peter KnegoMini-Suites such as stateroom 723 measure 323-square-feet and have a sitting area that is separate from the bedroom.Peter KnegoMini-Suite bathrooms have full-sized tubs and tile detailing.Peter KnegoMini-Suites also have walk-in closets.Peter KnegoMini-Suites have large balconies with room for a small dining table and deck chairs.Peter KnegoBalcony Cabins measure between 232- and 274-square-feet.Peter KnegoBalcony Cabins have standard bathrooms with shower, sink and toilet.Peter KnegoBalcony Cabin verandas have room for two small chairs and a cocktail table.Peter KnegoBalcony Cabins have small walk-in closets.Peter KnegoMini-Suite and higher category cabins have Lotus Spa amenities that include shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and shower gel.Peter KnegoIn standard category staterooms, there are large shower gel and shampoo/conditioner dispensers in lieu of small plastic bottles.Peter Knego