Oh Boy I need some help!

[TXRed]

Hi Cruisers, An Alaska cruise is on my bucket list..and I will be 70 next August....sooooooo even though money is tight my DH said let's book an Alaska cruise for your birthday.......sooooooo can anyone tell me about their experience on the Grand Princess in an inside cabin? We have never had an inside cabin....How is the space and how is it used. I am assuming there are ample spots inside to view the sights? We are looking at the 9/14/14 sailing out of Seattle. Any help on what the weather conditions might be like. Clothing? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA

[Talisker92]

Here is the link to the layout:http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/ap/staterooms/ap_inside.html.

Twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed. Refrigerator and TV. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower. Approximately 160 square feet.

That is pretty roomy for an inside cabin.

Take some warm clothes and dress in layers. You will be spending most of your time out on deck sightseeing.

For pictures and description of our Alaska cruise, please go to our website. We are always happy to answer any questions.

[DougH]

On the Grand class ships I like to book an inside cabin either very far aft on Aloha or forwad on Emerald. Aft you have access to the open stern deck, the aft elevators and are right underneath the buffet. On Emerald you are very close to the covered promende deck at the bow, great for Glacier viewing.

 

If possible I would pick an earlier sailing, the weather in Sept can be very changeable and it gets dark early. You would miss lots of sights by sailing in the dark. Much better IMHO woul be a late May sailing and you would still get some lower pricing, but it would not be close to your birthday. Even moving up to the end of Aug would be a much better choice for weather

[TRauppius]

We have been on the Grand Princess twice, once in a Lido deck forward inside, and once in an big forward oceanview on the Lido deck (a GP exclussive, just 6 cabins available). These oceanviews have floor-to-ceiling windows and all of the space that would have been a balcony is transformed into extra cabin space for a small sofa, chairs and tables.

 

The inside is a bit tighter, but we usually maximize the open floor space by requesting the twin-bed setup that leaves the useable space consolidated in one area. Take the stupid small glass top table and put it upside own in your closet to get out of the way. The interior cabin is just fine for two.

 

On the Alaska cruise you will welcome the ease of access to both open and sheltered/screened viewing areas on the Lido Deck. There is a neat forward observation area on top of the bridge, a nice covered pool in the center conservatory/mid-ship area of the Lido/Sun deck, and you can freely move from side-to-side to get the best viewing as you transit the fiords and Glacier NP.

 

It will be cool in summer Alaska, especially when going through the glacial viewing areas with the extra cooling from all of the ice, and so it is nice to have easy access to a area to warm-up and to get a snack (i.e. Lido).

[MauiLvrs]

If you poke around a lot and check sales and fares over and over... you may be able to find an acceptable oceanview for not much more.

 

We haven't yet booked an inside as I have so far for under $50/pp been able to snag an acceptable oceanview.

 

That all said ... with a bridge cam... turn on the TV and it's kinda like an outside;)

[TXRed]

Here is the link to the layout:http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/ap/staterooms/ap_inside.html.

Twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed. Refrigerator and TV. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower. Approximately 160 square feet.

That is pretty roomy for an inside cabin.

Take some warm clothes and dress in layers. You will be spending most of your time out on deck sightseeing.

For pictures and description of our Alaska cruise, please go to our website. We are always happy to answer any questions.

 

thanks so much for your speedy reply..and the link to the set up. I didn't see a dresser or drawer space? We didn't spend much time in our cabin on cruises we have taken in the past...but they were all Caribbean cruises. :D I can't wait peruse your website.

[TXRed]

On the Grand class ships I like to book an inside cabin either very far aft on Aloha or forwad on Emerald. Aft you have access to the open stern deck, the aft elevators and are right underneath the buffet. On Emerald you are very close to the covered promende deck at the bow, great for Glacier viewing.

 

If possible I would pick an earlier sailing, the weather in Sept can be very changeable and it gets dark early. You would miss lots of sights by sailing in the dark. Much better IMHO would not be close to your birthday. Even moving up to the end of Aug would be a much better choice for weather

 

Thanks for your reply. Wouldn't it be rather noisy under the buffet? The Emerald deck sounds very convenient. Unfortunately this is the only time we would be able to go. We are traveling with other family members and September is the only time that is available for all.:(

[TXRed]

We have been on the Grand Princess twice, once in a Lido deck forward inside, and once in an big forward oceanview on the Lido deck (a GP exclussive, just 6 cabins available). These oceanviews have floor-to-ceiling windows and all of the space that would have been a balcony is transformed into extra cabin space for a small sofa, chairs and tables.

 

The inside is a bit tighter, but we usually maximize the open floor space by requesting the twin-bed setup that leaves the useable space consolidated in one area. Take the stupid small glass top table and put it upside own in your closet to get out of the way. The interior cabin is just fine for two.

 

On the Alaska cruise you will welcome the ease of access to both open and sheltered/screened viewing areas on the Lido Deck. There is a neat forward observation area on top of the bridge, a nice covered pool in the center conservatory/mid-ship area of the Lido/Sun deck, and you can freely move from side-to-side to get the best viewing as you transit the fiords and Glacier NP.

