Bits and Pieces on Grand’s final US voyage until 2023

[cr8tiv1]

Aloha to the Grand Princess as she continues her voyage to Australia.  This was my 5th cruise on the Grand since post-covid opening.  She is one of my favorite ships and it is heartbreaking (too strong an emotion?) to see her leave us until her next Alaska Season 2023.

 

I was on the repositioning cruise from Vancouver, BC to San Pedro on September 26 - October 3 with my sister, a first time Princess cruiser.  We were in a Window Suite, masked, and tested.  My comments reflect my/our experience on my trip (report).  It may not be as creative as some of the other lives/reports, but it will be filled with mostly positive thoughts.  Now that sister has been placed on a plane, I hope I can find the time to write in increments.

 

Pre-Cruise preparations:

 

My older sister lives on Oahu.  I live in California.  Very challenging to fill out ArriveCAN from a distance and minus 3 hours.  I was home this summer and tried to get as much filled out before I left.  Fortunately, I had the know-all to record important documents like passport, vaccination records, Known Traveler’s number, etc.

 

ArriveCAN allowed me to fill out everything for the both of us including the Advance CBSA Declaration form.

 

She was supposed to have cruised with me in March, but had to cancel.  Medallion App kept all of her information. That was a time saver.  I was able to pick an embarkation time 59 days before the cruise.  Both Medallions arrived at my place 2 weeks before embarkation.  I was able to book Suite first night dinner at the Crown Grill.  That was a first I was ever allowed to do that before getting on the ship.  

 

Sister had huge concerns regarding cruising and COVID because of her age.  I tried to let her know that we would do everything possible to remain safe.

 

Of course, Canada lifted ALL restrictions on October 1.

[dickinson]

Looking forward to reading the rest!  Glad you got to cruise with your sister.  Such a special vacation.

[travelin.sisters]

traveling with one's older sister is a special thing; glad you were able to do this...looking forward to the rest of your report

[cr8tiv1]

Flight to YVR:

 

I took a PCR test 72 hours before embarkation (results received after arrival in Vancouver). My local testing site throws in a free Rapid Antigen Test (results within the hour).  We spent 2 nights in Vancouver before the cruise.  Tested sister from the Pan Pacific Hotel within required 2 days using a proctored eMed Binax Now Test.

 

Sister flew into Long Beach the night before.  It was actually cheaper to do this than fly her directly to Vancouver.  Plus it was just easier to travel to Vancouver together since I had all the digital paper work.  Although she is a seasoned traveler by plane, cruising was new to her.

 

I tested her at my house since she had just returned to the islands (11 days prior) from a trip to Oregon.  I tend to over test.  She did take a PCR test upon returning from Oregon.  I don’t like surprises, so tested her to be sure she wouldn’t be denied boarding in Vancouver.  It is not a guarantee, but a little reassuring.

 

We used EZ Air and took advantage of one price drop ($134.78).  The second was too small to make a difference and I wasn’t willing to take a risk of doing it myself online.  I have this fear of losing everything, although I am proficient (teacher talk) on the computer…..most times.  Woke up early the day before departure to check in and get our “free” seats.  Canada Air charges for selecting your seats early.  I was able to fill in all of her information needed for Canadian Air.  I must have been one of the first to check in because there were still a good number of seats available for the picking.  It took me almost 45 minutes to fill in all pertinent information, again.  Flight was packed when we boarded.  

 

Have I mentioned how much I detest LAX?  Traffic was already backed up by 6 AM.  Driver dropped us off in a timely manner.  Check in was smooth and we were through security in just a few minutes with our TSA precheck designation.  My gates are always the very farthest in a terminal.  We settled in and regrouped.  Then had to make a trek half way back to make our last minute bathroom run and get coffee/water.  “Mother” always said never pass up a bathroom stop.

 

Every seat was occupied for this short 3 hour jaunt to YVR (Vancouver).  Then the fun began.  With ArriveCAN QR codes and passports, we used the kiosks to process entry into Canada.  The immigration line wound around 6 switch backs.  Took about an hour to reach a customs official.  Signs along the way kept saying check your email for a random covid test requirement.  Luckily, YVR has free internet.  Not so lucky that I had, but chose not to use, an international cell travel plan.  You guessed it.  Got in the taxi and on the ride in checked my downloaded email.

