Our 15 day cruise on the Star Princess began on November 4, 2018. Round trip from San Pedro to the Hawaiian Islands and a Jones Act stop in Ensenada, Mexico. We have cruised many times before and so often on Princess we are Elite. This is the best time of year to cross the South Pacific.
The weather was on our side and even in Hilo where we enjoyed sunshine and a view of the observatories atop Mauna Kea. The first day at sea was a little rough, as was the first day at sea on the return trip. Otherwise by the second day you could feel the balmy weather. Had no rain but some clouds. The sunsets were fabulous.
Embarkation was a breeze. We literally walked through. Princess had a line of at least 20 folks to process us in. And, a change, they eliminated the Health Form you had to fill out before going aboard. I always thought those nubby pencils they provided, that everyone touched, were a source of contamination. We were in our aft balcony room in 15 minutes. Our room steward, Claudine was wonderful. She was furloughed home in Honolulu and another helpful kind lady named Phean was our new steward. We have never had a bad experience with princess steward staff. The cabin was clean. The bathroom was spotless. Carpet a little drab, but so what. Chairs recently recovered in leather. Beds were very comfortable. The televisions are large flat screens.The bedside lamps are new with swivel arms and include a USB port for device charging. Smart!
Rained but still pretty. Will do again if better weather. See a new part of island.
Wow. A clear day atop the mountain. Fabulous views. Good guide.
Great tour and guide who gave a nice history lesson of places we encountered. Plantation is beautiful. Good place for unique photos. Ioa Valley pretty.