Embarkation is hot and lots of walking. We had hoped to have a stroll along the waterfront in San Antonio, but it would be really difficult to get off the ship and go the distance to do that. We were exhausted!

Staff on Princess has been reduced in the past two years and it shows. Pampering is pretty much a thing of the past. We were lucky enough to have a mini-suite, but on this cruise it is just too cold to use the balcony except at the beginning and end. We used the extra room very little. Club class amenities were kind of dumb. Both port and starboard are great choices for this cruise. At the most important cruising view spots, Amalia Glacier and Cape Horn, the ship does 360 slow turns so everyone has time on their side of the ship. Most of the cruise is through channels so there are spectacular views on both sides. Who knew the Andes go all the way to Antarctica? Beyond the tip of the continent, they continue as soaring islands. Stunning!

We had the best waiter in my long history of sailing. Alvin Villanueva in the Amalfi. Get him if you can. Read more