 

 

Mandatory testing.pdf

[cruisequeen4ever]

I’m really enjoying your account of your cruise; keep the posts coming! 😀

[cr8tiv1]

Vancouver

 

Checked in to the hotel hoping to start unwinding and getting settled after an early morning flight.  No such luck.  Receptionist told me that there are ONLY 2 acceptable places to get my complimentary covid test.  Both required a taxi or long walks.  I asked if I could use a toll free number from my room.  “YES”.  So that was my first order of business before doing anything more.

 

I called the number and had to meander my way through a maze of button options.  When I finally reached the menu for those with covid, the only question they asked me was when I had a positive test result.  That’s it ????? I recorded my information (not even a live person to speak to).  I was asked to answer any calls that came through from Canada.

 

Secretly to myself I whispered:  “Sure, it you call me when I am in my room and I have wi-fi calling.”  I did sign up for my carrier’s international mobile plan but was not going to use it unless it was an emergency or if I needed a Lyft because I was too exhausted to walk back to the hotel.

 

Finally, time to get settled in, relax, and enjoy a moment of relaxation.  Outside my window, I had a view of the Royal Princess.  I was surprised that both she and the Discovery (the next day) left around midnight.  Must have been restricted to the tides to get under the Lions Gate Bridge.  At least it gave passengers a long day in Vancouver.  I  just love this city.  Several other ships were also moored at Canada Place.   

 

 

 Refreshed and re-energized, we walked to Gastown to pick up dinner.  I am not a foodie so you won’t be seeing photos of food.  Found a lovely place on Yelp.  It had some nice pastries for breakfast too. 

 

Signed on to eMed to get my sister tested with a proctor.  That went relatively smoothly using the room's wi-fi.  Results were sent to me within a few minutes.  One more thing off my checklist.  Filled out the Princess health form on the app.  Now it was time to really start this vacation.  I can't remember if I also had to upload her results to ArriveCAN.  But it doesn't matter now since they've thrown out this requirement.  We were all set for the night.  Hit the bed early and slept so well.

 

We had a “free” walking tour of Mount Pleasant scheduled for Sunday morning.  Took a train across town and walked, walked, and walked some more.  5 miles and almost three hours later, I was spent.  But sister wanted to keep on going.  So we took a train to ChinaTown.

 

It required that we “transfer” to another line.  Got off, and unlike men, we ask for directions.  Found this 65 year old resident who was so helpful.  She told us to follow her since she would be getting off to go home.  I invited her to lunch.  She declined, but walked us through the Pacific Center Mall (a shortcut) to the “other line”.  I will never see this lady again, but her generosity will remain with me forever.  She dropped us off at the turnstile, told the guard to look after us, and she walked all the way back to the other station to go home.  That is the Aloha Spirit alive and well in Vancouver.

 

I was beginning to get my bearings; been here before.  This all looked familiar.  Once we got off the train to ChinaTown, I knew exactly where we were.  Found a nice place for lunch with a Chinese bakery owned by Filipinos next door.  Filled our bellies with noodles and duck then picked up food for dinner next door.

 

Hawaii doesn’t have 99 cent stores or Dollar Stores so of course, my sister had to stop and shop.  With the exchange rate, it was actually cheaper to buy items in Canada.  US:  $1.50.  In Canada:  $1.09.

By then, I had it.  Found a taxi to take us back to the hotel.  Down for the night.

Edited October 8, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[dickinson]

Looking forward to the next installment!

[CineGraphic]

10 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

It required that we “transfer” to another line.  Got off, and unlike men, we ask for directions.  Found this 65 year old resident who was so helpful.  She told us to follow her since she would be getting off to go home.  I invited her to lunch.  She declined, but walked us through the Pacific Center Mall (a shortcut) to the “other line”.  I will never see this lady again, but her generosity will remain with me forever.  She dropped us off at the turnstile, told the guard to look after us, and she walked all the way back to the other station to go home.  That is the Aloha Spirit alive and well in Vancouver.

 

We were met with the same generosity several years ago when we took the Skytrain from the airport to our pre-cruise hotel.

Someone saw us trying to figure which exit to use at our final station and they walked us all the way to our hotel. We love Vancouver!

[cr8tiv1]

Thanks for following along.  Today was Embarkation.

Embarkation Day has arrived:  Monday, September 26, 2022

 

 

And there she was…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwBdWVTR-o8

 

I woke up with excitement and joy as I peered out my window to see my lovely Grand Princess below.  She was just tying up to the dock.  We had a lovely breakfast in the room before preparing for the day.  The Pan Pacific has a service that is perfect for cruising.  I called the Bell Desk at 9:30, they came for my luggage, and delivered it directly to the ship.  There is a recommended gratuity of $3-$5 per bag.  From my understanding, a truck arrives at 11 to pick up all of the luggage, it is sorted at the dock, and given priority.  Our luggage was in the room by 1:30 PM.

