What Surprised Me Most About Star Princess
Food, Medallion technology, accessibility observations, and who I think this ship is right for
I returned from a Southeast Alaska sailing aboard Star Princess recently, and like any travel advisor, I spent much of the week observing. Not just what I enjoyed, but also how the ship functioned, who seemed to be enjoying it most, and what details would matter to future clients.
A few things genuinely surprised me.
Princess Medallion Is Not a Gimmick
Before sailing, I'd heard plenty about Princess Medallion technology. After sailing, I finally understood why so many Princess guests love it.
My stateroom door often unlocked automatically before I reached it, which was incredibly convenient when carrying a camera, jacket, snacks, or all three.
Purchases onboard were seamless. I never had to dig for a key card. I also purchased the watch band for my medallion, so I never accidentally left it in my stateroom, which is a very “Pascale” move.
Perhaps most importantly, I could easily locate friends throughout the ship using the Princess app without needing internet access. It’s a feature that you can turn off and on (you know, just in case you don’t want to be found for a while or don’t want people to know you’re at the buffet for the 4th time today).
It's one of those features that sounds nice on paper but becomes surprisingly hard to live without once you've experienced it.
The Food Was Better Than I Expected
I've sailed primarily with Royal Caribbean and have also experienced Norwegian Cruise Line, so my reference is largely contemporary cruise lines.
One of the biggest surprises onboard Star Princess was the quality of the food. Across the board, I found it to be a noticeable step up from what I personally expected from a large mainstream cruise line. To be fair, Princess occupies the premium segment, so some elevation over the contemporary lines should have been expected. Whether dining in the Main Dining Room or enjoying specialty dining, meals felt thoughtfully prepared and consistently enjoyable.
I also came away with a new appreciation for the value of Princess Premier. After sailing with Princess Plus, I found myself wishing I had upgraded before the cruise so that I could take advantage of more of the specialty restaurants. I did go to Makoto Ocean and had arguably the best sushi I’ve had anywhere.
Sometimes the best travel advice comes from making the mistake yourself first.
The Little Details Matter
Some of my favorite observations weren't flashy at all.
There were plenty of outlets, including on both sides of the bed and the nightstands were large enough to accommodate a standard CPAP machine.
Motion-sensitive floor lighting made late-night trips to the bathroom much easier. In fact, I only ran into the couch once during the entire cruise, which I consider a significant improvement over my usual cruise-ship obstacle-course performance.
The bathroom featured low-level lighting that could be used overnight without feeling like an interrogation room at 2 AM.
Princess also still provides twice-daily stateroom service, something many cruise lines have reduced or eliminated. Honestly, I didn't realize how much I missed evening turndown service until I got it back.
I also became a fan of the ship's smart elevator system. Instead of crowding around a bank of elevators and hoping for the best, you select your deck before boarding and are directed to a specific elevator. It sounds simple, but it made the elevator experience noticeably smoother throughout the week. Now I’m spoiled.
These aren't brochure features. They're comfort features.
Accessibility and Dietary Accommodations Impressed Me
Accessibility matters to many travelers, and it's something I pay attention to whenever I travel.
I observed several guests using mobility scooters onboard and in port. During one conversation with a traveler who had rented equipment through Special Needs at Sea, the feedback was positive and matched what had been promised. As a certified Special Needs at Sea advisor, this was welcome confirmation of what I expected of them.
During a galley tour, I was also impressed to learn about Princess's dedicated processes for managing food allergies and dietary restrictions. The executive chef shared an example of working directly with a guest who had complex dietary needs, meeting with them daily to plan meals for the following day.
For travelers who are concerned about dietary requirements while cruising, I found that commitment extremely reassuring.
Not Every Surprise Was Positive
No cruise line is perfect, and I think honest reviews should acknowledge that.
Because we sailed in September, cool weather drove many guests indoors during sea days. The result was that some public spaces felt more crowded than I expected.
The Piazza is beautiful and clearly beloved by many guests, but it often served as the center of loud entertainment and activity throughout the day. Travelers seeking quieter public spaces may sometimes need to look elsewhere on the ship. That being said, there are many quiet areas of the ship and we often used the tables at bars that weren’t yet open to set up our laptops and get some much-needed work done (because no travel advisor trip is all play!)
I also found some of the casual dining venue hours surprisingly limited, which occasionally made it difficult to fit meals at them around scheduled activities and training sessions.
Who I Think Star Princess Is Perfect For
By the end of the voyage, I had a much clearer picture of who I'd recommend Star Princess to.
I think it is an excellent choice for:
First-time Alaska cruisers
Multi-generational families
Active retirees
Military travelers (Princess offers an excellent military benefit)
Travelers who want a premium experience without luxury-level pricing
Guests who enjoy amenities, dining options, and entertainment found on larger ships
The Sanctuary Collection may also appeal to travelers seeking an additional layer of exclusivity while remaining on a larger ship.
Who Might Prefer Something Else
Star Princess may not be the best fit for everyone.
Travelers looking for:
Expedition experiences
Zodiac excursions
Naturalists and scientists onboard
Remote destinations
Very small ships
A highly intimate atmosphere
Travelers who prioritize wildlife immersion and destination access over onboard amenities...
Families whose vacation priorities include water slides, go-karts, bumper cars, and other onboard attractions
may find themselves better suited to an expedition, small-ship, or large, contemporary experience instead.
Final Thoughts
The biggest lesson from this sailing wasn't that Star Princess is the "best" Alaska cruise option.
It was a reminder that the best Alaska cruise depends entirely on the traveler.
Some travelers want zodiac landings and remote wilderness.
Others want Glacier Bay scenery paired with multiple dining venues, entertainment, comfortable accommodations, and a more approachable vacation budget.
Both are valid.
One of the things I enjoy most as a travel advisor is helping travelers identify which experience will be the right fit for them.
And after spending time onboard Star Princess, I have a much better understanding of where Princess shines. It may not be the right ship for everyone, but for many Alaska travelers, it offers an impressive combination of value, comfort, technology, service, and access to one of the world's most spectacular destinations.
