I chose Princess for Alaskan Cruise because during a previous Alaskan Cruise, on another Cruise Line , Princess always had preferential treatment when docking at the ports. The staff was good and attentive and the entertainment was excellent. The 24 hour cafe was terrific for snacks, coffee, tea and the cooking teams at the grill and pizza by the pool were awesome. I chose traditional dining at 5:30 but highly recommend anytime dining instead. The food in the formal dining room was average. The waiters were excellent. The upcharge Grill experience was worth the upcharge as the service was outstanding, food was excellent and atmosphere was as advertised. The breakfast at the buffet was outstanding and so much better than formal breakfast dining. NOW down to what was bad...then interior condition of the Diamond Princess does not warrant the premium price paid for this cruise. Water dripped on my head from ceiling as I boarded the ship. Floor fans ran all week on deck 9 in corridors drying carpet. Please see Cabin Review section for details of cabin condition.
Sufficient square footage. Lovely balcony. Mold, mildrew and dirt ground into grout in shower upon arrival and it was not new..been there a long time...was fixed day 3 while in port and also put a new shower curtain was installed. Drawers didn't close all the way and hung off the tracks. Felt very much like 1970's decor and overall definately not worth the premium price paid and I expected so much more. In the past I have cruised on Holland American, Norweigan, Carnival, Disney and Ameircan Riverboat and the condition of all those those ships were excellant.