Grand Princess Hawaii 10/26 - 11/10/2013 Review

[IdahoCruises]

Due to an injury I got after a shore excursion (more on that later), this review is more limited than I had planned.

 

We flew into San Francisco the night prior to our cruise and stayed at the Best Western Plus Tuscan. The rooms were very clean and that staff extremely helpful. Room was a little smaller than originally thought, but was very comfortable. The onsite restaurant had some of the best food I have ever had in a great, Italian theme. We ate dinner the night we arrived and breakfast the next morning. Both meals were outstanding!

 

Although the motel was just a few blocks from Pier 39, we arrived too late to make the walk there.

 

The morning of our cruise we called a taxi and it was there immediately. Short drive to Pier 35 and porters were available to take our luggage immediately. We arrived at the pier at 11:30.

Embarkation was one of the smoothest I’ve ever seen. Outside we were directed to the boarding area, filled out our “Have you had a sniffle today” cards, went through security and were on board by 11:45.

 

Since we had pre-ordered some adult beverages and snacks, they were in our room when we arrived. We got to munch all afternoon on shrimp, cheese and guacamole and chips (all very good).

 

We had B750 Owners Suite and the balcony was about 9 x 20 with two loungers and a table, and a dining table with four chairs. Could have had a large sized party there! Room was slightly smaller than we had thought, but still plenty of room for the two of us. NOTE ABOUT THE BEDS: All beds on the Grand have been replaced with new pillow tops and were very comfortable. We had also thought the room would be a little prettier than it was. For those of you wondering about the suites and balconies, I offer the following pictures:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1091.JPG

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http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1096.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1099.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1100.JPG

 

 

The ship left the pier at the scheduled time and 40 minutes later – under the Golden Gate Bridge. Here is a series of pictures as the fog started to come in off sea after we passed under the bridge:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1084.JPG

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http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1090.JPG

 

 

As it would turn out, our room steward was very, very good and he anticipated our every need.

 

Since the prior travel day had been a long one and with all the hustle and bustle (and excitement), and being full of snacks, we stayed in our room for the evening to catch up on much needed rest. The next day our fun would start….

 

We awoke the next morning and ordered breakfast in the stateroom. Since we were in a suite, we had a little better menu, but it would prove to be boring after a few days – usually eggs prepared different ways, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, or oatmeal. The international café had a larger selection, and the food was acceptable, so we switched back and forth between stateroom and the dining room menu in our suite.

 

After breakfast we ventured forth to see what was going on. Sammi, our cruise director was GREAT (and what a character). We watched the Wake Show each morning to start our day off with a laugh. The shops were the usual cruise ship shops, and, other than Facets (the jewelry store), and some great buys on tee shirts, we did not spend much at the shops. My wife and I each bought watches at Facets. The only hang up here was that I was quoted a price for mine and got a phone call later that the band was not included. Since the watches were expensive, I asked that the band be included. At first, they offered only a 10% discount. Upon declining their offer, they said they would call corporate HQ and see what could be done. A couple of days later, the offer came back from corporate and the band was included in the original price. Great service from Princess!!!

 

Sea days were spent mostly on the Piazza where there was always good entertainment, the casino, eating and eating more (I guess we felt they might run out of food somewhere along the way).

 

We ate three dinners in Sabbattini’s and the food and service were the best of any specialty restaurant on board. We ate once at the Crown Grill, and, although the filet and lobster were good, the food was not quite up to par with Sabbattini’s. The Crab Shack was open several nights on the ship and was very popular. We ate there one night and vowed not to go back. Those that ate there all seemed to like it, and, since preference in food is a subjective thing, maybe it was just us. We ordered King Crab legs and got crab legs about the size around as an index finger. Everything was also heavily dosed in Old Bay seasoning, which, while we like Old Bay, there was too much for our taste. We asked about the crab legs and the host said they were Kings. Being from the northwest, King crab legs to us are about the size around as a golf ball and very long. Service in the Crab Shack was very good and you can throw your shells on the paper they spread on the table.

 

Alfredo's Pizza is very good and freshly made - some of the best pizza I have ever had!

 

The International Café was also very good with assorted pastries, breakfast sandwiches and paninis (SP).

 

Service was excellent in both.

 

Lunches in the Horizon Court were good and varied – some of the food was excellent. Service was also excellent.

 

Since we had done the main dining room on numerous cruises, we took advantage of eating dinner from the MDR menu in our suite. All of the food was very good and the lobster was outstanding, sweet and cooked perfectly.

