We were on the Inaugural sailing of this magnificent ship. I will always remember coming over the 17th street bridge in Ft. Lauderdale and seeing her, lit and beautiful. We watched her sail out on Friday night for the VIP/Wedding of Jill Whelan overnight VIP cruise.
Embarkation was a breeze considering this was an inaugural. We arrived about 11:30 and stood in a long line but fellow passenger camaraderie was pleasant; everyone was excited! As they opened the doors, everything just seemed to go so smoothly. Princess really does well with embarkations. We had pre-registered on the cruise personalizer page and so went to expedited check-in. We had been upgraded five days before the sailing but the new keys were ready and waiting and we were through the line in under ten minutes.
Every passenger did go through security, bags through the machine and people through the metal detector. My tiara, worn for the occasion, did not set off the detector. People were directed right or left, depending on room number. Embarkation photos were taken and a few feet on the security photos were taken. Every single staff member was smiling and polite and helpful.