My partner and I booked a Princess Grill Suite for the "Splendors of Fall" Cruise in September of 2007 which had ports of call from NYC to Quebec City. By good fortune our travel agent was able to get us an up-grade to a Queen's Grill Suite, #9037.

We drove to Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, unloaded bags with the help of porters, parked the car, went through security, checked in, never waited in any line, within ½ hour of arriving and parking the car we boarded the ship. The efficiency and ease of boarding the ship was remarkable. Neither of us had ever taken a cruise prior to this. We considered a cruise for years, but we usually decided against it for fear of feeling captive, cramped, or bored with the experience or food after a day or two. The enormous size of the ship is awe-inspiring, and the small number of people around us while boarding was encouraging. We probably wouldn't be cramped on this ship. We received a warm welcome and made our way to the suite.

The suite was surprisingly big; King-sized bed arrangement; big bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and very nice toiletries; Bar area, and refrigerator full of beer, soda and water. There was a huge walk-in closet. Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries were on the coffee table. It was a sunny day with a big view of Manhattan and Staten Island over the balcony. The suite was more than adequate in size and comfort; it was equal to some five star hotels. Two personable butlers introduced themselves and asked us to call them if we were in need of service. Bags were on the way, so we went to lunch. Read more