We went on our first cruise in December and had a wonderful time! We were on the Star Princess(Princess Cruiseline) on a 7-day trip from Ft.Lauderdale to the Eastern Carib.

This is a big ship, but as their literature says, it has a small ship feel in terms of the venues. However, as a "floating hotel", it offers everything you could possibly want to do.

A big plus for us was the food and service- it was outstanding(and we are foodies who like to dine!). We opted for "anytime dining" rather than "fixed seating" so we could choose to eat in any dining room at whatever time we chose, with other people or just we two.The variety and quality of the food was excellent.

We had booked the least expensive way, guaranteed inside cabin, but we were upgraded to an outside with a window on deck 5. We were close to the bow, but felt no motion other than one day which was a little choppy but still not uncomfortable. The cabin was surprisingly spacious, soundproof, and well equiped. On Princess cruises, the gratuities are added automatically to your account($10/day/pp),although you can tip extra to an individual if you wish. I think this is a great plan, as the service was excellent and attentive, but no one hovered about to hustle a tip. All in all, a fabulous experience- hope to go again next year!

Happy new year to all. Annabelle and Bill, Barrie, Ontario