This was a birthday/retirement gift from my mom to herself. She took my sister and I along for the ride (my dad doesn't travel! No complaints here!). This was my mom's and my 2nd Princess cruise, my sister's first cruise ever. Previously on Princess we did Alaska. We drove up from San Diego, and parked my sister's car at the Best Western where we stayed the night prior to embarkation.

I believe that Captain Michele Tuvo really sets the tone for the entire crew, from officers to the galley, and it was the most fun and engaging ship i've ever been on. He can't help the seas in the Pacific, so be prepared for a rough first and last 2-3 days. We were fortunate in that we missed all bad weather!

I would note that this itinerary attracts an older, less active demographic than the previous 3 cruises I've taken - there are lots of mobility scooters, canes, and walkers. I also noticed that many passengers were the types I encountered on Carnival. They were also not as sophisticated as those who went to Alaska on Coral Princess, and I'll be honest, there were a lot of hygiene issues (I'm talking BO, greasy hair, generally dishevelled appearance...). Which is not to say they're not nice people! Just my observation/opinion, and opinions are like noses, everybody's got one. Read more