Sailing Aboard the Brand-New Star Princess - And Yes, She Really Is a Star

There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a brand-new ship - everything smells fresh, everything shines, and you can feel the buzz of excitement humming in the air. That’s exactly how it felt the moment we boarded the new Star Princess. She didn’t just meet expectations… she swept us straight into that vacation mindset the moment we crossed the gangway.

And this trip? It delivered the kind of memories that stick - the ones that gently tap you on the shoulder later and remind you why you love to explore.

Amber Cove - Quiet Beauty Wrapped in Green and Blue

Our first stop was Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, and goodness… this place has a charm all its own. It’s quiet, calm, and beautifully unhurried - the kind of port that doesn’t need to shout to be memorable.

Imagine this - stepping off a beautiful Princess Cruise ship to see a hillside draped in lush green, sloping right toward crystal-blue water as if nature arranged it just for effect. Gentle breezes, palm trees, and a landscape that begs you to slow down. It’s peaceful in that unmistakably Caribbean way. Want an even better view? Climb the 80-some steps to the Sky Bar for a cold beverage and some bites! And for all those who love a good selfie spot, this is it!

Amber Cove is the kind of place where you inhale deeply, exhale slowly, and think, Yes… this is why I love to travel.

Grand Turk - The “Pinch Me” Kind of Paradise

Then came Grand Turk, and - wow. Even if you’ve seen blue water before, nothing prepares you for the color here. It’s the bluest of blues, the kind that practically glows under the sun. And when it meets those soft white-sand beaches? Pure postcard perfection… with a splash of donkey thrown in for good measure, lol!

I found myself just standing there soaking it in - the calm waves, the bright horizon, that quiet “is this real life?” moment. My brain said, hello paradise, and my heart said, stay just a little longer. We have now been to both Providenciales and Grand Turk, and my favorite by far is Grand Turk (future post alert!).

Life Onboard Star Princess - Effortless, Elevated, and Thoughtfully Designed

Back onboard, the Star Princess continued to impress in all the right ways. She’s modern without losing warmth, elegant without feeling stuffy, and designed in a way that just makes sense.

Food? Excellent - and blissfully easy to get to (not great for your waistline, lol).
Bars? Everywhere they should be (and a few places you didn’t know you needed one). The Lido Bar was the fastest — and for those who like draft beer, they have a couple of options!
Pools? Forward, midship, and aft - pick your mood, pick your view.

But one thing that genuinely thrilled us was how easy the ship was to navigate. Princess absolutely nailed this.

On every deck, there were interactive touchscreens, but also something wonderfully simple - a ship cutout of that deck, showing exactly where you were standing and what was around you.

Step off the elevator, glance at the list of what that deck offers, check the cutout, and instantly know whether to head forward or aft.
Brilliant.

The elevator system can be a little confusing for some at first, but once you understand how it works, it’s fantastic. On the screen outside the elevator, you select your floor, then match your assigned letter to the elevator door with the same letter. Inside, arrows clearly indicate direction and which decks the elevator will be visiting, making it easy to slip inside as you approach.

It made wandering the ship not just easy, but fun - no guessing, no confusion. Just smooth, effortless exploring across the Star Princess...And you know that as Travel Agents, that's what we do!

Spellbound - A Magical Speakeasy With a Mesmerizing Mentalist Twist

Now… let’s talk about the place that stole our hearts.

Spellbound – Princess Cruise’s speakeasy-style lounge – was something truly special. But it’s not just any speakeasy. It’s 1920’s glamour blended with a mysterious mentalist flair, as well as magic and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

The moment we stepped inside, we were transported to another era - think velvet textures, moody lighting, jazz-soaked elegance, and that warm, secretive “you weren’t supposed to know this place exists” atmosphere. It feels like you’re stepping behind a curtain into a hidden world, and be on the lookout for buttons to push and pictures that move...

But what sets Spellbound apart is that twist - the mentalist vibe that runs underneath everything. It’s subtle, clever, and keeps you just a touch curious the entire time. Like the room itself is in on a secret.

Showtime… Not going to say much here because you have to experience this for yourself - a truly mind-blowing performance!

The drinks are crafted with intention, personality, and a bit of theatrics - the kind you sip slowly because each one feels like part of the experience. I recommend the Top Hat and Tails - delicious!
The bartenders? Pure charm. Warm, welcoming, and full of life.
The vibe? Honestly… irresistible.

We sat in Spellbound for hours - losing track of time, chatting, laughing, soaking in the ambiance. It’s intimate without being cramped, stylish without being pretentious, and full of tiny details that make you feel like part of something special. We actually forgot we were on a cruise!

Princess didn’t just create a venue.
They created a moment.
A little pocket of magic where the night stretches out and you never want to leave.

The Dome - A Relaxing Haven by Day, a Mesmerizing Venue by Night

One space onboard that we enjoyed the most was The Dome, perched right at the bow of the Star Princess. It’s the kind of place that feels special the moment you arrive - almost like the ship’s own front-row seat to the world.

Walk through the Sea View Terrace, an absolutely gorgeous multi-level outdoor space overlooking the endless stretch of ocean, with loungers, comfy chairs, and tiered seating that makes relaxing feel effortless. Whether you’re sipping a morning coffee or letting the warm afternoon sun wash over you, the view here is pure serenity.

Step just inside the doors and you’re in The Dome - an airy, multi-level indoor retreat that manages to feel both spacious and cozy at the same time. During the day, it’s peaceful and light-filled – perfect for reading, sipping something refreshing, or simply drifting into that easy sea-day rhythm. Calming music, panoramic ocean views, gentle energy… it’s the space you gravitate toward without even thinking about it.

But come evening? The Dome transforms.

The pool becomes part of the stage, the lighting shifts into something vibrant and immersive, and the entire venue takes on a performance-ready energy. One moment calm and serene, the next glowing and theatrical. The lighting doesn’t just set the mood; it elevates every movement, every note, every performance.

The Dome and Sea View Terrace became places we kept returning to – not just because they were beautiful, but because they felt alive in every version of themselves.

A Trip to Remember

All in all, our time on the Star Princess was unforgettable. From the peaceful greens of Amber Cove to the electric blues of Grand Turk, from effortless onboard exploring to evenings wrapped in Spellbound’s sultry glow - every part of this Princess Cruise felt thoughtfully balanced and beautifully curated.

She’s stunning. She’s comfortable. She’s easy to love.
And she truly is a star.

We’re already dreaming about the next time we sail on her.

Want to know more, or ready tobook your Star experience, eamil me at tdoucette@dreamvacations.com or call me at 843.739.5149

Cheers 

Tammy Doucette