it was GRAND

[crowleychick]

Just got off the Grand for our first cruise. I stumbled across this board a couple of months ago and wanted to thank everyone for all their help. I was so much more prepared than I ever would have been - all the great take/don't take suggestions, etc. And yes, (as an earlier thread asked) I was able to have a great spontaneous time - not so prepared that I missed out on that. I was able to kinda know ahead of time what stuff to watch for that I really wanted to do and was able to relax having that info. The "Live from" threads were very helpful and I appreciate their time and effort.

 

The Grand was GRAND. Even DH wants to go again! The ship was very clean even though showing some signs of wear and older decorating. A little moldy smelling, but might have been from the "incident" the week before. The crew was absolutely fantastic - everyone was extremely friendly and helpful. One well-traveled couple in our group said it was by far the best service they'd ever experienced anywhere. Although it's a huge ship, it didn't feel that way and was very easy to get around.

 

If I have to hunt for a complaint - the food was good (not bad), just not as spectacular as we expected, but I know that is very subjective. I sure managed to eat enough!:D My filet in the steakhouse was wonderful and tender, was sorry that DH couldn't say the same about his porterhouse. The shrimp cocktail and fettucini alfredo were outstanding and the french onion soup was the best I've ever had. Enjoyed the pizza and hamburgers. Had traditional first seating and really liked that and it was fun! So count this as a very weak complaint.

 

Several great happenings on the ship I had to miss due to being in port or something else going on at the same time. So guess I'll just have to go again and hit those!;)

 

Thanks to Budaman who was instrumental in getting a CC'ers get-together organized. Was great getting to put faces with the names. Good turn-out.

 

Was on the Plaza deck - deck 5. LOVED IT! A great central location and would stay there again. The casino was right over us and never heard a thing - nor noise from anywhere else. Yes, would love to have a balcony, but that gives me something else to look forward to in the future, but I'd be perfectly happy back on Plaza.

 

Embarkation was not fun as the ship was late in getting to port due to the awful weather. (NOT the captain's fault!) Took about two hours. Disembarkation was a breeze. We waited until our color was called, walked right out and our bags were all together waiting for us. Had plenty of customs agents. We were on the road headed for home before 11 am. However, if I had to fly, I would never book an early flight - too many chances for problems.

 

Would I go on the Grand again - YES in a heartbeat. Looking forward to planning our next.

 

So again, thanks for being there and helping make our first cruise fantastic. Yes, we're now officially cruisaholics!

[scots]

crowleychick....Glad that your experience on the Grand was a good one.

[LARGIN]

Welcome home.. Glad your cruise was memorable for all of the right reasons:D

[Cruise-a-holic444]

So glad to hear you had a wonderful time! We're going in April and there has been so much negative in the last few months on here about the Grand ("The Turn incident" aside), that I was starting to worry. Can you think of any little details to tell us? We're on Emerald Deck and have late seating. Did you take any excursions? Best pool? Shopping? That kind of thing.. thanks! And, welcome back!

[Colo Cruiser]

Good to hear you had a great time. :)

[sbwlw]

I am glad you had a Grand time on the Grand.;) We will be on the March 4th cruise and I was wanting to know where you were tender in Playa? I am trying to plan a tour and they said they pick up from thr Calica cruise ship dock. Is this wher eyou were tendered? Thanks for your help.

[scots]

I am glad you had a Grand time on the Grand.;) We will be on the March 4th cruise and I was wanting to know where you were tender in Playa? I am trying to plan a tour and they said they pick up from thr Calica cruise ship dock. Is this wher eyou were tendered? Thanks for your help.

We were on the Grand two weeks ago and we tendered at every port but Costa Maya (Belize, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel).

 

We also stayed on the Emerald deck, cruise-a-holic444 and we were very happy with it. One complaint about the Grand no midship stairs, and sometimes waiting for an elevator took a while so we ended walking to the front stairways and walking off a little of the food we'd eaten. it all works out in the end! Enjoy Emerald deck - what stateroom are you in? Port side or starboard side?

[Lynda90]

Welcome back and so glad you had a "Grand" time.

[spongerob]

Thanks for your review. We consider Grand Princess our vacation home. We are about to book our 6th on her.