We checked out about 10 and began the walk from the hotel to check in.  First, we had to take the elevator to the parking garage.  That was an incorrect instruction since we didn’t have any luggage to drop off.  So back up the escalator to check in.  Showed our medallions, passports, vaccination cards, and proof of negative covid tests. 

 

Then back downstairs.  Passed through the security counter.  Used our passports to scan at the kiosks before walking past an CBP officer who was busy on his phone and could have cared less about us.  He collected our printout.  It was nice that I could do everything for my sister and myself at the same time.  Fortunately, we were the only ship in port.

 

 

Finally got to the holding area.  We found two seats at the front end of the Elite/Suite/Platinum section and waited until 11:30.  Watched in-transit passengers file through and after a little wait, back on.  Watched as crew escorted Covid passengers off the ship (different walkway).  As if those masks and thin plastic aprons would really protect the crew.  Later, I found out that the Captain had announced that there were actually 125 cases on board the previous 12 day round trip sailing to Alaska (re: passenger who was on the previous sailing and continuing on to Australia).  I was rather disappointed that we did not have a suite escort (for my sister) nor did we have any refreshments.  But, we happened to be in the right seats and were the first to board!  As always, the crew was there to celebrate our arrival.

 

Edited October 8, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[travelin.sisters]

enjoying your trip, thanks for sharing

[dickinson]

Do they usually do suite escorts?  When I used to travel in a WS I don't remember having one but the last time was when I met you in 2015.

[cr8tiv1]

2 hours ago, dickinson said:

Do they usually do suite escorts?  When I used to travel in a WS I don't remember having one but the last time was when I met you in 2015.

 

I've been escorted on the ship once....and it was post-covid.  I was shocked to see a man in a suit (from the MDR) make a beeline to us sitting in the elite lounge with his device.  He called us by name and said he would be back at 11 to escort us onboard.  It was a fun experience and great having a young and strong able body pull our heavy carry ons for us.  We found him in the MDR later and thanked him again.  We did tip him.  I don't know if it is port specific but we were in San Pedro.  I don't need to find my way, but would have been impressive to my sister.  At least "he" knew where my cabin was.  I've been told by elevator people that there were no cabins on deck 6.  

[donswife]

30 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I've been escorted on the ship once....and it was post-covid.  I was shocked to see a man in a suit (from the MDR) make a beeline to us sitting in the elite lounge with his device.  He called us by name and said he would be back at 11 to escort us onboard.  It was a fun experience and great having a young and strong able body pull our heavy carry ons for us.  We found him in the MDR later and thanked him again.  We did tip him.  I don't know if it is port specific but we were in San Pedro.  I don't need to find my way, but would have been impressive to my sister.  At least "he" knew where my cabin was.  I've been told by elevator people that there were no cabins on deck 6.  

We had suite escorts in Fort Lauderdale and San Pedro.  Both window suites.  The one in FLL was funny because he didn't know the suites were there, and we had to show him.  

[dickinson]

8 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I've been escorted on the ship once....and it was post-covid.  I was shocked to see a man in a suit (from the MDR) make a beeline to us sitting in the elite lounge with his device.  He called us by name and said he would be back at 11 to escort us onboard.  It was a fun experience and great having a young and strong able body pull our heavy carry ons for us.  We found him in the MDR later and thanked him again.  We did tip him.  I don't know if it is port specific but we were in San Pedro.  I don't need to find my way, but would have been impressive to my sister.  At least "he" knew where my cabin was.  I've been told by elevator people that there were no cabins on deck 6.  

I guess Princess did a good job "hiding" them!

[cr8tiv1]

Embarkation Day / continued:  Window Suites

 

Once onboard, I headed straight to our Muster Station checkin since we embarked on Deck 7/Crown Grill.  Then walked to the forward elevators to avoid the crowds of people trying to get to their decks midship.  One deck down was our coveted Window Suites on Fiesta Deck.

 

On a side note:  Did I mention that I called my travel agent in June?  I told her that if she could find me a Window Suite on the Grand for the repositioning cruise from Vancouver to book me.  I could not see any availability on the website.  Not only did she find me a Window Suite but was able to book me in my favorite stateroom, F311.  I have managed to avoid F309, F305, and F301.  I would get lost on my way to the bathroom at night since the furniture is arranged “opposite..ly”.  I can’t imagine why anyone would dislike the location, but one of the cabins was empty.  My steward said that the passengers were unhappy when they arrived at their cabin.  It didn’t have a balcony and they moved.  I didn’t ask if they paid for an upgrade or whatever.  But the ship was sailing at about 50% capacity.  Didn’t think there were any more suites available.  Window Suites have 21 drawers, 3 closets, double sinks, 5 USB lamps, 5 European outlets, 2 US outlets, and feet away from Club Class Dining.  My travel agent is a miracle worker and always comes through for me.