 

Casino staff was very attentive, and we never lacked for a beverage (even had some comped). Bar service, in other areas of the ship, when available, was also very good. We found out that the bar staff is moved to the busiest areas of the ship both day and night, and in some of the quieter areas, it was even hard to get a cup of coffee, water, or another sort of beverage.

 

Activities on board were numerous and varied and there was “something for everyone” going on continuously – those with kids on board (not many) noted that their kids loved the childrens area and activities and could hardly wait to go back the next day.

 

Finally our first port and Lahaina, Maui. We had booked a shore excursion to the Maui Aquarium. After waiting in the Princess Theatre for 40 minutes after the scheduled departure, we were on a tender and headed ashore. Upon arriving at shore, our tour group got in the prescribed line, but, no tour busses. After 1 ½ hours standing in the heat on concrete, many of us simply returned to the ship due to other activities planned – and since the tour was so late to begin – had other obligations to be met. Kind of a bummer for paying for something you never receive and having your time disrespected. All who returned to ship are still working with Princess for a refund.

 

Honolulu the next day and another excursion to the Napali Coast. This was a very good excursion with several picture stops – although very short stops. The Napali Lookout area is in a dense rainforest (yes, we got wet), with high winds – but the view is spectacular. Well worth the cost.

 

After the tour, we were dropped off by the bus at the cruise terminal. That was when the “fun” started. As I got off the bus, I was waving to some people we had met onboard, and, in my own clumsy way, tripped over a curb and fell. My hand caught the majority of the fall, but my hip also clobbered the pavement. The medical center on board took x-rays and could find no fractures, but sent me to a hospital for a CAT scan. Also negative. Back to the ship just prior to sailing, complete with pain killers and a walker. Princess also let me use a wheel chair when needed at no charge. Although this created a much lowered activity level for me, I was still able to navigate around the ship, and with my great wife’s help, we were able to carry on. It did end our shore excursion activities for the rest of the cruise. Medical staff on board were great to deal with. They were also busy with multiple heart attack victims, multiple broken bones, and one reported death on board.

 

The ship condition was good. Rust control is taking place on railings and balconies are being deep cleaned. Out balcony was chipped free of rust on the balcony itself, primer painted over the affected areas, and the decking deep cleaned. New carpet was laid on the floors surrounding the aft pool areas, and hallways were being re-carpeted during the entire cruise. Princess is making an effort to keep the ship in good shape. After having owned a 70 foot yacht in Puget Sound, rust is always a problem and is very hard to keep up with. Princess appears to making strident efforts to take care of affected areas.

 

Smoking has changed somewhat. Snookers Bar forward, aft on deck 15 (just outside of the One Five, port side) and starboard on deck 7 are the designated smoking areas. Most comfortable is deck 15 with couches, tables, partially enclosed, ceiling fans – and was always busy. Smoking still allowed in the Casino on the starboard side and in the casino prior to 6 PM on formal nights.

 

There were some rumors on board that the Grand would become a completely non-smoking ship after dry dock. I think those rumors were quashed while still onboard.

 

According to the crew, the ship will be dry docked in Victoria, not Vancouver. Still seems to be a little confusion over where she will be.

 

Our ending impressions are that 15 days was too long – mostly because the food all started to taste the same. Some on board wished that an overnight could be done in Honolulu since there is so much to do. Ensenada got mixed reviews and many stayed onboard. Since the ship is not US flagged, it is by law that it has to stop in a foreign port before re-entering the US. Disembarkation was a nightmare until we got to the pier where a Princess Representative helped us find our baggage and transportation.

 

One final note: Since I was temporarily in a wheel chair, I saw what many passengers with disabilities see. A few of our fellow travelers went out of their way to accommodate us, hold doors open and get us on elevators. The majority were rude, cut in front of us to get on the elevators and when “wheeling around on the decks.” The Princess staff was exceptionally great to us during this time and should be commended.

 

Sorry this could not be as detailed as I had wished, but with the accident, some things never got done....

 

Will try and post the daily Patters for each day of the cruise after I get them all scanned.

Edited November 12, 2013 by IdahoCruises

[melody hounddog]

Thanks for posting! Hope you feel better.

[IdahoCruises]

Feeling better - still a little sore in the hip. There

was so much more we anted to do, and I wanted to

do a more detailed review. At least some current

room info and ship condition info could be passed along.

