Princess Cruises has always offered a spectacular, sensational cruising experience. This cruise, my fifth with them (and I've sailed other lines including Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Disney), was smooth from start to finish.

The food was enjoyable, and this included the formal dining rooms - where the wait staff was attentive - as well as the Horizon Court Buffet upstairs and the other casual eateries. The pizza is understandably well-rated, and this included the delicious gluten-free pizza my wife enjoyed once again. To that end, gluten free options on Princess have expanded since our last cruise two years ago. They offered or had available plenty of GF desserts, GF pancakes or toast made-to-order at any meal (including in the buffets), GF fresh-baked muffins (hot!), and a host of other choices in the formal dining rooms for the main courses and appetizers.

The excursions and island destinations were also well-selected. We adventured ashore in each port. Shopping, while not a primary goal for us, was abundant in each port. We aimed to find great beaches - and did so. Some of the beaches we visited were truly unique, and recommended by the helpful Excursions staff even when we weren't booking an excursion through Princess. In addition, we took two Princess-managed excursions (an ATV trek in Cozumel, and a hike up Dunn's River Falls through the rushing water in Jamaica). Read more