 

 

First things first.  Sat my sister down so she could watch the Muster Drill on the television, while I alcohol’d the entire cabin.  I’m not as bad as Howie Mandel, but I can be a little OCD when it comes to germs.  There was a nice vegetable platter waiting for us from my TA.  We went to lunch and then the infamous hors d’oeuvre arrived.  At least they were fresh and cold.

 

My room steward appeared and remembered me from my last March/April cruise.  He asked for my list.  I always have a “list” of things I might forget to request.  And as I get oldER, the list gets longer.  He brought us 2 glasses of champagne.  I always bring along Hawaiian treats and handed him a small bag.  This time, I also brought along Dove chocolates and told him to help himself, which he did every day.  When I traded out my mini bars, I gave him 6 beers.

 

The suite did not have an orchid plant (which arrived on the third day).  Round bars of soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion in the tubes were in the stateroom along with the giant bottles (shower gel and shampoo/conditioner) in the shower and on the counter top (lotion and hand soap).  My elite and/or suite amenities include an emery board, q-tips, and a shower cap x 2.  There was an orchid spike in the bathroom too.  I won't dwell on the things that were missing.

 

 

I called room service to request a fruit basket.  She was very nice and told us there were no strawberries or pears but suggested bananas.  I also gave her my order for the (two) mini-bar switch out and told them we were not in any hurry and could waiting until the next day when things settled down for them.  Missing in the picture are the grapes, vegetable dip, and champagne that my sister enjoyed.

 

 

Note that masks were “required” but was never enforced.

[dickinson]

The couch looks a different color than I remembered.  I remember a more golden tone. Have they replaced it with a new one?  

[cr8tiv1]

9 minutes ago, dickinson said:

The couch looks a different color than I remembered.  I remember a more golden tone. Have they replaced it with a new one?  

 

Yes, between November and March, they replaced the sofa.  This one is so much better.  Cushions do not "slide" out when you sit down.  Much firmer and very comfortable.  I could take naps on this new sofa.

[donswife]

We were in F307 on the Grand for 4 nights last October, and after being in F309 twice on the Caribbean, I was confused the whole time! 😄

[waltd]

Would love to be a fly on the wall of F305.  We had the cabin in March and we had NO heat.   We froze to death.   

[cr8tiv1]

17 minutes ago, waltd said:

Would love to be a fly on the wall of F305.  We had the cabin in March and we had NO heat.   We froze to death.   

 

I never understood why Princess opted to have such archaic thermostat dials in their cabins.  But there are two of them.  I leave the one by the bed set at 20 and raise/lower the one by the door.  It's really tough to turn the dial with arthritic fingers.  

 

Given the choice of cold or hot, I'd rather be cold in a cabin.  I bring along an old fashioned travel alarm clock that has a temperature reading.  I'm sorry you had such discomfort.  Did you pile on the plush robes that were left in your closet?

 

Did you know that there are two different sets of blankets too.  The fluffy warm soft ones are for twin configuration and the thinner, not so warm blanket is for when the beds are together. 

 

On the Caribbean Princess, I could not figure out the shower handle.  Took a cold shower the first night.  Housekeeping supervisor came by to see what "my" problem was and had to give me a lesson.  Felt so foolish.
 

[dickinson]

10 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Yes, between November and March, they replaced the sofa.  This one is so much better.  Cushions do not "slide" out when you sit down.  Much firmer and very comfortable.  I could take naps on this new sofa.

Good to hear!  Our first cruise with Princess was in "your/my" cabin on the Golden.  Those cushions did keep sliding out!

[waltd]

Just now, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I never understood why Princess opted to have such archaic thermostat dials in their cabins.  But there are two of them.  I leave the one by the bed set at 20 and raise/lower the one by the door.  It's really tough to turn the dial with arthritic fingers.  

 

Given the choice of cold or hot, I'd rather be cold in a cabin.  I bring along an old fashioned travel alarm clock that has a temperature reading.  I'm sorry you had such discomfort.  Did you pile on the plush robes that were left in your closet?

 

Did you know that there are two different sets of blankets too.  The fluffy warm soft ones are for twin configuration and the thinner, not so warm blanket is for when the beds are together. 

