Seattle. Hampton Inn Downtown Suites. Great hotel walking distance from Space Needle area. Booked limo from airport to hotel thru Hampton. $40. Ate at the Sky City Restaurant, Space Needle. Pricey, but great food and wonderful views. Recommended if you are in Seattle one time and can afford it. Check menu online, then call to make reservation. Took shuttle to Pier 91. $7 each for 15 min ride.

Embarkation. Poor. Arrived around noon. Over 1 hour to board ship. Seems like everyone wanted to board early. Ship left 1 hour late, which seemed to impact the rest of the cruise. (Ships cannot 'make up' lost time.)

The ship is typical Princess and provides all of the standard amenities. Food very good. Ate one night at Crown Grill, which was very good. Read more