From: John Sisker on
Review: Star Princess... Princess Cruises
Compiled by: John Sisker
Ship-To-Shore Cruise Agency
www.shiptoshorecruise.com


The very first thing I noticed upon stepping foot aboard the Star Princess
was the similarities to the Sapphire Princess. This was not only in overall
design, but many of the public areas were also the same in both location and
color. The Princess Theater, at the bow of the ship, is a good example of
this. This does not necessarily make it a bad thing, in fact, for some times
it was nice to already have some familiarity with getting around. In
addition, it is Princess Cruises, and many ships in their fleet are not only
similar in overall design, but some are actually sister ships to one
another.


But, before I get into the details of how I perceive this particular ship,
and cruise in particular, let me supply the statistics. This way you will
have the data should you wish to compare one ship with another.

Name: Star Princess
Owner: Carnival Corporation & plc
Operator: Princess Cruise Line
Port of registry: Bermuda
Builder: Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy
Yard number: 6051
Launched: 10 May 2001
Completed: 25 January 2002
In service: 2002
Identification: Call Sign: ZCDD6
IMO Number 9192363

General characteristics...
Class and type: Grand class cruise ship
Tonnage: 109,000 gross tons
Length: 951 feet (290 m)
Beam: 118 feet (36 m)
Decks: 17 Decks
Speed:2 2.5 knots service speed

24 knots max
Capacity: 2,600 passengers
Crew: 1,150 crew



I will continue on with the more technical aspects of the Star Princess, but
first I wanted to add my own thoughts about this particular ship and cruise.
After all, this is a review in a number of aspects, both from personal
experience and that of actual facts and figures. As mentioned before, the
Star Princess is very similar to the Sapphire Princess in overall look and
design. However, of the two, I actually prefer the Sapphire Princess over
the Star. As to why, that is rather hard to pin-point, and even though there
were some faults in the Sapphire Princess itself, especially in their
so-called steak house, I would still rate it about the Star Princess.

For example, it seemed a bit harder just to get around the Star and to find
things. Even after three (3) weeks of being onboard, some lounges were so
difficult to get to, we pretty much wrote them off. Likewise, as ships get
bigger, and more bells and whistles are added, too many things are tucked in
here and there, not making it a flowing and/or logical design pattern. Of
special note, was their 9-hole miniature golf course. This was a complete
and total waste to us. Obviously, meant to please the kids, it looks so much
like an after-thought, and even a bit run-down and junky, that Princess
really needs to think this one out.

Now, this is not to say that the overall ship and cruise experience were not
good. However, we have been on enough cruises and ships to have quite a bit
to compare it to. In reality, I prefer the Mariner of the Seas from Royal
Caribbean International over the Star Princess, or any of the other Princess
ships for that matter. Princess is just not fun!

Admittedly, fun is probably not the intent of Princess or their typical
passengers. The decor is upscale enough, definitely not the Carnival/Las
Vegas look, but I think they need to lighten up a bit. Too much marble and
brass creates a very cold, somewhat pompous feel.

A big drawback, again at least to me, is the design of their main showroom.
The same thing was true on the Sapphire Princess, for both showrooms are
identical. The seats are more typical theatre seating, with very little leg
room to spare. It almost requires standing up just to let someone pass.
While each seat does have a small built-in arm chair type table, it
certainly doesn't do justice to anything. Once the show started, everyone
forgets about ordering any drinks, it is just too much of a hassle. Other
showrooms on other ships, are much more effective in design and
functionality.

There is an outside big movie screen by the pool, which is the trend now
days on ships. While a nice touch, sailing Northern Europe and the Baltic's
when we did, unless one really bundled up with blankets, the cold kept most
people away.

Would I sail on the Star Princess again? Of course I would. It wasn't all
that bad. However, in this case, it was the itinerary we were looking for.
The ship was secondary. However, if I had a choice, it would not only be a
different ship next time, but possibly a different cruise line altogether.
Even though now days I fit in with the age group that Princess seems to
attract, I don't think I'm quite that old yet, possibly needing a somewhat
younger and more lively crowd.

On thing I do need to point out, since it is always the most talked about
aspect while on the ship itself, is the food. I can't find fault there, and
neither can Deborah, who is actually a gourmet cook herself. The food was
fine... not really upscale and gourmet to our way of thinking, but
definitely beyond average. The only real problem was that the service for
the most part was so slow. That created more problems when we wanted to do
other things after dinner. Since we had 'Anytime Dining', we solved that
problem ourselves. We simply went to the shows first, than had a late
dinner.

