We chose this cruise because it left and returned to Vancouver. We live in Victoria and it is always nice not to have to fly. Although a few things were disappointing on this cruise, we are still loyal Princess passengers and will continue to sail with them but will think twice before sailing on the Emerald again. The dining room wait staff at our table were awesome. Our cabin steward kept our room clean and well supplied. The comedian on the first and 3rd night was awesome. We didn't bother with the Princess dancers and singers. There were less interesting games during the sea days. We always participate in the question of the day on the Wake show but quit playing after they changed the question when it came to the next day for the answer. They asked when was Alcatraz built NOT when it was opened. And the next day they said that they didn't want the answer of when it was built but when it was opened. Embarkation and Disembarkation went very smoothly for us. The embarkation lounge didn't offer beverages and snacks as they have in the past. We found the ship very crowded and noisy. Other Princess ships we have been on welcomed you back from a port visit to the ship with a cool drink and warm towel but not on the Emerald. One of the port days didn't have a dining room open for lunch and the buffet was a zoo to find a seat as only one side was open. It seems that every cruise we take there are less of the things that make Princess different from the other lines. The free coffee on this ship was deplorable.They are hoping to force you into buying the specialty coffees. The pub lunch was awesome.
I had forgotten how small the showers were - Our previous cruise was in a mini suite. But it was clean and lots of storage.