Princess Cruises
An intimate, inclusive ship for stylish, informal cruising
The Ship. Star Pride is best for sophisticated, well-traveled couples seeking an informal small ship experience. The ship’s big advantage is being able to cruise where larger ships can’t, thanks to its handy ocean-yacht size. You sail with only 210 others, creating a sense of intimate camaraderie.
Pleasantly appointed, the ship has sleek exterior styling, a handsome profile with swept-back, rounded lines, and is an identical twin to Star Breeze. It has two fine mahogany water taxis for use as shore tenders. An aft water sports platform and marina can be used in suitably calm warm-water areas. Water sports facilities include a small, enclosed ‘dip’ pool, sea kayaks, snorkel equipment, windsurfers, water-ski boat, and Zodiac inflatable boats.
A wide central passageway divides the port and starboard accommodation. Inviting, warm public areas have high-quality interior fixtures and fittings. For a small ship, there’s a wide range of public rooms, all updated by Windstar Cruises. These include a main lounge (for shows), a nightclub, and The Yacht Club (observation lounge-cum-lifestyle lounge and coffee bar). There is a library, shop, small screening room, and a mini-casino with roulette and blackjack tables and a few slot machines.
The ship was acquired by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, parent company of Windstar Cruises, in May 2014. Two sister ships Star Breeze and Star Legend joined the fleet in 2015.
Passenger niggles? There is no outdoor walk-around deck. Gratuities are not included, and internet use costs extra. Overall, this is a premium (not luxury) ship that provides a relaxing environment – just don’t expect great food. There are also far fewer crew members than when operated by the previous owner.
Accommodation. This is spread over three decks, with several different price categories. The all-outside cabins (called suites in brochure-speak) are comfortably large and beautifully equipped with everything one could reasonably need. Electric blackout blinds are provided for the large windows in addition to curtains, and beds have premium bedding, duvets, and fine drapes. The cabinetry is made of blond woods and has softly rounded edges, and cabin doors are neatly angled away from the passageway.
A large walk-in closet is illuminated automatically when you open the door; wooden hangers, personal safe, umbrella, wall-mounted clock and barometer, and 110/220-volt power outlets are also provided. The decor is contemporary, but warm, in blues and beiges.
Marble-clad bathrooms have one or two washbasins, depending on the accommodation grade, a decent, but not full-size, bathtub (four suites have a shower enclosure only – no tub), plenty of storage areas, cotton towels, bathrobe, and personal amenities.
On two out of three accommodation decks, some 36 suites have French balconies. These are not balconies in the true sense of the word, but they do have two doors that open wide onto a tiny teakwood balcony that is 10.6ins (27cm) wide (just enough for your feet). The balconies allow you to have fresh sea air, and salt spray.
Four Owner’s Suites, each measuring between 530 sq ft (49 sq m) and 575 sq ft (53 sq m), and two Classic Suites, each 400 sq ft (37 sq m), offer superb, private living spaces. Each is named after a Windstar destination (Bora-Bora Suite, for example). Each has a walk-in closet, second closet, full bathroom plus a guest toilet with washbasin. There is a fully secluded forward- or side-facing balcony, with sunloungers and drinks table.
Dining. ‘AmphorA’ Restaurant, the main dining room, has portholes and restful decor. Open-seating dining means that you can dine when you want, with whom you wish.
The menus sound appealing, with a selection of contemporary cuisine and regional foods, but there’s little taste and a lack of green vegetables – overall, it’s underwhelming. Fruit and cheese selections are poor, as are salads. The wine list is fairly decent, with prices ranging from moderate to high.
Alternative dining can be found at Candles (indoor seating at just eight tables) or the adjacent outdoor Veranda Café. At night the indoor/outdoor venue becomes Candles Grill, a reservations-required steakhouse.
The Star Bar provides an above-poolside setting for candlelit dining. It specializes in sizzling steaks and seafood.
Entertainment. The Lounge has a sloping floor that provides good sight lines from almost all seats. Small-scale shows, and the occasional cabaret act, are presented here. Non-American passengers should note that almost all entertainment and activities are geared towards North American tastes.
Spa/Fitness. The Spa is a small but well-equipped health spa, with a small fitness room. It has sauna and steam rooms (separate facilities for men and women), an equipment-packed gymnasium (with a low ceiling) and a beauty salon.
The spa is staffed and operated by concession Elemis by Steiner. Treatment prices equal those in an expensive land-based spa. The beauty salon has hair-beautifying treatments and conditioning. In the gymnasium, personal training sessions and some classes may be at extra cost.