We flew into San Francisco airport a day early for a 10 day roundtrip cruise to the inside passage and Victoria. Embarkation was the best we've ever experienced. We arrived at the cruise terminal approximately 11am as we usually do. It was kind of crazy outside because a lot of people were still waiting for rides after just getting off the previous cruise. To our surprise, when we walked into the building, we could walk right up to check in and get our cruise cards. Then after going through security, we went to a waiting area. We usually have to wait prior to check in. At about 11:40, they allowed us to board and we were setting our carry on luggage in our balcony room before noon.
This is our 6th cruise and our 4th on Princess. We've cruised on the Dawn before so we were still very familiar with the ship. After going to the buffet lunch, we did look around a bit. We had signed up for early fixed dining and was disappointed to find out that the first seating was at 5:30pm. We prefer 6pm because it gives you a little more time to do things in the afternoon. After the muster drill, we went up on deck for the sail away. We were really looking forward to sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. Even though it was sunny outside, it was extremely windy. It was hard just to keep the camera still. As we approached the bridge, the weather had turned worse. It became very cloudy, cold and the wind continued at blow.
The room was adequate and our room steward did a great job. The shower in the bathroom on the Dawn was larger than some of the newer ships. We really have no complaints about the room. A balcony is a must on an Alaska cruise. All the service staff was polite and friendly. The food in the Horizon court was good. The breakfast foods were very good, however, our biggest complaint is that you couldn't count on the beverage cart ever making it around to where you are. They had a person pushing a beverage cart, but it never found me the entire cruise. I always had to get up to refill my coffee or get that first cup. I think they should have 4 or 5 carts in the morning moving through the area. They were always quick to pick up your dirty plate, but no one ever asked to get you a drink. If you asked them, they would get you one, but I think they should be asking you. The other minor complaint that we have about the Horizon court was that the lunch menu was too heavy. It's like eating a dinner meal for lunch every day. Our suggestion is to offer an array of sandwiches at lunch. They did have some small sandwiches available as a mid afternoon snack. The hamburgers and hotdogs at the outside grill was very good and a great alternative to the buffet. Also, on the Dawn, pizza is available at a sit down restaurant type venue. It adds a nice touch and the pizza is very good. However, you can't just grab a quick slice like on the other Princess ships.