We started out on Princess in 1990 then drifted to Regent and Oceania. I really didn't like paying for other people's drinks on Regent and after a so-so Oceania cruise to the Black Sea we decided to try the new Royal. For the money we were spending on Oceania we could get a full suite on the Royal.We didn't really care where it was going as long as it was getting us out of the winter from Hell.The Royal is a beautiful ship, spotless and elegant with the nicest people working that I have ever met. So what about the small elevators ( it's only a problem the first day and after the muster drill). Our cabin was just fabulous, with beautiful linens, 2 TVs a large tub an even larger shower, a second sink in the separate room with the toilet. The pillows were a little hard ( Oceania has it all over Princess as far a bedding) but there were flowers and fruit and tons of soft towels and robes ( oh my). Since we were in a suite we got to board early. This is VERY IMPORTANT as it allows you to race up to the 17th floor forward and sign up for the Sanctuary. Because it was a Caribbean cruise Princess doubled to cost of the Snctuary ( in demand) to $480 for the week for two . We were the last couple to get lounges for the whole week.Anyone after us had to get up at 6AM and stand on line until it opened at 8 to get it for the day. Many people were very disappointed. Yes it is totally worth it. Instead of running out each morning to throw towels on a lounge and hoping you can keep it for the day you have your own permanent lounges. These have thick mattresses and fluffy towels in the shade or sun ( your choice) and a crew of young men turning themselves inside out to please you. Can I get you citrus water, would you like a massage, can I get you lunch etc. It's like being on a private yacht. I think if you are ponying up for a suite then Princess should let you reserve ahead of the cruise ( I know that's not very democratic). Then I found out that if you take a back-to-back cruise you can sign up before the end of the first cruise! And if you are a big gambler, the casino will give you the Sancturary free as a perk!. They also have some cabanas that cost even more money and have TVs , refrigerators with candy and beds to take a nap!. It's just great. Also with a suite we got free internet, laundry and dry cleaning ( we sent stuff out every day and went home with everything clean) Also you get the first dinner free at either the Crown Grill or Sabatini's. Since we are picky about our Italian food we didn't think Sabatini's was anything special, but the Crown Grill was great. That night I had the best lobster tail ever ( split and grilled with butter and garlic) On a later visit I had a delicious Rib Eye steak ( as good as any steakhouse). Certainly worth the extra $25 per person. Food in the dining room is fine and the new Horizon Grill is easy and fun for lunch with much more available seating that those on the other Princess ships. The entertainment was O.K. I don't care much for the singing and dancing ( they are half hour reviews) but the comedian and the card illusionist (David Cats) were very good. The most entertaining person on the ship is asst. cruise director Drake. He had us rolling in the isle during Bingo and Trivia. He really should have his own late night stand-up ( he said he can't, his material is too blue). We never left the ship as we had been to the ports many times and it was so lovely on the ship. We each had great massages. I had fallen the day before boarding and couldn't move my neck. Tasha did a hot stone massage that really saved the cruise for me. We had a wonderful time and met some great people in the Sanctuary that we had dinner with. There were so many great staff people that I can't name them all. Princess did a great job with this ship and I would definately go again.