This was our first Princess Cruise, having sailed previously on Celebrity three times (once on each class of ship). Suffice to say, this will not be our last, as we've already booked a 10 day Panama Canal for next Oct. and put deposit on open booking for 2007 (possibly 14 day Carib.).

Embarkation - We had to gone Calif early to do visit San Diego and the drive from San Diego Sat morning was easy peasy. Had rented car from Enterprise and paid the additional drop fee ($25) to return car to San Pedro. Enterprise is directly across street from cruise terminal, we arrived cruise terminal prob 11 AM. Check in started prob 11:30 and since we had done our cruise doc's and credit card info on line, took maybe 10 minutes. From check in, you proceed to security holding area. We were given numbers, and when your number was called, your "group" would proceed through security and on to the ship. We went straight to our cabin, explored the ship and were in line for lunch by 1:00!!!!

Cabin - I loved the layout of the room, but was somewhat displeased with location. Oh well, got what I paid for. For two adults, we had more than enough closet/storage space. The refrig was a great bonus, although there is a side chair that sits in that corner and it had to me moved to get access to refrig. Let me just say, the refrig comfortably held a 12 pack and small bottle of liq, as well as the cabin ice bucket. The portion of Emerald Deck where our cabin was located is directly over the Atrium (see ship chart) and from time to time we did notice a low rumbling, like music vibrations and did notice a slight smoke smell,,,,however, I can honestly that this did not in any way negatively impact our trip. Ship was full to bursting with 294 kids,,but you do not notice the crowds. Read more