 

Thanks!

[Grammyluvs]

Really happy to find your review. We are booked for the Hawaii cruise on 2/18/2014. When is she going into dry dock and do you know what they will be doing?

So sorry about your fall and I understand your comments regarding how differently people treat you when handicapped. I broke my ankle several years ago and it was a real eye opener.

Can’t wait to see the Patters.

Edited November 12, 2013 by Grammyluvs

[IdahoCruises]

Thanks for posting! Hope you feel better.

 

Really happy to find your review. We are booked for the Hawaii cruise on 2/18/2014. When is she going into dry dock and do you know what they will be doing?

So sorry about your fall and I understand your comments regarding how differently people treat you when handicapped. I broke my ankle several years ago and it was a real eye opener.

Can’t wait to see the Patters.

 

Believe it is in early December. Not a major dry dock, enough time to scrape and repaint the hull. There have been some reports that the blue mats will also be re-installed on the balconies.

 

Also...did not experience any elevator problems or leaking pipes.

 

Did not hear of any norovirus on the ship.

 

Have a great time on your cruise!

[Ellipooh]

Wonderful to see your review, thanks so much for sharing so many little details. I can tell you're a smoker, but as for me -- here's wishing the rumors about turning Grand into a non-smoking ship are true. I think it would be a nice alternative, and since it is now based in SFO the Grand is probably the best choice.

 

Now then, heading back to look at all your pictures!:D

[IdahoCruises]

Wonderful to see your review, thanks so much for sharing so many little details. I can tell you're a smoker, but as for me -- here's wishing the rumors about turning Grand into a non-smoking ship are true. I think it would be a nice alternative, and since it is now based in SFO the Grand is probably the best choice.

 

Now then, heading back to look at all your pictures!:D

 

According to Princess and the Port Schedule, Star Princess will be replacing the Grand out of San Francisco in May.

 

I am not a smoker, but my wife is, so I heard of all the changes through her.

 

Here is the cruise schedule out of SF:

 

