Can One Princess Cruise Be Both a Spa Retreat AND an Adventure? Yes.

The Points Guy
The Points GuyMay 6, 2026

Why It Matters

Star Princess proves a luxury cruise can simultaneously serve wellness‑focused guests and adventure seekers, expanding the market for high‑margin, experience‑driven travel.

Key Takeaways

  • Star Princess offers luxury suites with private balconies and premium amenities.
  • Over 30 dining venues include hibachi, steakhouse, and specialty restaurants.
  • Adventure excursions feature dune buggy rides, historic lighthouse, and waterfalls.
  • Sanctuary Club provides adults‑only pool, cabanas, and exclusive services.
  • High‑speed Wi‑Fi enables remote work, making cruises business‑friendly.

Summary

The brand‑new Star Princess set sail on a seven‑day Eastern Caribbean itinerary, stopping at Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. The ship markets itself as both a high‑end spa retreat and an adventure platform, showcasing expansive balcony suites, a dedicated Sanctuary Collection, and a suite of over 30 dining concepts.

Onboard, guests enjoy premium amenities such as the Sanctuary Club’s adults‑only pool, private cabanas, and a full‑service bar, while the Princess app delivers complimentary coffee to rooms. Dining highlights range from the high‑energy hibachi experience at Umi Teepanyak to the classic steakhouse vibe of Crown Grill. The vessel also boasts the largest casino at sea, a Victorian‑themed speakeasy called Spellbound, and robust Wi‑Fi that supports Zoom calls and video uploads.

Excursions reinforce the adventure promise: dune‑buggy tours on Grand Turk, a visit to the 1852 lighthouse, a waterfall trek at Dama Hagwa with natural slides, and heritage walks through Porto Plata’s historic architecture. These land‑based activities are paired with exclusive beach access and VIP passes, underscoring the cruise’s blend of relaxation and adrenaline.

The dual focus positions Star Princess to attract both leisure travelers seeking spa‑like indulgence and business professionals needing reliable connectivity. By delivering upscale amenities alongside immersive shore experiences, Princess Cruises sets a new benchmark for premium cruise offerings, likely driving repeat bookings and higher yield per passenger.

Original Description

We took the brand new Star Princess on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise — and we did it two completely different ways. Matt is in full adventure mode: dune buggies in Turks & Caicos, chasing waterfalls in the Dominican Republic, and a late night at the largest casino at sea. Clint? He's on a full wellness reset — Sanctuary Collection mini-suite, VIP beach club, and as many mocktails as humanly possible. Same ship. Same ports. Totally different vacation. Which style is yours?

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