Hi! Because the reviews here on Cruise Critic helped me choose a cruise, select a cruise line and assisted with the many decisions involved in cabin selection and excursions, I wanted to do my part and return the favor with a detailed review of my recent experience on the Emerald Princess October 9th - 19th.

I'm 54 and my Husband is 66. We are professionals and look forward to our once a year vacation where we can take 12 - 14 days to see the world. The last two years we've traveled to Europe and decided a vacation on the water, in the water and around the water would be ideal to get away from it all this year. We love to sail and wanted to incorporate this into our vacation this year as well.

We flew out one day early on Virgin America out of Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale. Nice airline, comfortable seats and easy flight. We stayed at the Renaissance at the Cruise Port as recommended from this site. A decent, clean hotel. Nice staff and comfortable bed. We bought a shuttle ticket from the hotel for $6.00 per person to be driven to the cruise terminal the next day for boarding the ship. The Hotel is about a 5 minute ride to the terminal. Perfect! Read more