No. Vessel ETA Day Date Time Last Port ETD Day Date Time Berth

1 Grand Princess Sat 04-Jan-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Sat 04-Jan-14 4:00 PM

2 Grand Princess Sun 19-Jan-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Sun 19-Jan-14 4:00 PM

3 Aurora Sat 25-Jan-14 11:30 AM San Juan Del Sur Sun 26-Jan-14 9:00 PM

4 Grand Princess Mon 03-Feb-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Mon 03-Feb-14 4:00 PM

5 Queen Elizabeth Wed 05-Feb-14 6:00 AM Puntarenas Thu 06-Feb-14 8:00 PM

6 Costa Deliziosa Wed 05-Feb-14 8:00 AM Thu 06-Feb-14 1:00 PM

7 Azamara Quest Thu 13-Feb-14 9:00 AM Monterey Sat 15-Feb-14 10:00 PM

8 Grand Princess Tue 18-Feb-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Tue 18-Feb-14 4:00 PM

9 Grand Princess Wed 05-Mar-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Wed 05-Mar-14 4:00 PM

10 Grand Princess Sat 15-Mar-14 7:00 AM San Diego Sat 15-Mar-14 4:00 PM

11 Grand Princess Sat 22-Mar-14 7:00 AM Long Beach Sat 22-Mar-14 4:00 PM

12 Celebrity Century Mon 24-Mar-14 2:00 PM Santa Barbara Tue 25-Mar-14 8:00 PM

13 Queen Victoria Mon 31-Mar-14 6:00 AM Honolulu Tue 01-Apr-14 8:00 PM

14 Celebrity Century Mon 31-Mar-14 2:00 PM Santa Barbara Tue 01-Apr-14 8:00 PM

15 Grand Princess Sun 06-Apr-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Sun 06-Apr-14 4:00 PM

16 Crown Princess Mon 07-Apr-14 7:00 AM Mon 07-Apr-14 11:00 PM

17 Celebrity Century Mon 07-Apr-14 2:00 PM Santa Barbara Tue 08-Apr-14 8:00 PM

18 Grand Princess Sun 13-Apr-14 7:00 AM Long Beach Sun 13-Apr-14 4:00 PM

19 Celebrity Century Mon 14-Apr-14 2:00 PM Santa Barbara Tue 15-Apr-14 8:00 PM

20 Crown Princess Mon 21-Apr-14 7:00 AM Mon 21-Apr-14 11:00 PM

21 Celebrity Century Mon 21-Apr-14 2:00 PM Santa Barbara Tue 22-Apr-14 8:00 PM

22 Crown Princess Mon 28-Apr-14 7:00 AM Mon 28-Apr-14 11:00 PM

23 Grand Princess Mon 28-Apr-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Mon 28-Apr-14 4:00 PM

24 Celebrity Century Mon 28-Apr-14 4:30 PM Santa Barbara Tue 29-Apr-14 8:00 PM

25 Norwegian Jewel Mon 05-May-14 8:00 AM San Diego Mon 05-May-14 4:00 PM

26 Norwegian Pearl Mon 05-May-14 8:00 AM Los Angeles Mon 05-May-14 5:00 PM

27 Star Princess Tue 06-May-14 7:00 AM Tue 06-May-14 5:00 PM

28 Crown Princess Tue 06-May-14 8:00 AM Tue 06-May-14 8:00 PM

29 Seven Seas Navigator Fri 09-May-14 7:00 AM San Diego Fri 09-May-14 6:00 PM

30 Star Princess Mon 12-May-14 7:00 AM Mon 12-May-14 4:00 PM

31 Grand Princess Tue 13-May-14 7:00 AM Ensenada Tue 13-May-14 4:00 PM

32 Celebrity Century Tue 13-May-14 8:00 AM Catalina Island Wed 14-May-14 5:00 PM

33 Norwegian Sun Thu 15-May-14 8:00 AM Los Angeles Thu 15-May-14 5:00 PM

34 Regatta Sat 17-May-14 8:00 AM Sat 17-May-14 6:00 PM

35 Island Princess Sun 18-May-14 7:00 AM Sun 18-May-14 5:00 PM

36 Disney Wonder Wed 21-May-14 6:00 AM Los Angeles Wed 21-May-14 10:00 PM

37 Star Princess Fri 23-May-14 7:00 AM Fri 23-May-14 4:00 PM

38 Star Princess Tue 03-Jun-14 7:00 AM Tue 03-Jun-14 4:00 PM

39 Star Princess Sat 14-Jun-14 7:00 AM Sat 14-Jun-14 4:00 PM

40 Asuka II Mon 16-Jun-14 8:00 AM Acapulco Mon 16-Jun-14 7:00 PM

41 Star Princess Wed 25-Jun-14 7:00 AM Wed 25-Jun-14 4:00 PM

42 Star Princess Sun 06-Jul-14 7:00 AM Sun 06-Jul-14 4:00 PM

43 Star Princess Thu 17-Jul-14 7:00 AM Thu 17-Jul-14 4:00 PM

44 Star Princess Mon 28-Jul-14 7:00 AM Mon 28-Jul-14 4:00 PM

45 Star Princess Fri 08-Aug-14 7:00 AM Fri 08-Aug-14 4:00 PM

46 Star Princess Tue 19-Aug-14 7:00 AM Tue 19-Aug-14 4:00 PM

47 Celebrity Century Sun 24-Aug-14 7:00 AM Sun 24-Aug-14 4:00 PM

48 Regatta Fri 29-Aug-14 7:00 AM Fri 29-Aug-14 5:00 PM

49 Star Princess Sat 30-Aug-14 7:00 AM Sat 30-Aug-14 4:00 PM

50 Seven Seas Navigator Mon 01-Sep-14 7:00 AM Mon 01-Sep-14 6:00 PM

51 Celebrity Century Thu 04-Sep-14 7:00 AM Victoria Thu 04-Sep-14 4:00 PM

52 Star Princess Wed 10-Sep-14 7:00 AM Wed 10-Sep-14 4:00 PM

53 Celebrity Century Tue 16-Sep-14 7:00 AM Astoria Tue 16-Sep-14 5:00 PM

54 Crown Princess Thu 18-Sep-14 7:00 AM Thu 18-Sep-14 4:00 PM

55 Star Princess Sun 21-Sep-14 7:00 AM Sun 21-Sep-14 4:00 PM

56 Crown Princess Mon 22-Sep-14 7:00 AM Mon 22-Sep-14 11:00 PM Pier 35 South

57 Silver Shadow Mon 22-Sep-14 8:00 AM Astoria Wed 24-Sep-14 5:00 PM Pier 35 North

58 Norwegian Jewel Tue 23-Sep-14 8:00 AM Tue 23-Sep-14 6:00 PM Pier 35 South

