Star Princess 3/16/2002

Mexican Riviera

Having cruised many times throughout the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico and Alaska, we decided to take on the ‘Mexican Riviera’. Having been invited on a three day travel agent cruise aboard Princess’ newest ship, the ‘Star Princess’, we decided to forego this event and would take our children on their ‘Spring Break’ the next week to truly experience the feel of the ship and her staff. The itinerary included the first two days at sea, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and one more sea day back to her new home port of Los Angeles.

We had pre-arranged the ‘Fly-and-Sail’ package through the Sheraton San Pedro hotel, which is 5 minutes from the pier. The package included pick-up from LAX via Towncar to the hotel, the shuttle from hotel to pier, finally hotel to LAX. The package was easy to arrange and well worth the $189.00, which would have been at least the cost of a cab to and from LAX and the room itself. Considering they pick you up curbside at LAX and have someone waiting on you, this seemed to be best way to ‘fly and sail’.

True to their ‘brochure’, they were waiting, and in fact, the gentleman was inside the airport with a sign to pick us up complete with luggage dolly to help us out. Pleased to say the least, we soon found (again) that a piece of luggage did not show (it seems it is always the ladies luggage) and this slowed us down considerably. We quickly filed a claim and were off to the hotel..

The hotel was approximately 30 minutes from the airport and with good traffic seemed no problem. By the way, a warning to those cutting it close, the other side of the freeway had halted from an accident that left it at a standstill so plan accordingly. Barring an accident, you will have no problem. If we were trying to make it to or from the pier that day on a late flight we might have been extremely unhappy. After arriving at the hotel, we tipped the driver and off we went for check-in with no problems. Upon arrival, we were asked how we arrived and we told the nice young man behind the counter via the ‘Fly-and-Sail’ service’.  He handed us our keys and we went to rest in our room Upon returning from the cruise we discovered he had forgotten to give us vouchers for our return to LAX, almost causing a major problem. He had to bribe an independent to take us to the airport at the last minute. Be sure to get your vouchers!

The hotel was nice and clean, and the free breakfast buffet includes a great selection of the breakfast items including eggs benedict, one of our favorites to find on a buffet. Overall, we would stay at the Sheraton again, as it was a nice clean inexpensive hotel for this area and a bargain with the ‘Sail’ program.

The shuttle run begins at 11:00p.m. to the pier and we grabbed one around noon after talking to the concierge and being assured that the lines are not very bad around this time. We would now recommend that you wait, it was around 60 degrees and windy and the line was already very long outside and we stood inline for about 45 minutes waiting to go through security inside the pier building. Once inside the only negative comments concern the lack of knowledge of the staff as to where the ‘express’ embarkation line was. No staff knew, however, there was a shorter roped off line but it was being serviced by any and all representatives there, and was no quicker than the line we were in. Perhaps, this being the first full sailing they simply have not worked out all the details yet.

Once aboard we promptly went about to make reservations for a manicure and reservations at Sabitini’s brunch for all sea days possible and for dinner. Making reservations at Sabitini’s was a breeze, met by the Maitre-de Marco with virtually no line. Our reservations completed we proceeded to the salon for the manicure reservation. The line was approximately 20-30 people deep and moving very slowly, with this we decided to abandon the idea and check back later for an opening. Within an hour, we did check and there were no openings for the rest of the week. We had never experienced this before on her sister ships, the ‘Golden’ or ‘Grand’ and truly was a disappointment. We learned later that only one nail technician was onboard. Ladies, prepare in advance! Hopefully this will be remedied in the near future.

Of course, the next stop was food for the children via the Lido deck. Traveling with our children we enjoyed many meals there as they served the best pizza afloat, bratwurst, burgers, and the usual assortment of grilled goodies on most ships today. The lines were never very long here and the service was prompt and courteous.

The children’s area on the first day is closed, although staff is on hand to help you sign-up and view the ‘Fun-Zone’, broken into two large sections. They split ages two through five in one room and six and seven-year-olds in another. The eight to twelve-year-olds are next door in a separate area nearby. The ‘Off Limits’ teen center across the hall serves the thirteen to seventeen crowd and all of these areas have been massively redesigned versus her sister ships.

