We chose this cruise because we had cruised Princess before and enjoyed it. We prefer longer cruises- 15 or more days or back-to-back. This was 15 day round trip LA to Hawaii to LA. The Emerald needs spruced up- a bit shabby. The entertainment was hit or miss. We liked about half of the entertainment. It was rough weather in December- cool and windy. Some nights it was cold- of course not the fault of the ship. I would have spent time at the pool and the around the deck music, etc. But not this trip. (the last third had some sunny "deck days". So, what to do- endless trivia games. The cruise director is 25 year-old Kaylee- acted like a giggling 14 year-old. Her pal, Ruby the gem did not shine for me. Avoided the morning show on the TV. The Magic To Do show was self-indulgent junk - apparently written and staged by the magician. I talked to no one who liked it- most said boring, stupid, and poorly staged. Just a waste of time- caused us to decide against going to the production shows which we usually liked. The Wheelhouse was a good place to dance, Skywalker as well. Cabin was fine- C327- we had a larger than usual balcony. Food was average. Staff not quick to act when something was not right- cold food, etc. Didn't seem to know what to do (new or last-chance?) Excursions through Princess- long tour to Waimea Canyon- bus 35 minutes late (driver kept telling us how late she had been- followed by laughter), so she dropped one stop and hurried us through the others- no one happy. The other long tour was in a crowded van- this one was a tour of various falls. Again, hurry up- over promising- should take a few things off the schedule and have a better tour. Usually get EZ-Air boarding passes from passenger desk- not now- must use internet minutes- trying to sell more minutes? Not nice- oh, by the way- booked with air months before trip- airplane seats for a couple- middle seats, different rows. Princess must book at the last minute to save money- take the seats that are left- will not EZ-Air again. Quite a few of the staff had trouble understanding simple questions except " can I have a margarita" I have been on Costa, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival, and Princess. I am platinum. Would not pick Princess over the others after this trip. Princess will be in the mix, but not the preferred cruise line that it had been in the last few years. Hey, what happened to Princess playing cards available at the passenger desk- now you can buy regular (not "Princess") cards in the casino. So, shabby ship, hit or miss entertainment, poor tours, and a ship that wants to nickel and dime the passengers.