Another thing that tended to drive me up the wall, is even though they say
and promote that they have tables for two, they always seems to make those
requesting such wait 25 to 20 minutes, with a pager. Most would simply give
up, and opted to sit with other passengers. If we got to the dining rooms
early enough, this was not so much of a problem, but then because of the
slow service, we were right back to where we started from. A table for two
was not only convenient for us, but then the service was a bit faster. On
the other hand, most of our meals were with other people. And in reality, we
learned much more from our fellow passengers and what to see and do in the
various ports, than we did from Princess personal and other type
information.

This coming August (2010) we will once again be on a Princess ship, this
time the Island Princess. It will be interesting as a comparison to both the
Star and Sapphire Princess. Yet again, our objective here was an Alaska
Cruise/Tour, and Princess has the itinerary we wanted. Just before all these
Princess sailings, we were on a repositioning cruise from Vancouver to Los
Angeles with Norwegian Cruise Line. Personally, while NCL did take a pretty
good beating on this newsgroups some time back, I feel they actually rose to
the occasion, while Princess seems to be slipping. However, as most of you
know by now, I love to take pictures. Yet, I feel no one actually cares what
ship I was on while taking photos of the various destinations.



The Star Princess is a Grand-class cruise ship, operated by Princess
Cruises. Star Princess is a sister ship to Grand Princess and the Golden
Princess.

An earlier ship of the same name is now operating as the Ocean Village. Star
Princess was built by Fincantieri in Monfalcone, Italy in 2002, and has hull
number 6051. Star Princess differs slightly in upper deck layout from her
predecessors, having an extra plunge pool (and one less hot tub) at the
stern (deck 15) and with the deletion of the "Off Limits" teenagers' hot tub
& sunbathing area featured further forward on her predecessors.

Another ship of similar design, Caribbean Princess, was subsequently built,
featuring an additional deck of cabins ("Riviera Deck") to accommodate more
passengers.



The Fire...

On 23 March 2006, at about 3 am, a fire broke out in the passenger
compartments, amidships, on the port side of the ship. Shortly after, the
captain sounded the General Emergency Signal�seven short blasts followed by
one long blast on the ship's whistle, which woke passengers up all over the
ship. Passengers went to muster stations and evacuees were combined into
groups, then stationed in cramped rooms for about seven hours. Some
passengers who needed regular medication required crew members to go into
their suites and retrieve their medication.

Passengers evacuated their cabins into public areas through smoky hallways,
grabbing their life jackets on the way. The evacuation was reportedly
orderly, in contrast to deadlier fires such as those on the Morro Castle and
Yarmouth Castle Lifeboats were lowered, but proved to be unnecessary, as the
fire was contained and doused, and the ship headed into Montego Bay under
her own power.

The fire was probably caused by a cigarette left burning on a balcony, which
had become hot enough to melt the balcony divides made from plastic
polycarbonate, a material that had been approved by international cruise
line safety rules. The fire caused scorching damage in up to 150 cabins, and
smoke damage in at least 100 more on passenger decks 9 to 12 (Dolphin,
Caribe, Baja and Aloha decks). A passenger, Richard Liffidge, 72, of
Georgia, died from "asphyxia secondary to inhalation of smoke and
irrespirable gases" and thirteen other passengers suffered significant smoke
inhalation.


While a smoldering discarded cigarette probably did cause the flames, the
following items were also at fault for allowing the fire to spread as
quickly as it did:

* The balconies� polycarbonate partitions, polyurethane deck tiles, and the
plastic furniture were highly combustible and produced large quantities of
very thick black smoke when burned.
* The glass in the doors between the staterooms and balconies was neither
fire retardant, to meet with the requirements of an �A� class division, nor
self-closing.
* The balconies crossed main zone fire boundaries, both horizontally and
vertically, and were without structural or thermal barriers at the zone or
deck boundaries.

No fire detection or fire suppression systems were fitted on the balconies.



The aftermath:

The Star Princess in Bremerhaven, showing the portside with scaffolding.

Passengers were evacuated to hotels in Jamaica and subsequently were flown
home. The ship was en route from Grand Cayman to Montego Bay, Jamaica, after
departing Fort Lauderdale, Florida on 19 March 2006. With 79 cabins
destroyed and a further 204 damaged, the ship was moved to the Bahamas where
she was prepared for a transatlantic crossing to Bremerhaven, Germany for
repairs. Her remaining Caribbean cruises and a transatlantic cruise were
cancelled, with the anticipation that she would begin her summer season in
the Baltic mid-May.

The ship was repaired at the Lloyd Werft in Bremerhaven, set sail again on
the 13 May 2006[3] and resumed its regular service on the 15 May from
Copenhagen. Passengers reported that the only noticeable differences were a
strong smell of new carpeting, the addition of sprinklers to all balconies
and the replacement of plastic furniture with non-combustible alternatives.



