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Grand review-12/10-12/17 A thank you

Bustersmom

By Bustersmom,
in Princess Cruises

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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As a thank you to all who helped me these last many months, here goes my first ever review. I think it will be a bit long, so not sure how long it will take me to type this in, will do in bits and pcs.

 

Our group includes me and my DH we are in our late 50's and our dear friend ( I guess DF from here on in) who is in her mid 40's. This was our complete Christmas present this year and boy was it great! We did it up right for sure!

 

Stateroom: C751 aft with beam, much more on that later, but in case you can't wait, would take this room again in a heartbeat! Just like many have said! The bathroom alone is worth every penny, problem is, it is going to be very painful to go back from the suite life.

 

FLL: Arrived one day early and stayed at the Sheraton FLL Beach. This was arranged as part of Princess Air and Cruise. The room was fairly standard and clean. However getting around this hotel was a bit of a chore. If you are staying in the Marina tower, from the lobby you take one elevator to the "bridge" which actually crossed the street and then another elevator to your room. A little confusing to those of us (ME) who are directionally challenged! With a suggestion from Trip Advisor FLL we ate directly across the street at Bahia Mar Patio Bar and restaurant, not to be confused with Bahia Mar Hotel. Very casual, right at the marina and very good food.

We also took of advantage of the Wreck Bar in the lobby to see the nightly mermaid show! (this is where analyze this-the movie with DeNiro and Billy crystal scene was filmed) we thought it would be just a hoot, but in reality quite a show! Three "mermaids" put on at least a 30 min show, with eyes wide open and smiling, holding their breath for what seems like hours! And the stamina it must take to swim with the mermaid aparatus from the waist down, amazing!

 

Wine: For all of you that helped me on the wine question, here is the scoop! I did just what everyone suggested. I pre ordered my case of wine at Total Wine days prior to arriving. On the way to hotel from airport we asked driver to stop since it was right on the way and he did, ran in and after alittle hesitation cause of course my order was on the top shelf and needed a ladder I was on my way! Got to our hotel room, slapped a luggage tag on and plastered it with sealing tape. I so wish I could say my bar bill was less but nope it was still pretty good size, we bet in our cabin every evening for happy hour and nothing could be more fun!!

 

We got up the next morning and took a taxi (I had declined all transfer thru Princess as my patience is shot at this age, the waiting for people and the numerous stops is just not worth it to me, however most do take the shuttles) Got to the terminal around 11am. Since we were in a suite directly to a priority area, and seated in order we arrived. Our DF was on opposite side, same procedure. They started letting us go around 11:30 and we thought we would then be sent to a holding area, but nope after getting card we went right aboard. In our stateroom by ll:45.

 

Everyone had a job to do! Again thanks to everyone here we knew what we wanted to reserve and how to do it!

 

Sanctuary: Sent DH and DF up immediately, they were able to secure 3 chairs for the entire week. Again, thanks for info as we were on a cruise with over 500 B2B and by 12pm the sanctuary was sold out! Ok right off the bat I am going to tell you, because this trip was strictly R &R this turned out to be the best money we ever spent! worth every penny. Feature loungers that are more like your own individual twin bed! Sun or covered and actually they will accomodate if you need to move a bit, wonderful cool citrus water brought to your chair all day, light menu that was plenty for all at $3 for delivery. Just wonderful staff all day long.

 

Excursions & specialty dining: This was my duty. We have prearranged thru Princess a bungalow on Princess cays, a historical tour of Curacao and an island tour with beach in Aruba. Since we had been to these ports before we were anxious for our friend to see the sights. We also opted for anytime dining and decided to skip the formal nights with visits to the two specialty restaurants.

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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Ok to continue. Just some incidentals. When we got to the terminal dropped the luggage and the wine, tipped the guys there hoping my wine would make it in one piece. As I said we were in stateroom by 11:45. Met our steward Luis, turns out he had just joined the cruise less than a week ago, but we did not know that then, he introduced himself and I said I was hoping my wine made it, (of course that is a priority!) so he leaves and about 10 mins later a knock at the door and there is Luis with my carton! Oh happy day! he went and found it and I knew right then we were going to be BFF's! Ha! Regular luggage arrived very shortly thereafter, boy do they have that down to a science now. Used to be you were lucky to get right before dinner.

