We are relative newbies to cruising. Did an Alaska cruise about 17 years ago on Royal Caribbean with our kids and my wife's parents (we live in Vancouver so it was convenient). Then no cruising till April this year, when my wife and I (59-60 years young) did the 10 day Eastern Caribbean on the Royal Princess. After the first few days we thought we had made a mistake and cruising wasn't for us. But by the end, we had learned the ropes and grown to like it very much. So much that when we found ourselves looking to escape the Vancouver rain this Fall, we got a last minute deal on the Royal Princess (again!) - this time doing the southern Caribbean. We are surprised by the poor reviews, particularly considering value versus price. Maybe it means as we try other ships and other cruise lines we will be even happier! Over the past 16 years, our warm weather winter vacations have primarily been "All Inclusive" resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, which are totally relaxing and we love. However, cruising has many great features that we also enjoy.

We found the Royal Princess to be a beautiful ship. Although there were about 3400 guests aboard, it is hard to believe how well everyone is distributed - we rarely felt it to be overcrowded.

Food: ranged from so-so to great. Read more