Day 16 - Some Ship Facts and Canadian Thanksgiving

One of the nicest surprises on this sailing has been how un‑crowded the ship feels. Even though she can carry up to 5,300 passengers, this voyage has just 3,995 guests on board. You can feel the difference everywhere—lounges with open seats, elevators that arrive quickly, and quiet corners that stay quiet. The ship is a year old and this is the fewest guests they have ever experienced.

The passenger mix is interesting, too. The top three countries represented are:

• Britain — 75 passengers

• Canada — 619 passengers

• USA — 3,095 passengers

It’s a friendly blend, and you hear a mix of accents throughout the ship.

What makes this cruise especially pleasant is the ship’s size. The Royal‑class vessels usually hold about the same number of guests we have right now, but this ship carries 45,000 more tons. That extra space translates into wider walkways, larger venues, and a general feeling of breathing room. It’s amazing how much difference a few thousand tons can make in day‑to‑day comfort.

All in all, it’s been a wonderfully relaxed sailing—proof that sometimes the best cruises are the ones that aren’t full.

The entertainment on this voyage has been nothing short of outstanding. Last night’s concert was a perfect example of why live music at sea feels so special. The Princess Orchestra filled the theatre with songs from around the world. This ship has thirty talented musicians on board. At a time when some cruise lines have scaled back to canned music, hearing a full orchestra perform live is a real gift.

The evening featured a wonderful mix of performers. The lead singer from Asian Soul took the stage, and her voice was absolutely breathtaking. Later, the duo from the Irish Pub stepped into the spotlight with a beautiful piece from Ireland that added a lovely, intimate touch to the night. Several orchestra members performed solos as well, each one showcasing the depth of talent onboard.

It all came together as an excellent concert — rich, varied, and full of the kind of artistry that makes cruising such a joy.

It was Canadian Thanksgiving yesterday. The Princess Patter had a nice message on the front, Cole the Cruise Director reminded everyone who wasn't Canadian and they had Canadian Trivia in Princess Live. However, turkey as nowhere to be seen. Not in the main dining room, The Eatery (aka Buffet) or in any other dining room. Very disappointing. I was in the Arena waiting for the Ariel performers and the lady who sat next to me was from Maine. She said "Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, why didn't they serve turkey for dinner". I wish I had an answer. I have very few disappointments on this cruise but this is one I will not forget. Last year on the Coral Princess, they had many decorations and a nice turkey dinner in the dining room. No decorations on the Star. I hope they find some before American Thanksgiving for all the American cruisers.

Day 15 - Learning at Sea: The Story Behind the Panama Canal

One of the things I truly enjoy about cruising is the Enrichment seminars. They add so much depth to the journey, turning a day at sea into a day of discovery. Today’s session was a standout — Lance presented the history of the Panama Canal, and his knowledge of the subject was exceptional. It’s always a treat when a speaker can take a massive engineering feat and make it feel personal, human, and alive.

The story of the Panama Canal stretches back centuries. As early as 1513, Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and realized just how narrow the land bridge was between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From that moment, European powers imagined the possibility of a canal that could link the two oceans.

Many proposals came and went over the next few hundred years, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that construction truly began. The first attempt was led by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps — the same man who built the Suez Canal. Starting in 1880, his team tried to carve a sea‑level canal through Panama’s rugged terrain. They faced relentless rain, landslides, and devastating outbreaks of malaria and yellow fever. By 1889, the French effort collapsed under financial strain and overwhelming loss of life.

The United States took over the project in 1904, after purchasing the French assets and negotiating rights with the newly independent Panama. Under chief engineers John Stevens and later George Washington Goethals, the U.S. redesigned the project into a lock‑and‑lake system — a safer and more feasible approach for the steep, unstable landscape. They also tackled the mosquito problem head‑on, dramatically reducing disease and allowing work to continue. After a decade of monumental excavation, construction of massive locks, and the creation of Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal officially opened in August 1914.

