Seven people, three of whom are brothers, two wives, and two single ladies were in our group from two states. I had never been on a cruise before, and left the planning of the airfare and selection of the cruise company to one person who worked with her travel agent. I did not see the airfare tickets, which were chosen by Princess, until a week before the cruise. Four of us left from Saint Louis airport the day the ship was to sail. Not going a day early was our first mistake. The Continental airline Chatauqua pilot took the plane to the wrong side of the terminal, and they had to order another plane, deice it, and make it ready. We missed our connection in Houston, and the flight was the only one to San Juan that day. So, we were flown to Miami, stayed overnight, and caught up with the ship in Saint Thomas by flying on American.

Continental gave us food vouchers for two meals each, and free hotel rooms in Miami. Princess deducted one days room charges and service fees. Our luggage was waiting for us at the cruise ship in Saint Thomas. We got to the ship in plenty of time for the evening meal.

Shore excursions: At Tortola, two of us walked to the Ferry after getting off the ship and took a very wild ride over to Virgin Gorda and the Baths. The bottom level of the Ferry was smoother seating. The top floor was so rough, it was like you bounced off the seat with each wave the boat hit. We had to hang on, and there was no walking around. On the return boat ride, we were almost lulled to sleep, it was so smooth. It was about $38 a person for the round trip ferry and cab fare to the Baths. Three others in our party took the Princess shore excursion to the Baths. They paid considerably more than we did, and were made to walk through Devil's Cave as a result. We only went into the cave part way, as it looked somewhat dangerous for people over 55. Our friends said someone hit their head on the rock, another lady cut her bare feet. You had to climb a narrow ladder. We went in and took a few pictures and spent our time on the beach at the Baths. I had been wanting to see the Baths for years, so this was a dream come true for me. I loved watching the water swirl around the rocks. I love to watch waves. The waves knocked me down and I had salt water in my eyes for about 15 minutes, and that stung. The experience was unforgetable, of seeing the place. We had the beach pretty much to ourselves, having left Tortolla about and hour and a half after the cruise crowd left. Read more