I am really struggling to make a decision for my husband and My anniversary cruise in March. We decided last minute to cruise instead of flying to Mexico. We've cruised Royal Carribean and Carnival before but never Princess. Princess seems to have lower fares though. The recent reviews for The Star don't seem to be as good as The Miracle and I just can't decide. WE HAVE TO SOON THOUGH! We are both in the 39 age range. We love to do excursions. Both have Western Carribean Itineries although Miracle has Belize where we would like to Cave Tube. Star has Jamaica where we like to see The Falls though?? HELP!!!

My vote would be for Princess. We've only cruised on NCL, RCL, HAL, Costa, Carnival, and Princess. To me, Princess does it best. The service is extraordinary, the cleanliness of the ships is immaculate, and the food is great. We just returned from the Costa Magica and had a wonderful cruise, beautiful ship, good food, great activities, but Princess is better. I would choose Costa over Carnival, but this is my opinion only. Best wishes and have a marvelous cruise, whatever ship you choose!

Thanks for the reply, we are still up in the air about it but I've always heard that Princess was one step above Carnival and then when I read the reviews I wasn't so sure.

I will second penny3333's vote for Princess.
I have not been on the other lines (I always chuckle when Penny says she's ONLY been on. . . . )so I can't make a comparison; but I can tell you that in over 30 years of cruising with Princess I have NEVER been on a trip I didn't thoroughly enjoy.
The Grand Class ships are wonderful in every respect.
And Princess' shore excoursions are very well organized and always just as represented in the brochures.
But whichever you choose, have a wonderful trip and Happy Anniversary.

Sorry, I guess I was composing my first reply while you were respondind to penny3333;
it's hard for me to imagine someone giving Princess a bad review, but if you could be specific about what is causing you pause, I would love the opportunity to respond to it.

I like RCI, Carnival, AND Princess. You've done RCI and Carnival. Why not try Princess this time, especially since they have the best fares for your time slot?

Not to diminish RCI and Carnival, but our Princess cruises have always seemed to be just a little bit more elegant and reserved than those with RCI and Carnival. Probably a good atmosphere for an anniversary cruise.

Dave,
I think this is the first time I've seen you mention that you were on Princess. Not trying to be nosy but I'd love to know what ships, years, etc..
I find it amusing that Carnival is doing a pretty good job of shedding it's "party cruise" reputation; while Princess has lost some of it's "elegant and reserved" aura.

Only two Princess cruises - Sun P in 1997, Grand P in 2001.

I really appreciate the replies!! The reviews I read that were negative were about service and food. There has definitely been partying on the last couple of Carnival Cruises but the food and service were Wonderful! The price is definitely a plus though!

I think we have decided on Princess Star. I am excited but a little nervous! Thanks for all the help.

Hello swimmersonboard;
you have no need to be nervous about your decision for Star Princess; she is a magnificent ship.
I am very surprised to hear of criticism of Princess' food or service--these are two things that usually set Princess apart from other popular cruise lines. But it is always possible that someone had a less than wonderful experience.
But please don't lower your expectations just because you are getting a good price--Princess will not compromise on quality.
By the way, you mentioned on another thread that you could get a mini-suite for the price of a balcony on Carnival--by all means DO IT. We had a mini-suite on our last cruise and it was fantastic! Larger cabin; larger balcony; larger bathroom; more closet space; you MUST try it.
Have a wonderful trip and keep in touch.

I am REALLY Excited NOW! Every time we've cruised its been with lots of other people and I am looking forward to having a romantic cruise with my husband and enjoying The Star. Is there a website to find good pictures of the public rooms on the ship? Not finding many

Thanks!

The Princess web site, princess.com has some good pics and virtual tours. And you can download e-brochures or order brochures.

Hi swimmersonboard. I am cruising the Star Princess with my boyfriend in two weeks! We are probably doing the same itinerary - Western Caribbean. I will let you know how it goes, but I'm very excited as I've heard really good things. We booked the canopy tour in Jamaica and the Stingray City Tour in Grand Cayman, which I've heard is a must see. I'll be in touch!!!

Oh Great, I can't wait to hear your review. We are going to do a stingray tour in Grand Cayman, Dunn's River Fall's in Jamiaca, and spend the day at Playa Del Carmen in Cozumel. If you've never been leave time to shop in Cozumel, its one of my favorite shopping spots.

Hi swimmersonboard,
Here is my review about the Star that you requested yesterday. We took this cruise to celebrate our 25th anniversary. Let Princess know about your 15th and they will take care of you. From the time we arrived at the airport to receiving our room took about one hour. From that point until we stepped off a week later I can truely say I can't think of one thing that was not perfect. When I read about complaints from others, I can only say that you will never have a good time if you only are looking for the negative. There our no negatives on Princess. The food was great (we had the first seating) The entertainment was first class and the service was fantastic. They knew what I wanted before I did. We booked room D425, a mini-suite in the center of the ship. The view from the balcony was great. As far as shore excursions we tried to book something off the beaten path. In Ocho Rios we did the Coyaba River Gardens and then climbed Dunn's River Falls. This is a must do at least once in your life. At Grand Cayman we took the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens tour and then went to the far end of the island to Rum Point Beach. We have been to Cozumel several times so we shopped the entire day. The last stop at Princess Cays is very relaxing. Princess serves a Bar-B-Que while we played on the beach. I forgot to say that we even bought a couple of pictures from the art auction on board. The last day we waited for our color to be called and were off the ship and back at the airport in 10 minutes. Thats about it, if you have any other questions let me know.

Thanks BlueJays. I think you're right about a negative attitude and I wonder if some of those people aren't just complaining to be able to talk. My personality is generally to try and see the good in things because....for example.. if someone happens to snap at you there is some reason behind it. They do know its our annivesary and I DO need a break. You may have read on another post that we've been fostering for a LONG time and sometimes all the kids issues seem overwelming. I just need to get away and enjoy the sun, sand and MY HUSBAND!
Thanks for a great review and a confirmation that we INDEED made the right decision.
Cyndi