For decades, the canal was under U.S. control, but in 1999 full authority was transferred to Panama, where it remains today.

Listening to Lance explain all of this — the ambition, the setbacks, the triumph — made me appreciate just how extraordinary this waterway is. It’s not just a shortcut; it’s one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, connecting 160 countries and thousands of ports around the world.

Moments like today remind me why I love cruising. You’re not just traveling — you’re learning, exploring, and gaining a deeper understanding of the places you pass through. And sometimes, all it takes is a great speaker and a quiet room at sea to bring history to life.

Day 14 - Meet the Captain — A Family Story at Sea

 

Captain Arrigo on the left and Cruise Director Cole on the right

Today’s highlight was the “Meet the Captain” event, something I always look forward to on a cruise. There’s something special about hearing directly from the person who guides the ship — the stories, the history, and the little glimpses into life on the bridge.

Our current master of the Star Princess is Captain Paolo Arrigo, and many people immediately recognized his name. He was the Captain on The Real Love Boat television series that aired in 2022, which brought a fun bit of pop‑culture charm to Princess Cruises. But his real story goes much deeper than TV credits.

Captain Arrigo shared that his connection to Princess is truly a family legacy. His grandfather joined the company as a chef back in 1965, at a time when the fleet — and the industry — looked very different. His father followed the same path, also cooking for Princess. So in many ways, Paolo grew up with the sea woven into his life. He laughed as he admitted he enjoys cooking too, but ultimately his dream was to sail the ship, not just feed the people on it. And here he is, carrying the family tradition forward in his own way.

He also gave an excellent explanation about the recent decision to skip Mazatlán and adjust our route to skirt the hurricane. He walked us through the maps, the timing, and the complexity of the storm system. Seeing the data laid out so clearly made it easy to understand why the change was necessary — safety first, always. It was reassuring to hear directly from the person responsible for navigating us through it.

These screens show the position of the ship at the top of the black line.  You can watch the ships time and the black line to see the navigation through the storm.               

Our position on October 8th at 8:00 PM

October 9 8:00 AM almost through the storm

 

October 10 8:00 AM finally in safe calm water

At today’s event, Captain Paolo Arrigo shared another fascinating chapter of his Princess story — one that took him off the bridge and into the world of innovation. For two years, he was pulled from the high seas and brought into the Corporate Office to help develop what would become one of Princess’s biggest technological leaps: the Medallion.

He joked that he was “a bit of a geek,” but admitted he had no idea how to program. That’s where the Princess tech team came in. They understood the engineering and software; he understood the ship — its safety, its operations, and the way guests and crew move through daily life onboard. Together, they built something that blended both worlds.

Hearing him describe that collaboration made the Medallion feel even more impressive. It wasn’t just a tech project — it was shaped by someone who knows the heartbeat of the ship.

Events like this remind me why I enjoy cruising so much.  It’s not just the destinations — it’s the people who make the journey possible, and the stories behind them.

Day 13 - Riding Out Hurricane Simon — Or So We Thought and now an earthquake at our next port!

 

We were still in Cabo San Lucas when the news came through: Simon had officially become a hurricane. Not long after, the captain’s voice rolled through the ship, calm and steady as ever. Our scheduled stop in Mazatlán was cancelled — safety of guests and crew comes first, and the weather system forming southeast of Lázaro Cárdenas was something the ship wanted no part of.

Cruise ships have remarkable weather‑tracking technology, and the captain explained that we’d stay well clear of the storm’s center. Still, we’d likely feel some motion and pick up a bit of rain as the system passed nearby. He even gave us a timeline: the “fun” would begin around 5 PM, and by 6 AM we’d be out of danger and back to smooth sailing.

Since we were still quarantined to our stateroom, we figured a little rockin’ and rollin’ might at least make the evening interesting. But in the end… nothing much happened at all. A gentle sway here and there, barely noticeable. After so many cruises, we’ve been through far worse on perfectly ordinary sea days.

