The bars are cheery with folks chatting with the bar tender and the stylish décor of the palm laced piazza is dotted with people relaxing to live baroque music from a tiny classical ensemble.
The shop windows lure us in with displays of beautiful jewelry and colorful tropical clothes and hats.
The casino rings with the bells of the slots and sparkles and flashes when the machines pay off and tables of intent card players erupt with cheers as someone wins big.
The deck pools glow blue with under water lights in the evening and sparkle bright blue during the day. Steam rises over the guests soaking in the warm relaxing water of the hot tubs and when you walk up onto the outdoor theatre deck, dozens of lounge chairs are arranged, waiting for sunbathers during the day and movie watchers under the stars at night while a giant plasma screen glows with the latest movie.
Lounges and entertainment venues present design themes from Ancient Egypt and Adventure Travel to Traditional English Pub and Italian Villas. There are many fun and interesting locations just to sit and enjoy your surroundings and of course, the spa is the epitome of zen calm and relaxation.
One of my favorite areas are the side decks of the ship where you can relax in lounge chairs reminiscent of the early days of cruise ships, tucked up under the dingys which hang high off the side of the ship, and watch the sea go by while admiring the determined exercisers fast-walking along the long decks. This quiet area gives you a real feeling of being on a ship.
Everything on the Star Princess is beautifully decorated and you should definitely take time away from the buffet tables, theatre shows, bingo, the disco and all the other distractions to slow down and enjoy the elegance and beauty unique to a cruise ship.