Star Princess

From the duty and tax-free boutiques to engaging Scholarship Sea enrichment
courses, Star Princess invites you to discover her newest amenities, such as
the International Caf�, serving an array of treats in the dazzling
Italian-style piazza. Enjoy fine cuisine in Traditional or Anytime Dining
venues, superb specialty dining at Sabatini's and our latest addition, the
Crown Grill, casual fare at open-air Prego Pizzeria or Trident Grill or
choose from other offerings such as Vines wine and seafood bar. Follow a
morning swim with an afternoon massage in the Lotus Spa or under a cabana on
deck at the newly added adults-only retreat, The Sanctuary. There are over
700 spacious balcony staterooms and entertainment options galore, plus this
sparkling vessel now features that Princess favorite - Movies Under the
Stars.

Visit those places you've always wanted to see via a palace at sea.


Cruises...
Star Princess is making waves in the Caribbean, Europe and Canada & New
England.

Staterooms...
We offer the deluxe amenities you'd expect from a first class hotel: from
24-hour room service to chocolates on your pillow at night.

Deck Plans...
Our ships are designed with a variety of features and intimate spaces. We
call it "big ship choice and small ship feel".

Ship Features...
Star Princess passengers will enjoy many Signature Princess features and
services, along with some exciting new options.

Amenities & Public Rooms...
Tour Star Princess and see all of her amazing amenities and exciting
features.

Princess Bridge Cam...
Star Princess, the largest and most amenity-filled ship on the West Coast,
broadcasts from exotic Mexico to Alaska.
http://www.princess.com/bridgecams/tp/star_bridgecam.html


-- Grand class cruise ships and derived designs --
* Grand class: Grand Princess � Golden Princess � Star Princess
* Diamond class: Diamond Princess � Sapphire Princess
* Caribbean class Caribbean Princess
* Crown class: Crown Princess � Emerald Princess � Ruby Princess
* Ventura class Ventura � Azura
* Princess Cruises � P&O Cruises


-- Ships of the Princess Cruises Fleet --

* Current Fleet: Caribbean Princess � Coral Princess � Crown Princess � Dawn
Princess � Diamond Princess � Emerald Princess � Golden Princess � Grand
Princess � Island Princess � Ocean Princess � Pacific * Princess � Royal
Princess � Ruby Princess � Sapphire Princess � Sea Princess � Star Princess
� Sun Princess

* Former Fleet: Sea Princess (1966) � Island Princess (1971) � Pacific
Princess (1971) � Sun Princess (1972) � Royal Princess (1984) � Star
Princess (1988) � Ocean Princess (2000)


-- Star Princess Specifications and Profile --

Grand Class:
Sister Ships: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Diamond Princess, Golden
Princess, Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess

Maiden Voyage: 2/11/2001
Builder: Fincantieri, Monfalcone, Italy

Gross Tonnage: 109000

Passenger Capacity: 2590
Crew Capacity: 1150

Number of decks: 13

Ship description:
The Star Princess, one of the newest Princess ships, is a destination in
itself. This spectacular ship features an Internet Cafe, a golf simulator
with 9-hole putting green, and a swim-against-the-current pool. Plentiful
dining options include a southwestern restaurant, an Italian trattoria, 3
dining rooms, a pizzeria, a patisserie, a hamburger grill, and a 24-hour
restaurant. Entertain yourself in 3 show lounges, a suspended nightclub
reached by a moving skywalk, or one of the most dazzling casinos afloat.
Plus, over 700 of the spacious, beautifully appointed staterooms and suites
feature private balconies. So, wherever you are onboard, your comfort and
enjoyment will be at the highest possible levels.


-- Staterooms --

Grand Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Baja
The Grand Suite with Balcony GS features a queen-sized bed, separate sitting
room with sofa bed, and dining area. Also included are two televisions, a
refrigerator and wet bar, and walk-in closet. The bathroom features a corner
tub with whirlpool jets and a multidirectional brass-fitting shower.
Approximately 1,314-sq.-ft. suite, including balcony.

Owner's Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Baja
The Owner's Suite with Balcony OS features twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, a separate sitting room with sofa bed, a private balcony,
two televisions, a refrigerator with wet bar, walk-in closet, and private
bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 468- to 591-sq.-ft. suite,
including balcony.

Penthouse Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Caribe
Penthouse Suites with Balcony PH feature twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, a separate sitting room with sofa bed, private balcony, two
televisions, a refrigerator with wet bar, walk-in closet, and private
bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 468- to 591-sq.-ft. suite,
including balcony.

