Live from The Grand Princess - February 18 - 25

[San10s]

Good Morning Cruise Critic Friends from the Grand!:D

 

I will try to do a daily posting from the Inernet Cafe every day while we are cruising.....I'll try anyways. As some of you may have noticed, we left Galveston a little over two hours late yesterday. The weather and therefore flights around the country were delayed so we waited for many passengers. The RCCL ship behind us also waited for their passengers. They left port first and we followed them out at approximately 6:05 PM. :D

 

Our flight from Boston was at 6:00 AM, through Atlanta and into Hobby. Our limo in New Hampshire was starting the pick-ups at 2:15 AM so most of us either didn't sleep or had only a couple of hours. We arrived in Houston a day early and went on to Galveston to the Quality Inn on Seawall for a one night stay. We used Galveston Limo for our (5 couples) transporation. Once in the baggage claim area at Hobby, I easily located their desk and checked in. As soon as ALL our luggage was in hand, we were escorted out to a large van and left 20 minutes ahead of our scheduled 3:00 PM departure. Our group of 10 took up the entire van so we went right to our hotel. We were ahead of rush hour traffic and made the trip in about 1 hour.

 

The Quality Inn is approximately 8 months old. Everything was in good condition and clean. We checked in and headed to the Mexican restaurant that was right in front of the hotel. Sorry, I don't recall the name. We had great nachos, $2.00 Margaritas and then dinner that was very reasonably priced and very nicely done. Since everyone was exhausted, we headed off to do a couple of errands and then to our rooms. There is a wonderful Krogers Supermarket two lots over from our hotel location. They had everything there. Many picked up beer, wine (which was cheaper than at home!), soda and water. There was an indoor pool and hot tub but we did not use it.

 

The weather summed up in one word was AWFUL! The high of the day was 52 and actually wasn't too bad for us since we left winter back home. It took a drastic drop in temp shortly after we arrived in Galveston and with the wind off of the sea and the drizzle, it was now a very raw, low 40's something outside. Not the temps we are used to leaving a cruise in.

 

On Saturday morning, the second day of Mardi Gras in Galveston, it was now even colder, raining and very windy. We saw some parade floats heading down Seawall to get ready for their first parade. It must have been horrible for those standing out side watchng it and the same for those folks on the floats. I wish we had time to see more of the Mardi Gras festivities. We had Jeff's Cab Service pick us up at 10:30 AM for our trip to the port. We delayed our departure a little due to the weather. Fortunately, the traffic was very easy for us to make our way to the port. Our cab fare for 4 of us was $25.00 inclduing gratuity.

 

More to come after breakfast. :D

[bluey258]

Glad you are having a good trip !!!!!!!!!!

 

Hope it warms up for ya'll.

 

Jo Ann

[Casey12]

Looking forward to your reports.

[Colo Cruiser]

Hope the weather improves and stays nice for the trip. :)

[Cindy]

Good Morning Cruise Critic Friends from the Grand!:D

 

As some of you may have noticed, we left Galveston a little over two hours late yesterday. The weather and therefore flights around the country were delayed so we waited for many passengers. The RCCL ship behind us also waited for their passengers. They left port first and we followed them out at approximately 6:05 PM. :D

 

 

I wondered what the delay was. I was watching on the Harbor House webcam, and she looked ready to go long before she sailed. When I saw both ships leave at the same time, I figured there must have been some kind of weather delay.

I hope it warms up for you! This is VERY cold for us for the end of February. My trees and azaleas are already blooming, and it is in the low 30's this morning. Brr! :eek:

[cozgal]

Good Morning Cruise Critic Friends from the Grand!:D

 

I will try to do a daily posting from the Inernet Cafe every day while we are cruising.....I'll try anyways. As some of you may have noticed, we left Galveston a little over two hours late yesterday. .......More to come after breakfast. :D

 

Hi Judy! Thanks for the posts....Peter and I watched the ship leave port on the webcam without us and it was a sad moment...We are eager for your reports and will enjoy reading them...kinda like a a "virtual cruise"

Don't forget to have a few drinks for me! Did you have a good turnout at the Wheelhouse for intros?

