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Princess has it all together, from the airport transfers to the ship to the transfers from the ship! But as normal, there is slight and I repeat SLIGHT glitches along the way.
The ship is lovely as it was newly refurbished in April/May of this year.
The staff - could not ask for any better. Everyone had a smile and a pleasant word for you and it was terrific,from maintenance to head chef to captain.
The cruise director, Dave Cole, is totally awesome and will do just about anything to show you a good time....no, change that to anything! And his staff follows his terrific attitude. It is an international staff with the best attitude ever! I know they all need their down time, but I challenge you to find it.
The food was good, but please Chef, find some spices on board and use them. I know the food must be made for a huge group of eaters, but a little spice would never hurt. A little cilantro in the salsa (for example) would be very welcome! But will you starve? Only if you lock yourself in your cabin and then again, maybe not. The kitchen will keep your room stocked with fruit on a daily basis. Just fill out the hang tag your steward leaves you.
Oh, at dinner, if you are not a huge eater - ask for a half or small portion of the main dish. The staff will find it for you and you don't waste as much food that way. But don't miss dessert!
Our room steward was wonderful. I wanted to bring him home! But I did miss the towel animals (and yes, it is campy, but a cruise stable). By reading cruise critic, I knew to ask for an egg crate for the mattressa and we got one. Many folks did not, so please ask early for one, you will need it. The beds leave A LOT to be desired. That would be one improvement I would suggest - replace the beds. When you can see the depression in it from one too many passengers.....
The Aloha feelings is definitely alive in this ship. If you do not partake of it, shame on you. Go make a lei, attend a lecture, play the uke....do something Hawaiian and have a blast.
Princess - stop nickel and diming your passengers! I agree with the Coke sticker (make sure you get one!) but give each passenger at least one small bottle of water for free for excursions, etc. One will not break the company bank for sure! You can make it up elsewhere I'm sure.
As for the excursions - some do not live up to the hype. While I'd rather do a ship excursions, some need revisited. One of my excursions did not match up to the description at all and I was disappointed and I am taking it up with Princess.
Jo, our casino host, was great. She was alerted to a need and she rose to the challenge and took care of it. Good going lady!
The shops - go see Jarrett at Facets. I won't say that I said to go see him, but he is a treat for the eyes and ears and a good sales person too.
Would I do Princess again? Probably, in another 10-15 years. I am 51 and felt a little young. At 60ish or more, I would feel more "in the loop" but I still did fit in. Timing may be an issue. It depends when most vacation time.
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