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We booked Hyatt Place Tampa Airport/Westshore through stay123. It was a pre cruise package deal which included the room for the night, breakfast, shuttle to and back from the cruise port and you could leave your car in their well-lite parking lot - all for a $23 deposit then $109 plus TX. Room was very spacious and super quiet. We used the outdoor pool as it was sunny and about 82. Beautiful lobby with art glass displays, a computer area and lots of seating. Their only fault was the breakfast was a bit limited, no proteins: no eggs, no no sausage. It was mostly carbs - cereals, toast, etc. They did however, have low sugar yogurt which was appreciated. When we do another cruise out of Tampa, we would definitely stay here again!
Embarkation:
Took hotel shuttle at 10:30, arrived at pier at 10:45. Filled in a form, stood in line and had our cruise cards by 11:15. Our boarding number was called at 11:45, lunch at the grill by noon. Rooms opened at 1:00 and our checked luggage was in the hall at 3:00. Very smooth!
Second time on the Star. We sailed her in 2003 in Hawaii. General areas were the same, so we adjusted to the flow pretty quickly. Food quality and variety were terrific. My only mistake is I ordered the Cobb Salad at lunch the last day and it was Marvelous! I would have had it every day! Tons of bacon, ham, cheese and hard boiled eggs.
Anytime dining has a system that if you show up and there are no tables available - they give you a beeper and a coupon (per person) for a free soda or a glass of wine/champagne. We actually tried to time our arrival when it would be busy. Had quite a few champagnes while we waited. Wait was approximately 20 minutes.
Entertainment was varied and fun to watch, except one night.
Appreciated the use of hand sanitizers.
Room had plenty of storage. Shower doors, no shower curtain. Narrow area next to the bed, but we would just crawl to the end. Loved the towel animals.
Special KUDOS to:
Montse (Monserrat) who celebrated her ?? birthday that week
Ann Monique in the Versailles waitress (thanks for rocking the boat!)
Ricky- Blue Lagoon who went out of his way to get me provolone for my burger
Hared (our stateroom steward)
Loved all of our tours (check out my comments)
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