When we began planning this trip, we were comparing a land tour of Great Britain, to this cruise itinerary. Several cruise lines offer something like this, but we found Princess to have the best combination of ports, service, and price. We flew into Heathrow, from Charlotte, on a pleasant overnight flight, and passed through border control very easily. On the suggestion of other cruise critic members, we had arranged private transfers using Smiths for Airports. Our driver was waiting, and made the trip to central London fun, and interesting. After a four night stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Knightsbridge, we were met by another Smiths driver. Because we had plenty of time for the trip to Southampton, he offered to make a quick tour and stop at Windsor. We were dropped off right at the gate to Windsor castle, just in time to see the guard change. Upon arriving at the cruise terminal, we dropped our bag, and proceeded directly to the boarding lines. First perk of having booked a window suite, the short line to board. Everything went very quickly, and we were in our cabin, F307, in about ten minutes. The Cabin steward, Danilo, stopped by to introduce himself, and took time to ask our preferences for daily service, fruit, mini bar, etc. He did an excellent job the entire cruise.

Regarding the condition of the ship. Everything we saw, and used, was clean, and in good working order. We found the public areas clean and attractive, and well maintained.

For Dining, we chose fixed early dining, and were very satisfied with the quantity, quality, and selection of the food in the Palm dining room. I kept track, and actually had seven different species of fresh fish, all well prepared, and delicious. We had two dinners in Sabatini's, both excellent, and one in the Crown grill, which was disappointing. I admit to being a steak snob, and as we don't have it often at home, I usually will buy, or order prime beef. Crown grills beef was not up to restaurant standards, maybe a notch or two above Golden Corral. Our servers in every venue were just excellent, especially Lawrence, and Ariel, in the Palm. The International cafe was our choice for breakfast every day, even though we were offered breakfast in Sabatinis. It was just too convenient to grab and go, from the cafe, and the specialty coffees are very good. We walked through Horizon court two or three times, at lunch, but couldn't find anything that looked appealing. The pizza was excellent, and the burgers at the burger stand were good as well. Read more