 

It will be cool in summer Alaska, especially when going through the glacial viewing areas with the extra cooling from all of the ice, and so it is nice to have easy access to a area to warm-up and to get a snack (i.e. Lido).

 

Sorry I forgot to ask.....do you know where I could see a photo of those big forward ocean view cabins you mentioned? Again TIA

[TXRed]

We have been on the Grand Princess twice, once in a Lido deck forward inside, and once in an big forward oceanview on the Lido deck (a GP exclussive, just 6 cabins available). These oceanviews have floor-to-ceiling windows and all of the space that would have been a balcony is transformed into extra cabin space for a small sofa, chairs and tables.

 

The inside is a bit tighter, but we usually maximize the open floor space by requesting the twin-bed setup that leaves the useable space consolidated in one area. Take the stupid small glass top table and put it upside own in your closet to get out of the way. The interior cabin is just fine for two.

 

On the Alaska cruise you will welcome the ease of access to both open and sheltered/screened viewing areas on the Lido Deck. There is a neat forward observation area on top of the bridge, a nice covered pool in the center conservatory/mid-ship area of the Lido/Sun deck, and you can freely move from side-to-side to get the best viewing as you transit the fiords and Glacier NP.

 

It will be cool in summer Alaska, especially when going through the glacial viewing areas with the extra cooling from all of the ice, and so it is nice to have easy access to a area to warm-up and to get a snack (i.e. Lido).

 

ummmmy first reply didn't show up...the large forward floor to ceiling cabins sound perfect...thanks for the hint about the table..LOL....my husband nixed a balcony because he didn't feel we would utilize it as we both get cold quickly. Thanks so much for your reply and I am going to ask my cruise agent to check out those floor to ceiling windowed cabins.

[TXRed]

If you poke around a lot and check sales and fares over and over... you may be able to find an acceptable oceanview for not much more.

 

We haven't yet booked an inside as I have so far for under $50/pp been able to snag an acceptable oceanview.

 

That all said ... with a bridge cam... turn on the TV and it's kinda like an outside;)

 

Thanks for your reply. I wish I could search around, but I have a super cruise agent and I usually let him do that for me. But the reduced deposit on this cruise is really pulling us in.

[DougH]

I've never heard any noise from the buffet above and I've sailed in this aft location a 1/2 dozen times. In a lot of the Princess cabins there is storage in shelves located in the closet area. The only drawers are a couple of small ones in the nightstands on either side of the bed and and a couple more in the desk area. The main drawback of a Princess inside cabin is the only chair in the room is at the desk, otherwise you have to sit on the bed. And like someone else suggested I also always move the small round glass table into the closet to give more floor space in the cabin itself.

Edited November 8, 2013 by DougH

[Oh2B@C]

I always travel in an inside cabin. They are spacious enough. If you want the feel of a window, you can turn on the TV to the bridge cam and it looks like you can see outside...

 

Alaska cruises in September are very risky if you hope for good weather. It can rain hard and long. And it will be colder of course. The advantage is that rates tend to be cheaper.

[windsor26]

Hi Cruisers, An Alaska cruise is on my bucket list..and I will be 70 next August....sooooooo even though money is tight my DH said let's book an Alaska cruise for your birthday.......sooooooo can anyone tell me about their experience on the Grand Princess in an inside cabin? We have never had an inside cabin....How is the space and how is it used. I am assuming there are ample spots inside to view the sights? We are looking at the 9/14/14 sailing out of Seattle. Any help on what the weather conditions might be like. Clothing? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA

 

We always have inside cabins and although the Grand has a little less space in the hanging wardrobe there is quite sufficient space for everything We were recently on for 49 days and packed for different climates and were more than ok

[TXRed]

I've never heard any noise from the buffet above and I've sailed in this aft location a 1/2 dozen times. In a lot of the Princess cabins there is storage in shelves located in the closet area. The only drawers are a couple of small ones in the nightstands on either side of the bed and and a couple more in the desk area. The main drawback of a Princess inside cabin is the only chair in the room is at the desk, otherwise you have to sit on the bed. And like someone else suggested I also always move the small round glass table into the closet to give more floor space in the cabin itself.

 

Again, I thank you. I am searching to try to find pictures of the cabins with the floor to ceiling windows....do you have any or know where I could find them??

[TXRed]

We always have inside cabins and although the Grand has a little less space in the hanging wardrobe there is quite sufficient space for everything We were recently on for 49 days and packed for different climates and were more than ok

 

Thank you for your reply. Since I am not planning on dressing up for any night time affairs, I am sure I will be able to find ample room for my things. Just don't want my knickers out on display :( I'll put my husband's out instead:p Mercy I don't know if I could do 49 days. However I am glad you enjoyed it.

[TXRed]

I always travel in an inside cabin. They are spacious enough. If you want the feel of a window, you can turn on the TV to the bridge cam and it looks like you can see outside...

