I chose this cruise merely to take us back to LA rather than flying. Coming from Australia we began our 6 week trip with a train tour from Toronto to Quebec city and then embarked another cruise line (rhymes with gal) for a 15 day New England cruise, which finished in Fort Lauderdale. I really looked forward to this cruise but was somewhat disappointed with it. On the other hand, I had no expectations for this cruise. As an Elite member, I always feel 'at home' on Princess and this time I was not disappointed. Apart from a few hiccups, it was excellent.

Embarkation was easy, around 12.15 pm, quick lunch in the Lido then the wait for the luggage. It seems never a good idea to embark early as luggage gets stuck on the bottom of the pile. We waited and waited with me pacing the corridor wondering why it was taking so long. When I heard the captain announce that we will shortly be casting off the lines, I went into panic mode! Assurances by the cabin steward that the luggage would definitely have been loaded, did not relive my stress. with 30+ cruises, I always received our luggage before leaving port! well, they finally arrived, just prior to dinner so that we could change but It was not a good start.

The cabin (C410) was a great size. The cabin is square-ish with a huge balcony. It was the best cabin we have been in. The worst aspect is the miniature shower recess with a handle on the wall that sticks into your back when showering. As a 'normal' sized person, I hate to think how larger built people managed to shower! Other than that everything was great. We sat on the balcony the whole of the Panama Canal as it was our 2nd transit. Read more