EXCURSIONS - If you've done your research and know which excursion you want to book, you may want to do so before you board (online). We missed out on one in St Thomas since it was fully booked by the time we decided on it. The people at the excursion desk does not seem to be fully with it, since they booked us, then the morning of the excursion they sent us a note saying we didn't get on. If you're travelling with children give the Pirates Extravaganza a try (see pics in the St Lucia section). By far this is one of the best ones we've ever done and highly recommend it. Very interactive and you get to sail on a ship that was actually used in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. So you know - All the islands we visited (Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados and Antigua) can be done on your own. As long as you're confident, aware of your surroundings and the explorer type, you'll have no problems. The only island we had booked an (through the ship) excursion was St Lucia, all the others we did on our own. We felt safe at all times and the locals always had a friendly smile and willing to help. But before you go out and try to do your own thing, please note that I was born in the Caribbean and have a fair knowledge on what to expect, notice possible dangers and how to react.

ENTERTAINMENT - The piazza is the main hub of the ship and it's always full of life, especially on formal nights. If you're ever bored, it’s a great place to grab a snack from the International Cafe, grab a chair and people watch. Throughout the day you'll find many entertainers performing here. In the ship gallery section of the site you'll be able to see a bit more of the Piazza and the piano that's normally featured here. We only went a couple times to the product shows and were not impressed. Mind-you the theatre is very impressive and offers a great view no matter where you sit. Bear in mind that you must arrive a bit early, since it does get pretty packed. Since we were travelling with our girls and my wife is a party pooper (only on this trip) we didn't hit any of the lounges or bars at night. We basically slept, so we awoke every morning full of energy and ready to conquer another island. Felt like Columbus ;) The Casino was like any other casino you'd find on a cruise ship. Tons of smoke, people loosing money and a few winning. I lucked out a couple times on the slots and walked away with about $100 in total. If you're into card games, you'd probably have more fun than I did, since those who were playing cards were all in a good mood.

One night we went up to the club/disco (Club Fusion) and had tons of fun. The music was not the best (DJ could use some mixing lessons) but the few that were drunk seemed to really enjoy themselves. Here we met several of the crew and joked around with them. A great place to go have a drink before you hit the sacks. There's always live entertainment during the day by the pools. The band really made you feel like you were in the Caribbean by the choices of songs they played. Beyond that, the ship has so many entertainment options that my head literally was spinning as I tried to figure out which to choose. Each lounge has a different personality. Crooners, on the promenade, is right in the heart of the action, overlooking the Piazza, and features a vocalist. Explorer's Lounge is primarily an events' venue for everything from art auctions to guest lectures. At night, it often served as a secondary movie theater (for more mature fare, like "Mission Impossible" to counter the friskier offerings of Movies Under the Stars, such as "Beyonce in Concert" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". Club Fusion was also busy during the day -- with Ballroom Blitz, line dancing, bingo and Jeopardy -- and into the evening with music-related activities, from trivia to "Princess Pop Star," a take-off on American Idol, to Bee At Sea, a spelling-themed competition. The Speakeasy, tucked into Gatsby's Casino, is the only place to smoke a stogie. The Wheelhouse Bar, a Princess tradition, has nautical character, but lacks the intimacy I've associated with smaller versions on other ships. And Adagio, tucked into a light-filled corner on Deck 16, is an elegant, Ritz Carlton-esque venue with a cabaret singer/pianist.

STAFF / CREW - It's amazing how everyone seemed to always be in a good mood, even when I went to complain about charges on my account. Our room attendants were very good at their job and even took the time to make towel animals for our girls. As you know, towel animals are not common practice on Princess cruises.

LAYOUT - Before we left for the cruise all we read online were people complaining about how confusing it was to navigate the ship so we were a bit apprehensive. As mentioned, one of the first things we did was to learn the layout of the ship and I highly recommend you do so very early on your cruise. The ship is NOT confusing and the way it's designed you never get the feeling of being overcrowded. There are tons of private spaces to enjoy your favourite book and significant other's company.

FELLOW PASSENGERS - Absolutely the friendliest people we've ever vacationed with. There was always a smile and openness for conservation. We met people from all over the world and had great conservations with them. By the end of the cruise we had faces we'd see and say hello to or chat about our days on the islands.