I have never heard of paying for a greeter, we have been with Princess from the UK and they took very good care of us from start to finish, there were people in Gatwick Airport guiding us to wherever but we certainly did not have to pay for them. Maybe this is a new thing to put more money in the coffers for the cruise line, it seems they will try almost anything now.

Which Itinerary are you taking? No matter where you go I am sure you will have a great time on board.

Merchandise IS on display (alternately T-shirts, "designer watches", sometimes off-season beach or warm-wear, etc.) on occaision but you're not BOMBARDED with announcements. There may be a flyer in the daily "Princess Patter" but not much more.

I think too many people jump on negative bandwagons when there's nothing else to complain about.

As a matter of fact I would rather read about the MANY GOOD THINGS that are experienced on these cruises rather than these petty complaints.

Regarding charges for having a representative meet you at the airport, Princess' brochures specifically state on their "Seabird Air Program" page that "Princess Cruises Transfer Program" offers the convenience of an airport meet-and-greet service which includes motorcoach transfer between airport and ship at (small) fees per person.

THANK YOU joeO,
that's exactly what they said. I've never cruised Princess, but know that Carnival definitely is a courtesty and RCCL probably would meet/greet at no charge. Fortunately, I'm in FLA and can drive to my ports, so I never purchase air. This time, we're flying to Europe - so I don't know and am seeking answers.

joeO, Princess is going to cost us a hefty sum vs. Costa. How is the entertainment? food? cabins (small?); passengers?

You actually asked my input on a different thread, but I think my answer belongs here. The main reasons I love Royal Princess:
1) She feels like a real ship, not a floating hotel.
2) She has wonderful flow from one area to the others.
3) With no inside cabins, the passageways are wider than other ships.
4) There is a dedicated, and comfortable, movie theatre.
5) A great 360 degree wraparound teak promenade deck.
6) Very good food served by wonderful Italian waiters.
7) Intimate, only 1200 passengers with very nice lounges.
Lastly, because she was designed for deep water sailing, she rides very well despite being small by today's standards.

So many of these questons can only be answered subjectively. One mans food is another's poison.

Of the 4 lines I've sailed entertainment is VERY MUCH THE SAME ON ALL. If you've sailed often, "production shows" all seem to merge into each other. Comedians are usually a little better that mediocre, specialty acts (acrobats, magicians, singers, musicians), some mixed with comedy, may be the most entertaining..

As far as food is concerned, I consider Celebrity the best to my taste, then Princess. RCI and NCL are far back.

Expensive cruises, ie; fly-sail on expensive ships tend to be filled with people who can afford them. Seniors if not during school holiday times. During holidays tendancies are for more younger people (and their kids.)

Room size is the easiest to find out.
Celebrity publishes room sizes in their brochures (174, 175 sq. ft. not including veranda.)

Dial 1-800-PRINCESS and they will tell you the area of any cabin on any of their ships. Crown & Regal Princess are the largest in the fleet at 199 sq.ft. for non-veranda.
Sun,Ocean,Sea,Dawn around 188. I don't know Royal's.
RCI's much smaller (around 157, older ships even smaller)

But call up the Cruise lines. The calls are all toll-free and I've never heard them not try to help.