Linda

[fishinjules]

Keep the reports coming. I hope you have an uneventful trip like we did on 1/28/06. I think we were the only good week within the last month even with weather & tenders.

Julie

[Tresa]

Judy,

 

I watched the ship leave via the webcam also. She sure is beautiful pulling out of there. I waved!!! It'll be my turn soon, but not soon enough since it's about 10 degrees here this morning. YUCKO!

 

Have a great time and know that we all enjoy and appreciate your reports. Thanks!

[runner1909]

Looking forward to your reports, only 20 days left before we'll be there!

[Princess Bride]

Thanks, Judy

It looks like the Grand's webcam is stuck on a previous picture from long ago --- or --- y'all are sailing some VERY smooth waters.

[susyls]

I'm on the edge of my recliner waiting for more virtual cruise!!! It's almost our turn, also.

[mtaylor04]

Thanks for posting while on board. It is a cold 15 degrees here this morning in Arkansas. It nice to read about your trip instead of thinking about the cold.

 

Have a great trip

 

Mary

[San10s]

Okay....breakfast is done and time for some more typing. :D

 

Now where was I.....we arrived at the terminal at about 10:50 AM. I was worried after many reports but there was no issue with traffic near the terminal. It appears that the ship was done debarkation as there were not a lot of folks standing around. The bus line leaving was very short. After paying our cab driver, the porter was there waiting for our bags. He was very happy withour $1.00 per bag tip. We grabbed our carry-ons and quickly walked to the far left end of the terminal building to enter and more importantly get out of the gusty winds and cold temps. Of course my DH was wearing his shorts and sandals but he was just happy to be there and had no complaints about the cold / drizzle. Once inside we followed the clearly sign-marked way. We joined a line of early arrivals like us. I think we were about #90 in line. On my way into the terminal I recognized some of our Cruise Critic friends from their photos we shared on line. Mike & Jennifer ended up right behind us and Kelli & Ray were right in front of us! After being in the line fore maybe 15 - 20 minutes, the line started moving over to the Security Screening checkpoint. We went right through the sanning without any issues. In one of my carry-ons, I had 2 bottles of wine and several bottles of Mikes Hard Lemonade. In the other were bottles of diet coke and seltzer. We were given our bags without any questions. Our friends had a 12 pack of beer in their bag and had no questions either.

 

After clearing Security, we were next sent to the check-in area. We are on our first 'Platinum' cruise so we were directed over to the appropriate check-in area. We were first in line and then called to the agent's desk. After providing our passports, cruise documents and credit card, we were handed our cabin keys. We were then sent to another queue and the "welcome on board' photo was taken.....then off up the gangway and onto the ship. Yippee....we were here! :D Our cabin keys were then inserted into the ship's ID equipment and our photos taken for secruity purposes. Frm the time the line started moving until our ID photo was done took all of about 10 minute!This all took place within another 20 minutes. We were on the ship at 11:45 AM! We entered the ship on Deck 6 in the Atrium. The Atrium is very nice but only goes up for a few decks....deck 5 - 7. I have been on several other ships with atriums that go for 6 - 8 decks and seem a little more "grand". Don't get me wrong....it is still a pretty area of the ship.

 

Having been on the Golden and having studied the deck plans for the last few months, I knew right where we were going so we headed for our cabin. There were plenty of crew to assist and direct you if one needed assistance. Our cabin, B724 (Deck 11) is on the port side, aft of the ship..... only several cabins from the very end of the ship. It has a small ( 6' X 9' maybe) balcony and is completely covered. It has a small, round, white plastic table and two white plastic chairs. Plenty of space for coffee in the morning or for a meal to be enjoyed on it. I unpacked our carry-on stuff and we then headed off to have lunch in the DaVincci dining room. This was a nice way for our group (now up to 14) to start our cruise. There was hardly anyone in the dining room. I had the roast beef pieces and my DH had the spinach and cheese raviolis. Both were very tasty and served piping hot.

