We stayed at Springhill Suites in Dania Beach, FL. For 2 nights prior to our cruise. They were very accommodating as usual. Nice & close for last minute shopping along with quite a few places to eat. The breakfast is always wonderful. Springhill Suites also has a FREE shuttle not only to & from the airport but to the cruise port as well.

The shuttle left for the cruise port right at 10 a.m. We like to take the 1st shuttle so we can board early. We were able to check in as soon as we arrived since we are frequent cruisers. We did have 8 others with us who were able to come along. They did put us in a comfortable “holding” room until we could go aboard. We were in our cabins by noon…. Dropped off our carry-on luggage and went off to explore the ship and go for lunch.

We love the new buffet lines…. It was not near as crowded and confusing as the rest we’ve been on. We love this new layout of the atrium…. So much more seating for the International Café… it was great to watch all of the entertainment in there….just sit visiting….reading a book or people watch. A coffee card is a must buy if you enjoy time me in the atrium…. They even let you use your punches for Gelato now  I have found that the wait service is not near as plentiful as it always has been on the other ships. I think it’s because of the drink counter at the International Café. It is nice to have the counter if you want something on the way by…. But if you just want to sit for a long while no one really asks if you would like anything else…. Now in the bars…. That’s another story…. They are there all the time….. Which brings me to another issue. Princess does not advertise too much about purchasing a bottle of wine & storing it for you. It’s a better bargain than purchasing by the glass. Read more