We decided to book a quick getaway cruise for Valentine's with no kids. We prefer Holland America but needed a shorter trip and Princess had a great deal on this trip so we decided to try them again. We sailed Island Princess three years ago and really enjoyed it but really prefer smaller ships.

The embarkation process was great. We got in and waited in a short line and then basically walked right onto the ship. We booked an interior room and it was very clean and nice. Our steward was excellent - friendly and efficient - made sure we had everything we needed. The bed was very comfortable and the room had enough space with no frills for just the two of us. We appreciated the lighting and mirrors that gave a much larger and open feel to a small space that was well designed.

This ship admittedly has something for everyone, it's just BIG. There were tons of activties all the time which some folks really enjoy. We prefer a more relaxed environment, low key with well appointed spaces for quiet relaxation. A sold out ship of 3000+ passengers made for a crowded experience, lots of lines, crowded dining areas, long waits for service, and a lot of noise. We were disappointed that there were no covered pool areas to get out of the sun completely. The open air pools were all packed and the wind was extreme so it wasn't a nice experience. We opted for 3 days in the Sancutuary which was lovely The service was excellent and afternoon tea was a real treat. The scones and fresh cookies were some of the best treats we experienced. Read more