We are a group of 4 who try to cruise at least once a year. We have been on several southern Caribbean cruises. We read a lot of reviews about this ship/cruise prior to our February 2008 departure date - all different, both good and bad. My companions and I decided to keep an open mind about the ship and itinerary. Here is our opinion of the cruise:

Arrival - we arrived in San Juan on the Friday before the cruise. We could have come in Saturday morning but decided to go a day earlier in case of flight delays. We stayed in a Comfort Inn in the Condado area (about 5-10 minutes from the cruise ships). Nice hotel and nice area. Take a taxi - much cheaper and easier then booking transfers through the ship!! Their fares are regulated so ask in advance how much to your destination. Embarkation - no problems. We arrived at the pier around 11:45am and were on the ship in 15 minutes. I thought the set up was great. No complaints. Ship -loved the ship!! We spent the next few hours exploring around and were very impressed with the layout and how well it was kept up. Cabin- we had a balcony room on the Caribe deck, clean, well kept with a huge balcony. We overlooked part of the balcony below but that's ok with us. We had great fun talking with our neighbors. For those who were complaining in other reviews about the patio furniture - they are in the process of replacing all of the old rusty iron chairs and tables. Our steward Luisa was great. Pools -4 pools and abundant sun decks Thoroughly enjoyed the movie theater under the stars or sun. We spent a few nights watching movies - they provided blankets and popcorn. If the screen was too loud during the day you could move to one of the other decks for peace and quiet. The pool chairs fill up fast but we always managed to find a spot! Dining - we chose the anytime dining this time just to try it out. It is okay. I say that because there is definitely a difference in the service. The traditional service is more personable - the staff really gets to know you. With anytime dining you never know where you will sit and who will be waiting on you. Had a difficult time getting reservations if at all after 6:00pm so book early. Entertainment - not too impressed with the entertainment on this ship. Went to a couple of shows only this time and walked out on one. Movies outside were better! Excursions - we have been disappointed in the past with Princess excursions so we decided to book our own this time. Soooooooo glad we did. Here is what we did: Barbados - went on a catamaran to swim with the sea turtles and snorkel. Used Cool Runnings - great outfit and much cheaper then the ship's excursion. Had a blast. St. Lucia - booked an all day tour with Jungletours of St. Lucia with a guide by the name of Shal. A definite must!!! Best excursion I have ever been on. Go to his website and read the reviews. Antigua - went to Dickinson beach. Very nice and relaxing. Rent the beach chairs and umbrella - well worth the money. . St. Thomas - took the ferry over to St. John this time since we had been to St. Thomas before. St. John is quaint and full of great beaches and snorkeling spots. Worth a day trip over there. If you haven't been to St. Thomas before try Magen's Bay Beach - wonderful!! Tortola - take the ferry to Virgin Gorda to see the Baths. A sight to see!! We had one golfer in the bunch who golfed in Barbados and Antigua. He booked through the ship due to the fact they have a pro who organizes everything for you. Both courses were nice although over priced. (and no, he did not golf at Sandy Lane!!!) Overall - this cruise was great. Loved the ship, the staff was friendly and the ports of call were wonderful. The southern Caribbean is a great place to cruise, especially in the winter months. All of us had been on Princess cruises before, some good, some bad. This one gets a thumbs up from us!! .