We've traveled on crown design Grand class Princess ships before (Emerald, Ruby, Crown - all identical ships), so we already knew we liked the design of the ship.

We stayed at the Rendezvous Hotel, the rocks prior to the cruise, so was a very quick and easy walk to the terminal on Embarkation day with our luggage. Arrived at the OPT around 11:30am, and boarding was a very quick and smooth experience (We were in a full suite so had priority boarding, but general line looked fine also). Very friendly staff at the OPT. Knowing our way, we immediately turned left once boarded and headed to the Aft Elevators (Mid ship Elevators busy, no one Aft). We went straight to our cabin to drop off our hand luggage and check out our Cabin. Made our Dining Reservations on the Dine line, booked our days in the Sanctuary, got our stickers for the Thermal suite in the Lotus spa and went to lunch.

Knowing how busy it can get in the buffet on embarkation lunch, we proceed to the Botticelli dining room which was open for Lunch on embarkation day between 12 and 1:30pm. Good choice, as there was only about 6 other couples during the whole service. Read more