We like to take a cruise right after New Years. The fares are excellent and there are some nice perks added, especially with the Medallion program. We are Platinum members having sailed Princess 7 times now. Embarkation was super fast. We were onboard by 11am. This is nice as you really do get an extra day onboard. Like most Princess ships this boat has the same restaurants, bar areas, entertainment and usual shops. We got to our room immediately and even though Edward wasn't quite finished he told us to put our carry on bags in and to go check the ship out. First stop the buffet for lunch. I always do the carving station and it never disappoints. We bought a coffee card prior boarding and that lasted all week. No extra charge for lg or sm coffee drinks or specialty drinks. There is no punch card, you just swipe your medallion. By the way, I recommend getting a sports band when the shop opens, it not as intrusive as the lanyard neckband for Medallion. Never quite got the hang of WIFI using it as you must carry your cell phone everywhere. That's unnecessary and annoying. We had a balcony room all the way forward and it was rocky indeed the first few nights heading to Princess Cay. I like being forward on all cruises but never felt the bumping as hard as on this ship. After St. Martin it seemed much smoother all the way home. We had selected late dining as Princess site listed it as 7:15. Onboard it was 7:45. Much too late, so we met with the Maitre de at 1pm and he changed us from the Concerto DR to Allegro. Lots of empty table as this is also the Anytime DR. Our waiter left such a negative impression on me I never learned his name. He never explained the menu or made recommendations . We easily were in and out within an hour. Including dessert. Service felt rushed and impersonal. I met with the DR supervisor and made him aware, but the waiter never improved his service but the supervisor was all over us. Got annoying after a few nights. Food got a C. The beef Wellington was the best Ive had on a cruise ship but other entrees didn't fare as well. There were two formal nights and of course, the shorts people show up. Rules aren't enforced, but come on, put pants on.

Spent nights near the pool as there was a full moon and people watched. Movies shown were Ad Astra , Downtown Abbey, Judy, etc... Didn't do any shows but there was usually great music in the Atrium area. Crooners was always packed and the Bellini bar was nice.

we did an excursion thru Princess to St Johns. Ferry to the island then a open bus tour of the island. This guy got no tip from me as the tour was all about him. He went on and on about the Numi Diet or drink that is supposedly a miracle cure. The tree is native to the island and this guy had a pharmaceutical grudge , ranting about the wonders the leaves did for his broken collar bone. He made his point, but left us 20 minutes to sit on the road as he spoke about it. The ride took us past Trunk Beach which looked beautiful and then the ride back to port was so horrifyingly bumpy we all thought we'd need a chiropractor . He left us no time to shop in St. John so I was very disappointed. I can't recommend it. Read more