 

Back to Dining: So we had anytime dining, the first time we tried it they gave us a table in the Michaelangelo DR. Table 75 in a corner with great servers, gosh I can only remember the guy who helped the main waiter, his name was Maryan but together they were great. We liked them so much we tried to get that table again, but alas, a lesson learned on ATD vs

trad, they had such an overflow from Trad that they allowed those people to make permanent reservations in the ATD, so we could only get this table when they were not using it? It was confusing cause if you have ATD you can call down in the morning and request a reservation for that evening, to me this defeated that, but hey go with the flow, we ate at that table twice and it was great! Lesson learned for ATD or Trad.

 

Made reseravations for the two formal nights at Sabintinis and Crown Grill. As I had said, we opted for no formal but would never show up at any dining room dressed less than business casual and on those two nights opted for specialty. On that note, did not see anyone who was not appropriately dressed on this cruise, kinda amazing, as on the Carib Princess in 2005, we saw people in DR with cutoffs etc. Sabatinis was great of course, but really like the Grill best, food and service worth the upcharge in our opinion.

 

Ultimate Balcony Dining: Had done this previously and wanted to share the experience with DF. For those who think why would we pay extra when such great food avail in DR etc, all I can say is, again you get what you pay for and is it worth it! Victor and Marco were our servers, exquisite service! I arranged on day one for this meal to be served at sunset on our balcony as we cruise out of Aruba (our most fav port of all time, having stayed there numerous times on land vacations) They came promptly, set up crystal and tablecloth, flower arrangement, champagne, canapes. Ships photographer came to record the event. The steak and lobster were extraordainary, how do they do it, and they wait outside and somehow just know exactly when to come in and pour the wine or clear away for next course. Words escape me. Standout experience everyone should try! Again though need to book as soon as on board as they only do so many per night per cruise.

 

Day 1: Princess Cays had reserved a bungalow which was lovely but not really needed. The bungalow has a small table inside with about 5 chairs and A/C plus ceiling fan, outside there are a couple of loungers. Very nice, but the reality was did not need as temps were about 79 with a steady breeze, however that end of Princess Cays is very quiet and close to the lunch area so we did enjoy that! THere was a group a few bungalows down that must have had 15 people! Ha! They had quite the party going there! so it I had that to do again I would not, no regrets just a lesson learned.

 

Day 2 Sea Day: Up to the sanctuary first thing and that is how we spent the day. Again for us, this trip was R & R and not having to get up early and snag a chair etc was priceless, the adult pool is steps away. On a separate note, regarding saving chairs, we heard there was quite the incident down by the adult pool, someone was trying to save like 7-8 chairs right by the pool and became very very very rowdy when told could now, hence the security was seen in that area every single day afterwards.

 

Day 3 Curacao: Kinda a disappointment but perhaps we picked wrong tour. Took the historic island tour with a final stop at factory that makes Curacao for a tasting etc. Not much to say, the tour was well presented but in hindsight, would have been better with a "city tour". Got a sampler of the liquer to take home. That was about it.

 

Day 4 Aruba: Now this is our fav place in the world, so opted to take the island tour to show DF the other side of the island which is untamed etc. We always stay in the High Rise district which is completely different. The tour ended with option to go to beach for an hour, be dropped back at ship or dropped in town, since it was alittle rainy (very unusual for this island) we took the drop in town and had a lovely lunch at the Marina at Cilo, just great!! THen walked back to the crystal Casino where finally the casino Gods smiled down and determined I could win just a tad! Did some shopping and then walked back to ship, the cruise terminal is in a great location for Aruba, you can walk right into downtown. Got back and cleaned up for our UBD.

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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Day 4: At sea. Did I say we picked this cruise just for this reason, the number of sea days, which made the sanctuary that much better. I took advantage of the Lotus Spa deal of the day which I thought was very reasonable. 20-20-20 three services, 20 mins each, $109. I got the scalp massage, mini facial and foot ankle massage, really is there anything more decadent that spa service with a view of the sea on a sunny day? Gosh, NO!

 

Day 5: At sea. Repeat of day 4, but with a twinge of sadness knowing this is it.

