SHIP -- Somewhat distressing to find the Emerald a re-make of the Golden and Grand class ships with an added deck and 700 more passengers in the same amount of space - which of course resulted in it being crowded for events, shows, pool, etc. They could have at least changed the decor - same rooms, same carpets, same lounges, same everything. Nice, but the same. The Under-the-Stars movie was where the football playoffs and NCAA Championship game were shown (in the rain). During the first weekend, the wildcard games were on the cabin TVs, but not so for the Conference championship games. Seems this could have been handled better, considering the weather.

SERVICE and Staff - was excellent from the room steward, to dining room staff, to everyone on the ship for the most part. The Cruise Director (Tim Donavan) was a bit much, but luckily he wasn't around so didn't have to deal with his unique personality. The young lady in charge of shopping seemed very knowledgeable (nice change from those that just push Diamonds International all the time). However, the Future Cruise person was another story - lack of knowledge and not at all helpful when we wanted some information on a future cruise we were interested in. We made our regular cruise deposit, but not due to anything that person did. There appears to be very good staff morale on this ship - a credit I'm sure to the managers. ACTIVITIES -- Shows were scheduled too late (8:30 and 10:30) and other than the production shows, were probably the poorest we've seen on Princess, and then some scheduled over 2 days to accommodate everyone (remember those 700 extra people). No prizes for Trivia and games - come on (oh, I take that back, on the 3 sea days, there were paper Princess bags). I know the cruise lines on cutting back, but this is a small thing that people like. Cruise Critic get-together did not have anyone from the ship in attendance - on other cruises there have been a ship rep and those attending got something from Princess. Loved the afternoon movies in the Theater. Loved the Food Demonstration by Chef and Food Manager.

FOOD -- Very Good in the Botticelli Dining Room and the Horizon Court. Pizza and hamburgers were good. Beef is not always that great, but they do fish very nicely. Read more