First place to go “star gazing” is the 3-deck high Grand Plaza, located amidships on the lowest passenger decks. This is where most guests will enter the vessel. With its marble, glass and wood paneling the Grand Plaza is sure to make a lasting impression of grandeur and luxury. Twin glass elevators zoom up and down behind eclectic metal decorations,  there is soft piano music playing and with a grand staircase connecting all three levels, you will end up here no matter where you go on the ship.

At the lowest level of the Grand Plaza, you will find a number of essential facilities. On Plaza Deck there is one of two Reception Desks, an expansive Shore Excursion Desk and a small Library (with very few books, but hey, who needs books if there are comfortable chairs to doze off in?). Around the corner is a nice Card Room and even an old-fashioned Writing Room - hardly appropriate in today’s computerized world. On the port side is the pleasant Lobby Bar, which serves as a natural meeting point and a perfect place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks while waiting for a table in the Capri Dining Room, which is one of two identical restaurants operating on Princess’ innovative Anytime Dining program.

On almost all Princess ships, you can choose the dining program which suites you best. Star Princess boasts three main dining rooms which all serve the same food and provide the same good service. While the Amalfi Dining Room on Fiesta Deck aft operates with two traditional dinner seatings, both the Capri and Portofino Dining Rooms offer Anytime Dining. You just show up at the entrance of the restaurant and indicate whether you would like a table for two. Four. Six. Eight! As soon as a table is available, you will be beeped and off you go. Buon Appetito!

All three dining rooms have a similar layout and ambiance. With oversized classical-looking murals (at closer look they seem rather amateurishly) and soft, wood trimmed furniture, dining is always a pleasure and if our three-course Port Luncheon was anything to go by, Star Princess will not disappoint you food-wise. Service is generally sound, but Anytime Dining means you will have a different waiter for each meal which take away the waiter-guest bonding that so many cruise passengers enjoy. Oh, and if you hate to sit between cleared tables, you'd better choose the Traditional option.