My husband and I are in our 50s. This was our 13th cruise but our first cruise on Princess. We usually cruise on Celebrity.

EMBARKATION: Because this was our first Princess Cruise we were not eligible for any priority embarkation. We knew the ship was full because 2 days before the cruise Princess called us and told us the cruise was overbooked and could we go on a later cruise (at half price). Our plans were not that flexible so we couldn't change. Princess had advised us to try to arrive after 2 pm to avoid crowds. We arrived a little after 2. So did everyone else (or so it seemed). The line was tremendous. When we did get to the counter the embarkation was quick and efficient.

FIRST DAY: When we got on the ship we went to our cabin. We had an inside cabin (another first). It was roomy and pleasant. We brought a clock so we could tell the time in the middle of the night. As soon as we got to our cabin we met our room attendant, Elizaldi. He was the best room attendant we have had on any cruise. One day, after we went to the beach, we left our shoes in the cabin covered in sand. Zaldi cleaned them! He was the greatest. Anyway, after depositing our overnight bags we went up to eat. Read more