59 Golden Princess Wed 24-Sep-14 7:00 AM Wed 24-Sep-14 11:30 AM

60 Grand Princess Thu 25-Sep-14 8:00 AM Fri 26-Sep-14 1:00 PM

61 Island Princess Sat 27-Sep-14 7:00 AM Sat 27-Sep-14 4:00 PM

62 Crown Princess Mon 29-Sep-14 7:00 AM Mon 29-Sep-14 11:00 PM

63 Zuiderdam Tue 30-Sep-14 8:00 AM Astoria Tue 30-Sep-14 5:00 PM

64 Westerdam Tue 30-Sep-14 1:00 PM Tue 30-Sep-14 11:59 PM

65 Norwegian Pearl Wed 01-Oct-14 8:00 AM Astoria Wed 01-Oct-14 6:00 PM

66 Norwegian Sun Thu 02-Oct-14 11:00 AM Seattle Thu 02-Oct-14 8:00 PM

67 Crown Princess Mon 06-Oct-14 7:00 AM Mon 06-Oct-14 11:00 PM

68 Star Princess Sat 11-Oct-14 7:00 AM Sat 11-Oct-14 4:00 PM

69 Crown Princess Mon 13-Oct-14 7:00 AM Mon 13-Oct-14 11:00 PM

70 Star Princess Sat 18-Oct-14 7:00 AM Sat 18-Oct-14 4:00 PM

71 Star Princess Sat 25-Oct-14 7:00 AM Sat 25-Oct-14 4:00 PM

72 Star Princess Tue 04-Nov-14 7:00 AM Tue 04-Nov-14 4:00 PM

73 Star Princess Fri 14-Nov-14 7:00 AM Fri 14-Nov-14 4:00 PM

74 Star Princess Mon 24-Nov-14 7:00 AM Mon 24-Nov-14 4:00 PM

75 Star Princess Tue 09-Dec-14 7:00 AM Tue 09-Dec-14 4:00 PM

76 Star Princess Fri 19-Dec-14 11:30 AM Drydock Fri 19-Dec-14 4:00 PM

[jfgdbg]

"We awoke the next morning and ordered breakfast in the stateroom. Since we were in a suite, we had a little better menu, but it would prove to be boring after a few days – usually eggs prepared different ways, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, or oatmeal. The international café had a larger selection, and the food was acceptable, so we switched back and forth between stateroom and the dining room menu in our suite."

 

 

I was just wondering why you didn't eat breakfast in Sabatini's since you were suite passengers. You could have anything you wanted there.

[IdahoCruises]

"We awoke the next morning and ordered breakfast in the stateroom. Since we were in a suite, we had a little better menu, but it would prove to be boring after a few days – usually eggs prepared different ways, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, or oatmeal. The international café had a larger selection, and the food was acceptable, so we switched back and forth between stateroom and the dining room menu in our suite."

 

 

I was just wondering why you didn't eat breakfast in Sabatini's since you were suite passengers. You could have anything you wanted there.

 

Forgot to mention that we did have breakfast there three times and it was well worth doing. The poached eggs on top of roasted potatoes, as others have reported, was well worth tickling the taste buds.

 

Thanks for jogging my memory!

[Ellipooh]

Idaho, not sure why but I could not access your first set of photos (the cabin). I enjoyed seeing the GGBridge -- and the fog!! -- in the second set. Thanks for sharing!

[melody hounddog]

\ The poached eggs on top of roasted potatoes, as others have reported, was well worth tickling the taste buds.

 

 

That sounds yummy!!!

[IdahoCruises]

Idaho, not sure why but I could not access your first set of photos (the cabin). I enjoyed seeing the GGBridge -- and the fog!! -- in the second set. Thanks for sharing!

 

Here is a new set of pics....hope they work as there have been several curious about this room. Thanks for letting me know!

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1100.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1099.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1096.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1097.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1095.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1094.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1091.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/data/512/DSCN1092.JPG

[Bucky3]

Idaho, not sure why but I could not access your first set of photos (the cabin). I enjoyed seeing the GGBridge -- and the fog!! -- in the second set. Thanks for sharing!

 

I am having the same problem with the cabin pictures. The sail away pictures are beautiful. Thanks for your review. So sorry about your fall but glad to hear you are recovering well.

[IdahoCruises]

I am having the same problem with the cabin pictures. The sail away pictures are beautiful. Thanks for your review. So sorry about your fall but glad to hear you are recovering well.

