When the oceans and stars align, I must go — and that’s exactly how I felt when this incredible opportunity came my way.

I was offered something that anyone in my position could never say no to: a chance to fly to Barcelona, Spain, to embark on the world’s newest cruise ship at the time — the magnificent Star Princess. Even better, I was joining her on only her second voyage which departed Barcelona on the 15th October 2025!

After three flights and nearly 28 hours in the air and in transit through Singapore and Munich, I finally arrived in beautiful Barcelona. My first afternoon was spent the best w

ay possible: with a welcome sangria, some authentic Spanish tapas, and a leisurely stroll through the Gothic Quarter — just enough to keep me awake and take in the atmosphere.

FIRST NIGHT IN BARCELONA – DINNER AT LOS CARACOLES

On our first night in Barcelona, we dined at one of the most charismatic restaurants in the city, Los Caracoles — a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Catalan cuisine. Founded in 1835 by the Bofarull family, the restaurant has been maintained by four more generations of the family and is located in the Gothic District near Las Ramblas. The atmosphere was vibrant and lively, filled with the sounds of chatter, clinking glasses, and the aroma of traditional dishes being prepared – you had to walk through the kitchen to get to the restaurant’s tables.

I enjoyed classic Spanish fare — rich, flavourful, and perfectly seasoned — from hearty tapas to their famous snails (not to be confused with escargot). Sharing local wine with the meal made it even more special, and the experience of dining in such a historic, iconic spot gave a real sense of place. It was the perfect introduction to Barcelona, setting the tone for the incredible week ahead.

That night, sleep was hard to come by — the excitement was electric. Tomorrow, I’d step aboard the glamorous Star Princess, and I could hardly believe it. It was a pinch-me moment in my travel career, one I knew I’d never forget.

 

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE STAR PRINCESS

Morning arrived, and with it came a mix of excitement and disbelief — this was finally the day! As our taxi approached the port, the sight of the Star Princess quite literally took my breath away. There she was, gleaming in the Barcelona sunshine — elegant, commanding, and utterly magnificent. She stood tall before me, the largest ship I had ever sailed on in my 25-year career, and seeing her in person felt completely surreal.

From the moment I stepped into the Barcelona International Cruise Terminal, everything was effortless. Embarkation was seamless — smooth, organized, and welcoming. From bag drop to security, check-in, and finally boarding, the entire process took just eight minutes! The Princess Cruises team welcomed us with warm smiles and genuine hospitality, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

Before I knew it, I was stepping aboard the ship — the scent of the unmistakable “new ship” excitement took over.

As I stepped into the atrium, I was instantly captivated, at first it felt smaller than I had imagined from the photos I had seen online, but that impression quickly changed. The space was bright, open, and full of energy — designed to make a statement from the moment you arrived. Sunlight poured in through the large glass panels on both sides, the very feature that gives the ship its Sphere Class designation, casting a lively glow across the atrium.

There was a real buzz in the air as guests stopped to take photos and admire the surroundings. For me, it was a genuine “wow” moment — standing there, taking it all in, I couldn’t help but feel proud to be part of this experience. After 25 years in the travel industry, I have sailed on many beautiful ships, but the Star Princess had something extra — a sense of space, style, and sophistication that made her truly unforgettable.

MY STATEROOM – #11118

Stepping into my stateroom, cabin 11118, I was immediately impressed. It’s a Deluxe Balcony Cabin, but unlike most, it features an enclosed balcony towards the front of the ship. The cabin felt spacious, bright, and thoughtfully designed — modern finishes and clever storage solutions made it both stylish and functional.

The bed was plush and inviting, designed for ultimate comfort, it felt like sinking into a cloud after a day of travel and exploration around the Mediterranean

The cabin included a comfortable seating area with a three-seater couch — big enough for an adult to sleep on (I may have had a nap there a time or two!). It also featured a spacious vanity with ample room for getting ready or organizing belongings.

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of power outlets throughout the cabin — a true win for modern travellers. On both sides of the king-size bed were USB, USB-C, and US plug chargers, making it easy to keep devices charged. Plus, the vanity offered three additional US ports, one European port, and two USB and two USB-C outlets — thank you very much, Princess!

Even the little details — from the lighting to the bathroom amenities and extensive storage — felt carefully considered, adding to the overall sense of comfort and luxury. It was clear that every aspect of this stateroom had been designed to enhance the guest experience, making it a perfect home base for my weeks adventure ahead.

EXPLORING THE OPEN SPACES

Once I had settled into my stateroom, it was time to explore the Star Princess’ public spaces — and wow, there is so much to see. From wide promenades to multiple lounges, every area felt thoughtfully designed to balance elegance, comfort, and functionality.

One of the things that immediately struck me about the Star Princess was the sense of openness throughout the ship. Everywhere you look, there’s space to breathe, to move, and to take in the views. Wide promenades along the decks, while lounge areas and seating nooks are thoughtfully placed, creating spots for relaxation.

The atrium itself flows seamlessly into other public areas such as bars, casino and gift shops, giving a sense of connection and continuity.  It’s clear that space and comfort were priorities in the design. The Star Princess manages to feel grand without being overwhelming.

POOLS AND RELAXATION

The Star Princess offers a variety of stunning pool options, each designed for relaxation, fun, and spectacular views. The indoor/outdoor pool under the Dome is a highlight — a unique space where you can enjoy swimming no matter the weather.

In addition, there are two central pools on the main deck, ideal for lounging, soaking up the sun, or enjoying a refreshing drink while watching the ocean roll by.

But the real showstopper is the Wakeview infinity pool at the aft of the ship. Hanging off the back, it feels like you’re floating above the ocean, with uninterrupted views stretching to the horizon. The sensation of standing there, water at your feet and the vast sea before you, is truly breathtaking — a wow moment you’ll remember long after your cruise ends.