Maybe it was the size of the ship. Maybe the stabilizers were doing their quiet magic. Whatever the reason, Hurricane Simon passed without giving us more than a nudge — a reminder that sometimes the biggest storms stay far away, and the ocean decides to be kind.

We are now out of quarantine and enjoying the ship once again.

BBC News has become our steady companion on the stateroom TV, and today their broadcast carried unsettling headlines: a large earthquake struck Panama. The epicenter isn’t directly beneath where our ship is scheduled to dock, but it’s close enough that everyone onboard paused for a moment, listening a little more carefully than usual.

We were originally set to arrive at Fuerte Amador on October 14. Now, with Mazatlán dropped from the itinerary, there’s a chance we may reach Panama earlier than planned. That adds a layer of uncertainty to an already fluid situation.

For now, we’re hoping the early damage reports hold true — minimal impact, quick assessments, and safe conditions for the people ashore. Out here at sea, news travels in waves, and all we can do is stay informed, stay flexible, and trust the captain and crew to navigate whatever comes next.

Cole, our Cruise Director, shared an interesting bit of news late in the day. When the earthquake struck, the Coral Princess happened to be docked at Fuerte Amador. The terminal didn’t escape unscathed — there was smashed glass and a fair bit of cleanup needed. Passengers were held briefly while the crew made sure everything was safe and tidy again.

Once the terminal was cleared, everyone embarked, the ship sailed toward the Panama Canal, and operations returned to normal. A reminder that even when nature throws a surprise our way, the cruise teams handle it with calm professionalism.

Day 12 - A Day in Quarantine: Remembering the Diamond Princess

In early 2020, long before vaccines, rapid tests, or even a clear understanding of how COVID‑19 spread, the world watched a cruise ship become an unexpected symbol of the unfolding pandemic. The Diamond Princess, a ship that had departed Yokohama on January 20, 2020 for a Lunar New Year voyage through Asia, returned to Japan on February 3 under circumstances no one could have imagined.

A passenger who had disembarked in Hong Kong on January 25 later tested positive for COVID‑19. When the ship reached Yokohama again, Japanese authorities ordered a full quarantine — a 14‑day isolation that, for many passengers, stretched far longer. Some spent up to 39 days confined to their cabins as testing protocols evolved and “quarantine clocks” reset each time a cabinmate tested positive.

Life Inside the Cabins

There were 3,711 people onboard — 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew. By February 5, the quarantine began in earnest. Passengers were instructed to stay inside their cabins. Crew continued essential duties, often without the ability to isolate fully, which contributed to additional spread.

Testing was initially limited to symptomatic passengers and close contacts. Later, as Japan expanded laboratory capacity, officials began systematic testing by age group, starting with those over 80 and people with underlying health conditions.

Ultimately, 712 people were infected, and between 7 and 14 passengers died, all older individuals.

The Human Side of Quarantine

For many of us who followed the story, certain images and accounts remain unforgettable. I remember reading about a British passenger quarantined in a mini‑suite — his experience was difficult, but what stayed with me most were the stories of those in inside cabins. No windows. No fresh air. No natural light. Fourteen days became twenty, then thirty, then thirty‑nine for some.

That’s why I will never book an inside cabin again.

The Diamond Princess quarantine showed the stark difference cabin type can make in an emergency. Balcony cabins became lifelines — a place to breathe, to see daylight, to feel connected to the outside world.

How It Shapes the Way We Cruise Today

Fast‑forward to now, and I’m writing this from a deluxe balcony cabin on the Star Princess, with a larger balcony mid‑aft — exactly the kind of space I choose deliberately. Deck 11 has one of the best balcony footprints, and our cabin even has a chesterfield that’s larger than the ones on Holland America. The room is new, bright, and comfortable.

And unlike those early pandemic days, our own quarantine experience has been nothing like the Diamond Princess.

