Began with 4 days in San Francisco at the "Princess" hotel, Mark Hopkins. Princess would only give us 3 days prior to cruise, so we sprang for an expensive 4th night and we're so glad we did. This is a fantastic hotel. We purposely did not inform the hotel until arrival that all 4 nights should be linked together as we were afraid we would spend all 4 in a low room with no view. So our first night was on the 15th floor with an absolutely amazing view. As the hotel was full, we had to move for the next 3 nights (they moved us, we just went out to sightsee and checked in again when we returned; luggage had already been relocated for us). The remaining 3 nights were on the 10th floor, view of the Golden Gate Bridge, so no worries. This room was definitely smaller but just as beautifully decorated. Nothing to complain about with this hotel - would do it all over again.

Embarkation was easy. Arrived at 11:30 to a rat race, with people from the prior cruise as well as our fellow cruisers all on the sidewalk at the same time. But it went surprisingly well. Once inside, it took about 20 minutes to get on board, leave our carry-ons in our rooms and head upstairs to the buffet. We were already beginning to de-stress!

Sailing under the Golden Gate was super windy, almost unbearable at the front of the ship. But what an experience ... Read more