First time doing a Christmas cruise, and it won't be our last. Embarkation was great. On the ship in 15 minutes from luggage drop off. The staff was the friendliest and most helpful we have ever experienced. We had anytime dining, and that worked out very well (since we went at 5:15 each night). Food was very good in both the restaurant and the buffet. I just wish that the everyday menu had more choices, especially appetizers. The cruise singers and dancers were excellent, as was the Royal Princess band. Cruise Director Matty O is fantastic...maybe the best that Princess has now, but he got sick on day 7, so we didn't see him again. The assistant CD's filled in admirably. The only negative to the whole cruise is the lack of onboard activities before 3PM. It seems like Trivia and shopping seminars are the only thing available at that time. Many extra activities at night for the Christmas season really made this cruise special. Everywhere on the ship, the wait staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Alfredos Restaurant is the BEST free restaurant at sea. Very good pizza (for a cruise ship) and many other choices are served here. Funniest thing on the ship is the placard in the elevator claiming it can hold 18 people. 8-10 (with little people) is maximum.

We will be cruising on Princess again. They exceeded our expectations in every way possible !!