A Modern Quarantine at Sea

We’ve had excellent care. Meals delivered to the room — anything we want. At first we weren’t hungry, but now that our appetites are back, we’re enjoying every bite. Normally, room‑service breakfast is limited to cold cereal, fruit, muffins, and coffee. But this time? We were able to order scrambled eggs and sausages, something you don’t usually get from the standard breakfast card.

I gave husband my sausages and we saved the banana for later.  It was hot and delicious.

The TV lineup has kept us entertained: movies, BBC HD Marine, and we even watched Strictly Come Dancing — the British version of Dancing with the Stars. It’s comforting, familiar, and a reminder of normal life.

My husband is recovering well. The Tamiflu is working. His fever is gone, his colour is better, and his appetite has returned. We are not suffering. We are safe, cared for, and comfortable. They keep calling asking if we need anything! The service is great.

Looking Back — and Forward

The Diamond Princess quarantine was one of the earliest global wake‑up calls. It showed how quickly a virus could spread in close quarters, how difficult containment could be, and how isolating illness can feel when you’re far from home. It also highlighted the resilience of passengers and crew, and the importance of clear protocols.

Today, cruise lines have learned from those early days. Medical teams are stronger, isolation procedures are humane, and support is far more comprehensive.

But the memory of those 14 to 39 days in Yokohama remains — a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how grateful we can be for the comfort and care we receive now.

Day 11 - What to Do When You Feel Sick on a Cruise Ship

 

This photo was taken by a passenger on the Ovation of the Seas as we passed by

We are currently quarantined in our stateroom, balcony doors open to a truly stunning view of Cabo San Lucas. The Disney Wonder and the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas are anchored out in the harbour — because there is no cruise ship pier here, tenders ferry passengers to the dock. It is, objectively, a beautiful scene. And we are watching it from isolation.

Here is how we got here.

How It Unfolded

We are travelling with our dear friends Kathy and Don. Four days ago, Kathy came down with a bad cough. By yesterday, she was really sick. She went to the ship's medical center, where they tested her — Influenza A.

Two days ago, my husband developed a sore throat. After a very rough night, he made his own trip to the medical center. His result? Both Influenza A and Influenza B. That is apparently as unlucky as it sounds.

I went with him to the medical center. The ship's doctor prescribed me Tamiflu as a preventive measure, which I was grateful to receive quickly. My husband has now been quarantined to our cabin, and the medical team will test him twice daily to determine when he can safely return to normal ship activities. Right now, he is sleeping most of the day and night — which is exactly what his body needs.

We had arranged a private shore excursion in Cabo that we were genuinely looking forward to. It has been cancelled, of course. The harbour view from our balcony will have to do. We've been to Cabo before so we don't feel upset about missing this port.

What We Learned: Tips If You Get Sick at Sea

If you or someone you are travelling with falls ill on a cruise, here is what we would tell you based on firsthand experience:

Go to the ship's medical center early. Do not wait and hope it passes. Kathy went when she was bad; by the time my husband went, he had both strains. The sooner you are tested and treated, the better — for you and for everyone else on board.

The ship's medical team is well-equipped. They have testing, prescription medications including antivirals, and clear quarantine protocols. We have been treated professionally and with genuine care throughout. We've already received a call from Guest Services, "what do you need, anything you want, just call us".

Ask about preventive treatment for travel companions. I was offered Tamiflu prophylactically simply because I had been in close contact with my husband. Do not be afraid to ask what options exist for people who have been exposed but are not yet symptomatic.

Never travel without comprehensive travel insurance. This is the first trip in all my years of travelling that I have actually needed to use it. I am so glad I have it. Medical care on ships is not free, and missed excursions add up quickly.

Quarantine is strict — but for good reason. Influenza spreads very easily in the close quarters of a cruise ship. The protocols exist to protect hundreds of other passengers. Accept it, be grateful for the balcony view if you have one, and rest.

So here we sit, my husband sleeping behind me, Cabo glittering in the afternoon sun, two magnificent ships anchored in the harbour. It is not the Cabo experience we planned — but it is ours, and we are making the best of it.

