We looked forward to our Princess cruise after being away from that line for 7 years. Boarding was efficient and moved quickly. We went immediately to our stateroom which was ready at noon and we were happy with our mini-suite. We then went to the buffet on the Lido Deck and although we boarded very early it was already crowded! The buffet is set up in a very, very small area and it is difficult to navigate and find what you want. The food was not appetizing but we put that down to a busy day. There was no salt and pepper, or sugar on the table and when we asked a server he found some packets and literally dumped them on the table in front of us. We were told they didn't put out condiments on the table for a couple of days because "people steal them." What?? Salt and pepper shakers and sugar were put on the table on the third day out. The service was sullen at best, but were overlooked it and were sure it would improve the next day.

Our next stop was the customer service desk. I get sea sick so I always stop at the desk before we leave to pick up medication. When I requested the pills I was told, rudely, "You have to buy it!!!" Again, What?? We were shocked, but went to the shop as soon as it opened----------to find there was no medication on board! I could buy ginger pills, but I already had them. The first three days were rough and fortunately I had complimentary medication form HAL and RCCL with me to get me through. We asked about a restock once we got to Hawaii, and were again greeted with a rude "NO!" and an implied, "Don't bother us again!" Finally, in Hilo we were told that there was now a supply of sea sick medication on board, but we could not get it because it was locked away and the only person with a key was ashore. My husband requested that they take our name and cabin number and deliver the pills to us. We were told, "Okay, I'll write it down but it won't do any good." What?? We could come back to obtain the medication between 11pm and 6am------ONLY! My husband arose at 5am, dressed, and went to the customer desk. He returned to our stateroom with a packet of of six, chewable,Dramamine, for which he was charged close to $5! Each time we approached the desk we were greeted with rudeness, condescension, and downright nastiness! On the last night I had to go to the desk to reclaim a book I had left in one of the lounges. As you can guess there was a long line-----about 8-10 people-----so I was prepared for a wait. I was NOT prepared for the five people behind the desk to simply leave!!! I was in the line, at position four, for one hour and fifteen minutes! When my turn came I made my request and the person to whom I was talking turned away without a word, picked up the phone and called someone while he opened a drawer and threw my book at me!

We were unable to get in the theatre for the first three nights, but when we did get to see a show we were impressed. The production shows were as fine as any we have enjoyed at sea. The Cruise Director, Dave, did an outstanding job with the entertainment and the sea days were filled with fun things to do. All of Cruise staff with whom we interacted were fun with one exception. Brad may well have been the most intelligent person on board, but I really did not enjoy him telling us this at every opportunity. Chill, Brad. Read more