We have sailed on 4 prior cruises. Two Carnival and one Holland American to Mexico. We had a prior HAL to Alaska. Thus we can make some comparisons. We entered the L.A. (San Pedro) facility around 11:15a.m. We sat while being serenaded by a Mariachi band. We boarded by noon and to our surprise our cabin was ready. Not so at Carnival and HAL where it was not ready until appox. 1:30p.m. The cabin was small but had wood accents giving it a quality appearance. It was small by HAL and even Carnival standards. The mirrored vanity made it look more spacious than it was. There was plenty of closet space. The safe only required a code rather than a credit card. Thus we did not have to carry the extra card around. The bath was miniscule and the shower was a cramped tube. Fortunately my wife and I are small. I cannot imagine how a large person can fit in such a tiny enclosure. The bed was spacious but the mattress was a bit too firm for my taste.
Our cabin was on the Plaza deck. Thus by walking a short distance towards the bow of the ship we were in the ship's five deck open atrium. It is truly spectacular. The two glass elevators are combined with two open marble staircases. This combination creates a luxurious presence. The public areas, bars and show venues are very well appointed. Again a sense of luxury. Probably due to the time of year, most passengers were well into their 70's. They looked distinguished during formal dinners. Not a pretty sight around the pool in bikinis and speedos.
We ate breakfast and lunch at the Horizon food buffet. It had 5 separate food sections which speeded things along. A contrast to HAL which had only 3 thus causing longer waits. The meals were excellent especially the soups. Even had lox and bagels. The staff were very attentive and served us our drinks. A contrast from HAL which has a primarily Filipino and Indonesian staff. HAL staff are more reserved and less fluent in English. Princess staff are more multi-national and outgoing. There is more friendly interaction between staff and guests and staff vis a vis staff. Dinner was at the Provence dining room. We chose the early traditional seating. We sat at a table for eight with a Midwestern couple and two British couples. We ended up friends and had a great time together.
Small but well appointed. Lots of closet space. Bath small and the shower is tiny, tiny, tiny. Mattress a bit firm. Bed was spacious.