Review of Grand 1/14 from first time cruiser

[Cookiesbykk]

Hey everyone! Still can't believe I'm home (although the swaying I'm experiencing tells me otherwise;) ). I wanted to post my impressions since I don't have a basis of comparison. If I start to get long-winded, I'll break up the thread...

Overall, we had a wonderful time (we went with another couple). We've come home very relaxed which was the whole point!

Embarkation - we got off to a rocky start unfortunately but I think it's the port's fault. We had Princess transfers and after an uneventful trip from HOU to Galveston, we waited 1.5 hours in the bus at the terminal before they waved us over to unload. Partially the bus driver's fault for not being aggressive enough and allowing buses pull ahead of us to let passengers off. I really think the bus situation needs to be straightened out before there are mutinies...

Cabin was fantastic. We had a mini-suite on the Dolphin deck. Didn't feel cramped at all; great shower, comfortable bed and the balcony...boy did we get our money's worth on the balcony. We ordered room service coffee every morning and drank it out there before getting dressed and heading to breakfast. We were worried about the quality of the coffee after reading a lot of negative posts on this board (and being coffee snobs ourselves) but we found room service coffee to be excellent and the dining room coffee was just fine.

We did personal choice dining which worked wondefully for us. We ate between 6:30 and 8:30 and never had to wait for a table at either dining room. We did find a waiter/jr. waiter team we liked mid-way through the cruise so we booked their table for the last several nights for dinner. They really made our meals special. The food was good, we found the Caribbean night the most interesting menu, although lobster tails is always a favorite!

We went to the show every night in the theater and found the quality of the entertainment to be excellent. Both the salute to Broadway and the one to the movies was well done, as was the comedian (Rollin Jay Moore) and the Magician (Doug Anderson). They both were a riot. Didn't love the other comedian (Jack Wilkes) because he just kind of made it up as he went along...

Excurions - did the cave tubing excursion in Belize (through Princess) which was great. Our guide, Chris, gave us a tour and lots of info about Belize as we drove to the jungle. The trek was only about 30 minutes and wasn't that strenuous except you had to carry your inner tube the whole way. The tubing itself was very relaxing and lasted about an hour. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Tendering - in Belize they used small boats which filled up quickly and ran constantly so it was quick and easy. Playa del Carmen was a nightmare as they used 300 pax tenders which took 20 minutes to load, and up to 30 minutes to disembark from. Really cut into the day. Wish they could have used both gangways for embarking and disembarking; it would have sped the process up. Cozumel was similar to Playa but not as bad. It almost got exciting when upon reembarking, the rope actually snapped and they had to work quickly to get a new one secured.

I'll start a new page...

[Cookiesbykk]

I met the other ccers after muster. That was great! Unforunately I never ran into Spongerob after that. (I thought I'd see him in the casino maybe). Saw Snoozeman on the bus to Mahahual but not after that. And saw the Idealfun couple a few times - it was nice to catch up with y'all. Wish I ran into you more.

 

Weather cooperated and the ride was a smooth one. We were able to sleep with our balcony door partially open every night. Very soothing.

 

I would have liked the formal nights to be spread out more. Having them Sunday and Tuesday were too close together. The only upside to that was getting them out of the way earlier!:p Everyone looked lovely those nights and the manner of dress ran the gamut so don't go out and buy something specifically for these nights unless you're looking for an excuse for a new outfit!

 

I brought only slightly more clothing than I needed. I think next time I'd bring more casual t-shirts. I didn't realize just how casual everyone was most days.

 

Disembarkation was miserable. First of all although they indicated they would start at 8:30, they called the first express disembarkation at 6:30am!!! We were called at around 9:15 giving us time for a leisurely breakfast at the buffet. It took us only about 10 minutes to get off the ship and through customs. Then it got ugly. We were ushered outside in a line with all the other people waiting for Princess transfers back to HOU and IAH. They only seemed to have about 3 buses there and sure enough we waited 1.5 hours outside (and it was cold, windy and even drizzled a little) for more buses to arrive. Since all of these transfers were prearranged, Princess had to know how many people needed transporation and therefore how many buses needed to be provided but they didn't. Then, when we finally got a bus, they loaded people going to both airports on the same bus! To add insult to injury, our bus driver got lost. We didn't end up getting to HOU until 12:30! I don't know why we couldn't have stayed on the ship until more buses arrived. It was some of the poorest planning I've ever experienced and would think twice about booking with Princess out of Galveston again. I hate that it was our last impression of the cruise because it really left a bad taste in our mouths.

