This is our 8th cruise, the 3rd on Princess. First on the Emerald after sailing the Ruby in Europe last year. Knew the layout of ship so that helped. Had 2 side balcony cabins on the Aloha deck and room steward opened the connecting doors for us. Arrived at cruise pier about 12 noon and were in our cabin before 12:30 and luggage arrived by 2 pm. Always get a balcony as it suits us very well for gathering for evening cocktails etc. Did the 2nd seating for dinner as always. Ship was very clean...only thing we did not like was the fact that they allow smoking INSIDE the cabins and we were next to 4 people who constantly smoked. Think they should NOT allow inside the room smoking. All ship personnel were very friendly and helpful. Food was very good, not outstanding. Always were able to choose something very tasty. Did both the Italian (Sabbatini"s) and the steak (Crown Grill) specialty restaurants one night. Italian was great but not so with Crown Grill. Service was sub par and steaks were not very tender. After explaining to Maitre D, he took off the cover charge (very nice of him) Food in Horizon court was not bad either. We did sit down dining twice for lunch and it was very good also. Shows in Theater were very entertaining and fun. Private Island stop was great...as were St Maarten, St Thomas, and Grand Turk. Having been to all of these stops before we chose to do no tours and enjoy the islands on our own. Got a great deal of exercise on the Prominade Deck as always enjoy that. All in all it was a great cruise and we all had a great time. When we cruise we always try to not expect too much in the way of WOW factor. Princess does everything well without the WOW. I think some folks always want to look for the negative and can't enjoy themselves. That is not what you do on a vacation. We enjoyed and will do Princess again. We have also sailed Royal and Holland and they all have their good and not so good features. Planning a Scandinavian cruise next and cannot wait!