We started our trip on 2/15 driving from Carson City, Nevada to San Francisco. We booked a room at the Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf, and had a great view of the Cable Car Round table. We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe, and took a ride on the cable car, since it was so close by, and it was a beautiful night. The Hotel provided a very nice room, with great views and comfortable bedding (and expensive parking @ $39 a night)! We couldn't see the bay, but when the Dawn docked on the 16th, we could see the top of her from our window, and the Princess logo on the top of the ship was proudly welcoming us. Very exciting!

We got up early, and had a lovely room service breakfast (what the heck, you're on vacation), packed up, and headed for the pier at 10:30. When we drove by the terminal, it was quite chaotic, so we decided to take a drive and come back at 11:00. We pulled right up to the curb, the porter was very helpful, and checked our luggage (way over packed), and I left DH on curb with carry on luggage. I parked the car across the street at the City Park Garage. We had a reservation, but they didn't even ask our name...better safe than sorry, so I would still call for a reservation.

Walked into the terminal, where there was NO LINE, checked in, as was shown to the priority check-in lounge. This was our first Princess cruise, and I was surprised seeing we were only in a mini suite. I didn't think were entitled to this service...but don't look a gift horse in the mouth. We waited for about 5 minutes, and began boarding. We were in our beautiful mini suite by 11:30 AM. Couldn't have been easier. Read more