My wife and I usually sail from the Texas coast. We decided to try Ft Lauderdale to be able to go to Grand Turks. GREAT decision. We really enjoyed this cruise. We had great service by our room steward and the dining was ok. Not quite as good as past Princess cruises but definitely not bad like I have read other cruisers say. The ship appeared to be clean and well maintained. We had a few bad staffers but over all they did not "ruin" our cruise as I have read people say before. (You meet all kinds of people in every walk of life and not all are exceptional) I do admit it did not seem to have as many staffers on board but this didn't detract from having a good time. And Grand Turks was so great. Want to go back again. Only draw back is it is only 4 days and we drove to Ft Lauderdale.. But we did stay on the next leg to the western Caribbean for 5 more days. Overall well worth the drive, time, and money!!! I recommend it. (this was my 4th and 5th cruise and my wife's 6th and 7th cruises)