Overall: We had a great time. We have done this route three times, once in 1984 on the Azure Seas, once in 2013 on the Carnival Inspiration, and this trip on the Golden Princess 11/14-17. The Golden Princess has the look and feel of every other Princess ship we’ve been on. (My negative Carnival Inspiration review is here: Inspiration not inspiring in January 2013.) Princess is hands down better in every category. Even though these weekend cruises to Ensenada tend to be populated by a younger crowd seeking to drink continuously for 72 hours, we would take this cruise again. (Not that we don’t drink. We do.)

Pre-cruise: We had reserved a balcony cabin. Several weeks before sailing Princess contacted us and offered us an aft suite at an upcharge, but still lower than the regular price for the suite. We took it. Outstanding cabin.

San Pedro Harbor: Easy to get to. Take the Harbor Freeway south to the World Cruise Terminal. There are signs on the Freeway directing you. If you need a visual reference, Berth 93 is just South of the Vincent Thomas suspension bridge. Once you get off the freeway, the ship will be pretty much right in front of you and the bridge just to your left. (If you can’t see either the ship or the bridge, you are in the wrong place.) Flat open parking lot at $12 per day with plenty of parking. Read more