 

Anyway, we did have a blast, enjoyed meeting a lot of people - and by the way, there was a great mix of ages on board. Not too many families but really a good mix otherwise!

 

I'm sure I've forgotten some stuff...feel free to ask any questions. I'd love to help if I can. This board gave so much to me in preparation for this cruise, I'd be happy to give something back!!!

 

Karen

[chrysalis]

Thanks for taking the time to do a review. Sorry to hear about your problems with the transfers home, but I am glad you enjoyed your week.

[Cookiesbykk]

I knew I'd forget something!

Wanted to add 2 more things:

 

Costa Maya - In Mahahual, we sat on the beach and were served drink and food all day! Between the 4 of us we had 9 beers, 2 margaritas, a soda, 2 baskets of chips and the best guacamole and salsa I've ever tried. Our total bill came out to $26. I thought that was hysterical!

 

Also, we bought Tequila and Kahlua at various ports and fully expected to have it confiscated until the end of the cruise (since we had to pass our bags through x-ray machines) but it was never taken. That was convenient.

 

We didn't want to hassle with smuggling booze on board in teh first place so we ordered a bottle of Absolut for our room and it was only $22 - no more than we would pay at home - and we had happy hour every evening on our balconies before dinner.

 

Oh well, I guess that was 3 more things!!

 

Karen

[jckvpa0]

Thanks for the review.

 

I think I will always handle my own transfers, seems no matter what line it is there is more negative reviews than positive.

[kosmo]

Our group handled its own transfers and even though this was my first cruise experience, I wouldn't do it any other way. We saw the hoards of people waiting on both 1/14 (the day we embarked) AND 1/21. We just grabbed our luggage, flew through customs and jumped right on the bus that was waiting for us. VERY smooth. Now if this swaying feeling would just end ... :rolleyes:

[cnmiranda]

Thanks so much for your review! Sounds like you had a great time. Glad I didn't book those Princess transfers! So, are you hooked now? Thanks again for your comments:)

[2Scots]

Hi Karen-

 

Was this the Princess sponsored 'Beach Break' in Costa Maya?

We are on the 2/25 sailing, and have signed up for the ship sponsored trip, but are looking for alternatives.

 

thanks,

 

2Scots

[Cookiesbykk]

Hey 2Scots,

Our beach break was totally on our own in Costa Maya. It costs a whopping $5 per person round trip from the pier to the beach at Mahahual and you read how much drink and food we packed away for next to nothing. It was pretty close to paradise!

 

Karen

[spongerob]

2Scots, just go into Majahual and make your own beach break. There are several little beach bars. We started at El Mexicana then went next door to El Faro for their mojitos. I had the tastiest grilled lobster there. Our tab, including several mojitos and few Sol beers plus the food, was just over $60. You can't beat that deal.

 

You'll find the transportation booth to town just outside the cruise ship area.

[preb]

Thanks for a great review! :)

[FEAndrews]

Was the beach in Costa Maya an excursion, or did you just walk there from the ship? Thanks for the review. We also have a mini-suite on the Dolphin Deck (D405). Can't wait.

 

Gene

[Cookiesbykk]

Gene,

No, this was not a beach excursion to Mahahual. I was given wonderful advice from Spongerob and others on this board which I followed! When you get to Costa Maya, go to the rear of where all the stores are where they load up the tour groups. There is a little stand there that sells tickets to Mahahual. The cost is $3 per person and you board this great big bus for the 5 minute ride to the beach. Once you've had your fill of crystal clear water, excellent drinks and killer guacamole just look for the yellow taxis which will take you back to the pier for $2 per person (I still don't know why it costs more to go than to come back but that's just the way it is).

 

Our cabin was on the other side of the ship (D314) but they're both great locations. My DH was worried about all the motion so being low and fairly mid-ship was perfect. I'm now totally spoiled and I know I'll never sail without a balcony again. I know people say you're never in your cabin but between early morning coffee, late afternoon reading, early evening happy hour, and DH and the other husband even smoked cubans the last night at about 1am out there - we certainly used ours quite a bit!

