Yaaay! The day we’ve been waiting for is finally here!
Our bags are packed, we’re ready to go, and we’re waiting with bated breath for our 10:30 a.m. shuttle to the port, where we’ll finally step aboard the magnificent Star Princess!
There’s something extra exciting about embarkation day—the anticipation of walking up that gangway, seeing the ship for the first time, finding our cabin, and realizing that the adventure we’ve been planning for so long is actually beginning.
And today is extra special because October 4 marks the first anniversary of Star Princess! She officially entered service in Europe on October 4, 2025, before eventually sailing across the Atlantic to the United States.
Of course, we’re hoping Princess has a few anniversary goodies and freebies in store for us to celebrate the occasion. 🎁🎉 We’re not asking for much… but surely the first birthday deserves at least a piece of cake! 🎂😂
How fitting that exactly one year later, October 4, 2026, we’ll be stepping aboard to begin our own adventure—from California, through the Panama Canal, and all the way to Fort Lauderdale! 🌴⚓️🌊
Next stop: Star Princess!
More to come once we’re aboard… Bon Voyage! 🥂🚢
(Continued)
After taking an Uber to the port, we were finally there — Star Princess, here we come! 🚢🎉
The embarkation process went incredibly smoothly, despite the scorching-hot weather that certainly didn’t feel typical for Los Angeles. It was HOT, but we survived! ☀️🥵
We had an early boarding appointment, and much to our surprise and delight, our cabin was ready the moment we stepped aboard! What a great way to start the cruise. Our beautiful balcony cabin was waiting for us, and within minutes we already felt right at home.
After doing a little unpacking, it was time to explore our gorgeous new home at sea. Of course, exploration works up an appetite, so we headed over to the Americana Diner for lunch.
What a treat! 🍔🥤 Eating in a 1950s-style diner while sailing aboard a modern cruise ship was such a fun experience. From the retro décor to the delicious comfort food, we loved everything about it. It was the perfect casual lunch to kick off our cruise.
After lunch, we wandered around the ship a little more before heading back to our cabin for some much-needed R&R. We had a big evening ahead of us!
As the ship came alive for the evening, we discovered music everywhere. 🎶 There seemed to be a different venue around every corner, and being music lovers, we were absolutely delighted.
Then it was time for our first dinner aboard Star Princess, and we decided to start this cruise in style at the Crown Grill Steakhouse. What an amazing meal! 🥩🦞 Lobster and filet mignon — does a first night at sea get much better than that?
With very happy stomachs, we headed off to a comedy show, where there were plenty of laughs to finish off an already wonderful evening. 😂
But we weren’t quite ready to call it a night. One last nightcap 🍸, a little more time enjoying the ship, and then it was back to our cozy balcony cabin.
What a day!
From an easy embarkation and finding our cabin ready, to a 1950s diner, live music, lobster and filet mignon, comedy, and cocktails — our first day aboard Star Princess couldn’t have started much better.
And this is only Day One! 🚢🌴🥂
Stay tuned… the Panama Canal adventure has officially begun!