7th cruise with Princess, 4th to Alaska – Princess is just the right amount of nice and value. The Grand used to be #1 in the industry and now it’s criticized as old. There’s some rust spots and sagging furniture but it’s still in good shape. The elevators were slow and taxed in high volume conditions. This cruise had five guide dogs and 2 service dogs that I was aware of, plus Indy the Magic Dog performed (happy Bichon). I used the Princess app to check the schedule but it does not show menus or take reservations. It made it super easy to log onto the internet.

Food: Lots of variety, more than I could eat! We had specialty coffee at the I’ntl Café in the morning, lunch in the buffet or DaVinci. Pub lunch was served 1x. Don’t care for hamburgers and the line amazes me. Had dinner in the buffet or Michelangelo, and Crown Grill once. Didn’t have high tea but great hot tea or iced tea in the Piazza. They’ve cut back on special buffets but there were themed buffets (Mexican, German...). Alfredo’s Pizza is the best! ‘Smart Casual’ dress code not enforced... perhaps more prominent signage? Puts Princess in a difficult position when someone thinks their Nike sweats are smart casual. The buffet was often crowded and hard to find seating, even at off-peak times. The Michelangelo could be hectic. We started eating later but then missed some shows.

Room: Because of season/destination, we downgraded from balcony to “obscured view.” The room was smaller but not a problem. Several cruises ago, Princess changed bedding to a duvet and I can’t stand it! No top sheet– just a duvet. All or nothing, sleep hot or cold. I can only trust that they are also laundered between sailings. Read more