Another great time on Princess. Not that they do anything that much better than any other cruise line but for a relaxing time with great food and service, it works. Don't think it is some kind of luxury line though -you are not paying for that. Keep expectations realistic, and you will have a great time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Got to the port about 11 am. Was a long line for the metal detector. (In the past, when we had gotten to the port by 10 am, there was no line) The Security line moved pretty quick and once passed that we went straight through the Green Lane to get on board. Total about 45 minutes.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Princess has been my favorite all-around for food. Carnival has better Lido deck type food but Princess overall is great. The breakfast and lunch buffets were just OK, the dinner buffet had some really great options. The choices were different from the MDR but I would scope it out before going to dinner in the MDR and always kind of wished my family wanted to eat in the buffet. Yes, I would try a few samples... Two items really stuck out on this cruise; french fries and whip cream. The fries were the best I've ever had at sea and maybe anywhere. Seemed like they were dipped in batter before being fried or something but they were amazing. The whip cream was so thick and tasty, I liked it better than whatever it was put on. We ended up just getting bowls of whip cream to eat for dessert. The food in the MDR was just average, which for Princess is still better than I've had on any other line.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We took our daughter's family and spent a lot of time watching the grand kids so their parents could do some activities. Everyone had a great time.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
I personally didn't see much but those in our family who did, loved them. The only surprise for me was the comedian. I watched the 10 pm show which of course is not meant for kids. It was pretty "adult". Not a real complaint because we all laughed but, in the past, Princess had been able to get comedians who were funny and clean, even in the late-night shows. This was the first Princess gig for this comedian so maybe that is why.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Our grandkids, ages 2, 5, and 8 loved it! They really seemed to have a great system and very approachable leaders. They made tons of arts and crafts. Less than 100 kids on board but the kid's clubs looked pretty well attended.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Room stewardess was good. She went out of her way to pay my wife a heartfelt complement. We liked our table and waiter on the first night so we asked the Maitre D if we could reserve that table/time every night. We already had the 6pm time reserved but he gave us a hard time and tried to make us change to 5:20. One night they gave away our table even though we were early and made our family of 8 sit at a table for 6. Our waiter was really good with the kids and made napkin animals and did magic tricks. We miss him.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Seemed fine to me. The buffet staff did a better than average job of cleaning the tables quickly.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Inside cabin, a little crowded with two adults and two kids but was workable. Princess does not let you put the two beds together if you are also using the bunk beds. They say it is a safety thing but other lines put the floor beds together without a problem. So, I had to sleep alone for the week. :( My wife didn't complain about that though.
Ship tip
Enjoy it! There will always be little things that happen so don't worry about them and remember the trip cost the same if you enjoy it or not.
Princess substituted this port for Monterey. The S.B. people in the shops, etc were happy to have us and made everyone feel welcome. Just walked around town.
Took the $4 shuttle to downtown. Was talked into buying their tour to the Blow Hole (La Bufadora) for $20 per person. Actually was a decent 3.5 hour trip. Lots of shops there with lots of vendors but not too pushy. Be sure to ask the price of anything before agreeing to buy. Wife bought a Virgin Pina Colada and was charged $20. A few shops down they were advertising them 3 for $18.
Quickest ever. Off by 8:30. We were just trying to find the place we were supposed to wait but was told everyone can get off now. Don't wait for your number to be called, ask someone if you can get off.
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