This was our 23rd cruise (mostly on RCI) that includes 1 cruise on the Crown Princess about 10 years ago so we're Princess newbies really. I have to say that this cruise easily ranks as one of the best cruises we've ever been on.

Embarkation/Disembarkation

We're used to the RCI way of doing things especially when it comes to embarkation day. Show up at 9:45-10:00 and you'll be hustled through security quickly and you'll be waiting up stairs, sitting down by 10:20 or so waiting for the ship to open - probably around 11:00. Nope. Not here. We arrived at 10:00 am and found a very small line at the doors leading to the terminal. We hopped in line and then stood there for an hour. They didn't open the doors until 11AM and they told us that at 10AM so it was a bit of a waste of time arriving there that early. They opened the doors promptly at 11AM and we were shuffled through. I had a bottle of B&B that I purchased in the Bahamas on a previous cruise a week before and I was bringing it with me. I had no intention of drinking it (it was a gift) so I was up front an honest that I had it. I went to the liquor table, gave it to them and asked that they hold it until the end of my cruise. Nope. Sorry. They took it and disposed of it sadly. I was surprised at this but I'll know better next time. Read more