The redesign eliminates the video arcade on the ‘Golden’ and ‘Grand’ and the children’s area was moved from forward to the aft part of the ship and is massive! A new addition to this ship is learning-based projects in conjunction with the California Science Center and the National Wildlife Federation. These ‘projects’ will only be onboard during peak sailing periods, i.e. spring break, holiday sailings, etc. On this trip, Ashley dissected a dog-shark and a squid! Very educational indeed!

The children have two separate mini-basketball and table tennis areas on both the port and starboard sides that overlook the aft terrace pool. Overall, it is a good move to bolster the family bookings. The revenue from the huge video arcade should not be missed compared to the families booking triples and quad occupancy cabins. We must admit we missed having a go at the simulated rides in the arcade and so did our children Spencer and Ashley, ages six and eight respectively. All the areas are loaded with the latest game equipment and more computers than are necessary, however the ‘Off Limits’ area is the largest, and most impressive of the Princess ships, complete with a huge wall of televisions and disco complete with a DJ. By far the best we have seen for teenagers aboard a Princess ship!

A few more notes concerning the children’s program; the program for under twelve ends at 10:00 p.m. though the older teens have activities until 1:00 a.m. From 10:00 p.m. -1:00 a.m. there is a ‘babysitting’ charge of $4.00 per hour/per child (ages 2-12) and you are strongly recommended to pre-register the night before to make certain they have adequate supervision. We found that all they did was turn on the television and let them watch movies for the evening. Although most of the smaller children did not mind this, the older (including our Ashley) did not like this at all. Other cruise lines have activities or allow them to play computer games during this time, or opt out of the movies in some way. Toward the middle of the cruise Ashley really did not was not to go and sit with "a bunch of babies" and watch television. That was a disappointment though she did go and would simply go to sleep after awhile. They do provide sleeping bags and pillows in a very nice environment.

An important note for anyone traveling with children! On one of the last days, we noted they are experimenting with changing the children’s age groups and are likely to kill the two-year-old program totally. We tried to get firm information but they refused and would only say they are definitely changing things around as far as what age groups are together onboard. Check with Princess before you plan if this is of concern.

The first two days are sea days, which are most welcome aboard this beautiful ship. The artwork is very subdued and almost formal in appearance. There are no visually shocking, exotic artworks that we could find. Most of the ship is so similar to her sister ships, that you would note little difference and indeed it fells like the ‘Golden’ or ‘Grand’, even down to the atrium elevator décor which is exactly like the ‘Golden Princess’. The main differences are in the kid’s area and the ‘Skywalker Nightclub’ hanging 150 feet above the water on the aft of the ship. The disco has no more stairs and multiple levels; it is one large long place to party! Moreover, party they did to the wee hours of the morning (reportedly).J

As for dining, we chose ‘Personal Choice’ dining as usual and hoped for the best staff we could find. We asked the Maitre-de for a table for two and were immediately seated with no problem. The first sea night was ‘smart-casual’ dress night and most dressed accordingly with few jackets scattered about here and there. Our luck was with us as we were seated with a waiter who we recognized as being on the ‘Golden Princess’. We had become well aquatinted with his brother Nicholas who served us in ‘Desert Rose’ many times onboard the ‘Golden‘ and after visiting with Diego awhile it was like having good friends serve us almost every evening (his brother’s photo is on our website from our ‘Golden Princess’ review!).

Diego and his assistant waiter Gasper took very good care of us each night we dined and seemed to do so for all others in his area. We typically eat around 8:00 p.m. and there was always plenty of room in the Capri dining room. As we have previously stated in other reviews the "Personal Choice’ dining seems to be best for them and for most people sailing. We always ask others onboard and we never had a negative remark. Asking the staff is almost ridiculous these days, for instance in our case they received tips for our two children for a week (whom never dined with us-they prefer the kids dining options) as well as our cabin steward. There are no ‘kiddie rates’ for tipping so they find this very easy, efficient, as well as profitable. Formal nights onboard there were approximately 50% tuxedos, 20% dark suits, 20% jacket (no tie) and a scattering of very casual dressers’ (no jacket). Typical of the Caribbean sailings on the ‘Grand Class’ ships. The food was even par with other Princess mega-ships, and in fact they surprised us with what we thought was a fabulous pastry chef (and boy are we picky). The Beef Wellington, king crab-legs, Filet Mignon, all perfectly prepared in our opinion. Certainly, there is better, however we enjoyed almost everything during this sailing. Only a handful of soups, appetizers, etc. did not make the cut by being bland or simply not to our liking.

