Well, I got in at 3 this morning, but here goes.

The Cruise was fabulous, but two days is not enough. Had a balcony on the Aloha (12th) Deck, with a great view. Staterooms are the same as the other Grand Class ships, as is the basic layout of pools, lounges, restaurants and shops, for the most part. Princess has added another buffet station (Cafe Caribe)on the later (I think Crown and after) ships. The biggest difference is in the "Piazza", the main lobby/atrium area. It is now used for a variety of "street entertainers", which on this two day cruise included a Doo Wop Group from New York that were great, and a Juggler/Unicyclist/Comedian who was fabulous, as well as the usual pianist and chamber music type stuff. Around the edge of the piazza they have a coffee bar, a patisserie with fresh bakery goodies as well as salads and sandwiches, a wine and cheese bar, and the best sushi bar at sea I have seen. The second day I stopped in for sushi 3 times. There is also the new "Sanctuary", an adults only retreat with it's own pool, steam and sauna rooms, dedicated Serenity Stewards to bring special drinks and snacks, etc. I am told it was great, though I just walked thru. When you only have one full day, you can't get too laid back.

So, I arrived at FLL at 10:30, after a red-eye from Vegas, got on a bus and was at the Port in 10 minutes, checked in and in my stateroom 15 minutes after that. Unpacked and went upstairs to the buffet for a little lunch. Muster Drill was at 2:30, after that a quick dip in the jacuzzi, while watching "Casablanca" on the MUTS, and then it was time to dress. Read more