The Star RT LA Hawaii, October 21, 2013 – November 5, 2013

[slomotion]

The Star RT LA Hawaii, October 21, 2013 – November 5, 2013

 

Sunday, 10/20/13 Left home for a 3+ hour uneventful drive to San Pedro, CA to the Crowne Plaza in San Pedro, CA.

 

There were about 30 people booked there as we had set up a pre-cruise meet & greet dubbed the Chug & Hug for 4:00 PM. It was nice meeting the folks from the roll call tha we had been corresponding with.

 

Monday, 10/21/13

There were two ship in port so the line to get the shuttle from the hotel to the ship was a little longer than usual, but nothing to really be concerned about except for a couple of old geezers (I can use that phrase because I are one!) who felt a need to complain.

 

Embarkation was smooth, fast & efficient and those with more than the allotted one bottle of wine per person were directed to a table set up to charge your on-board account $15 per bottle over the allotted two per couple. That too, was handled in a fast & efficient manner. We were in our statement by about 12:15, dropped our bags and headed to the Trident Grill for a knockwurst (no sauerkraut) & fries for a “light lunch.”

 

We passed through the buffet on our way to the Trident, and true to form many were there gorging themselves as if the food would run out. (It didn’t!)

 

The Star is in very good condition so the sometimes heard comments of her aging condition are false.

 

Dinner the first night was in the Crown Grill (sweet, suite perk) and it was PERFECT! I ordered a filet, butterflied and med well and asked if I could also order just two lobster tails. The waiter said “No!” but added “I’ll bring you four!” And he did so I had Surf & Turf for dinner. The steak was PERFECT as were the lobster tails. My wife had fish of some sort and it too we perfect. Sad to say the scalloped potatoes are gone from the menu but the garlic & herb fries are just superb and sure to please. We passed on dessert as we were really stuffed!

 

We had connected with two different groups so dinner for us was at one of two tables for eight (anytime) except for the above mentioned dinner for two in the Crown and another as a UBD. The other 13 nights we were part of a group of eight. I mentioned that because doing the math shows we were present at 104 meals served at tables we shared with others. Of those 104, only one of the dinners served was not up to par. Not a bad batting average.

 

The entire staff was friendly, all-in-all a VERY friendly ship.

 

The weather was excellent with the smoothest seas we’ve had in the last three years of taking a Hawaiian cruise in October.

 

So, in summary, the ship is in excellent condition, the staff is superb, the entertainment was excellent, the suite breakfast at Sabatini’s was splendid. IMHO there was nothing to complain about, although I’m sure that someone could find something.

 

Oh, one thing that I’ve noticed is while the salt-sea air is hard on deck furniture, it is even worse on the waistband of my slacks. Shrinks them every time!

 

slo

[Woobstr112G]

Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. Were you in an aft view suite?......:):):)

 

Bob

[melody hounddog]

Thanks!

[slomotion]

Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts. Were you in an aft view suite?......:):):)

 

Bob

 

Yes, Owner's suite B751. Excellent! Enjoyed Room service lunch on the balcony while crossing and had very little wind.

[KINGSFAN1]

My wife and I were also on the same cruise. We totally enjoyed the it and found little to complain about other than the two ships in port during embarkation , but that's minor.

We had a mini suite mid ship on the Dolphin deck, first time for us, usually in a balcony when possible. We are spoiled now. We were able to have a Balcony Dinner for our anniversary and it was great, Lobster tails and Filet mignon yum and the service was superb.

The Crown Grill and Vines were excellent. The Crown Grill also had a fish and chips lunch at no charge that we enjoyed.

 

The seas were the calmest we have ever had as was said before.

 

We have done this cruise once before in October of 2010 on the Golden, and we enjoyed both equally.

 

Disembarkation was fast--the only problem I had at first was getting the Purser to change my time from 11:30am since we had an independent shuttle booked, since we only live about sixty miles away and it was picking us up at 9:30, they finally gave us pink 1 8:15 and all was well.

[RLK33853]

Did either of you happen to get the names of the Maitre'd and the Head Waiters?

[lovevacadays]

Thank you for your review. Nice to hear the Star is in good shape. My family and I sailed her when she was brand new and did a 3 day "get to know me" cruise out of San Pedro. We had a blast! Sounds like you had a nice cruise.

[Woobstr112G]

Yes, Owner's suite B751. Excellent! Enjoyed Room service lunch on the balcony while crossing and had very little wind.

 

Good for you. We had a Dolphin Vista in March while on the Sapphire. Had to skip 2014 re: $$$. We have another Dolphin Vista booked on the Grand in March 2015.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Woobstr112G]

My wife and I were also on the same cruise. We totally enjoyed the it and found little to complain about other than the two ships in port during embarkation , but that's minor.

We had a mini suite mid ship on the Dolphin deck, first time for us, usually in a balcony when possible. We are spoiled now. We were able to have a Balcony Dinner for our anniversary and it was great, Lobster tails and Filet mignon yum and the service was superb.

