Just back from our second Princess cruise. This time on the Star. Last year we cruised same time of the year on the Golden which is the sister ship to the Star. We actually enjoyed knowing where everything was on the ship. Less time spent exploring and or getting lost.
First of all we stayed two days at The Best Western Oceanside Inn in Ft. Lauderdale. Right on the strip and walking distance to the shops and restaurants. The hotel is clean and well kept. The breakfast was included and had everything you could want. It is just a 10 minute cab ride to the pier. I would stay here again.
Back to the cruise...embarking was typical. You rush to the port...and wait. Princess says 1:00 embarking but we were on the ship by noon. It was about an hour wait at the terminal. Everything was fast and well organized. Our cabin-A342 was smaller than on the Golden. This time we were three in the room,myself, my husband and our 13 year old daughter. Two twin beds and a bunk that lowers from the ceiling. The balcony on the Aloha deck is smaller than on the other three decks below. It also is a covered patio. The three below are open decks and you can look down on them. If you like a larger balcony, I would stay away from the Aloha deck. Also, it is also directly under the 14th floor which houses the pool decks and Horizon Court (Buffet). So it was a bit noisy at times with footsteps, running and things being moved around upstairs. But all in all the cabin was fine and what we expect when we cruise.