This is my first ever cruise review. Having just returned home from an awesome Baltic cruise on the Star Princess I am inspired to share my experiences.

Since 1996 I have cruised exclusively with Princess. Being an Elite Captain’s Circle Member I enjoy the special perks offered by Princess.

In summary the 10 night Baltic cruise is port intensive, but, exhilarating.
I was asked if it was worth the long travel, and my reply “indeed it was”.

PRE CRUISE:
Princess sends out a Pre-Cruise Packet along with a wonderful Adventures Ashore Book. You can also access your booking on-line via the Cruise Personalizer.
I had great difficulty trying to plan my shore excursions. There is simply too much to do and not enough time to do it all.
Aside from the expert information shared here on Cruise Reviews I purchased 2 travel books.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide St. Petersburg. This provided excellent pictures and information. It was also small enough to bring along.
Frommer’s Scandinavia was lengthier, but, did have some good tips.
I must admit I did not do the extensive research others did pre-cruise on our ports of call. No time really.
Booking Princess tours for many ports I knew I would be expertly guided.
I was also going to the Star to visit good friends who work on board. They would also serve as my guide.
My flights were booked via Princess Air. They were not that bad timing wise.
I flew KLM out and BA home.
The International Luggage Restrictions had me worried pre-cruise. I prepared by downsizing my carry-on and paid close attention to the weight of all of my luggage. Why? I was shocked that noone paid any attention to this at all. I was amazed at the carry-ons people did have – huge carry-ons plus loads of shopping bags, etc.
For me, better safe than sorry, but, I worried for nothing.
I booked Princess Transfers. Traveling to the ship alone I wanted stress-free transport to and from the ship.

MISC:

MONEY:
I did not exchange any currency prior to my cruise. When I landed in Amsterdam (for the connection to Copenhagen) I used the ATM to get $200 Euro to start.
I did use my credit card when making purchases in many ports. I do see that they have charged me a foreign currency exchange – No worries. It was just easier.
Many places did accept US dollars. Beware of the exchange rate given.
I used my credit card onboard with Princess for express checkout. No problem at all. My statement was accurate.

DRESS CODE:
Always a topic for discussion.
I personally enjoy dressing for dinner on my cruises. I bring a dress for every night. This cruise I purchased 2 new evening gowns for the formal nights.
2 Formal Nights this cruise. Welcome Gala & Champagne Waterfall.
I did notice many chose not to dress formally and ate in Horizon Court.
I also saw many (both men & women) wearing jeans to dinner. This surprised me when they were allowed in the dining room.

WEATHER:
We had awesome weather. Lucky.
I was surprised with how warm it actually was.
Of course I went prepared for cooler temps. Packing to wear layers.
Never needed my fleece jacket at all.
Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. *
My umbrella always travels with me (law of umbrellas). Fortunately it never got used.
I did bring one bathing suit, and actually did put it on for some Baltic sun. Many were swimming in the pools.

THE SHIP:
The Star Princess is a Grand Class Ship. 2600 passengers.
As large as the Star is you can always find quiet hideaways.

Having recently been on the Star & Golden I felt back at home, and easily found my way around the ship.

EMBARKATION:
Princess does an excellent job with priority embarkation for those eligible.
Having your paperwork filled out helps lots. You are also given a health form asking if you have been sick in the past 48 hrs. This has to do with the recent Norwalk Virus outbreaks.
I arrived to the ship at 6pm (flight delays). Within minutes I was onboard and in my cabin.
Princess also has a welcome crew as you board the ship. There is a crew member posted on every level to assist passengers with finding their cabin, etc.
My luggage arrived in record time. I was surprised how quickly it arrived. Perhaps my later arrival??
Most passengers arrived to the ship by 1pm.

STATEROOM:
I had booked a Guaranteed Cabin, category M, and was upgraded to Category C.
Aloha 747 (Deck 12) Outside AFT cabin, with 2 large portholes.

I was worried about noise. Only one morning did I hear deck chairs being dragged on our sea day. I found the cabin location very convenient to go to Horizon Court.
Closet and drawer space ample.
My Elite status stocked the mini-bar, which is quite nice.
My bathrobe and slippers were in the cabin waiting for me.
I am not certain that attention was paid to my information on the Cruise Personalizer concerning beverages. I requested all diet coke, and had an assorted mix. One call to Room Service fixed that, and soon my diet coke arrived.

