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I made it to the second commercial. I recorded it, but don’t have high expectations for the rest. It made me miss the original Love Boat even more.

Let us know which ship you are looking at and which category you are booking. Grand Class ships are different than Royal Class ships.

Aloha to the Grand Princess as she continues her voyage to Australia. This was my 5th cruise on the Grand since post-covid opening. She is one of my favorite ships and it is heartbreaking (too strong an emotion?) to see her leave us until her next Alaska Season 2023. I was on the repositioning cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Pedro on September 26 - October 3 with my sister, a first time Princess cruiser. We were in a Window Suite, masked, and tested. My comments reflect my/our experience on my trip (report). It may not be as creative as some of the other lives/reports, but it will be filled with mostly positive thoughts. Now that sister has been placed on a plane, I hope I can find the time to write in increments. Pre-Cruise preparations: My older sister lives on Oahu. I live in California. Very challenging to fill out ArriveCAN from a distance and minus 3 hours. I was home this summer and tried to get as much filled out before I left. Fortunately, I had the know-all to record important documents like passport, vaccination records, Known Traveler’s number, etc. ArriveCAN allowed me to fill out everything for the both of us including the Advance CBSA Declaration form. She was supposed to have cruised with me in March, but had to cancel. Medallion App kept all of her information. That was a time saver. I was able to pick an embarkation time 59 days before the cruise. Both Medallions arrived at my place 2 weeks before embarkation. I was able to book Suite first night dinner at the Crown Grill. That was a first I was ever allowed to do that before getting on the ship. Sister had huge concerns regarding cruising and COVID because of her age. I tried to let her know that we would do everything possible to remain safe. Of course, Canada lifted ALL restrictions on October 1.

I spoke to one of the retail people on the Grand. He says that when Princess changed vendors (and I forgot the name already), they decided not to carry any more Stanley Bears. The new vendor does not have the sources that Princess had. I think he named only three. They did have a Stanley Bear jacket that stuffed into a SB hood. Conclusion: ALL of you that own a Stanley Bear now have a highly coveted collector's item.

Great score. Finally someone is reporting on bid acceptances. Good to know that you were able to switch cabins to a lower deck. Have a super voyage.

Yes, but perks at terminals will differ. Might be helpful if you included the port you are leaving from.

Just got off the Grand. Tested a couple of days before getting off because I was visiting firends. Negative for me, but I will test again tonight. So sorry you tested positive. Hope it is mild.

Yes, there will be different sized balconies on the Diamond Princess (aft, bow, side). The Diamond is tiered (not like the Royal Class ships). Mini suites and suites will have larger balcony options.

Yes, bathroom water definitely had an odor when I washed my face or brushed my teeth. Not noticeable in dining areas.

I was just in San Francisco, California. Three businesses suggested I use cash to avoid a credit card charge. One store actually said cash only.

Grand 12 day round trip from Vancouver had 125 cases according to a passenger who heard it from the Captain when they returned on 9/26. Those continuing on from LA will be tested onboard AFTER they leave LA for Australia.

As I read the book, it was very helpful to have sailed with Princess. I could visualize the ship. I read the book while on the Grand. I sympathize with Princess since the company really wasn’t at fault. Can’t support Princess now (with new Covid cases) since protocols were not enforced when there were large outbreaks.

There are several credit cards that do not charge a transaction fee. Their conversion rates are usually better than an exchange machine since they are large organization. I also have a debit card that allows me several ATM fee reimbursements. Currently, US dollar is very strong. Canada is about $1.38/US $ Japan is about $144.74/US $ Euro is $1.02/US $

If...the ship is continuing the same itinerary, you could always leave it as an additional tip with your steward/waiters, etc. They would appreciate having some local currency.

This is one tour that is so easy to do on your own. Bus/taxi/Lyft Arizona Memorial / reservations America / $1 per ticket / Add on Missouri / Pacific Aviation Museum / Bowfin sub.

Thank you for posting that you are safe after such a devastating hurricane. Your cruise critic family watched over you. It will be a long recovery. All of our issues pale in comparison.

I saw a sign, but didn’t take a photo, of $15 corkage fee at SF pier 27. I liked the earlier days when Elite/suite had priority tender embarkation on the “next” tender. Of recent, once the tickets were over (first couple of hours), it was a free for all. Elite/suite had to get in line with everyone else.

The single story boat has the numbers 150 passengers on the outside. I could not see what the number is for the boats with the “observation” decks.

The first few tenders out are normally packed. There could be as much as an hour’s wait to get off the ship in the morning and there could be a hour plus in the afternoon. Numbers are relative. Princess excursions have priority. I am rarely in such a rush that I need to be off the ship with the hoards. Hawaii does not use local tenders. Princess usually has 3-4 in the water at one time. One at the ship. One at the pier. One of two coming or going.

This is the information from crew chat.

The tenders will hold more than 100. But there will be long lines to get off and back…in the hot sun…even in the early months. Lahaina is worth getting off to walk around. Lots of history. It used to be the Capitol city. Kona, not so much to see and do without a car. Rent one now. Harpers truck rental might have a place in the Kona side.