This was our 11th cruise (many, but not all with Princess)and we feel one of our very best. We chose to stay 3 days in Venice prior to our embarkation, but made our own reservations rather than Princess' pre-package. We arrived to the ship just minutes before the 12 noon embarkation process. This was our first cruise as "Platinum" members, and it paid off. We were in the 1st group called and "whisked" on board immediately. The entire boarding/embarkation process was well organized. Our cabin was ready and available. We chose an inside cabin for this cruise. Since this is a new ship (just over a year old) we were pleasantly surprised to notice updated efficiency within the cabin and the entire ship. It was very noticeable that even with an inside cabin, it was NOT a claustrophobic situation. The room "felt" larger than expected and was well planned for space usage both within the main part and the closet/bath area as well. Our cabin was mid-ship and only 2 rooms down from the elevator area and NEVER heard a thing. Nice Work Princess!

TOURS and EXCURSIONS...We booked ALL of our tours on-line WELL in advance of embarkation (about 90 days)and we were glad we did. Upon boarding, we noticed that 4 of OUR 8 tours (amongst others) were already sold out before the cruise began. So, this is something to really consider and I HIGHLY recommend. Each morning when the excursion groups were assembling and debarking on their tours, it was EXTREMELY well organized (the best we have ever encountered on any ship). There were plenty of ship service personnel assisting in the process. WELL DONE!! About excursions... Though the descriptions and explanations were accurate, it sometimes isn't exactly as "you" may have in mind. For example - "Beach Excursions",...(we went on 2). The 1st one in Corfu is a gravel and stone beach (NO SAND) - didn't see that one coming. Also, it is more of a water sport recreation area than a peaceful beach situation. The 2nd beach excursion was in Mykonos. Though it is advertised as "beach chairs and umbrellas "may" be rented if you so choose", it is almost impossible to find a sand area that doesn't already have a chair/umbrella on it. It was as if you are "forced" to rent. Caught many people by surprise. Also, this beach was more of a marina, than a true beach. Now, though I mention this, it is for information only. We were still satisfied with our excursions. As far as our other excursions, they were all fine and were very well organized. However, beware of summer crowds. Virtually EVERY excursion was in the same area as other cruise ship's (other companies in the same port) excursions. It was crowded and VERY busy in most excursion areas.

DINING...BREAKFAST - on days we had shore excursions, we ordered "the light/continental type" breakfast to our room. Here's something we didn't expect...it usually came at least 15-20 minutes earlier than we ordered. On one hand, this was nice. On the other hand, we were still sleeping on 2 occasions when the knock came. The breakfast buffet and dining room were good as well. If you hit the breakfast buffet at the wrong time, it was hard to find a place to sit,...anywhere. Earlier the better for breakfast. DINNER - we had anytime dining in the Michelangelo Dining Room. However, when you first board the ship on day 1, you are given an opportunity to meet with the Maitre D' for any dining assistance or questions you may have. We asked for a table for two and if we could reserve the same table for the entire cruise. He granted our request and we had the same table for two by a window for the entire cruise. A couple nights later, a couple we met asked for "their" same table and they were granted for the rest of the cruise. So, it pays to ask. Read more