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

[travelin.sisters]

5 hours ago, JF - retired RRT said:

Casino - guess they don't think non-smokers gamble. We'll only be going in there to play a couple of slot "pulls", then cash out our excess OBC.

 

loved that there was no smoking in the casino at all on our 2 January cruises...they seemed busy enough considering how (not) full the ships were

[cr8tiv1]

40 minutes ago, travelin.sisters said:

loved that there was no smoking in the casino at all on our 2 January cruises...they seemed busy enough considering how (not) full the ships were

 

Of course, they made all of the changes on my March cruise to Hawaii:

 

Dropped embarkation day testing

Dropped 2-3 day onboard testing

Dropped no smoking in the casino to smoking every day in the casino

Dropped masks required (only recommended) for passengers

Allowed crew to go ashore in PV and then all Hawaii ports (I understand the need for this one)

 

I still remained covid free, but there were numerous cases on my cruise.  

 

[cr8tiv1]

Day 6:  San Diego (8 AM to 10 PM)

 

Normal morning with breakfast followed by getting ready to meet with friends for a nice lunch in Del Mar.  You meet the nicest people on a cruise.  I happened to meet this passenger while on my solo voyage earlier this year.  We hit it off so well.  Her cabin mate also cancelled at the last moment.  It was nice to meet someone who is like minded.  I entertained them when they came to Honolulu.  It was nice to be on her turf.

 

The weather was lovely and a bit warm.  Southern California was coming out of another heat wave.  All of our port stops were picture perfect advertising for California (including Astoria and Vancouver).

My sister and I both took a home Rapid Antigen Test before being picked up; out of respect for my friends’ health concerns.  We had been traveling for about a week now with many different crowded interactions.  Both of us tested negative and felt as secure as home security systems (they are not as secure as we would like them to be).

 

We listened to the crew drill shortly after arriving in San Diego.  Lucky we pay attention to these events….not.  That night, there was a call for action in the galley.  It was over and resolved within minutes.  After the Captain announced the location, it was followed by “This is not a drill”.  Shortly after that there was the “Stand Down” announcement.

 

We were picked up and driven to the Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma.  I love lighthouses and this is one of my favorite things to do when in San Diego.  The  views are fabulous as we watched a cargo plane (maybe a C-17) come in for a landing at the Naval Air Strip.  I had planned ahead and had my Golden Passport Card with me for free admission.

 

 

IMG_1934.MOV

 

 

My apologies if the video doesn't upload properly.  Adding a movie is new to me.  I am having so much trouble with this one post today.  So many issues and problems.  User error, I'm afraid.  This is what you should see moving.

 

 

On our way to the restaurant, we just made it to the guard crossing and was “forced” to stop for the Coaster.  I love trains.  Guess growing up in Hawaii without passenger trains created a fascination for me.  Sugar cane trains really don’t count.   

 

 

This is the view from our corner table.  To the right is the Life Guard house.  Not the tiny shack that rises above the sand.  They have an apartment with large glass windows and a fire pole.  We saw a variety of life guards slide down the pole.  I did observe them surfing.  They need a lot more practice.  These waves were not very big.  Look at all those big boy toys.

 

 

We had a lovely lunch before returning to Seaport Village.  I wanted to pick up some things from Del Sol.  Before venturing deeper into the Village, I walked over to the Duck Boat Kiosk to ask about a free shuttle back to the ship since previous cruises had a pick up nearby .  I could not find that information on their website nor did anyone answer my calls/emails.  A very nice lady used her insider information and called around.  Seems like the last shuttle was at 3 PM and we had just missed it.  I must have looked bedraggled, because she made another call.  We were told to wait for a little while because the hop on/hop on bus was making a last run to Old Town and would come back for us.  Shhhh…only for us.  The driver was a young thing who was a San Diego native.  He gave us a narrated tour back to the ship.