The Crown Grill and Vines were excellent. The Crown Grill also had a fish and chips lunch at no charge that we enjoyed.

 

The seas were the calmest we have ever had as was said before.

 

We have done this cruise once before in October of 2010 on the Golden, and we enjoyed both equally.

 

Disembarkation was fast--the only problem I had at first was getting the Purser to change my time from 11:30am since we had an independent shuttle booked, since we only live about sixty miles away and it was picking us up at 9:30, they finally gave us pink 1 8:15 and all was well.

 

Question regarding your UBD. What was your opinion of the size of the Lobster Tail? I was wondering if they were downsized as I noted the tails in Sabatinis and the CG were.....

 

Bob

[TracieABD]

Love, love, loved my time on the Star!:)

[Chipster2]

Thanks for taking the time to post your review. It will be our turn in 3 more weeks!

[slomotion]

Question regarding your UBD. What was your opinion of the size of the Lobster Tail? I was wondering if they were downsized as I noted the tails in Sabatinis and the CG were.....

Bob

 

Didn't have my tape measure with me, but (for us) to even consider the "review" of any particular part of what my wife described as absolutely the best dinner of her life (which I'm in agreement with) the ENTIRE experience, opening with appetizers and cocktails, and then on to the main appetizer, an incredible salad, steak done to perfection, lobster tails of adequate size & dawn butter as delectable as any I've ever had, outrageously tasty dinner rolls, nice champagne, and a dessert that is too difficult to even describe and was so large that it took a while to finish, was fabulous.

 

I also had "surf & turf" in the CG and was asked by our waiter if I would like an additional order of lobster (no extra charge) so the size, in my opinion, was not important. I could have had another four!

[KruzPrincess]

Thanks for your review. I'll be on the Star soon and had read some mixed reviews. I'm glad you had a great time.

[Woobstr112G]

Didn't have my tape measure with me, but (for us) to even consider the "review" of any particular part of what my wife described as absolutely the best dinner of her life (which I'm in agreement with) the ENTIRE experience, opening with appetizers and cocktails, and then on to the main appetizer, an incredible salad, steak done to perfection, lobster tails of adequate size & dawn butter as delectable as any I've ever had, outrageously tasty dinner rolls, nice champagne, and a dessert that is too difficult to even describe and was so large that it took a while to finish, was fabulous.

 

I also had "surf & turf" in the CG and was asked by our waiter if I would like an additional order of lobster (no extra charge) so the size, in my opinion, was not important. I could have had another four!

 

Thanks for replying back. Your UBD sounds like it was fantastic. The below picture was my UBD while on the Ruby in 2009.

 

 

Bob

[HRPro]

Thanks for replying back. Your UBD sounds like it was fantastic. The below picture was my UBD while on the Ruby in 2009.

 

 

Bob

Bob, we did the UBD on the Royal and the lobster tails were definitely larger than those served in the DR and CG, but not sure they were as big as yours on the Ruby. I echo the OP that the UBD dinner was delicious and so much food that we saved our dessert to eat the next day. Hope you and Holli are doing well.

 

Susan

[HRPro]

OP, thanks for taking time to share your thoughts on the Star. We're taking our first cruise to Hawaii on the Star in February and are really looking forward to it. Hoping we'll be as lucky with the calm seas in February as you had in October. Any recommendations for tours/excursions?

[San Carlos lady]

Any feedback on if there is a Hawaiian floor show on board the Star while in Honolulu and it was worthwhile. We are still wondering if should stay in town for a Luau?

[LaCal]

Hi Thanks for your review...Were on her Next Wednesday and CANT WAIT.:D

 

Praying the seas are as calm for us as they were for you.

 

Did you by chance play in the Casino at all?

 

If so how was the staff in there?

 

Weve found some cruises with Awesome Casino personal and others where they were so stuffy like they hated their job...

 

Thanks Again..:)

[slomotion]

Any feedback on if there is a Hawaiian floor show on board the Star while in Honolulu and it was worthwhile. We are still wondering if should stay in town for a Luau?

 

I think there was, but we did not attend. We've seen it before. Some of the folks in our roll call went to the Chief's Luau and liked it.

 

 

Hi Thanks for your review...Were on her Next Wednesday and CANT WAIT.:D

 

Praying the seas are as calm for us as they were for you.

 

Did you by chance play in the Casino at all?

 

If so how was the staff in there?

 

We've found some cruises with Awesome Casino personal and others where they were so stuffy like they hated their job...

 

Thanks Again..:)

 

We are not casino players. Even on non-smoking nights the odor of stale smoke is very pervasive and that would keep us out.

[San Diego Ellie]

I was on the same sailing. Do not miss the children's hula show in the Princess Theater in Honolulu. It is outstanding! The youngest child is seven, and the oldest is 17. They were totally wonderful. I have been on five Hawaii cruises and have seen the children's hula show before. I still would not miss it for a luau.

Edited November 15, 2013 by San Diego Ellie