Hi my name is Larry and I am from Missouri, I have sailed on Princess many times, in face my wife and I are Elite members. I really don't have any problems with Princess except one, I have traveled with them from several years back, and each year we see Princess getting less and less in service, itineraries and overall service. The places where Princess now visit are all the tourist traps, and they have lost their destinations where you could actually see the islands and how they live and the real beauty of the exotic islands, in fact Princess do not include many of them on their ports of call anymore. I would suggest to the first time cruisers that you take a look at all the cruise lines before you make your choice, There are other cruise lines that go to the same ports of call at a much cheaper price. Don't be fooled, most of the major cruise lines are about the same, they go to the same ports of call, they all offer the same type of things to do and places to go. And when you choose a cabin, keep this in mind, it doesn't matter where you stay on the ship, you go to the same places, you eat the same food, and enjoy the same activities, most people only need a place to store their clothes and sleep, you do not go on a cruise to stay in a cabin, you ONLY SPEND A FEW HOURS IN YOUR CABIN, I would suggest you spend your money on something you like to do instead of a room, and the upgrades, let me say here, all interior rooms are alike, regardless where they are, out side rooms are all alike, regardless where they are, upgrade only mean that the cruise lines can charge you more money, unless you trade an inside cabin for an outside cabin or one with a balcony. Remember the purpose of a cruise is to have fun, not spend a lot of money on the ships, If money is not a problem then all this won't mean a thing, but to those who are on a budget, you can go for a lot less and still enjoy all the sites and happenings. So shop around and pick the cruise line that sounds like you, and another thing, do not let the cruise lines schedule your flights, go online and you can save a lot of money booking your flights your self, also book your own cruises, you can almost always save yourself some money there, If you are a frequent cruiser, some cruise lines will give you a discount, but it is not large. You have to remember that cruise lines are a business, and they will try to separate you from your wallet, so show wise and don't be fooled with all the hype, I personally like the larger ships myself, but they all have the own personality. The main thing to remember, GO AND HAVE FUN. Larry