 

Karen

[FEAndrews]

Karen,

Thanks for the tip. Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. This is our 6th cruise and we usually spend so much time running from excursion to excursion that we never seem to relax. I'm gonna try this time - as we're celebrating my 50th birthday. I'll never cruise without a balcony, but this is my first mini-suite. When they bring you room service, is it appropriate to tip? Thanks again for your help.

Gene

[Cookiesbykk]

I can't say enough about the roominess of this suite! In the morning, I'd hop in the shower and call for enough coffee for 4 people with cream and sweetener. On average, it only took 5 minutes to arrive! I would tip $2 each day.

 

When is your cruise?

 

Karen

[FEAndrews]

Karen - We're booked on the 3/18 sailing. It's about a 2 hour flight from DFW to Cozumel, so we usually go to a resort down there once or twice a year. My wife asked if I wanted to celebrate my birthday in Coz, but I decided on a cruise out of Galveston instead. I booked it within an hour of her initial question, so you can imagine the apprehension. We normally do the Southern Caribbean out of San Juan. If this cruise (and ship) is 80% as good as our previous cruises, we'll be very happy. Do they have draft beer on the Grand? Are you already planning another cruise?

 

Gene

[Cookiesbykk]

Gene,

My DH thinks there was draft beer but can't remember what kind. The guys tended to buy the bucket of Dos XX (5 bottles for the price of 4). I stuck mainly with margaritas in port, the wine we brought on board and the bottle of Absolut we purchased for our room.

 

Unfortunately, we can't plan any more cruises or other trips for the moment. We have a 9 and 11 year old and can't ask the grandparents to sit like this too often (we hadn't vacationed without the kids prior to this for 5 years). We might consider the Disney cruise or another cruise with them though! Meanwhile, I will live vicariously through the reviews from other cruisers! By the way, I think a cruise is a good idea rather than just doing Coz. It was quite desemated by Wilma and is slow to recover.

 

Karen

[FEAndrews]

Karen - I'm also a certified Rescue Diver, and I have about 100 dives in Cozumel - one of the best places in the world to scuba dive.

Gene

[kosmo]

Gene--

 

They do have draft beer ... but just Bud Light, I think (maybe Budweiser too?) We stuck with the bucket too although we ordered Beck's ... 5 bottles for $14. They ice the bucket and will open just a couple of the beers at a time, if you'd like. This way, if they are not all finished in one sitting, you can put the unopened bottles in your fridge for later ... and they won't spill or get flat. :)

[Ricebird]

Thanks so much, Karen! We are taking our first cruise on 2/11 and your review is very helpful.

[roboref]

Thanks, Karen, for your review. I'm hoping my cousin will be able to drive us to and from the port. It sounds like a nightmare to use the transfers. The best port we've been to is at Fort Lauderdale. It is really well run, attractive and is only a 10 minute cab ride to the airport. Galveston sounds like it will be like the port in Baltimore. They need a lot of work to get a smooth operation.

Thanks for the hints about Costa Maya. Sounds like a great beach!

Happy cruising

-- Pam

[kosmo]

Karen--

 

Are you STILL swaying since getting home yesterday? I sure am ... I feel like a bobblehead ... too weird! :(

 

Debbie

[bdjam]

First of all although they indicated they would start at 8:30, they called the first express disembarkation at 6:30am!!!

Just a note about express disembarkation – it is available to those taking their own luggage off the ship as soon as the ship is cleared. If one is not using express disembarkation, you have to wait until the remaining luggage is off loaded to start to disembark – which takes 90 minutes or so from the time the ship is cleared. Hence the actual disembarkation start time of 8:30.

[Cookiesbykk]

Debbie - Yep, swayed almost all day yesterday and when I got into bed, I could swear I heard the ocean outside my window!:)

 

Bdjam - I realized the express disembarkation would start earlier; I just wasn't sure how long to allow for it before the regular disembarkation began. I also wasn't ready to get a wake up call with the ship's first horn at 5:30 am. :eek: Guess we shouldn't have stayed up till 2 the night before!

 

Karen

[spongerob]

Great review, Karen. It was nice meeting you, if only briefly. We had some delays disembarking, too, but fortunately we were inside the ship and enjoying the comforts of the Platinum lounge, such as they are (they put on CNN and serve coffee and sweet rolls). I came home with a bit of a cold and it's got me under the weather, so I haven't put much effort into my review yet. I'll get it done soon.