DINING:
This cruise I selected Personal Choice. Visiting friends that work onboard this allowed me flexibility and options.
Traditional meal times were 1st Sitting 5:45pm and 2nd Sitting 8pm.
There are 3 main dining rooms.
Amalfi – traditional dining, fixed seating.
Capri & Portofino – personal choice dining.
I did have dinner several nights in Portofino. The staff and service excellent.
Never any complaints from me on Princess dining.
I always receive royal treatment.
The 2 Alternative Dining Options are Sabatini (Italian) and Tequilas (Steakhouse).
Sabatini cover charge is $20. Be prepared for an Italian Feast with many courses. Be sure to come hungry.

Tequilas cover charge is $15. The steaks are mouthwateringly excellent. The rib eye was my favorite. I had 5 meals in Tequilas this cruise. Excellent staff & service.

On Deck 14 there are several dining opportunities.
Horizon Court is the 24-hour buffet.
I prefer the buffet breakfast. Especially this itinerary with the early port calls/tours.
There is a Pizzeria and Grill, along with the Ice Cream Bar.
There is a charge for the ice cream served at the ice cream bar.

ENTERTAINMENT:
Be sure to meet and listen to John Lawrence, Cruise Director. His knowledge is willing shared and much appreciated.
Overall Princess entertainment offers many alternatives.
I am sorry to say that I did not take in many shows this cruise. Too busy catching up with friends.
I did attend both wine tasting events, Grapevine and Maitre D Wine Club.

I also enjoyed the Culinary Demonstration. Maitre D, Francois Ferat and Executive Chef, Mario Rotti added humor and fun to the show. The finale with the Dining Room Staff was excellent. When they sang Leaving on a Jet Plane I started to cry, of course not wanting to leave.

There are two main theatres on the Star. Princess Theatre and Vista Show Lounge.
Hot Spots include Grand Casino, Skywalkers and Explorer’s Lounge.
The vistas from Skywalkers must be seen.
Bars include Promenade (my favorite place for Appletinis), Wheelhouse and Shooters Cigar Bar.

SHIPBOARD ACTIVITIES:
We did have weather warm enough for sunbathing and swimming.
There are 4 pool areas.
Terrace Pool- located right outside my cabin

Calypso Reef
Neptune’s Reef
Oasis

The Lotus Spa offers a wide array of services.
The gym/fitness area is well equipped.
There is also basketball, paddle tennis, virtual golf and a jogging track.
The Fun Zone/Off Limits were busy as we had many children and teens on board.
The Internet Café has at least 20 terminals. The cost is .35/minute.
Free for Elite (and Platinum) – another excellent perk.
The connections can vary port to port. There is a webcam that you can use along with a printer.
Princess ships have a bridge cam that can be accessed via the Princess Website. This way friends & family can follow your cruise.
The Photo Gallery is a busy place. They have added a machine where you can make prints or burn a disc on your own.
The Boutiques I found limited this cruise due to our port time. They did run several special sales.
There are laundry facilities on each deck. Washers, dryers and ironing boards. They do have machines that sell detergent and fabric softener, along with a change machine.
As Elite free laundry and dry cleaning is another great perk. Which I used.

CREW:
Just a brief mention about the crew on board the Star Princess.
Commodore Ditel can be very proud of his crew.
They are a family.
You can tell they enjoy what they do, and embrace the C.R.U.I.S.E attributes.
C- courtesy
R – respect
U – unfailing
I – in
S – service
E – excellence

PORTS OF CALL:
Traveling alone I did book Princess Tours only. I was not disappointed with my decision.
We only had one Sea Day at the start of our cruise. Personally I love Sea Days.
This was our first Formal Night, Commodore’s Welcome Gala.

NYNASHAMN(STOCKHOLM):
I booked the Stockholm Sampler. This tour called on the Vasa Museum.
17th century warship – the oldest fully preserved ship in the world.
The tour also provided free time to explore & shop on your own.
Sadly, I missed this tour, as I was not feeling well.
But, did hear glowing reviews about it.

HELSINKI:
I booked Helsinki Highlights. We visited Senate Square, Temppeliauleio Rock Church, and Sibelius Monument. We had the opportunity to explore on our own the open market area.

ST.PETERSBURG:
I booked the Grand Tour. This was 2 full days, and excellent.
Our tour guide, Galina, was wonderful. She spoke perfect English. Shared her knowledge along with some jokes. We did not have long waits at all, with the exception of our return to the ship Customs line.

Day 1 we visited Peterhof Palace and Grounds, Yusupov Palace, Bronze Horseman and Canal Tour.

Day 2 we visited Peter & Paul Fortress, Hermitage, St. Isaac Cathedral, Church of Spilled Blood.