 

We were greeted with a lovely floral arrangement upon arrival back to our cabin.  The card was not specific as to why we were the recipients.  It could have been that I filled out a first impression survey when we embarked (first time I ever saw that form).  Or because I have been in contact with Customer Service (more about this on our last sea day).  All I could think of was how could I get that off the ship when we disembark in a few days.  Sadly, it remained in my cabin and hopefully the next voyager could enjoy its freshness.

 

 

  

Today must have been gift day.  There was a duck taped to my door.  I’ve heard of this random act of kindness where someone hides ducks in public areas around the ship.  This is my first duck.  I would like to thank Lynn & Doyle (if they are checking in here) for finding our hidden Window Suites hallway.  I tried to notify them via Facebook, but didn’t want to add another group to my friends' list.

 

 

6:30 rolled around and we were not very hungry for our Crown Grill dinner.  We made our way and fortunately was seated at the last open booth to enjoy the changing hues of sunset and see the lights of the skyline slowly awaken.  We could see the Star of India, planes landing, and an assortment of other evening views.  Our server was a hoot who was so enthusiastic.  This is the first time I ever had a tour of the menu.  Did you know there is a “recommended” steak of the night?  I had plans on ordering my lamb again.  But he talked me into a ribeye steak.  The last time I had it was awful.  This time it was so tender and flavorful.  But much too much to eat in one meal.  Let’s just say that I enjoyed it a few nights later.  Hint…bring ziplock bags.  Sister loves her Chilean Sea Bass and could not be swayed to try something else.  Dessert at the Crown Grill leaves a lot to be desired.  They look pretty, but I wish they would bring back the lemon meringue dish.

 

Phill Tag (from the first night) was in the Vista Lounge.  “A Tribute to Elton John with Vocalist Jeffrey Allen” was in the Princess Theater.  We skipped both.  The Art Gallery was hosting 2 special events that I glossed over until I looked at the Patter while working on this report.  Wow…are we relaxed.  With no stores open, no casino, and no EFFY raffles, we retired to the room to carefully dissect the floral arrangement.  My sister is quite the plant expert.  She was once in a Magnum PI episode as the “Plant Lady”.  But her 5 seconds of fame was left on the cutting room floor.  Except for checking on weather and ship location, we haven’t turned on the television for any movies. 

 

This is the LIFE.

 

 

Edited October 18, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[Astro Flyer]

1 hour ago, cr8tiv1 said:

The  views are fabulous as we watched a cargo plane (maybe a C-17) come in for a landing at the Naval Air Strip.

Mahalo…I was able to view the video of what does appear to be a C-17 landing at NAS North Island. I spent a couple of days there for flight deck & below deck firefighting training…quite an eye opener about fighting shipboard fires.
 

You should have had a good view of my first cruise ship. ☺️
 

[cr8tiv1]

28 minutes ago, Astro Flyer said:

Mahalo…I was able to view the video of what does appear to be a C-17 landing at NAS North Island. I spent a couple of days there for flight deck & below deck firefighting training…quite an eye opener about fighting shipboard fires.
 

You should have had a good view of my first cruise ship. ☺️
 

 

Thanks for letting me know you could see the video.  The process to upload a movie drove me crazy.  It took forever with an archaic internet provider to upload.  Then I couldn't delete the second attachment.  I kept losing the post.  Finally gave up.  The Captain always backs the Grand in so that I can see the tops of the towers from my window.  To get a better advantage point, I have to go up to the Lido Deck (didn't do it this time).  We should have walked back from Seaport Village to get a better view, but didn't do that either.  My sister walked me to death early on and my poor legs just said "enough is enough".  I am out of condition!

 

Hope you had a Window Suite on the  USS Midway.  (sarcasm @ Sheldon).

Edited October 18, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[Astro Flyer]

15 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Hope you had a Window Suite on the  USS Midway.  (sarcasm @ Sheldon).

😂 He’s one of my favorite sitcom characters 😂

 

I only had a 3 high interior bunk bed cabin but had a great unobstructed view while hooking up aircraft to the starboard cat. 😉

 

 

[dickinson]

Anxiously awaiting the next installment!