 

Just reposted the cabin pics above and have been able to see them. Hope it works for you, too.

 

Thanks!

[LaCal]

Thanks so much for your review....Were on her Nov 20th and cant wait,:D

 

How was the casino and staff?....Any Wins??.....Were big casino players and in there everyday for hours.....Always helps on having a nice casino host etc.

 

Oh also what movies were on Muts?

 

Thanks Again:)

Edited November 12, 2013 by LaCal

[Ellipooh]

Here is a new set of pics....hope they work as there have been several curious about this room. Thanks for letting me know!

 

 

Holy cow, that is QUITE a cabin! :eek: Yours was an Owner's Suite, correct? So much SPACE inside and outside, you must have been very pleased. We will have an aft cabin on our cruise in April, although we have requested the twin beds. Not sure how that is going to work, but DH tosses and turns too much, and i get up way earlier than he does so we are trying it out. I presume the little nightstand will go in the middle of the beds, but then one twin bed will be right up against the sliding door, so...:confused:

 

Anyway, Thank you for re-posting the pics, it was a treat!

[Woobstr112G]

OP;

 

Thanks for taking the time to post your review.....:):):)

 

Bob

[IdahoCruises]

Thanks so much for your review....Were on her Nov 20th and cant wait,:D

 

How was the casino and staff?....Any Wins??.....Were big casino players and in there everyday for hours.....Always helps on having a nice casino host etc.

 

Oh also what movies were on Muts?

 

Thanks Again:)

 

There were some big wins - one $5,oo winner and one $3,900 winner. My wife gained over $600 and I gained over $1,200 so we came away with smiles on our faces.

 

As for the movies on MUTS, did not see them, although when I post the daily Patters, you will get a good idea.

 

By the way, the casino staff was excellent!

 

Good lucky and great cruising!

Edited November 13, 2013 by IdahoCruises
add'l comment

[IdahoCruises]

Holy cow, that is QUITE a cabin! :eek: Yours was an Owner's Suite, correct? So much SPACE inside and outside, you must have been very pleased. We will have an aft cabin on our cruise in April, although we have requested the twin beds. Not sure how that is going to work, but DH tosses and turns too much, and i get up way earlier than he does so we are trying it out. I presume the little nightstand will go in the middle of the beds, but then one twin bed will be right up against the sliding door, so...:confused:

 

Anyway, Thank you for re-posting the pics, it was a treat!

 

It was the Owner Suite B750. Large room and very comfortable for us. Balcony was very large and we spent a lot of time there - especially when we got into warmer weather.

 

Don't know how the twins will work out as I have no experience with them. Someone here will undoubtedly have an answer for you.

 

GREAT CRUISIN'

[Bucky3]

Just reposted the cabin pics above and have been able to see them. Hope it works for you, too.

Thanks!

 

Thank You! I think I could be very happy there! Perhaps you are aft cabin lovers, but I wonder about the constant noise from the wake. Was this a problem?

Edited November 13, 2013 by Bucky3

[DMRick]

Did you have a Hawaiian couple on board teaching the uke and hula dance? Can you tell me some about what they did? Thanks, and I'm glad you are on the mend!

[trbarton]

Really happy to find your review. We are booked for the Hawaii cruise on 2/18/2014. When is she going into dry dock and do you know what they will be doing?

So sorry about your fall and I understand your comments regarding how differently people treat you when handicapped. I broke my ankle several years ago and it was a real eye opener.

Can’t wait to see the Patters.

 

The Grand will be in Dry-Dock from December 10 - 20, 10 days. I'm confused as to why they are doing the dry-dock in Canada as San Francisco has the facilities to handle such a ship plus the loss of time going to and from Canada.

 

I've tried to find what they plan to do in Dry-Dock but could never get much of an answer from anyone.

 

Tom:)

[trbarton]

Due to an injury I got after a shore excursion (more on that later), this review is more limited than I had planned.

 

We flew into San Francisco the night prior to our cruise and stayed at the Best Western Plus Tuscan. The rooms were very clean and that staff extremely helpful. Room was a little smaller than originally thought, but was very comfortable. The onsite restaurant had some of the best food I have ever had in a great, Italian theme. We ate dinner the night we arrived and breakfast the next morning. Both meals were outstanding!

 

Although the motel was just a few blocks from Pier 39, we arrived too late to make the walk there.