 

Some of our friends were first time cruisers so we headed off to look around the ship. They were all impressed. Another couple cruising with us had only been on the NCL Majesty, which is a nice but quaint ship but certainly not like the Grand! They were amazed. Our Muster Drill ws scheduled for 3:45 PM so we had all gone back to our cabins to grab our life jackets and get ready to head to the Vista Lounge....our Muster station. At 3:30 PM, the Captain came on and made an annoucement telling us about how bad the flight delays were and that we were missing many passengers still. (That's why we always go at least one day early!) He informed us that the Muster would now be held at 5:15 PM and that sail away would most likely be closer to 6:00 PM. My DH and a friend headed to the adult hot tub on deck 16 and stayed in the cabin talking with friends. Our luggage arrived at 3:30 PM and I then un-packed. Although I thought we had less closet and shelf space then in the past, I had no problem putting everything into a place and then our bags underneath our bed.

 

One problem that the changed Muster time created was we had a 5:00 PM Cruise Critic meeting planned for the Wheelhouse Bar. There were 146 CC folks in our group and I was looking forward to our meeting. I had brought lanyards for everyone and made CC door signs for everyone as well. I went to the Wheel house and found a few folks waiting....so we quickly made our introductions and then were asked to leave as the Wheelhouse is a Muster station. So.....unfortunately, most of the CC group has not yet met. CD Neil Chandler is planning a CC Champagne get together for us. I provided him a list of names and / or cabin numbers so we will have another chance to meet today or tomorrow I assume. I was able to identify a couple of other CC buds with some information I knew about them. I found Connie and her 2 children and parents dining at the table next to me at dinner! I'll let you know more about our get together when I do.

 

We went through the Muster commencing at 5:15 PM. It concluded by 5:35 PM. Since it was very windy and cold outside, my group of friends (a total of 18 after the last 2 couples finally arrived on board!) decided we would go up to the Disco to watch sail away in warmth and comfort. The tugs moved into position around 5:50 PM and we finally pulled away from the dock at 6:05 PM. It was pretty well dark as we left. The Disco was packed with others like us who found a great place to watch sail away. There was NO BARTENDER....what a shame and loss of revenue for the Grand. We all would have had a celebratory beverage but were unable to do so.:eek: After we left the harbor area, we all left to get ready for dinner.

 

I will start another installment as I don't want to lose this post! :eek: I'll be back in a minute.

[San10s]

I hope I am not boring everyone! ;)

 

One thing I meant to mention was that when we were on our way to lunch, I stopped by the table in front of Sabitinni's where there were a couple waiters taking reservations for the specialty restaurants. I easily made our reservations for the Sterling Steakhouse on Monday (Costa Maya) evening at 7:00 PM for 14 of us. I also made reservations for Monday at 7:30 PM for another 4 of us for Sabitnni's. There were already quite a few entries on the reservation list so I would advise you to be early if there is a specific time and day you want your reservations.

[Casshew]

Hi Sans10s...I am absolutely loving your virtual report, you are a great & entertaining writer! Don't forget to have a good time on your cruise :)

[Colo Cruiser]

Great post, and glad to hear that the DaVinci was open for lunch. I know that is a hit and miss thing depending what ship your on but I would much rather go to the dining room for lunch on embarkation day.

 

Keep em coming!! :D

[San10s]

I had trouble with that last post so it has changed to be the correct one now. :rolleyes:

 

The Captain has just come on the speaker and annouced that we had made up an hour of the two hours from our late departure. He expects us to get to Costa Maya about 11:00 AM now. He stated they will continue to "try and improve upon that time throughout today and tomorrow".

 

Okay, back to the details. So after sail away, all 18 of us headed to the Michaelangelo dining room and checked in with Maitre d' Franz. What a nice guy! Unfortunately we were split into 3 tables throughout the dining room but we understood and really didn't expect us all to be together. (We had tables for 9, 5 and 4.) DH and I were at the table for 4 with Antonnio and Tamas! I had read a post here somewhere in which the poster recommended them for a waitstaff. They were excellent. Tamas is definitely the 'people person' of the two. He showed me the palm of his hand on which a big '6' was there. Then he told me that it was how many days he had before he headed home for his break. He is charming and funny. I saw him this morning in the Horizon Court and he has a '5' there today! LOL I had the chilled pina colada soup and the scallop and lobster pastry puff. I requested some asparagus as they were also on the menu on some other dish. They were fabulous! The main course however was just okay. My DH had the Nebraska Prince Rib. It was cooked just the way he likes it (medium well) and he enjoyed it all. For dessert I had the Profiteroles which was very good. I was disppointed not to get my first souffle (my favorite Princess desserts) so I hope there is one on the menu tonight! During dinner, the ship was pretty stable in the calm waters of the Galveston bay area. As dinner was ending, you could tell we were further off shore and could feel some good motion.

