Our first onboard announcement; ‘’ Due to a hurricanes, we are to sail in reverse of the itinerary’’.

Not what we expected to hear as we settled into our comfortable, cozy cabin on Crown Princess, but a pending Caribbean hurricane would best be avoided, for sure.

So, as I embarked on my third cruise, accompanied by my wide-eyed, extremely excited niece on her first cruise, we anticipated wonderful days ahead on our Caribbean adventure.

Crown Princess is a stunning, inviting floating hotel, not too lavish but beautifully presented in all aspects of interior design, matched with excellent service so you can dress ‘up’ or casual as you please.

We had an inside cabin but the lack of window only effected us in the morning when we had to turn on the television to see what the weather was like outside, to know what to wear. In all other aspects it was most suitable and definitely fitted into our holiday travel money budget.

It meant we could spend our dollars on exciting day excursions so we had a glimpse into life on Princess Cays, Grand Cayman, Roatan in Honduras, Cozumel in Mexico and Fort Lauderdale.

When not onshore there was plenty to do onboard: eating, relaxing, reading, shows and of course great dining. During the evening the restaurants presented divine food. We had affable table companions who all agreed the meals were ‘’out of this world’’. We appreciated the enthusiasm and attention of dining staff who were, indeed, from all over the world.

Picture this - a delicious cocktail, a comfy deck-chair and a romantic movie on the huge, outdoor screen, under the stars, as you sail across the sea. That hurricane never descended upon us - good work captain.

I get hassled about the gratuities (tips) edicts on these cruises. I think it should be in the price you pay for the cruise but being told what to give always annoys me. Also, on our cruise there was a computer glitch and paying our ‘’extras’’ ended up being a 2-hour wait in a late-night queue.

We’d been to the superb ‘paying’’ restaurant for a special dining experience, so to leave there and have to wait, in a non-moving queue for so long rather spoiled our birthday celebrations.

It was the only incident which annoyed us. Everything else about Crown Princess was just amazing; super artworks in the gallery, neat afternoon learning scrap-booking, relaxing beauty treatments, interesting tour of the massive galley, hilarious hypnotic show and heaps and heaps of relaxing. Not to forget my heavenly soaks in the spa.

We ate all hours of the day and night. Breakfast was sinful but yummy and evenings just sumptuously naughty. We chose to dress ‘up’ each night but you don’t have to if you don’t wish.

How grand we both looked as we joined the Formal Nights. My niece did wonders on my makeup, so we set out looking stunning and of course quite regal. Great formal photos now hang upon my wall.

I really lived the life of a princess on this ship. Just the right size cruise ship, just the right amount of passengers and crew. Staff offered the best in service, most were keen, committed young and energetic people. Good booking Jetline Cruises.

Travelling in reverse of our itinerary made no difference at all. Whichever way we sailed on this cruise, we had it all. Next time I’ll pack the tiara.