 

On the Caribbean Princess, I could not figure out the shower handle.  Took a cold shower the first night.  Housekeeping supervisor came by to see what "my" problem was and had to give me a lesson.  Felt so foolish.
 

LOL  At my age I always feel a bit foolish.   We were in Mexico.  Who knew.    But yes wore more cloths in the stateroom then outside.    Love Window Suites and hope they fixed the problem when it went into dry dock.   They knew there was a problem and they would/could not do anything.  At the end of the day they gave us compensation.    Didn't ask for it.   Just wanted some heat but we delt with it.   Still love the Grand.

[kplady]

I'm enjoying your cruise - we will be on the Grand in March/April from Sydney to San Francisco!

 

Thanks for all your information.

 

Laura

[JF - retired RRT]

47 minutes ago, kplady said:

I'm enjoying your cruise - we will be on the Grand in March/April from Sydney to San Francisco!

 

Thanks for all your information.

 

Laura

I'm so jealous!

[cr8tiv1]

Day 1:

 

I will not be posting Patters since this is pretty much a one and done voyage.  I will not be posting food photos since I always forget to take a photo before digging into the lovely presentations.  I request a low sodium diet strictly to control salt intake when I am in the MDR.  The Assistant Manager will hand me the menus the night before and take my pre-orders.  I am rarely told what the specialty of the night is because I pre-ordered, but occasionally I have remembered to asked.  I have found those extra dishes not very appealing or not to my liking.  This was JUST a 7 day cruise and there was enough to keep me satisfied.  In fact, we never made it to Alfredos, but did checked in with the International Cafe for my Peanut Butter cookies almost daily.

 

We didn’t have much time in the room before my internal alarm said it was noon and lunch time.  Up until now, my sister and I have been sharing meals or eating lightly (aka budget/pre-cruise diet).  All bets are off.  We are on a ship with an abundance of food sources.  Embarkation lunch is always a delightful way to start a cruise.  Literally, the Club Class Dining Room is feet away.  Out the door, past the accessible cabin, around the Guest Services Director's office tucked in a corner, Calypso Shop is closed/no distraction, and you are at the CC MDR entry.   

 

 

Iris greeted us warmly by name since our Medallions showed up on the receptionist’s device.  Before I am able to step 5 feet into the room, waiter Francisco walks up to greet me.  He remembered me from my last March/April cruise.  I was sailing solo for the second half of a 25 day cruise with Savio waiting on my every need.  He told me that Savio was his best friend and called him often.  Francisco was @riffatsea waiter.  I was given my “regular” table: socially distanced from everyone, in the corner, by the window.

 

I had the shrimp and avocado appetizer followed by beef tenderloin, and orange soufflé.  I had a drink package but am not a drinker.  A refreshing blended virgin margarita with a salt rim (a must have) was on order.  Sister followed suit.

 

Returned to the cabin to find our luggage.  Began the unpacking.  I am an old pro at this.  I have a place for everything.  My sister was overwhelmed.  Where does she begin?  Did she pack too much?  Should it go here or there?  Her cruising experience was 50+ years ago when she returned from the mainland on the Lurline plus one cruise around the islands in a NCL balcony.

 

She was just happy to follow me around.  I had to plan out my strategy so not to provide too much information at any one time.  Up one flight of stairs to the Promenade Deck and watched us pull lines to drift away from Canada Place.

 

 

 

We rode the elevator up to the Lido Deck for sail away around 4:15.  I love sailing under the Lion Gates Bridge.  Started from the forward elevators and walked her all the way aft.  Pointing out the swimming pools, food venues, buffet (only one side was open), and Terrace Pool.  This was the only time we made it up to the Lido Deck.  Sat down overlooking the aft pool and enjoyed our view.  Surprisingly, the Alfresco’s Bar was closed.  I flagged down a wandering waiter and ordered San Pellegrinos.  Once we left Vancouver, I took her upstairs to the Elite/Platinum/Suite cocktails at Club One Five to see if they had my pretzel rolls.  Love them and the only place you can get them with a chips/guacamole chaser.  How could I think of eating again so soon?  My mind is cruise programmed.

 

We seemed to be right under a float plane path.  Several of them flew right over us.  Is that even legal?  It was a perfect sail away day: comfortable, sunny, bright, and beautiful.

 

 

 

Mahalo Nui Loa for all your kind comments and for following along with my journey.  I am hoping to end up with a nice travel log for my sister.  BTW....Princess Travel Logs are a thing of the past.