This was our second cruise -- we were previously on the Carnival Triumph during Thanksgiving week, 2001. Over all, we had a very enjoyable time and would consider Princess again.
We started out our cruise journey by flying to Ft. Lauderdale on Friday night. After staying at the Embassy Suites (thanks to hotel rewards points, otherwise it would have cost approx. $160), we took a cab to the port (cost $5.00). The luggage was dropped off to the porters around 1:15 p.m. and we proceeded to the building for embarkation. The line was outside the building at the time, but considering the number of people boarding, it went quicker than I expected. Although the building was spacious and airy, it did have one drawback -- if one needed to got to the restroom, one had to go back outside the building and circle around to the other side before returning back to the line. Not good if you have young kiddies with you. (Your other alternative is to wait until you pass though security.)
Once you pass through the queuing line, you proceed to the check-in which was as fast as it could have been, again, considering the number of people boarding. The security line was slow because many people had put up their documents not realizing they would have to go back through security. Be prepared to show your documents just as if you were going through airport security. Princess should have told people this and saved a bit of time. Next came time to board the ship! The photographer on our end seemed a bit disinterested and it felt as if you were having your driver's license photo taken. No backdrop, just stand and "click." (The finished photos did have a "Welcome Aboard" border on them.) Next you stand for the ship security to have your photo taken with your cruise card and then you are on your way to your cabin. The luggage arrived quickly afterward and we were able to put all the things away and be on our way up in time to watch the ship leave port.