[cr8tiv1]

7 minutes ago, dickinson said:

Anxiously awaiting the next installment!

 

And here it is.  We are getting near the end. Thanks for staying with me.  

[cr8tiv1]

At Sea - Day 7

 

Sis did not go to her last Tai Chi class since we needed to go to breakfast earlier in order to attend the Culinary Demonstration at 10.  It is always sad to say goodbye to the team at the Crown Grill.  They do make your suite experience special.  This morning, George was able to conjure up James Beard French Toast for me with a side order of crispy bacon.  Lattes were promptly delivered.  I have often ordered orange wedges, blueberries, and/or watermelon.  Sis has enjoyed her berries and melons.  No mimosas for either of us.

 

Sometimes the Director of Restaurant Operations (aka Maitre’d) turns the show into a slapstick act.  I, personally, think that downgrades the hard work the crew puts into making every meal great.  The Executive Chef, Joel Directo, is Filipino.  You don’t see many from his homeland make it that far up the chain.  He does have a sense of humor.  They both do. The parade of behind the scenes sous chefs and MDR staff was followed by a soloist on a guitar singing their goodbye.  First time I’ve seen that happen.

 

Then we made a mad dash to the “EFFY Final Sale: End of Cruise Clearance” for our last charm.  Now what do I do?  Give it incomplete to my very young grand-daughter or pick up the missing charms on my next cruise?

 

 

I have been communicating with Customer Service.  I delivered a note to Carla Freitas (Customer Service Director) on embarkation day.  Her office is just outside of our hallway.  The door was closed so I left my note wedged between the doorknob and the frame.  I keep everything.  Before the trip, I found stationary that used to be printed before Princess started to “cut back” suite perks.  It has my name, cabin number, suite name, and date.  The only thing that was different was the date.  Thought that would give me a little bit of leverage.

 

I had requested to see an unoccupied Ocean View cabin on Plaza Deck and a mini-suite (suites were sold out).  I wanted to give my sister a chance to change her mind.  We are booked in an Ocean View on Plaza Deck for our next cruise.  The mini-suite would give her a better idea of location (higher floor/elevator) and what a balcony might look like.  I was using Crew Chat to communicate any follow up with Customer Service.  As it was nearing the end of the cruise, I put it in fast forward with a visit to the front desk.  Charlene (the one that sent me the flowers) took charge.  At my convenience, would I stop by the desk to let them know what time I would like to have the rooms available.  I was issued the old fashioned key cards.  We toured the cabins before lunch.

 

 

I thought it was quite strange that we would have access to a forward accessible cabin D733.  As we were walking the hall, there was a scooter parked outside a regular cabin (maybe just a balcony?).  Sis saw enough to make the decision that she did not want to do elevators and that our Ocean View on Plaza Deck would be just fine.

 

At lunch, I dropped off the rest of my mini-bar beer for my waiter, individual nacho chips for the entire CC crew, and Mac nuts for Ramil.  I account for those distributions to free up space as I pack to leave the ship.  I went back to the cabin to begin the nasty job of putting everything back into the suitcase.  I always travel with a GAP canvas bag for overflow.  In went the shoes, packing cubes, and things that I knew wouldn’t be missed or damaged.  Remember the 5 pounds of salame?  Sis went to the last Art Auction.

 

I looked through the multiple laundry chits from this cruise.  My sister must have sent out $100 worth of laundry (total credits were over $140).  Don’t ask me what she sent out.  Good thing we were in a suite and had same day service.  I did remind her that on our next (longer) cruise, she would not have free laundry service.

 

I asked Eric (steward) on the first day if he would please set up my CPAP using my adapter.  It required him to work his way under the counter desk by the window to unplug the lamp and replug in everything.  On the last sea day, I asked him to take everything apart.  I just can’t get on the floor….and then get up again.  There is no time on disembarkation morning to do any of this.

