This was actually a cruise and cruise tour and it was our 3rd cruise and cruise tour. The other 2 tours were exceptional and 5 starts. The only reason for 3 stars is you just cannot beat the scenery of Alaska and its beauty in May and early June. The Star Princess appears to be one of the older ships of the fleet. Embarkation went smoothly until a Princess Cruise member allowed a very large group to enter the area where you obtain stateroom keys. For those of us who had our key cards we had to wait until this group was situated in position to allow passengers to pass by. The Star while a beautiful ship in its time was showing its age completed in 2002. Bed arrangement was not to specification requested. Carpet in stateroom was frayed and had ground in dirt due to the age of the carpet. This was apparent throughout the Ship. Rust was visible in every part of the ship. At one point in time the Promenade deck had a section closed off due to lack of railing.

With the exception of the speciality restaurants the food was bland, limited variety and service was less than satisfactory. Entertainment was good however the seats in the theatre need a major overhaul. When you sat down the seat would lean downwards. Ports and shore excursions were good. How many other people have to change boats in the middle of the bay in Juneau, it was fun and we did see whales and see lions. Disembarkation, for the land tour, went well until we were able to determine it appeared to be an effort to see how many people can you get on a catamaran to go from Whittier to Valdez. We arrived at Valdez only to find out that 2 of the 3 busses were there and had to wait for an hour or so for the 3rd bus but lunch was needed anyway. After getting on the bus it was apparent that our driver guide was new and then to top it off there was no air conditioning. I believe the temperature exceeded 93 for the two hour ride to Copper Center Lodge.

Copper Center large needs a lot of help with food service fortunately the little town of Copper Center had a good restaurant. When we left Copper Center it was for a 9 hour bus ride and tour along the Denali Highway. Lots of beautiful scenery and air conditioning was repaired but Princess should be ashamed of itself suggesting that this was a tour. From Denali on services did get better. Letter was written to Princess and I did receive a call with discussion but no satisfaction. Aside from the scenery and until reaching Denali it is like I had spent the money for a Hilton Hotel and received services of a Super 8. Please check the age of your ship before you go as it appears that Princess does little on refurbishment.