We selected this cruise because I wanted to have a string of at sea days to relax and enjoy the ship. Princess cruises have fabulous itineraries and our cruises have been dedicated to touring the ports on other cruises leaving scant time for enjoying the ship itself. Princess is a favorite because it is a cruise liner in the traditional sense. No mountain climbing or amusement park at sea. Just a beautiful, well laid out ship with a lot to offer for people from every walk of life in the style of yesterday with the all the trappings of of today's designs and interests. Beautiful Piazza, clubs, lounges, great entertainment. Our cabin, A-753 was one of two of the largest and we spent our days at the Lotus Spa enjoying treatments, reading on our balcony, enjoying the fine dining, shopping, taking in shows & trying out new experiences we hadn't had time for before. The Chef's Dinner was totally amazing.

So from the start. The ship was beautiful. We embarked without a hitch and by the time we finished signing up for treatments, enjoying lunch at the International Cafe and exploring some we found when we arrived at our room that our Steward Tina had already had our bags inside and waiting for us to unpack. She offered help which was very kind. As Suite and Elite members we had many treats awaiting us and the expanse of the room was wonderful. Where we had thought a dining table and extra area wouldn't be used we quickly found out the more space you have, the more you can fill it up! The cabin was beautiful and although extra large the bar fixture with television in the living room was the same as the full suite we usually take so it was somewhat awkward in that it face the corner of your room instead of the living area itself. Needless to say when we watched a DVD with friends we were cuddled on the couch nearest the sliding glass door and our friends moved the chairs to that side as well. The Tv could not be seen from the other side of the couch! Still all in all, it was a hiccup that was easy to live with. The beds are glorious, the bathroom and whirl tub inviting and we couldn't have been more please.

After the drill we relaxed a bit with some drinks and treats and got ready for dinner at the Crown Grill. Let me just say I have never been in a Crown Grill I haven't adored and this one was much more elegant than any of the other ships I had been on and almost twice as large. It looked like a NY Steak House and we dined on our favorite Onion Soup and a Fillet for me, Rib Eye for him! The vegetables, the dessert, the service, the food, it was all what we had expected and more. What a treat. As to other dining, we were once again happy to be at the Club Dining Room where the service was extraordinary. The wait staff was efficient, friendly and knowledgable. The extra items they served there proved to be what we mostly dined on! There's a feel of gaiety in Club Dining when Suite people get to meet each other and enjoy sharing stories and making friends. It's one of the best features Princess has added as far as I'm concerned. The food, which I always thought was okay on Princess was now good and really good! Each meal from service to the food itself was a delight. In the mornings we enjoyed our Suite Breakfast at Crown & Grill and I would have to believe that this is where all our weight came from! The eggs benedict were always perfect. The danish, the salmon, fruit, waffles, mimosas, Nemosas and Bloody Marys were all fabulous. The staff there was always happy, funny and engaging. It was a great way to start off our morning. As for the other venues, we really liked Share. It was our first time there and the "tasting" was extensive, varied and delicious. My favorite is the International cafe. I love their sandwiches and salads and my husband enjoyed their cakes and cookies as well. My favorite lunch place. As for activities, there were so many different offerings for people that no one could be bored. Games, crafts, music, dance, entertainment. You'd have to be totally dull not to find something to do. We like to "do" the Lotus Spa. I love the pampering and the Salon. We enjoy our treatments and opted for 90 minute treatments since we had so many sea days. They offer a new package. Where we did 3-2-1 twice over each they offered a package of ten so we could each have five and then whatever we added had the discount applied. After treatments we would meet in the Thermal room and enjoy that venue as well. So it was approximately over two hours later that we'd emerge and it took up a large part of the day. I also like to get my hair done at the salon after and their staff is always the best we've had. As a five star hotel needs to offer the best in personnel, so does a ship line for those people who know what to expect and want to receive it. They did not let us down. The staff we all friendly, fun and a joy to be with! Before I forget if you haven't done the Chef's table, cough up that money and do it! You feel like you're in a Michelin rated restaurant between presentation, foods and service. It was the biggest surprise for me of the entire trip. Their chefs are incredibly talented and this dinner is their time to shine....to provide a meal they can not do for the thousands they serve. It was too good to be true! Read more