Just back from 7 days aboard the Crown to the Southern Caribbean (new this year to Princess). The ship was in good shape, the public areas were plentiful and service and staff were fabulous.
The food was exceptionally good on this trip and the selection was varied. The entertainment in all those little nooks and crannies on board was really good. The big shows were good and the entertainment troupe was quite large, but I've seen better. But then, I don't cruise for the shows.
Anytime dining was painless and has improved 150% since my first experience with it. If you do anytime be sure and ask for Sergio Gonzalez in the Michelangelo dining room. He is fantastic!!!
Princess cabins are not the biggest of the cruise lines, but they do have lots of closet space - more than others - and you can store your suitcases under the bed - not so on some of the other lines. The bathrooms are quite small but for 7 days I can put up with the tiny space. The beds were more comfortable than I've had on previous cruises so I am guessing they have changed their mattress styles. Love the Egyptian sheets and duvet cover. I had the double wide balcony which was nice and the table provided was a nice size. Our cabin this trip was located foreward - starboard on Caribe deck (deck 10) - and a good mid ship location - although I prefer to be more mid ship a little more. I'm not complaining as I was given a very healthy upgrade.
There was little, if any, noise.