First, a little background information about us. My husband and I are both young professionals, no children, who have cruised before, and are well traveled in North America/Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. We have cruised previously with Holland America and Royal Caribbean. We enjoy cruising because we like the no-hassle, no-stress of having everything (meals, lodging, etc.) taken care of. This was our first time cruising Princess, and we were very keen on experiencing the product that Princess sells-- the mentality to "escape completely." In many ways, this week at sea would contain many first for us, including a meet and greet, guarantee cabin, and impressions re-evaluated!

We drove to Port Everglades, parked our car at an off-site lot, and were at the terminal, through check-in and on board the ship in about an hour. This was the first cruise that we booked a guarantee balcony stateroom. Normally, we like knowing where on the ship we'll sleep, but since we booked fairly last minute, the most economical option was to book a guarantee. Princess assigned us cabin C223-- on the Caribe deck, starboard side, forward. A larger-than-average balcony was a nice perk to this cabin, but the location, being so far forward, was a bit of an inconvenience. Knowing that a guarantee is a gamble to begin with, I think we got lucky. However, I'm not sure I'd book a guarantee room again... I really do prefer choosing my own cabin.

As mentioned earlier, my husband and I were looking forward to trying the Princess product, and so in choosing this particular cruise, we were attracted to the line, but primarily to the itinerary. Aruba and Curacao are so far south, that being able to cruise there from the mainland, and being a seven night cruise (perfect for our work schedules!)was a real boon! (Princess Cays was our third port-- I'm not a big fan of private islands, but Princess Cays was lovely, and our day under the clam-shell relaxing.) Aruba and Curacao did not disappoint. They are gorgeous islands! We loved the history, unique arid climate, shopping, beach, and water excursions that both islands offered. I would not hesitate to cruise to either island again! In Curacao, we did a one hour ship-sponsored historical train trolley tour. In Aruba, we did a second ship-sponsored excursion, this time a sailing and snorkeling trip to a reef and the Antilla shipwreck. Both excursions were great, the staff friendly and professional. Read more