Let me start with embarkation and disembarkation...went very very smooth...lots of people but no waiting..very organized...breezed right through. Landed at 12:15pm and were in our cabin by 1:15pm. This was our second cruise with Princess and we couldn't be more pleased. Excellent service, very clean ship with lots to do. No problem getting a chair for sunning at the pool. We had anytime dining and ate at the buffet which was very good with a variety every night. We do recommend buying the coffee card and the soda card. The regular coffee served with meals is fine but if you like fancy coffees, the card is the way to go. The soda card saves you a lot of money if you want to drink something besides iced tea and water. About $30 each card for the week for two people. Very reasonable. We had a balcony room which was very soundproof. You can hear nothing on any side of you. The bed was comfortable. No complaints about the ship at all. We will sail Princess again. They cater to your every need/want.

On St. Maarten and St. Thomas you have to pay to get to the shopping area. St. Maarten's was $6/pp water taxi all day and St. Thomas was a land taxi for $4/pp each way. On St. Maarten, take the yellow water taxi. The ship has a cruise shopping director session that you should not miss. It lasts about one and a half hours but is worth it. She gives you coupons and lots of good advice about stores to stay away from and what ones are real bargains. These ports are definitely shopping ports....jewelry everywhere.

I worried about the forecast because it called for 50% chance of rain everyday. We got a few sprinkles but nothing that ruined the trip. The sun always came back out after a few minutes. So, don't believe the forecast if they are calling for rain. The sun will shine! Read more