 

After dinner we went to the Casino where I donated about $40.00 and he took about $250.00 from the Craps table. He stayed there quite late but I was done with the Casino by 11:15 PM. I headed back to the cabin, read the Princess Patters for the next day and a few other things that I had put aside. While in the Casino, we were starting to hit heavier waves. I guess they were probably in the 6 - 10 foot range. To me that is nothing but to our friends the first time cruisers, they were trying to get used to the 'feel' of cruising. None of them took anything and they were fine. During the night, as I lay on my side, I awoke due to my body rocking side to side in some rougher seas. I otherwise slept like a baby....as I always do at sea. :D The first timers reported this morning that they had no problems sleeping either but did wake once or twice during the night.

 

The ship was very quiet after 10:30 PM on the first night....as they usually are. Many of my fellow passengers on the Grand had a long day getting to the ship and were off to bed right after dinner.

 

I think that brings us through Day 1 of the Grand voyage. :D I will find time later to write about our Sea day later on this afternoon. (I am not a lay in the sun type of gal!) If you have any questions, let me know!

 

Have an enjoyable Sunday everyone!:D

[joanne1]

Thank you so much for keeping us informed. What theme is in the dining room on Monday? I hear that a good night to make reservations for the alternative restaurants are on Caribbean night . . . do you know which night that is? Also, we are looking forward to experiencing MUTS - do you need to make reservations or are there usually plenty of seats?

 

To everyone that gives us updates while on the ship, I usually don't post on everyone's thread but please know that they are appreciated . . . makes the countdown go a little faster :D .

[Colo Cruiser]

Judy,

would you mind asking if Antonio Banza is still a supervisor in the specialty restaurants?

If he is there and you have the chance to meet him he will take good care of you. Fantastic guy.

If not do they know where he went?

 

Thanks :)

[ZitzBear]

Thank-you so much for journaling your cruise for all of us!! I am sooooo excited.....just one month away!!

[crazy4themouse]

Thank you so much for sharing your cruise-in-action with all of us at home!! As someone else said, it does make the waiting easier. :) Have a wonderful rest of the week!!

 

-gina-

[Seal]

Hi--Love your journal--keep it up will be on there on the 18th of March

 

Usually the souffle is served at least a couple of times--I have finally talked a couple of the waiters into NOT taking it out of the baking dish and putting it on the plate--the reason for this is that it cools down too fast--I don't know how it is done in other areas--but here, in CA it is left in the baking dish--then poke a hole in the top with a spoon and then poor the sauce in--really makes a difference--doesn't get cold so fast.

 

ZitzBear--will see you aboard on the 18th

 

Nancy & John:p

[the three Cs]

Hi thanks for the cruise updates. Who is your assist Cds and cruise staff? can you tell us please:)

[TexasMom2]

Hi--Love your journal--keep it up will be on there on the 18th of March

 

Usually the souffle is served at least a couple of times--I have finally talked a couple of the waiters into NOT taking it out of the baking dish and putting it on the plate--the reason for this is that it cools down too fast--I don't know how it is done in other areas--but here, in CA it is left in the baking dish--then poke a hole in the top with a spoon and then poor the sauce in--really makes a difference--doesn't get cold so fast.

 

ZitzBear--will see you aboard on the 18th

 

Nancy & John:p

 

They do leave the souffles in the dish on the Grand...they lasted a long time because it was so hot and took a long time to cool down. Delicious, especially the chocolate hazelnut.

[scots]

They do leave the souffles in the dish on the Grand...they lasted a long time because it was so hot and took a long time to cool down. Delicious, especially the chocolate hazelnut.

They took them out of the baking dishes when we were on the Grand (Feb 4-11). Didn't much matter to me, the vanilla sauce kept it warm!