 

The morning of our cruise we called a taxi and it was there immediately. Short drive to Pier 35 and porters were available to take our luggage immediately. We arrived at the pier at 11:30.

Embarkation was one of the smoothest I’ve ever seen. Outside we were directed to the boarding area, filled out our “Have you had a sniffle today” cards, went through security and were on board by 11:45.

 

Since we had pre-ordered some adult beverages and snacks, they were in our room when we arrived. We got to munch all afternoon on shrimp, cheese and guacamole and chips (all very good).

 

We had B750 Owners Suite and the balcony was about 9 x 20 with two loungers and a table, and a dining table with four chairs. Could have had a large sized party there! Room was slightly smaller than we had thought, but still plenty of room for the two of us. NOTE ABOUT THE BEDS: All beds on the Grand have been replaced with new pillow tops and were very comfortable. We had also thought the room would be a little prettier than it was. For those of you wondering about the suites and balconies, I offer the following pictures:

 

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1091.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1092.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1094.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1095.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1096.JPG

http://pictures.cruisecritic.com/uploads/990650/DSCN1099.JPG

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The ship left the pier at the scheduled time and 40 minutes later – under the Golden Gate Bridge. Here is a series of pictures as the fog started to come in off sea after we passed under the bridge:

 

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As it would turn out, our room steward was very, very good and he anticipated our every need.

 

Since the prior travel day had been a long one and with all the hustle and bustle (and excitement), and being full of snacks, we stayed in our room for the evening to catch up on much needed rest. The next day our fun would start….

 

We awoke the next morning and ordered breakfast in the stateroom. Since we were in a suite, we had a little better menu, but it would prove to be boring after a few days – usually eggs prepared different ways, bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, or oatmeal. The international café had a larger selection, and the food was acceptable, so we switched back and forth between stateroom and the dining room menu in our suite.

 

After breakfast we ventured forth to see what was going on. Sammi, our cruise director was GREAT (and what a character). We watched the Wake Show each morning to start our day off with a laugh. The shops were the usual cruise ship shops, and, other than Facets (the jewelry store), and some great buys on tee shirts, we did not spend much at the shops. My wife and I each bought watches at Facets. The only hang up here was that I was quoted a price for mine and got a phone call later that the band was not included. Since the watches were expensive, I asked that the band be included. At first, they offered only a 10% discount. Upon declining their offer, they said they would call corporate HQ and see what could be done. A couple of days later, the offer came back from corporate and the band was included in the original price. Great service from Princess!!!

 

Sea days were spent mostly on the Piazza where there was always good entertainment, the casino, eating and eating more (I guess we felt they might run out of food somewhere along the way).

 

We ate three dinners in Sabbattini’s and the food and service were the best of any specialty restaurant on board. We ate once at the Crown Grill, and, although the filet and lobster were good, the food was not quite up to par with Sabbattini’s. The Crab Shack was open several nights on the ship and was very popular. We ate there one night and vowed not to go back. Those that ate there all seemed to like it, and, since preference in food is a subjective thing, maybe it was just us. We ordered King Crab legs and got crab legs about the size around as an index finger. Everything was also heavily dosed in Old Bay seasoning, which, while we like Old Bay, there was too much for our taste. We asked about the crab legs and the host said they were Kings. Being from the northwest, King crab legs to us are about the size around as a golf ball and very long. Service in the Crab Shack was very good and you can throw your shells on the paper they spread on the table.

 

Alfredo's Pizza is very good and freshly made - some of the best pizza I have ever had!

 

The International Café was also very good with assorted pastries, breakfast sandwiches and paninis (SP).

 

Service was excellent in both.

 

Lunches in the Horizon Court were good and varied – some of the food was excellent. Service was also excellent.

 

Since we had done the main dining room on numerous cruises, we took advantage of eating dinner from the MDR menu in our suite. All of the food was very good and the lobster was outstanding, sweet and cooked perfectly.

 

Casino staff was very attentive, and we never lacked for a beverage (even had some comped). Bar service, in other areas of the ship, when available, was also very good. We found out that the bar staff is moved to the busiest areas of the ship both day and night, and in some of the quieter areas, it was even hard to get a cup of coffee, water, or another sort of beverage.

 

Activities on board were numerous and varied and there was “something for everyone” going on continuously – those with kids on board (not many) noted that their kids loved the childrens area and activities and could hardly wait to go back the next day.

