10 Day Southern Caribbean Medley on Star PrincessMar 24-April 3, 2011This was the first springtime cruise my DH and I had gone on. The weather was fabulous each and every day. The waters were smooth and the longer day due to the switch to daylight savings time was a real plus. I don't think this will be the last spring cruise we go on.We flew in one day early and stayed at the Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale North. The shuttle picked us up from the airport with 15 minutes of contacting the hotel. We arrived at 11:30 a.m. so our room was not available. They quickly stored our luggage, took my cell phone number and gave us directions to the Harbor Shops. The shopping center was a 5 minute walk and had lots of restaurants, a Publix, a liquor store and other shops. We had a delicious Mahi-Mahi sandwich at Joe's Cafe. After a trip to Publix for some last minutes items we received a call that our room was ready. The hotel was clean and well equipped. We used the pool, the exercise room and the free internet. At 3 p.m. we went to the front desk and signed up for 10:30 a.m. shuttle to the port the next morning. That evening we went to Duffy's Sport Den for a draft beer and then to the Lauderdale Grill for dinner. The next morning we were dropped off at the port and were soon seated in the Platinum Lounge awaiting the embarkation announcement. By noon we had dropped off our carry on bags in our room and were enjoying lunch in the Horizon Court. This was my forth time on the Star. I love the size of the ship and especially love the improvements made during the last dry dock. We booked an inside room on the Aloha deck. The room was adequate, but I'm sure not for everyone. We don't mind saving money on the room and spending it instead on shore excursions. I love the Aloha deck due to it's proximity to the grill, buffet, pools, hot tubs and the gym.Here are my comments and observations by category:PortsIn Aruba we took the ship Aruba Beach Break tour. We had a crazy but fun driver to Moomba Beach. The provided lounge chairs aren't great, but we had a relaxing time and loved the warm sand and sea.In Bonaire we did the Bonaire Shore Snorkel. We enjoyed the snorkeling and the beach time. Bonaire is the most tranquil and beautiful island we visited. I would love to stay here for a week. In Grenada we went on the Party Cruise and Beach tour. We had a great time and plenty of rum punch on the Rhum Runner. During the beach stop one of the crew swam out trays of punch for the swimmers. On the way back we enjoyed the lively music. We would definitely do this again.In Dominica we took the ships Dominica River Float trip. Dominica is not well developed and the ride to and from the tubing river was very rough and winding. The tubing was great fun, but the cons were too much for us. I cannot recommend this tour.In St. Thomas I succumbed to temptation and purchased a lovely tanzanite and Austrian opal pendant. I paid about 2/3 of the original "best price" I was offered and am happy with my purchase.We have been to Princess Cays many times and opted to spend the day enjoying the quiet pools, gym, etc.Night LifeThis was the best group of passengers I have ever encountered on a ship. I don't know why, but every lounge, show and activity had enough people to make it fun. We enjoyed the DJ at Skywalkers, Spank in the Piazza, and the Vintage People at Explorers and the Luciana De Rissio Quartet at the Wheelhouse. The comedian George Casey had a great show with a lovely Irish twist. The Hypnotist Erick Kand has an interesting show and was the first hypnotist I have seen that truly did not try to embarrass the participants. The 50's Sock Hop was a blast as always. We went to movie night once in the Visa Lounge to see Red with Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren. Loved this movie! Our final night was spent at Movies Under the Stars watching the NCAA final four games. Other Ship FunOne of our favorite spots is the international cafe. We discovered they serve a ham and egg sandwich most mornings as well as a yogurt parfait. This is also a nice place for a simple lunch with a variety of sandwich and salad choices. We like the fresh brewed coffee and specialty coffees and used the coffee card we purchased on a previous cruise.We used the gym a number of times in the afternoon and never had a problem getting the equipment we wanted.Most evenings we took advantage of the Elite lounge in Skywalkers for a pre-dinner cocktail and appetizers. We met some very nice people there (hello to Marie and Joanne!).Last but not least was getting to know our new friends, Jan and Alita. These lively ladies were everywhere the Vintage people were and we enjoyed their company at dinner and the lounges on numerous occasions.Sadly, the vacation came to an end. We signed up for additional cruise credits and will look forward to booking again with Princess.