 

Alaska cruises in September are very risky if you hope for good weather. It can rain hard and long. And it will be colder of course. The advantage is that rates tend to be cheaper.

 

Thanks, the bridge cam is a great idea. I will leave the weather up to the Guy upstairs. I just want to scratch Alaska off my bucket list...wet r not:D

[Arlened236]

Be sure to check with your TA There is a sale 'three for treet ' that has been extended to the end of November. It includes a reduced deposit, credit towards an excursion, and dinner in a speciality restaurant . Our family from many parts of the country are doing the Alaska cruise in Aug. on the Golden Princess from Seattle. We have almost 30 going so far. We are very pleased with this special

 

Have a great cruise when ever you go, and Happy early Birthday

[morriscats]

We just cruised to Alaska on Grand and got a great deal on a window suite and it was amazing. Sabatini's for breakfast (only for suite guests) and can even order from the main dining room. The room was great.

[TXRed]

We just cruised to Alaska on Grand and got a great deal on a window suite and it was amazing. Sabatini's for breakfast (only for suite guests) and can even order from the main dining room. The room was great.

 

So glad to have someone who has recently cruised the Grand to Alaska. We aren't getting a suite:(...but we are looking at the cabins with floor to ceiling windows. :p

[TXRed]

Be sure to check with your TA There is a sale 'three for treet ' that has been extended to the end of November. It includes a reduced deposit, credit towards an excursion, and dinner in a speciality restaurant . Our family from many parts of the country are doing the Alaska cruise in Aug. on the Golden Princess from Seattle. We have almost 30 going so far. We are very pleased with this special

 

Have a great cruise when ever you go, and Happy early Birthday

 

Hi, yes he did get us in that special Threeforfree special. Not a bad deal. I am sure you are going to have a fantastic cruise...what fun with so many family!

[Cruisin' Chick]

We usually get inside cabins and have found the ones on Princess to have plenty of closet and drawer space (and I take lots of stuff). On some ships, you can stash your suitcases under the beds.

 

We often turn the TV to the bridge cam at night, and if we wake up early in the morning, we can tell it's morning that way. Our most recent cruise was in an inside aft (on the Golden), on Aloha deck, but I think we only heard noise from above just once during the two weeks.

 

We did have an obstructed oceanview on our first time on the Golden (sister ship to the Grand more or less), but it was fine. I'm guessing that one poster was talking about the Window Suites -- I don't know if other enclosed cabins have floor to ceiling windows. When we booked our 2010 cruise on the Golden, other than the OV we'd grabbed, the only other category of cabins available were some WS's. More than twice the cost of our OV, so we weren't interested. When we were exploring the deck where the WSs were, I pointed them out to my hubby, but as we were gasping from the stench from tobacco -- these cabins were just down the hallway from the casino and the cigar bar --we were extra glad we didn't take one of these. And this was before the smoking restrictions went into effect.

 

Princess is known for its Alaskan cruises, so you've picked the right cruiseline. We went on the Sapphire and were in a far forward inside cabin. During the glacier cruising, we went up on deck to experience the beauty of Alaska.

[rdsqrl]

There actually are some cabins on the Grand (but not her twin sisters) which have floor-to-ceiling windows. They're up on Lido deck and I think there are only six of them. But they're very expensive in comparison with standard or especially obstructed oceanview cabins.

 

I have seen photos of them but not in a long time. I think the photos may have been on somebody's Webshots album and when Webshots went bye-bye, so did the photos. Just imagine a balcony cabin, except the sliding glass door has no handle and there's no balcony on the other side of the glass.

[Coral]

I would honestly look at switching dates! By mid-September, one can have pretty miserable weather. There are people who will have reported positive experiences but the chances of bad weather starts right about the time you are going.

[shootingstar07]

On the Grand class ships I like to book an inside cabin either very far aft on Aloha or forwad on Emerald. Aft you have access to the open stern deck, the aft elevators and are right underneath the buffet. On Emerald you are very close to the covered promende deck at the bow, great for Glacier viewing.

 

If possible I would pick an earlier sailing, the weather in Sept can be very changeable and it gets dark early. You would miss lots of sights by sailing in the dark. Much better IMHO woul be a late May sailing and you would still get some lower pricing, but it would not be close to your birthday. Even moving up to the end of Aug would be a much better choice for weather

 

Must preface my reply with I have never been on the Grand, but on many grand class ships!! I second Emerald deck forward. We sailed 30 days on the Diamond in forward cabin. Loved being able to slip out forward door (says crew only but can use) to forward observation area. It is covered so will be nice if weather doesn't cooperate.

 

BTW: take hat, gloves, scarf and hand warmers. Also something for rain. Perhaps a poncho with hood.

 

Happy 70th birthday cruise. You will LOVE Alaska!!

 

Question: does the itinerary do Glacier Bay

 

 

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[Casey12]

Do yourself a favor and book an earlier date. Don't chance your first and maybe only cruise to bad weather.