 

Finally our first port and Lahaina, Maui. We had booked a shore excursion to the Maui Aquarium. After waiting in the Princess Theatre for 40 minutes after the scheduled departure, we were on a tender and headed ashore. Upon arriving at shore, our tour group got in the prescribed line, but, no tour busses. After 1 ½ hours standing in the heat on concrete, many of us simply returned to the ship due to other activities planned – and since the tour was so late to begin – had other obligations to be met. Kind of a bummer for paying for something you never receive and having your time disrespected. All who returned to ship are still working with Princess for a refund.

 

Honolulu the next day and another excursion to the Napali Coast. This was a very good excursion with several picture stops – although very short stops. The Napali Lookout area is in a dense rainforest (yes, we got wet), with high winds – but the view is spectacular. Well worth the cost.

 

After the tour, we were dropped off by the bus at the cruise terminal. That was when the “fun” started. As I got off the bus, I was waving to some people we had met onboard, and, in my own clumsy way, tripped over a curb and fell. My hand caught the majority of the fall, but my hip also clobbered the pavement. The medical center on board took x-rays and could find no fractures, but sent me to a hospital for a CAT scan. Also negative. Back to the ship just prior to sailing, complete with pain killers and a walker. Princess also let me use a wheel chair when needed at no charge. Although this created a much lowered activity level for me, I was still able to navigate around the ship, and with my great wife’s help, we were able to carry on. It did end our shore excursion activities for the rest of the cruise. Medical staff on board were great to deal with. They were also busy with multiple heart attack victims, multiple broken bones, and one reported death on board.

 

The ship condition was good. Rust control is taking place on railings and balconies are being deep cleaned. Out balcony was chipped free of rust on the balcony itself, primer painted over the affected areas, and the decking deep cleaned. New carpet was laid on the floors surrounding the aft pool areas, and hallways were being re-carpeted during the entire cruise. Princess is making an effort to keep the ship in good shape. After having owned a 70 foot yacht in Puget Sound, rust is always a problem and is very hard to keep up with. Princess appears to making strident efforts to take care of affected areas.

 

Smoking has changed somewhat. Snookers Bar forward, aft on deck 15 (just outside of the One Five, port side) and starboard on deck 7 are the designated smoking areas. Most comfortable is deck 15 with couches, tables, partially enclosed, ceiling fans – and was always busy. Smoking still allowed in the Casino on the starboard side and in the casino prior to 6 PM on formal nights.

 

There were some rumors on board that the Grand would become a completely non-smoking ship after dry dock. I think those rumors were quashed while still onboard.

 

According to the crew, the ship will be dry docked in Victoria, not Vancouver. Still seems to be a little confusion over where she will be.

 

Our ending impressions are that 15 days was too long – mostly because the food all started to taste the same. Some on board wished that an overnight could be done in Honolulu since there is so much to do. Ensenada got mixed reviews and many stayed onboard. Since the ship is not US flagged, it is by law that it has to stop in a foreign port before re-entering the US. Disembarkation was a nightmare until we got to the pier where a Princess Representative helped us find our baggage and transportation.

 

One final note: Since I was temporarily in a wheel chair, I saw what many passengers with disabilities see. A few of our fellow travelers went out of their way to accommodate us, hold doors open and get us on elevators. The majority were rude, cut in front of us to get on the elevators and when “wheeling around on the decks.” The Princess staff was exceptionally great to us during this time and should be commended.

 

Sorry this could not be as detailed as I had wished, but with the accident, some things never got done....

 

Will try and post the daily Patters for each day of the cruise after I get them all scanned.

 

Are you aware that you can post your photos here as I did.? All you have to do is a copy and past into the CC box.

 

Any discussion as to what will happen while the Grand is in Dry-Dock?

 

Tom:)

 

[sashas_mom]

Did they have any Hawaiin entertainment or activities like they used to on the Golden? Also, we usually cruise late September or October. How was the weather and seas?

 

Thanks.

[iceleven]

Princess has had the reputation for having very uncomfortable and extremely firm beds. I've read that gradually they are being replaced and with the suites being the first to be replaced.

 

You said that ALL of the beds on the Grand have now been replaced with comfort-top bedding. Our last cruise on the Grand (Hawaii 4/13) still had horrid beds. We are booked, once again for the same cruise on the 25th of this month. May I have your confirmation that ALL of the beds have been replaced and may I ask where you received this information? It is somewhat important to us because we plan to lug extra padding for our bed. I would love to not have to bring it along.