Cast of Cruisers: My husband and I, and my mother - sharing an ocean view cabin. My husband and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have taken 13 cruises (6 on Princess including this cruise). This is my mother's second cruise (1st on Princess).

Pre-Cruise: My mother is from the Midwest and flew in a couple of days ahead. The day of her arrival the fog finally broke so we went to Pier 39 and walked along the waterfront for a beautiful afternoon. In the evening we ate at Capp's Corner restaurant (corner of Powell and Green Streets in Little Italy). They have old- fashioned family style Italian dinners. They are next door to Club Fugazi where we saw the fabulously unique San Francisco show - Beach Blanket Babylon. I highly recommend Beach Blanket Babylon to out-of-towners (or locals) looking for a unique San Francisco experience. Be prepared to laugh until your sides ache.

Bon Voyage: On cruise departure day, we took a taxi and arrived around 1:00pm at Pier 35 cruise terminal, and as Platinum members were escorted to the Platinum/Suites line where we waited about 2 minutes in line. Check-in was very quick. As soon as we boarded we were advised that cabins were available. We dropped off our carryon-ons in the cabin, then went to the Traviata dining room for lunch. We had a fabulous lunch of salmon with a bEarnaise sauce to start things off nicely. Most people went to the buffet, but we figured it would be a madhouse there on the first day. The dining room was nice and quiet and definitely the way to go. I met a few people that had done the Bon Voyage Experience. I believe it was $39 pp for lunch and wine and a ship tour. They were very happy with the program. Read more