Fort Lauderdale welcomed us with warm, sunny weather and offered a day at the massive SWAP market before our complementary shuttle to our right, royal floating hotel for the next seven days. We were on a high, the Crown Princess registration process was slick and before we knew it we were onboard and ready for all the excitement, relaxation, dining and site-seeing we'd been looking forward to for such a long time. My niece was on her first cruise and she was 'gobsmacked' from the minute we boarded until we reluctantly left seven days later. Our first announcement was that the itinerary was to be travelled in reverse as there was a hurricane raging along the path of our original sailings, it hardly effected us as we visited Princess Cays, Grand Cayman, Roatan in Honduras and Cozumel in Mexico. Onboard life was everything we'd visualized for weeks in advance: amazing food, relaxing under the stars watching movies, indulgent beauty spa treatments, lots of new people to meet and enjoy and my favourite, the evening dining experience. Meals on offer all over the ship were varied, fresh and delicious. Whenever I think of cruising I relive delightful meals onboard the three cruises I've experienced over differing price ranges. Crown Princess is not over-the-top opulent but most attractively presented, our cabin was an inside one but this did not deter us from having the most right, royal time. Onshore excursions were well thought out, plenty of options and we visited the most lush rainforest near Roatan, Honduras: got drenched but then we were in the rain forest where we met monkeys and brightly adorned macaws. Fabulous. Our Cozumel snorkelling trip never happened because the operators nearly killed us before we'd even launched off the beach!! Memorable. Georgetown on Grand Cayman was busy with five cruise ships in that day but it was still vibrant, busy and we went to Hell there. Different. My favourite show was the absolutely side-splitting hynotist show; one woman was instantly the star of the show as she succumbed to his charms. Formal nights were so grand; I did so feel like the princess of the cruise, my niece looked stunning. What a memory - the massive wine glass tower with red wine cascading down the glasses, I wish i was there again. Value for money is always important when you budget for holiday travel and this Crown Princess West Caribbean cruise was certainly that. Remember to factor in tipping/gratuities. This aspect annoys me as I don't like the edict issued on how much to give and that it is best added daily to your account. I'd rather decide the amount and not feel pressured to have a set amount added daily. The flights to and from Uk to Fort Lauderdale are a bit long and arduous but the superb week you get at sea on this magnificent ship are worth the inconvenience. My photo album is full to overflowing with photos taken onboard and onshore, so whenever I like, I can relive my most royal Crown Princess cruise again and again. Staff were most attentative, seemed really keen to be there and generally most helpful. Especially the cheeky, honey of a fellow who introduced us to superb cocktails as we supped on a huge plate of delicious king prawns in a devine dressing. Oh I do want to go back. Crown Princess is the place to be for a cruising holiday... go soon.