 

 

Now just some general thoughts:

 

Casino: Oh boy, now this is a big deal for us, we really like the idea of being able to gamble at night as we are not really that excited about going to the shows. The casino is small, thats ok, but the SMOKE is beyond belief! So glad Princess is going smokeless in Jan. I am an exsmoker over 30 yrs so not a preacher, but the smoke drove me from the casino every night, just the worst. Those following me will not have the problem and I not remember this being a problem before, but this trip, YIKES. Also, to play the slots you have to insert your room card and set up an account. I did so, never really understanding the point, you accumulate points but what they mean I had no idea. So did not gamble every night as I usually do. But late on Friday night I got a call saying I needed to come down to the casino as I had a cash balance to clear out? Huh?? So of course I go down and had $21 to pick up, while far from a fortune, I took it gladly while I saw others before me with much more. Again not sure how it all works!

 

Children on cruise: I think I saw 3. But we figured this time of year there would not be a lot of children, I am guessing the actual Christmas cruise after ours would be more kids.

 

International Cafe: as everyone says, just great, light quick delights and you can listen to the numerous entertainment in the Plaza while you enjoy.

 

The Grand Herself; I thought she looked great! DH thought she could use a bit of a update but nothing drastic. As many have said, like this size ship, but for me I never did figure out the elevators etc!! The staff was in my opinion exceptional.On or about day three Dory the supervisor of stewards stopped by to see how Luis was doing as he was a newbie, we said just great and we meant it. He really was there whenever we needed him! Also, I found the staff on this ship to be above my expectations and we were kept informed the entire trip by the captain.

 

Room Service; Took advantage of this every morning for breakfast, always perfectly timed. Since we were in a suite, daily canapes! Oh to go back to regular life and work, so sad!

 

Weather: Being from Upstate NY, everything was glorious, temps were in mid 80's with sun and breezes all except a brief shower in Aruba. Hard to get back to 26 degrees!

 

Shows: Did not attend any shows but sure they were entertaining. Many nights were were at Crooners or Explorer lounges where there was bands and games etc.

 

MUTS: Very first reason we chose Princess years before. Still awesome, popcorn, refreshments, blankets all with a first run movie. Football was shown during the say and on Sunday night I think.

 

C751: Sorry I do not have pics. Being an aft stateroom, there was more motion than I expected, but nothing drastic!! Loved the sound of the wake, we were able to have dinner and talk normally out on the balcony, this balcony is more narrow than most but long. We had a teak table with 4 chairs and two loungers, it was crowded but fine. The beam was in the way of the view from the bed so did not bother us at all.The room is huge! The bathroom is two part, one part with granite sink, marble floor, and toilet, part two that interconnects is marble floor, full shower and a huge jetted tub!! gorgeous!

 

EZ CHECK: Again this was new to us but based on advice here that is what we opted for. Oh my, how wonderful. Tags and boarding passes delivered to our door between 6-9pm on friday night, put your luggage out, see it when you land at home, could not be better! No "easter egg" hunt for luggage as you get off (who ever came up with that term was genius as it described the adventure of finding your luggage perfectly)

 

Since this was our entire Christmas present, it was simply amazing to hear a steel band playing Christmas music during the day, I will never forget that.

 

If there is any question I can answer please let me know, and again, many thanks to all here that helped me make this a trip of a lifetime!

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ukdeblarz

ukdeblarz

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Wow! Great review so far. I was taking a break from packing for my Grand trip which I leave for on Tuesday.

 

I have never heard about the sanctuary before.

 

Please, please, please give me more info.

 

My DD (21 yo) and I would love to have reserved loungers in the sun in an adult only area.

 

How much?

How do you book them?

Where do I go the second I get on board to book them?

Does it matter that we are just in a mini suite and not a regular suite to book them?

Any more info we need to know?

 

Thanks

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paul929207

paul929207

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Wow! Great review so far. I was taking a break from packing for my Grand trip which I leave for on Tuesday.

 

I have never heard about the sanctuary before.

 

Please, please, please give me more info.

 

My DD (21 yo) and I would love to have reserved loungers in the sun in an adult only area.

 

How much?

How do you book them?

Where do I go the second I get on board to book them?

Does it matter that we are just in a mini suite and not a regular suite to book them?

Any more info we need to know?

 

Thanks

I have never booked the sanctuary, but:

- I think it is $20 per person per day

- Go to sanctuary to book

- first come first serve. Often book up on warm weather cruises.

- cabin does not matter.

