Backgroud: This cruise was technically a repositioning cruise - New York to San Juan. It appealed to us because it left from New York (a shorter flight for us coming from western Canada) and it has always been my dream to sail past the Statue of Liberty. We have sailed twice with Celebrity, once with Holland, once with RCCL and once before with Princess. On this cruise we had two of our teenagers with us and we travelled with two other families.

Embarkation was perfect - we arrived very early as a our taxi ride turned out to be 20 minutes instead of the predicted hour 1/2! - no traffic at all on this Saturday morning in NYC. We were in the second group called to board and we were eating lunch at the buffet by noon. Very friendly staff at the terminal - full marks to Princess here.

Stateroom: We had an outside obstructed view stateroom. There were a few ropes and pulleys outside our window - nothing that seriously blocked our view. I have always felt before that if I wasn't booking a balcony I wouldn't bother with a window - but this time I discovered it is very nice to have the light! Our children had an inside room and was identical to ours other than no window! Our room steward was certainly adequate but not overwhelmingly friendly or helpful - I think he was 'tired' and who could blame him? The room was clean and he did what he had to. Some days we only got one bath towel - to share?? - hmmm?? We asked for a foamy to be on our bed which helped a little - it was the definitely the worst bed we've ever had. Also had robes delivered - one less thing to pack. Read more