Dining in the ‘Tequilas’ Mexican restaurant had it’s charm, no reservations were necessary for lunch and we always got in with a smile and personal attention to our picky habits of having the perfect margarita. The salsa and guacamole are much better on the ‘Golden’ and that kept us out of ‘marguaritaville’ for most of the week. However, we enjoyed our lunches greatly each time we dined. Great service and food all around make this a very enjoyable place to hang out. One sea day they held line-dancing lessons here after hours and that was a complete success! In the evening, they also provide entertainment by country vocalist Barry Compton on guitar from 7:45 to 8:45 then from 9:15 to ‘late’.

‘Sabitini’s’ Italian restaurant is always a treat for brunch on sea days, if you have never read about it or been there it is the best bargain on any ship. A mere $15.00 and you receive all the complimentary ‘morning’ drinks (screwdrivers, bloody’s, mimosa’s, etc.) along with as many as five courses ranging from a buffet of sushi, shrimp and crablegs to ordering egg sardou, omelet or other egg creations. Then onto braised veal or perhaps glazed ham or…well, you get the idea. Oh yes, dessert! Words of advice…do not try to eat all the courses!

In the ‘Wheel House’ Lounge there was always good entertainment and dancing. In the early evening the ensemble would play relaxing music from 5:30 to 9:00 then the Perry Phillips Trio would take over until late with stylish jazz that was excellent each evening.

On an interesting note, one evening we arrived for dinner at Sabitini’s and were told our table was not ready yet. We typically would have a few pre-dinner cocktails in the ‘Wheel House’ bar and we would frequently have cocktails and conversation with the Head Purser, Martin (whose nametag reads ‘Customer Relations Manager’) and the Cruise Director, (Paul O’ Loughlin) who were there nightly before dinner.

Upon hearing of our wait for a table, Martin apologized and called the Maitre d’ and asked to immediately "take care of us." Within a minute or two Marco (the Maitre d’) arrived and told us he had a table, though small and as he put it "cramped." Martin would have none of that, and told Marco to find another table immediately. He then bought our drinks at the bar and when Marco returned (rather quickly); he was told to put our wine or drinks on his tab for the evening! He had no idea we would write about the ship, and we do not believe he knew we were travel agents. He simply was doing the right thing and enjoyed doing it. This was typical of the care that continually occurred onboard the ship.

Other choices to have pre and post dinner cocktails included ‘Shooter’s Sports Bar’, ‘Tequila’s’, ‘Promenade Lounge’ and the ‘Explorer’s Lounge’ to name a few of the favorites. Though not big on the shows typically we heard the show ‘Dance’ and ‘Da Beat’ were exceptionally good and that the comedian Jim McDonald was also very entertaining. On Sea day number two they hosted a St. Patrick’s day party in the ‘Skywalker Nightclub’ and decorated throughout the main areas of the ship.

The buffet breakfast onboard this ship was one of the best we have seen for a ship this size. A very extensive selection from fruits, eggs benedict and assorted other goodies should satisfy to fussiest eater. The only item lacking, which we love, is the omelet station. Perhaps serving over 2800 it is simply not feasible.

Before writing about the ports of call, we would like to point out a few interesting observations that everybody is a-buzz about these days. Namely, drinks...cocktails, you know...’sneaking’ booze onboard! This topic creeps up on every chat room and bulletin board on the Internet. First, we must say we saw two cruisers in line to embark carrying a case of liquor (yes, in a liquor box) as well as another with a case of beer that had no trouble whatsoever getting onboard.