Premium Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Baja, Caribe
Premium Suites with Balcony PS feature twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, a separate sitting room with sofa bed, private balcony, two
televisions, a refrigerator with wet bar, walk-in closet, and private
bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 468- to 591-sq.-ft. suite,
including balcony.

Vista Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Dolphin, Emerald
Vista Suites with Balcony VS feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting room with sofa bed, private balcony, two
televisions, a refrigerator with wet bar, walk-in closet, and private
bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 468- to 591-sq.-ft. suite,
including balcony.

Family Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Dolphin
Family Suites with Balcony XS are comprised of two self-contained
staterooms, which interconnect through a large living room that leads to an
oversized private balcony. Approximately 595-sq.-ft. suite, including
balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Dolphin
Mini-Suites with Balcony AA feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, and a private balcony.
Amenities include two televisions, a refrigerator, walk-in closet, and
private bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 323-sq.-ft. mini-suite,
including balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony
Deck: Dolphin...
Mini-Suites with Balcony AB feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, and a private balcony.
Amenities include two televisions, a refrigerator, walk-in closet, and
private bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 323-sq.-ft. mini-suite,
including balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Dolphin
Mini-Suites with Balcony AC feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, and a private balcony.
Amenities include two televisions, a refrigerator, walk-in closet, and
private bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 323-sq.-ft. mini-suite,
including balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Emerald
Mini-Suites with Balcony AD feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, and a private balcony.
Amenities include two televisions, a refrigerator, walk-in closet, and
private bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 323-sq.-ft. mini-suite,
including balcony.

Mini-Suite with Balcony...
Deck: Dolphin
Mini-Suites with Balcony AE feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a separate sitting area with sofa bed and desk, and a private balcony.
Amenities include two televisions, a refrigerator, walk-in closet, and
private bathroom with tub and shower. Approximately 323-sq.-ft. mini-suite,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Caribe, Lido
Staterooms with Balcony BA feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Aloha, Caribe, Dolphin, Emerald
Staterooms with Balcony BB feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Aloha, Baja
Staterooms with Balcony BC feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Baja
Staterooms with Balcony BD feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Emerald
Staterooms with Balcony BE feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Stateroom with Balcony...
Deck: Emerald
Staterooms with Balcony BF feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized
bed, a private balcony, refrigerator, television, spacious closet, desk, and
private bathroom with shower. Approximately 214- to 257-sq.-ft. stateroom,
including balcony.

Oceanview Porthole Stateroom...
Deck: Aloha
Oceanview Porthole Staterooms C feature twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, a porthole, refrigerator, TV, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom...
Deck: Emerald
Oceanview Staterooms DD feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window, refrigerator, TV, spacious closet, and private bathroom
with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom...
Deck: Plaza
Oceanview Staterooms D feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window, refrigerator, TV, spacious closet, and private bathroom
with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom...
Deck: Plaza
Oceanview Staterooms EE feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window, refrigerator, TV, spacious closet, and private bathroom
with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Oceanview Staterooms E feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window with partially obstructed views, refrigerator, TV, spacious
closet, and private bathroom with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft.
stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Oceanview Staterooms FF feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window with fully obstructed view, refrigerator, TV, spacious
closet, and private bathroom with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft.
stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Oceanview Staterooms F feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window with a fully obstructed view, refrigerator, TV, spacious
closet, and private bathroom with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft.
stateroom.

Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Oceanview Staterooms GG feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed,
a picture window with fully obstructed view, refrigerator, TV, spacious
closet, desk, and private bathroom with shower. Approximately 168-sq.-ft.
stateroom.

Economy Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Economy Oceanview Staterooms G feature twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, picture window with fully obstructed view, refrigerator,
TV, spacious closet, and private bathroom with shower. Approximately
168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Economy Oceanview Stateroom (Obstructed View)...
Deck: Emerald
Economy Oceanview Staterooms HH feature twin beds that convert to a
queen-sized bed, a picture window with a fully obstructed view,
refrigerator, TV, spacious closet, and private bathroom with shower.
Approximately 168-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Aloha, Lido
Inside Staterooms II feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Aloha, Baja
Inside Staterooms I feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Baja, Caribe
Inside Staterooms JJ feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Caribe, Dolphin, Emerald
Inside Staterooms J feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Plaza
Inside Staterooms K feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Plaza
Inside Staterooms L feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.

Inside Stateroom...
Deck: Plaza
Inside Staterooms M feature twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed.
Amenities include a refrigerator, television, spacious closet, and private
bathroom with shower. Approximately 160-sq.-ft. stateroom.


