What a week I had on board the brand-new Star Princess! Setting aside the chaotic joy of networking and learning with thousands of my colleagues at our 2025 CruiseOne/Dream Vacations National Conference, the simple experience of being on this ship was one I’ve been looking forward to for the past year.

Having never previously sailed on Princess, I definitely had some preconceptions of what this ship would be like (mostly an older, more sophisticated crowd than I was used to seeing on the cruise lines geared mostly to families with young kids). I was very surprised to see bachelor and bachelorette parties, silly poolside contests (think “sexiest man” and belly flops), and a lively atmosphere no matter the venue or time of day (or night!).

Princess is known as the go-to cruise line for Alaska, so perhaps our Caribbean destination contributed to the unexpected atmosphere. That, and the fact that this ship is new…brand new! Her trans-Atlantic sailing after being built began on October 22, and my 5 nights on board was only the second sailing once she reached her new home in Fort Lauderdale! Her newness is evident from the moment you step on board and see her beige carpet, which brings a lightness to the public spaces that you don’t see on older ships. And the wide staircases and smart elevators that assign you to a specific elevator based on your destination made traveling between decks quick and easy.

Unfortunately I did have trouble navigation once on the deck I needed…there were several venues that could only be accessed by going up one set of stairs, down the hall, and then back down another set of stairs. And several times I gave up walking through pretty public spaces and instead made my way through the cabin hallways rather than navigating the maze that would get me to my destination.

Despite holding 4000-5000 passengers (plus another 1500 crew members), I never felt crowded or overwhelmed with people. The atrium is one of the main activities venues and provides plenty of seating for those who what to participate or just watch the events taking place (such as a silent disco party, a trivia game show, or a balloon archery contest).

My stateroom also provided ample space – which was a blessing as I was staying in balcony cabin with two of my colleagues and all of our multitude of luggage! But even with three of us in the cabin, we have empty drawers and shelves that went unused as there was more than enough storage space! The bathroom felt small to me…possibly the smallest of any cruise line I’ve sailed on. Specifically the shower, which was not quite wide enough for me to move around as much as I’d like. But the bed…oh the bed! As the tallest one in the room, my roomies offered me the sofa bed as it was longer than the two main beds, and boy was it comfy! Princess partnered with a sleep expert to ensure their luxury bedding provides you the best night sleep at sea that you can have; and it did not disappoint! I heard multiple people pondering whether they could purchase their pillows or sheets to take home with them!

The only ship feature that may have been better than my bed were the many, many specialty restaurants! I am genuinely disappointed that I was not able to try more of them – and may need to book myself another sailing on Star Princess just so I can! But the ones I did try were outstanding. O’Malley’s Irish Pub offers a three-course lunch and Alfredo’s pizzas have the perfect balance of toppings to sauce to crust. For dinner I had the freshest sushi in a seven course Omakase chef’s choice menu at Makato Ocean. And the steak at Crown Gril – *chef’s kiss*! The family style sides were great, but the three sauces and three specialty salts to enhance the flavor of the steak are what really sent this meal above and beyond.

And then there was Butcher’s Block. Have you ever been to one of those amazing Brazilian steakhouses where you get endless amounts of meat? If that’s what Butcher’s Block was, I would have been in heaven. Sadly, this restaurant is merely an understudy. With the entire restaurant being seated at once, there was a cluster of people waiting outside the restaurant for the doors to open. From the first bite of food – a baguette with butter – you’re hit with the taste of meat, because the butter is made with pork fat. There are some raw veggies on the table to eat with your six course of beef, and around course five you also get a baked potato. There was, fortunately, a very large and very delicious bottle of Chianti on the table. Which may, in part, be why I later saw two of my colleagues and bellowed “I’m so full of meat!” Don’t get me wrong, Butcher’s Block was not a bad experience, but it was also an experience I would not repeat.

While Butcher’s Block left me underwhelmed, Spellbound left me mind-blown! Any time I hear speak-easy, I’m there! But this was more than a speak-easy; it is an interactive magic show! At your designated time, you enter a room where you are told a bit of the history of the exclusive Magic Castle in Hollywood (an organization that has partnered with Princess to bring guests this jaw-dropping experience), and with an Abra-Cadabra! a door appears to an incredible – and magical – lounge. Two of the bartender’s concoctions (which are not available elsewhere on the ship) are included in your entrance fee, but you can order more. And I definitely recommend ordering more so you have time to explore the many magical features throughout the lounge (including a magician who comes around and performs tricks). Periodically groups will be allowed to enter the main magic performance area. The mentalist who was on my sailing read my mind, as well as the mind of at least a dozen other people in the room (which is small…only maybe 30 people go into this area at a time). If you’re ready to be dazzled, this is a must-do experience that is well worth the cost!

For years I’ve heard that Princess is the go-to cruise line for Alaska, but after finally getting the chance to try them out, I really enjoyed my Caribbean sailing. This ship was new and bright with an elevated feel that I would absolutely sail on again!