About ourselves--My BFF and I are in our late 40s. She has sailed on Princess twice before, the last time in August on the Island Princess, so this is her third cruise. I have sailed on HAL (x3) RCCL (x2) and this is my first Princess cruise. This is our first balcony.

Embarkation—My BFF lives in Las Vegas so she drove down for Thanksgiving with her parents on Thursday. They picked me up on Saturday morning (her parents live in the same town as I) and we drove 1 - 1 1/2 hours to San Pedro. From drop off to room was 45 minutes. One piece of luggage was waiting for us. The rest (except for 1 piece) arrived in a few minutes. The last piece arrived just as we were about to leave the room for lunch. Very efficient check-in process.

Cabin (C609)--The room was smaller compared to those I've had on HAL (inside and outside, no balcony). Beds OK (asked and got eggcrate before cruise). HUGE balcony (maybe that's why the room was smaller?) on the Caribe deck. Room Steward Allan was very nice. Forgot ice once, but otherwise was always very efficient and accommodating. No towel animals. Asked for top sheet (thanks CC!) and got it right away. Also asked for robes and extra bath towels, which we also got right away. Since we brought wine and coffee we asked for wine classes and coffee cups and spoons, which we got. BTW I decorated our cabin and door. Put a paper Christmas tree on the door with our CC door sign, and brought garland, lights, window gels, a wind sock for the balcony, and a small Christmas tree with battery-operated rice lights. Read more