Star Princess

The Star Princess is a Grand class ship and the second vessel in the Princess Cruises fleet to carry the name (the original Star Princess has since been renamed and now goes by the title Pacific Pearl).

Launched in 2001, Star Princess was the third and last of the Grand class of ships - which also includes Grand Princess and Golden Princess. At the time of construction, these were some of the largest liners in existence and they were looked to as models for future innovation in the cruise industry.

One of the most prominent features of Star Princess is the Skywalkers nightclub, which is mounted high above the aft deck - and which is often likened to the handle of a shopping trolley or a car's spoiler, due to its unusual shape.

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Star Princess was dry docked in 2008, during which time the vessel was fitted out with a number of new features, ensuring that its amenities remained competitive and up-to-date. This included a new Piazza, as well as an internet cafe, some new restaurants and an adults-only relaxation area.

Throughout the year, Star Princess serves a variety of locations. During the summer, it can be found in the Mediterranean, with ports of call including Rome, Venice, Naples, Barcelona, Kusadasi and Dubrovnik, as well as the Greek Isles.

As the winter approaches, the vessel sails across the Atlantic, along the South American coastline and around Cape Horn. It then journeys northwards to provide cruises from San Francisco to Hawaii, before making the reverse trip back to Europe.

Ship stats and features

Passenger capacity: 3,102
Year entered service: 2002
Beam (ship width): 118.1 feet
Draught (ship depth): 26.2 feet
Length: 951.4 feet
Tonnage: 109,000
Crew: 1,200
Maximum speed: 24 knots
Number of passenger decks: 17
Number of lifts: 14
Number of swimming pools: 4
Number of cabins: 1,301

Food, cuisine and dining

Star Princess has three main dining rooms: the Amalfi is the more formal option, with two set dinner services, while the Portofino and Capri offer anytime dining. Both provide the same fare and boast high levels of service.

If you'd like a change of setting during your voyage, there are a number of alternative dining options to choose from.

A favourite of these is the Wheelhouse Pub. This British-style venue features a large bar area and a range of comfortable seating options - from intimate booths to tub chairs, sofas and bar stools.

It's decorated with paintings of well-dressed gentlemen, as well as old-timey ships, while the richly coloured wood panelling, marble table tops and fluted columns give the room a luxurious feel.

The most popular meal in the Wheelhouse is the pub lunch, which includes UK favourites like bangers and mash, cottage pie and fish and chips with mushy peas, as well as a ploughman's lunch. Of course, you can wash down your nosh with a pint of your favourite ale - while other drink options are also available.

Desserts include traditional items like bread pudding and trifle.

If you prefer a different type of cuisine, there are plenty of alternative choices on-board Star Princess. For example, there are two specialty restaurants: Sabatini's for Italian and the Crown Grill for steak and seafood.

More casual dining alternatives include:
• Horizon Court and Bistro
• Vines
• Scoops
• Prego Pizzeria
• Trident Grill

Room service is available 24 hours a day and you can also request Ultimate Balcony Dining, where a meal of your choice is served up with panache on your own private balcony.

On-board entertainment and activities

Those travelling on Star Princess will have plenty to keep them busy. After all, the ship has often been compared to a floating resort and the best way to ensure you don't miss out on any entertainment is to consult the Princess Patter - a daily guide to the various shows, demonstrations, lectures and other activities.

The Promenade is the home of the craft's main entertainment venues: the Princess Theatre, the Vista Lounge and the Explorers' Lounge. These host movies and plays, as well as live music, cabaret and comedy performances.

In addition, there's a casino with a variety of slot machines, and games tables including poker, blackjack, roulette and craps. Or why not head to one of the many bars for a bit of live music and your favourite cocktail?

Star Princess also offers a great range of child-friendly activities. The kids' club includes arts and crafts, edutainment and story time.

A unique activity only available on Princess Cruises is the Ultimate Ship Tour, which is available twice on every voyage.

This experience will give you the chance to see parts of Star Princess that are generally unavailable to the public, including the engine control room, the laundry facilities and the bridge. The tour finishes in the vessel's command centre, where you'll meet the captain. Refreshments will be served and you'll be able to enjoy the spectacular views from this unique vantage point.

Spas and fitness facilities

If you're looking for the ultimate in relaxation, then a trip to the Asian-inspired Lotus Spa is a must. This gorgeous venue offers a full menu of spa and beauty treatments - massages, facials, aromatherapy and manicure-pedicures - as well as a thermal suite with a steam room and sauna.

There's also the Sanctuary, an adults-only area designed for complete tranquillity. Waiters are on-hand to serve you tasty food and drink, while soothing music is played in the background.

For those who prefer a vigorous workout to relieve their stress, there's also a complete fitness suite, fitted with cardio and resistance machines, as well as exercise and fitness classes. Or you could head off for a swim, a jog or even a game of tennis or basketball.

Cabins

With more than 1,300 cabins, Star Princess offers a wide range of stateroom options for those seeking to book a voyage.

There are six main types of rooms, separated into 35 different price categories. Depending on the size, location and amenities, you'll have the choice of a luxurious room or something a bit more basic for a great-value cruise deal.

Choose from grand suites, suites, mini-suites, outside-view doubles with balconies, outside-view doubles with no balcony and interior cabins. However, it's good to remember that the view from balcony rooms on Emerald Deck could be obstructed by lifeboats.

Most cabins are designed for two passengers, although some can accommodate three or four, making them ideal for small families or groups of friends travelling together. There are also two family suites, which can sleep up to ten passengers. Each of theses consists of two suites with interconnecting doors, as well as a large balcony.

Star Princess also has 28 staterooms that are wheelchair accessible.

As standard, all rooms include a turn-down service and passengers will enjoy little luxuries like chocolates on pillows and toiletry kits. In addition, every room features a private bathroom, a vanity unit with a hair dryer and a television.