We are home and we really enjoyed this cruise. We find repositioning cruises have a lot of frequent cruisers and the passengers are usually older. It's a very relaxing cruise.
Every meal was superior. We usually stay away from the buffet, but there was always a table and again, great choices and tasty entrees. I am taken away with the staff in the buffet. They are very quick in clearing tables, bringing coffee and marching along with the drinks cart. I would say the best staff in a buffet I've seen on Princess for a long time. This ship doesn't look like they are short staffed like others I've sailed on. Good for Princess.
The ship entered service in 2007. She doesn't look dated. The ship is in excellent shape. I miss some of the venues on the Royal Class, but the balconies are larger. She holds 3,117 passengers. Very few children on board, mostly in strollers!
People always ask me what is the best place for a stateroom. My choice is mid-ship, mid aft or aft. I always choose a lower deck as if the seas are rough it's better lower down. Always check to see what the deck above and below the one you choose is. If there is a lounge and you go to bed early, chances are you will hear the music. Cheryl and Dave once had a cabin on top of the casino and they could hear the machines. This trip, I booked quite late. The only balcony I could get was aft on deck 15, underneath the buffet. It's an easy walk, just up one flight of stairs. In our room we can only hear carts rolling. At first when I was trying to sleep I thought it was a jet engine. It wouldn't wake you up, but you do hear it.