Travel rarely goes exactly as written in the itinerary. Sometimes it tests you. The best preparation is good insurance, quick action when something feels wrong, and the willingness to rest when your body demands it.

Feel better soon to my husband and to our dear Kathy. And to anyone reading this from a sunny port somewhere — go ashore and enjoy it for us.

Flu shots were not available before we left home.  We get them every year.  Too bad we didn't leave a little later.  Don't forget to get your flu shot!

Just as we eased away from Cabo San Lucas, the captain’s voice came over the overhead speakers with news that changed the rhythm of our voyage. We wouldn’t be stopping in Mazatlán after all — tomorrow would now be a sea day.

A tropical system was forming to the southeast of Lázaro Cárdenas: Hurricane Simon, still young but rapidly strengthening. According to the National Hurricane Center, Simon had just developed off the southwestern coast of Mexico and was expected to intensify into a hurricane by late Thursday, potentially becoming a major hurricane by Saturday.

So the ship adjusted course, picking up speed, doing what ships have done for centuries — outrunning weather. There was no panic, just that quiet awareness that the ocean has its own plans. And tomorrow, instead of strolling through Mazatlán, we’ll be watching the horizon, letting the sea day unfold while Simon gathers strength far to the south.

We were boarding 18 new entertainers in Mazatlan. They can't board, so the cruise director is adjusting the entertainment schedule. We've enjoyed all the entertainment and looking forward to seeing Ken Boyd the Comedian once again.

Leaving Cabo San Lucas with a gorgeous sunset that was farther to the right.  

Day 10 - Sea Day Magic: Calm Seas, Smart Tech, and Endless Choices

This morning the Star Princess is gliding through calm, glassy water under a warm 30°C / 86°F sun. Sea days have a special kind of rhythm — unhurried, spacious, and full of possibility. If you’ve ever wondered what people do when there’s no port to rush off to, the answer is: absolutely anything you want.

Princess schedules over 100 activities on sea days. In fact, there are so many options that the Princess Patter can’t even fit them all into the printed edition. Trivia, lectures, crafts, music, fitness, games, enrichment sessions — you name it, it’s happening somewhere onboard. All the activities are shown on the Medallion with a description, location and route map to find the venue.

And behind the scenes of all this choice is one of Princess’s biggest innovations: the Medallion.

The Medallion: A Tiny Disc That Transforms Your Cruise

Princess is still the only cruise line offering this technology, and it truly changes the experience. The Medallion itself is a small, quarter-sized smart disc — waterproof, heat-resistant, and never needs charging. You can wear it on a lanyard, slip it into your pocket, or pop it into a wristband or pendant.

But the magic is in what it does.

• Contactless Boarding: You breeze through the terminal using the fast “Green Lane,” skipping the usual check-in lines.

• Keyless Stateroom Entry: Walk toward your cabin and the door unlocks automatically — no tapping, swiping, or fumbling.

• Onboard Payments: Drinks, snacks, souvenirs — all charged to your account with a simple tap.

• On-Demand Delivery: Order anything from the app and crew can find you anywhere on the ship to deliver it.

• Wayfinding: The app’s compass helps you navigate the ship or locate your travel companions.

• Messaging system: You can contact your shipmates with a message, or Crew Chat - instead of going to Guest Services and standing in a line. If you have a question, you can send them a messsage. I've already done it and got an answer in less than 5 minutes!

• Simplified Safety Drills: Watch the muster video on your device and tap in at your station — quick, easy, and done. No more standing on the deck, answering to your name and taking your life jacket back to your stateroom with 3,000 other passengers at the same time!

It’s one of those rare pieces of technology that feels invisible until you realize how much smoother it makes your day.

A Perfect Sea Day

With calm seas, warm air, and more activities than anyone could possibly fit into a single day, sea days on Princess are a blend of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re wandering the decks, attending a lecture, enjoying a show, or simply watching the horizon, the Medallion quietly supports it all — making every moment just a little easier.