We spent New Years aboard the Grand Princess and had a fantastic time which proves that it's who you spend time with is by far the most important part of cruising. Our (4) teenage to young adult children made the experience fantastic despite Princess and the fickle weather chiefs.

The boarding was uneventful and the process was a relatively smooth cattle herd through the Ft. Lauderdale ship terminal. We had trouble believing that the man with the Crocodile Dundee size hunting knife actually tried to get through the x-ray and were heartened that the security suggested he check it for a smaller, personal fishing expedition after the cruise.

"Would you like to buy a soda card?" echoed through the public areas as we were asked at least 17 times (I am being conservative) if we wanted to drink soda til we burst for a nominal fee. This was the first salvo of never ending marketing by Princess for every last disposable dollar in our pocket. We wanted to leave something for the friendly folks at Dunn River Falls, Jamaica so we declined the cards. Read more