We began our trip with several pitfalls. We had a tansfer set up through Princess from Ft. Lauderdale airport to the hotel (at midnight) that failed to show, but the hotel graciously sent a cab and paid for it. Our embarcation was interesting to say the least. After meeting the Princess rep and getting on a bus with all the other travelers, we had identified our luggage at the hotel it was transported in the bus and supposed to be taken to the ship. Upon arrival at the port we had to identify the luggage and once again pay a porter to take it to the ship (all transfers and fees were to be included in our original cost). The line into the ship was huge, and it took over two hours to be checked in. Many people complained bitterly and we were not told what was the delay. We found it a great opportunity to meet and talk with fellow passengers, and actually met people who are going on the next cruise we are planning on.

Once aboard all went well. The Captain was great. He was visable, humorous, and delightful. This is the first time in 16 cruises that we have seen a Captain outside of his forced duties. He even went in the pool at the crossing of the equator. The Cruise Director, Sammie, was full of energy, but obviously had her circle of known passengers and the rest of us were shuttled to the wayside. I tried twice to speak to her and it was evident she was not listening, and was much more interested in catching the people who were on her previous cruise. Her enthusiasm was delightful, but she often spoke much to loud on the speaker and at meal times. I noted that some felt she was critical of the passengers. I didn't feel that way as there were some passengers who were quite vocal about their complaints to the distraction of others. The assistant cruise director, Bernie, was delightful.

The activities on the ship were many and certainly a wide variety for all to enjoy. The library needs work. I realize that is not a money making place, but the smaller they get the less I am inclined to book with Princess as reading is one of my joys aboard ship, and I do so from the library. The internet was fine, it worked as well as any cruise internet. I found if one got up at three in the morning one didn't have any trouble getting on unless they were updating which we were never told about. Read more