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Embarkation is SF was very easy. Arrived 11:15 am, checked in then went to a waiting room for approx 15 min and was on board having lunch by 12:15. Sail-away from SF was delayed about an hour due to other ship traffic, which was a blessing as most of the fog cleared and we had a great view of Alcatraz & most of the Golden Gate Bridge on our way out.
The first cruise after the drydock went very well. Lots of new carpet & refurbished furniture. The only noticeable major change was the addition of the Sanctuary area. Most of the other drydock work must have been mechanical, as we did not notice anything more.
Other posts have said that the Sea Princess is marketed heavily in the UK and on our cruise the breakdown was around 800 passengers from UK and 1200 from US. The UK folks had the option to remain on the ship after reaching FLL for the third week down to Barbados, to my knowledge this was not offered to the US passengers.
We had inside cabin B744 and really enjoyed the darkness and did not miss not having a balcony. Our cabin steward TEO was very good and did his job extremely well.
We were Traditional dining @ 8 pm seating in the Trivatta dining room. Our waiter Cassius & assistant Fong were very attentive and not afraid to offer their suggestions on the meals. We dined 95% of the time in the dining rooms and only did lunch a couple of times at the pizza restaurant or the on deck grill. I cannot comment on the food in the buffet area as we did not try the food there. The dining room meals were of good quality and easily met the expectations we anticipate from Princess. The Sterling Steak House with a $15.00 pp cover charge is a great deal and IMO well worth the cost.
The highlight of the trip was the journey thru the canal and I believe everyone should see it at least once in their life.
Ports of call were: Acapulco....we did not get off ship. Huatulco...we only wandered around the town at the dock area. Puerto Amador...did the Volcano/Hot Springs tour offered by Princess, approx 10 hour trip. Was fantastic trip with a decent view of the volcano and 3 hours to soak in the hot springs at the resort. Panama City...did the Princess rain forest aerial tram ride at the Gamboa resort and was able to see iguana's, a 3 toed sloth and snakes. Cartagena...Old City Walking tour...very informative and interesting but the street vendors were annoying. Aruba...island tour and beach day, but as it was cloudy and raining we passed on the beach.
THANKS for reading.
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