There was an intriguing new addition to the room service menu. Princess is now selling liquor and setups in your cabin via room service. How much you ask? Is it $20 to $30 for a bottle of your choice plus mixers? No way Jose’ (apologies to Jose’). We are talking a pint of your favorite vodka, scotch, and rum served with three cans of mixers or (6) beers for $15.00 and tip. Allow us to save you the math. A pint of liquor contains 470ml. Small (airline) bottles of liquor are 50ml. That is over nine drinks for $15.00 or $1.66 a drink (plus tip), so let us say a little under $2.00 bucks a pop. On the same in-cabin menu a bottle (flight size) served to your room with a mixer is $3.50 plus tip. We bought a bottle of rum that is supposed to come with three Cokes. Instead, they brought us six Cokes with the order which of course is another $4.50 ($1.50 per can). We ordered it twice to see if it was a mistake and they delivered the same thing. Of course, we cannot promise this forever but whatever the case that brings the total value down to roughly $1.34 a drink. In cabin consumption only of course!

As far as the ports of call, we enjoyed Puerto Vallarta’s Mismaloya beach where "The Night of the Iguana" was filmed. They have practically made it into a shrine. A $15.00 dollar taxi ride and we were there. The best part are the low prices for good food and drink and the rocky shoreline that one can follow along a trail and see all sorts of interesting wildlife above and below the water. Not good snorkeling here that day…reportedly there are other times of decent visibility.

Mazatlan was an interesting city to visit. We opted out of a tour, asked a cab driver where to go for ‘la playa’ and took a cab to a water taxi, which transported us to a beach with no name for some ‘local flavor’. The beach was long, there were many small establishments for food, and Cervesa’s were available everywhere. We did not have a problem eating or drinking and everybody used bagged ice for the drinks. This particular morning we arrived around 10:00 a.m. and it was virtually deserted having only locals relaxing by the beach. By noon, many people arrived and the beach changed considerably with a nice mix of tourists from nearby resorts. The only trouble here was the street vendors hawking their wares. We must have seen one hundred of them. However, if you simply told them no thank you they would scurry off and another would appear in a moment. Be prepared! It is considered very impolite to ignore them and this will simply make them keep asking repeatedly.

One interesting note, (all prices for the four of us) the cab ride from the ship was $10.00 to the water taxi, which was $2.00 and the taxi ride to the beach was then $2.00. To top it off, on the way back to the ship, we hailed a cab (there are plenty everywhere) and were charged $5.00! It does appear if your getting off the ship, they know they have you, however if you are not they know this is too much to charge and you pay accordingly. Our advice? Pick up your cab somewhere other than at the ‘pier’. Simply walk around the wall of shops and you will find many cabs to take you anywhere you wish.

Next, we arrived in Cabo San Lucas and what a difference a day makes. Time allowed only 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (last tender), so this was a short stop but well worth the visit. Be forewarned, the line for the last tender starts forming around 12:00 p.m. and gets worse from there. So truly, you have until around noon to get back to the pier and stand in line. Take a hat! It is possible to get more sun in line than on the beach.

The water taxi’s will run you to the arches and show you sea lions and other wildlife for around $20-30 dollars round trip (that was for four). Our taxi took us on a brief tour then ran us to ‘Honeymoon Beach’ and came back at our appointed time to pick us up. Convenient, on time and very nice. We did not ask for the tour, he volunteered at no charge (and well he should for that kind of Guacamole). However, that was typical pricing this day for what we wanted to do. A note of caution, this is not something one can do if you have trouble getting in and out of a small boat. Though they do take good care of you while you are getting in and out of the boat, at the beach you literally jump out on your own. There are locals on the beach that help you get back in the boat but it is a bit trepadatious.

The locals are also on hand for a cold brew. At first one fellow asked two for $5.00, when I scoffed he came back and sold me 2 for $3.00. A must see on the island is the Pacific side for the rock formations and surf. Truly, a great place to get away for a romantic moment.

A note on the shore excursions offered. Some of the best trips are not available via the Princess website, but are only offered on a first-come-first-serve basis once onboard. There were many excursions that were listed in your ‘Princess Patter’ that simply were as they say, "unpublished". This is one trip where the early bird gets the worm and if you want the dolphin trip or whale watching then rely on good old hustle to get it done.