Deckplan link...
http://www.princess.com/ships/tp/deck/tp_sky_index.html


Take a look at our pictures of the Star Princess itself. Click here to
begin...
http://www.tinplatedesign.com/Northern%20Europe%20&%20Baltic's%20-%20Star%20Princess/index.html



John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY�
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com / www.tinplatedesign.com >
Facebook/Twitter/Blog/Flickr/MyPage

Ship-To-Shore Cruise Agency� is an affiliate of: Travel Planners
International
CST: 2063964-40
(714) 815-7625 - John's Cell / (714) 915-7452 Deborah's Cell
jsisker(a)sprynet.com / dsisker(a)sprynet.com

From: Jr. on
Generally, when you like one ship over the other when they are very similar
the reason is the people on the ship.
You get better service or you have a better time with the passengers and you
then feel that one ship was nicer than the other.


From: Jeff Gersten on
We were on the Star Princess in 2007, a 10 day Baltic cruise. Since it
was our first Princess cruise, I cannot compare it to their other ships.
I have a feeling that this summer we will find its sister ship the
Golden Princess very similar.

We also did anytime dining. We mostly ate with other people, immensely
enjoying their company. We did request a table for two a few nights and
were promptly seated except for one night, the overnight in St.
Petersburg. I can understand why more people wanted to dine quickly that
evening due to the availability of some evening excursions in the city.
Thinking about it, I wonder if many folks with late traditional dining
reservations chose to use the anytime dining alternative on that
evening.

I do agree it's not the easiest ship to get around on. I know at one
point my wife Pat took one of their courses at sea, and I tried to meet
her afterwards, but just could not find the little space it was in.

There were a few other things that could have been better. The theater
was overcrowded. It was just not large enough for a ship this size. My
other problem was laundry, and this was probably affected by the
particular itinerary. There was a requirement in St. Petersburg that no
laundry (either self serve or by the ship) be allowed due to water
restrictions. Our St. Petersburg 2 day stop was just over half way
through the cruise, and it seemed that everyone had the same idea the
next day, we need our laundry done now. Naturally, this overcrowded
their laundry resources.

We had a wonderful cruise. Pat definitely sees Princess as her favorite
cruise line. It's also one of my favorites.

Here again is my review of the cruise on cruisecritic. It's a more
personal review, not a copied (without attribution) history of the ship
and listed (again without attribution) description of all the cabin
specifications.

www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=33517

From: John Sisker on
"Jr." <paulslopak(a)comcast.net> wrote in message
news:hv57sb$6g0$1(a)news.eternal-september.org...
> Generally, when you like one ship over the other when they are very
> similar the reason is the people on the ship.
> You get better service or you have a better time with the passengers and
> you then feel that one ship was nicer than the other.
>



Jr,

That's a very good point, and come to think of it, is probably quite
accurate. As a whole, the passengers on this 18 day Northern Europe &
Baltic's cruise, were for the most part, a bit older and more experienced
cruisers. This certainly made a difference, and hence, why one similar ship
may stand out over another. In fact, when the cruise director asked if this
was a first-time cruise for anyone, not one person said yes. It would be
doubtful that someone would try a cruise such as this, that was 18/28 days,
to see if they liked cruising.

On our 7 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Sapphire Princess, now
that was a crowd we could relate to a bit more. It stands to reason; less
time, less money - equals a bit younger passenger.

John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY�
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com / www.tinplatedesign.com >
Facebook/Twitter/Blog/Flickr/MyPage

From: George Leppla on
On 6/14/2010 8:52 AM, Jeff Gersten wrote:

> Here again is my review of the cruise on cruisecritic. It's a more
> personal review, not a copied (without attribution) history of the ship
> and listed (again without attribution) description of all the cabin
> specifications.


It didn't take long for someone to spot that, did it.

John, don't you think it would be nice if you pointed out what parts of
your report are your own writing and what parts were copied wholesale
from other websites?

For example... this section you included....

> The balconies� polycarbonate partitions, polyurethane deck tiles, and
> the plastic furniture were highly combustible and produced large
> quantities of very thick black smoke when burned.

This was copied ford for word from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Princess

Other parts of your report are also copied word for word from other
sources.

There is nothing wrong with including reference materials in a trip
report, however, doing ti without proper attribution is plagiarizing.

FWIW... the personal parts of your review were interesting. Cruise
reviews are supposed to be about personal experiences, not a researched
High School term paper... especially when you don't give attribution to
your sources.


--

George Leppla

Countryside Travel http://www.CruiseMaster.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/CruiseMaster