We started out our cruise by arriving a day early. We rented a car and stayed at the Pembroke Pines Hampton Inn. Nice hotel. Quiet. Renting a car gave us the opportunity to see the area and do some shopping. We went to the port early. We took a cab from the car rental station. Because we were in a premium suite we were seated in the Elite lounge after a quick check in. There is nothing special about the lounge other than getting coffee juice and muffins. We were one of the first on the boat. We went to the spa to reserve weekly Enclave passes for $150. We then went to the Sanctuary to reserve the three sea days. We were on the ship less than 20 minutes and could not get all three days. Only 2. Our room was ready immediately. It was a one bedroom suite with a living room at the very front of the ship. The bathroom was huge with both a shower and tub. We got a mini bar with liquor, sodas and beer included. We had the new luxury beds and pillows. Amazing. The first night they allow suite guests to go to an up charge restaurant for free. We chose Crown grill as I had already prebooked Sabatini’s for later in the week. The steak and sides were sub par. Below what you would expect from Outback. I’m glad I didn’t pay for it. The first day was Princess Cays. I had prebooked the Sanctuary cabana. It is nice because it was air conditioned. We were able to take a break from the heat. We had a $50 picnic delivered by waiters. It included gazpacho, seafood, bbq chicken and ribs, ice cream and cookies. Big enough to feed 4. That night we did club class fining. It is not worth the extra expense. Service was very slow. Over 2.5 hours to finish the meal. The supposed extra dishes were not great. The wait staff was not attentive or friendly. This was true for the 3 days we ate there. The suite breakfasts at Sabatini’s were great every time we went. Free mimosas, nice pastries, hot food. Our dinner at Sabatini’s was remarkable. The baked artichoke is to die for. I also had the chicken Marsala. Fabulous. We ate at Alfredo’s three times. The salads and pizza are very good. Better than many on land. We also at at the coffee shop, the buffet and ice cream shop. All were as expected. The shows were good. An American Idol finalist was on the boat. Great singer. I saw secret silk. The singing was great but the story was not the best. The Sanctuary is a must if you can get in. So relaxing. We also loved the retreat pool. We always were able to get a lounger. There were some hot tub hogs who never got out. We used the Enclave daily and loved the therapy pool. The other stops were St Thomas where we did a tour and it rained in St. Maarten. We just got off and on. I must say that our steward Jeffrey was one of the best that I ever had.

The bottom line is that I would sail the Royal Princess again but would not do club class or a suite. We typically sail NCL Haven where suite guests are treated much better and the food in the Haven restaurant is so much better with much more attentive service.