This was not our first Princess cruise, and we consider ourselves "savvy" as to the ins and outs of cruising. We started our 8-day cruisetour in Fairbanks with the first hiccup occurring right off the plane. We were a day early, and the Princess rep. was unable to provide our Welcome packets, as they were at the Princess Fairbanks Lodge. She wrote our names down, and told us that we could collect our packets at the Lodge, assuring us the packets would not be sent back to the airport. We arrive at the Lodge only to learn that our Packets were sent back to the airport. The packets never did arrive, so they had to re-print new ones-they forgot our meal vouchers. Our group was small enough that this was not a problem. Most of the land tour was seamless, except that my DH got sick at Denali. No problem, it was not Noro. Our guide, Jack Curtiss was very attentive and concerned that he would be well enough to travel; he was.

Boarding the ship at Whittier was an interesting experience. The bus was boarded by a woman reminding me of a prison matron; she was wearing a Princess name tag. We got no welcome, and were given explicit instruction as to what we were to do next without the opportunity to ask questions. We got on the ship in less than 20 mins. start to finish with no further contract with the matron. First impression was not good.

Once on board, we were offered the Maitre D wine tasting no less than nine times in the first hour and a half. While having lunch in the Horizon, we were asked by a staff member if we "want some coffee card". Read more