We have been on 23 cruises, 15 of those with Princess. This is the first "grand class" ship that I can truly say I loved!

Let me start at the beginning. We booked this cruise because we needed a break from the rain in Northern California and it was extremely inexpensive. $599 for mid ship balcony cabin. I had heard wonderful things about the Sapphire but still had reservations after a less than stellar experience on the Crown. We flew from Sacramento the day before and stayed at the Marriott on a pre-cruise package that Princess offered. We usually fly the day or a few days before a cruise and handle our own arrangements. We have had very bad experiences with Princess flight and hotel reservations, but this time I threw caution to the wind and went with them. It was great, a no brainer, and less expensive than if we had done it on our own. Soooo Easy. The hotel was fine and the transfers were convenient. Embarkation was one of the easiest we have encountered.

Cabin: Small but private balcony, the smallest shower we have ever encountered on any ship. We always request a egg crate and it worked fine. I can't believe that this ship doesn't have pillowtop matresses (I'm spoiled-Holland America). Seriously this was the cleanest cabin we have ever enjoyed on ANY cruise ship. It even smelled clean. Beatovin was our room steward and he was great. I asked him for the egg crate, 2 extra pillows and an extra blanket when we met him and told him that I would not bug him again the rest of the trip and I was good to my word. We also tip extra on the last day usually $20. Entertainment: We didn't go to the shows but there were numerous music venues all over the ship. Read more