Upon arriving, our first impression was WOW! Sort of similar to Lake Tahoe, but pump up the volume 100%! I was traveling with my 14 yr old son and arranged the air, transfers, and excursions with Princess through my TA. All were handled professionally and without delays which contribute greatly to a stress free vacation. One day prior to departure, Princess contacted my TA saying that a passenger requested my cabin, which I had booked an entire year early. This person had booked two cruises back to back and did not wish to repack mid-trip and move to another cabin. I agreed and was upgraded from the Aloha deck to the Caribe deck. Certainly a larger and partially covered balcony. Quite nice for those drizzling Alaska scenic cruising days. Once on the ship, we were rewarded with a flower arrangement, bottle of wine, chocolate covered strawberries (3X) and a specialty restaurant comp! Very generous! Check in was without delay and we were on the Diamond with the new task of finding our way.

First off I must say that I have never experienced such a friendly crew. They must be well treated and always went that extra mile to assist! I personally don't cruise for the "food" and only came away with three extra pounds, but I found the dining room dinners excellent and often ate breakfast in the main dining room also. High kudo's to Pietro, Danielle, and Rexy in the Vivaldi Restaurant (anytime dinning). Certainly five stars in my book! We ate at Sabatini's and it's true...an unbelievable excess of food. It keeps coming and coming... everything was great and the service superb. Expect to spend at least two hours and maybe book at the beginning of the cruise, since after a few days and continuing presence of food choice is not as enticing! My son ate with the Remix Teens and frequented the Horizon Court Buffet, Trident Grill, and pizza. Seemed to be content with the variety.

Our balcony cabin was ample and Ronald kept if well stocked. It did, however, have a musty sewage scent from the bathroom drain when in port. It would subside once the ship was on the move. Read more