This was our 8th cruise on Princess (Platinum) and 2nd time on The Royal Princess. This was our 37th cruise. We have also sailed on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Costa, Holland America and MSC. Our itinerary was Princess Cays, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.
We had rented a car from Budget which was convenient and was only a 2 minute shuttle ride to the cruise port.
We arrived at the cruise port at 9:30 AM because we are diehard cruisers and want to be the first ones onboard. We stood in line for 45 minutes or so and then they let us check-in. We sat in the Platinum embarkation lounge for another 30 minutes and had a coffee and a danish while we waited. We boarded the ship just after 11:00 AM. Overall, it was a pleasant embarkation experience
Great location. All the way aft on deck 15. Stairs and elevators are very close. Directly below Lido and 2 decks below fitness centre.
Not busy. Only 3 ships in port. On the ship shortly after 11 AM.
Bad experience with lifeguard but otherwise nice beach and island
Linquvist beach is about a 30 minute bus ride from the cruise port. 2 dollars each if you take the city bus and 10 dollars each for a taxi. Linquvist beach had great snorkelling and the water was very blue and clear. Not very crowded. I highly recommend this beach.
Went to beach across from cruise port. 6 ships in port so it got busier as the day continued on. 25 dollars for chairs and bucket of beer but prices differ at each bar.