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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Yes the sanctuary is well worth it, as said before, no matter the stateroom, first come first serve. Send someone up as soon as you board, they will show you seating arrangement and you can pick your seating, sun, no sun, partial etc. $20 per day for a full day for the entire trip. You can also do half days at $10 a day. It does book fast, I am sorry I cannot tell you how many seats but it is not that many for the number of passengers. You will love it! I recommend booking for the entire cruise, you never have to wonder that way!

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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Thanks for the review! I hate to disappoint you, but Princess is not going smokeless... Just no smoking in cabins and balconies. So, if you were unhappy with the smoke in the casino, you will still be unhappy with it on your next cruise.

 

 

Oh boy, did not realize this. Too bad in my humble opinion, again I am an ex smoker to begin with, but this venue needs some better ventilation or something, glad you clarified this for me and others. I never encountered as many smokers anywhere as I did in the casino! I have a high tolerance for smoke in my opinion, have never ever run into something this bad. Maybe they will do something in this regard? Thanks for the info!!

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Lineaway

Lineaway

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Questions on EZ Check.

 

Do you remember the cost?

 

Are they airline specific? We are on Southwest.

 

I might be a bit slow on the uptake but I always thought you had to bring your bags through Customs with your declaration before turning your bags into EZ Check. We did a similar service through NCL years ago in Miami and we had to take it our to the curb first then check it and get it at home. That way Customs can rip through your bag if they want to.

 

Do they give you some sort of luggage tag in case your bags don't appear?

 

I read one review where they lost luggage and really had no recourse (I am assuming they were legit). I could do a search but your info will be the most up to date.

 

Thanks, will be on the Ruby in 4 weeks same port so should be same availability.

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Bustersmom

Bustersmom

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Questions on EZ Check.

 

Do you remember the cost?

 

Are they airline specific? We are on Southwest.

 

I might be a bit slow on the uptake but I always thought you had to bring your bags through Customs with your declaration before turning your bags into EZ Check. We did a similar service through NCL years ago in Miami and we had to take it our to the curb first then check it and get it at home. That way Customs can rip through your bag if they want to.

 

Do they give you some sort of luggage tag in case your bags don't appear?

 

I read one review where they lost luggage and really had no recourse (I am assuming they were legit). I could do a search but your info will be the most up to date.

 

Thanks, will be on the Ruby in 4 weeks same port so should be same availability.

 

Ok this is how EZ check worked for us. You get a form midway thru cruise asking if you want to participate. Easy to fill out, flight number number of bags to check etc. Really simple since I could do it! Turn in to the front desk. You get notice that you will receive luggage tags and boarding passes between 6-9pm on last day of cruise, which we did. Attach the luggage tags to your baggage and place outiside stateroom. We had one small carry on for the incidentals and last evening clothes. the price was $20 per person plus the normal baggage charges per airline, for us on delta we had 4 bags total, and the charge was $40 for EZ check and the normal for the each two bags which was very reasonable in my opinion. Oh to walk off ship and just get a taxi with no manhandling of numerous pcs of luggage was a delight at any price! And, when we landed at our final destination ,there was our luggage no problem, yep no tags, a leap of faith for me, not sure what we would have done if the luggage had not shown up I am not one to "trust"but I did and it worked.

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caribill

caribill

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Questions on EZ Check.

 

 

I might be a bit slow on the uptake but I always thought you had to bring your bags through Customs with your declaration before turning your bags into EZ Check.

 

Customs may randomly select some EZCheck bags and have you open them for inspection. When you use your cruise card to disembark that final time, you will be told if you won this lottery.

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WISH84

WISH84

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[Are they airline specific? We are on Southwest

 

Southwest does participate.

 

In regards to the question about Customs: We were to sit in the Princess Theater until our group was called. But as we got off the elevator, there was no line of anyone getting off and Securty People just standing there so I asked "can we depart" and boom, two seconds later I was standing infront of a Customs agent who didn't even look at my Customs form and welcomed me back to the United States.

 

Our first time using EZ Check so I was very concerned about out luggage. Long story short (too late, I know) our luggage arrived in Denver with no issues other than two missing locks and a note inside the luggage that informed us a "random check" of our bags had been conducted by TSA (not Customs).

 

Since it was Southwest, no additional fees other than the $40 to process our EZ-Check.

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