This was my first cruise and I traveled without my husband and children for a real getaway. Just a girlfriend and I were looking to relax and enjoy a week without obligations. Let start by saying that I would have been happy no matter where we went and that my expectations were low. A good book and some sun and down-time would have been enough to feel like a treat. I was very impressed with the organization and efficiency with which Princess handled the large number of people and the daunting task of maintaining the high level of security required these days. They were pleasant and accommodating every step of the way.
ROOMS- People talk about the small rooms. It is true that they are generally smaller than the comparable hotel rooms would be. Ours was an outside double with balcony. We found that it had plenty of space for the storage of all our belongings as well as our general comfort. It was clean and well appointed.I even felt that if were to cruise again with princess, I would probably not bother to pay more for the mini-suite ( the next size up ) even if money wasn't an issue.A balcony, however, is a geat idea. We enjoyed having the slider open at night so we could sleep to the sounds of the water splashing around the ship as we cruised. Coffee on the balcony in the morning and a cocktail in the evening was a nice indulgence.
The ship itself is beautiful. From the atrium and shops, to the pools, dining areas and various lounges, the decor is lovely and sparkling clean. It took a day or two to feel our way around but it was fun to keep discovering new areas.