Today the port will roll out the red carpet for three arrivals on the same day; Norwegian Sun, Star Princess, and Holland Westerdam. This week VallartaDaily introduces you to the Star Princess and her economic impact on Puerto Vallarta.
Step aboard the Star Princess
As you step aboard the Star Princess you are welcomed into the Italian inspired Piazza, the heart of the ship. The Piazza is where you will find several of the ships fine-dining, cafes, and bakeries in an Italian Courtyard setting.
The Piazza offers live entertainment throughout your cruise, from musicians to jugglers, in an old European street entertainment setting.
Venture outside and be wowed by the four sparkling pools offered on deck; The Terrace Pool, Calypso Reef & Pool, Neptune’s Reef & Pool, and the Lotus Pool. Neptune’s Reef & Pool offers the signature large outdoor movie screen for “Movies Under the Stars”.
Visit the boats Sanctuary, an on deck retreat exclusively for adults to getaway in a peaceful space with light music, lounges, and cuisine options.
Back inside the ship you will find three spectacular main dining experiences to please your taste buds; Canaletto, Donatello, and the Bernini Dining Rooms.
Specialty dining includes Crown Grill and Sabatini’s restaurants. Crown grill offers the freshest in grilled steaks and seafood, while Sabatini’s offers authentic Italian cuisine.
In the evening it’s time to get ready for non-stop entertainment at the Vista Show Lounge, Wheelhouse Bar, Explorers Lounge, or Grand Casino. The ship also includes a large theater and dance club.
The Star Princess is 20 meters longer, eight meters wider, 15 levels higher, and 63,000 tons heavier than the Titanic.
The Star Princess will arrive in Puerto Vallarta under the navigation of Captain Todd Mcbain with 3,000 passengers who will have eight hours of shore time to explore our city.
While passengers are visiting Puerto Vallarta they can enjoy many local attractions.
The Malecón – This beach-hugging bustling boardwalk starts at the Hotel Rosita in Downtown, crosses the Rio Cuale, and finishes at at a beautiful open-air theater known as Los Arcos in Old Town. Along the way you’ll find a series of magnificent bronze sculptures many of which happily double as park benches. (Downtown Puerto Vallarta is about a mile south of the cruise port, and can be reached easily by bus or taxi).
Isla Rio Cuale – A stroll along the Isla Rio Cuale is a pleasant way to pass some time away from the hustle and bustle of the beach front. The island sits in the middle of the Rio Cuale. Start from the western end of the island at the Museum, which showcases local ceramics (the museum is an easy walk from the Malecon). Head eastwards past a colorful craft market, to finally arrive at the Centro Cultural Cuale. From here you can enjoy some lovely upriver views.
Old Town – Old Town, nicknamed Zona Romantica, is the area south of the Rio Cuale. Charming and relatively isolated by the river from busy downtown, the Zona Romantica features characterful bars, restaurants offering mouth-watering dishes, fine art galleries and whitewashed stucco houses, all lining cobbled streets.
Playa de Los Muertos – The Playa de los Mueros is the beach fronting Old Town, beneath the Malecon. The wide sandy beach makes a lovely place to relax in the sun. The water can be a little choppy, but is warm enough for a very enjoyable swim. On the beach there are lots of palapa restaurants that provide food, drinks, and beach-lounger hire.
The average cruise ship passenger spends $100 per day at each city where the ship allows “dry land” exploration, this represents nearly $2 million pesos added to the local Puerto Vallarta economy.
Today the port will roll out the red carpet for three arrivals on the same day; Norwegian Sun, Star Princess, and Holland Westerdam. This week . . .
