My parents and I chose this cruise because of the enticing marketing brochure we received in the mail. It was a disaster the first day -- at embarkation. While there was a looming storm, the embarkation staff and procedures were a nightmare. No one could give us any accurate information on when embarkation was to begin. We were advised early on that we had to be at the dock by noon to check luggage and get settled. Well, five hours later, we are all like caged animals in the waiting room that must have been over 100 degrees with thousands of passengers waiting. There was no airconditioning and the Princess staff didn't even offer any courtesy water to drink or anything. We could not go out of the pier because embarkation could start anytime -- again, no one could give us any definite time.
My 81-year old parents were both disabled and this cruise ship is not the friendliest to disabled people at all. At embarkation, there were no available wheel chairs until we got into the ship already. Next, they nickel and dime you for everything -- from wifi, which is free on most cruises we've been to; to bottled water -- in the room, in the dining areas! It would have been better if Princess just charged for everything upfront with the package than charging extra for everything. Also, their shuttle buses from the ship to the town center of various ports were quite expensive. Again, this is usually a courtesy-free service with other cruise lines.
The only saving grace of the cruise was the food and the staff. The staff was excellent especially the dining staff and the food was excellent as well.
Cabin is too tight for sharing for up to 4 people. The toiletries were also very limited. The staff were very good in cleaning daily and changing the towels on a regular basis.
Loved the fact that you can tour Hakodate on your own. The Unlimited Use Day bus pass was very reasonable. So many interesting places to explore. It was raining a lot so we could not go to the Tower but just staying on the bus, you could see many places that are a must-see.