St. Petersburg is a photographer’s dream. I took so many pictures it is hard to decide what to highlight here.
On our tour lunch was provided each day. It was a full meal that included champagne and vodka (of course).
I would have really enjoyed the St. Petersburg nightlife. There was just so much to see and do. A return trip is required.

TALLIN:
No tour today. This was a short call 7A – 1P.
Tallin is very easy to see & do on your own. It has old world charm that invites you in.
We took a taxi into town and walked around. We had breakfast at a lovely outdoor café.

Once back on board we were busy with Maitre D Wine Club, 2nd Formal Night and Champagne Waterfall. Who would not want to stay up to see the Champagne Waterfall created by Maitre D, Francois Ferat. And of course you have to pour champagne with him as well.

GDANSK:
This was my birthday (August 20)
No tour again. We took a cab into town, heading toward Swietojanska Steet. The major shopping area.

Outside the ship vendors were lined up selling amber. I made several purchases there.
In talking with others later I wish I had gone to Gdansk and Sopot.

Tonight was the Captain’s Circle Cocktail Party.

By now the Commodore & I are good friends.
After dinner I had a lovely birthday surprise with a special cake, champagne, guitar player & singers. It shall be a birthday I remember fondly.

WARNEMUNDE:
No tour today. Unlike most I did not go to Berlin.
This port was a gem. A cozy seaside resort that was once a fishing village.
We did our own walking tour. Along the beach promenade. There was an outdoor concert with Beatles songs being sung.
We sat for hours at a lovely outdoor café drinking wine. Had a delicious lunch while watching the hustle & bustle along the waterfront.

Home Sweet Home

HELSINGOR:
We made a brief stop for those on tour.

This morning was the Culinary Demonstration and Galley Tour.

COPENHAGEN:
Arriving late the first day did not allow me any preview of Copenhagen.
We spent our last 2 days here.
I booked Copenhagen By Land & Sea.
We visited Amalienborg Palace, Getion Fountain, Nyhavn. Passing by Tivoli Gardens, Carlsberg Glypotek, Old Stock Exchange and Holmens Church.
The Canal Cruise was fabulous. Offering beautiful views from the canal.

It ended at the Little Mermaid.

Now it is time to pack & prepare for reality.

Tipping is all taken care of by Princess. They take $10/day to cover it. If you feel someone has taken extra special care of you, of course you can tip them extra.

Princess does like to hear our feedback and suggestions. They distribute a passenger questionnaire to your cabin. There is another form to cover the tours.

They do have a “You Made the Difference” program. This is a way to recognize a crew member for taking that extra care. Once you complete the card & hand it to the crew member or to the Purser’s Desk it enters their name into the “Employee of the Month” program. Just a nice way to say thank-you.

John, Cruise Director, was taped for television talking about the questionnaires, tipping, and disembarkation procedures.

The last night you need to have your checked luggage out prior to 10pm.

Only keep with you your carry-on. Remember to keep out any necessary items.

Check all drawers, closets and the safe for belongings.

DISEMBARKATION:
I believe Princess does an excellent job organizing the disembarkation process.

Based upon your flight or post cruise plans you are given an approximate time for disembarkation along with color-coded luggage tags. You are also given information & the schedule for disembarkation.

According to the schedule 4:30 am was to start this process (Yikes) to be completed by 10am.

My time was 7:15am, and they started calling at that time.

Since it was so early I never even made it to the Wheelhouse. This is a waiting area for Elite & Platinum Captains Circle Members.

You are asked to wait in the comfort of a lounge or out on deck. This way the cabin staff can prepare for turn-around day.

I did purchase Princess Transfers.
Since my flight was not until 4pm we were taken to the Hospitality Center at the Hilton Hotel (airport property).

Our luggage was taken directly to the airport – something different. I liked it this way.

At the Hospitality Center they had coffee/tea/water. The Center had staff available to answer questions, etc.

Those with later flights were encouraged to take a tour or go downtown. I opted to stay there. Wrote some letters.

Groups were escorted to the airport terminal where you identified and claimed your luggage.
The check-in lines were not too bad at the airport.

One last Copenhagen sunset & I am homeward bound.

CONCLUSION:
I highly recommend this itinerary.
Be prepared to be busy.
Be prepared to see exciting ports of call & have an excellent cruise.

I am a Princess Cruiser. I have pre-booked my next future cruise on board.
I also have a cruise reunion planned for next July on the Grand.

I do hope that this review helps those planning or seeking information.
Happy Cruising.

Cathy Santella