 

For those of you who need to use a CPAP, you can go to your personalizer, click on check-in, and under dietary requests, order distilled water.  I always feel so guilty that I barely use the entire gallon.  I wonder what happens to the rest of the water?  If it is not in your room when you arrive, your steward will deliver it before bedtime.

 

You can also go through your Medallion Class app to request a shower stool or other in-cabin accessibility amenities.  Start by clicking on “My Preferences” under Ocean Ready.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SY5O5K?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_PRP4T5XDBM51FJC1JRZC

 

I did ask Eric at the end of the cruise if there were any blue bags to be had.  He informed me that there were none on the ship.  I didn’t need any more.  I was able to give my sister a couple when we got back to my place.  She was happy to get them.  It is very interesting for me to compare what I am missing to what a newbie doesn’t know what they are missing.  I forgot to mention that we were given these black wallet type holders at the beginning of the cruise.  Also mini sewing kits showed up a day or two after the ship set sail.

 

 

 

Packing for me was done with time to spare before getting ready for dinner.  Sis still had a few more things to pack away.  We managed to have the suitcases packed and locked before 5:30.  They would go outside after dinner.  I had to "educate" her about once the luggage is gone until disembarkation!  You know the routine...don't pack your pajamas and toothbrush.  

Edited October 20, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[azbirdmom]

15 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I asked Eric (steward) on the first day if he would please set up my CPAP using my adapter.  It required him to work his way under the counter desk by the window to unplug the lamp and replug in everything.  On the last sea day, I asked him to take everything apart.  I just can’t get on the floor….and then get up again.  There is no time on disembarkation morning to do any of this.

 

Does this mean that you didn't use your CPAP on the final night?  We always have an extension cord and plug them into a non-surge protected power strip at the desk.  If the desk is across from the bed we have the steward use masking tape to secure the extension cord to the carpet.  Debarkation day is just too hectic without having to crawl under the bed to remove the plugs and we won't go a night without using our CPAPs.

 

15 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I forgot to mention that we were given these black wallet type holders at the beginning of the cruise.

 

Those must be leftover.  Now that they are using Medallions instead of cruise cards those things are kind of useless.

[cr8tiv1]

1 hour ago, azbirdmom said:

 

Does this mean that you didn't use your CPAP on the final night?  We always have an extension cord and plug them into a non-surge protected power strip at the desk.  If the desk is across from the bed we have the steward use masking tape to secure the extension cord to the carpet.  Debarkation day is just too hectic without having to crawl under the bed to remove the plugs and we won't go a night without using our CPAPs.

 

 

Those must be leftover.  Now that they are using Medallions instead of cruise cards those things are kind of useless.

 

I am not as dependent on my CPAP as others might be.  There are nights that I "rip" it off because I just can't deal with the mask.  Of course, I do not get the quality of sleep that I would if I were diligent about using the machine.  I am not a morning person and just don't want to deal with one more hassle.  

 

I also do this for anytime I travel.  I always seem to have early morning flights.  It has been suggested that I purchase a travel CPAP.  Waiting for a few more months in hopes I can get a new machine compliments of Medicare.  Then I can leave my current one in Honolulu.  I don't like getting old, but prefer that to the alternative.  

 

My sister loved the wallet.  I find many uses for it after the cruise.  I would take the wallet over the blue bag any day.

Edited October 20, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[cr8tiv1]

Last Night and the Final crush is on.

 

Sometime during the sea day after San Diego, I showed sis how to cash out her casino account.  We both walked away with the majority of our OBC.  The little that we lost was chalked up to a maintenance “fee”.

 

Dinner was so very special in Da Vinci.  Staff gathered around to say their goodbyes.  Although it was “only” a 7 day cruise, it seemed like it was longer.  The staff made us feel comfortable from the get go since I had met many on my earlier cruise.  They were so excited to have a new cruiser that they could impress with their service.  And sis enjoyed their attentiveness when bringing San Pellegrino with a straw, “bok choy”, and chamomile tea after dinner.  And yes, we did have the obligatory pepper mill, bread basket, and lots of butter in the dish.

 

There was still a lot to do tonight.  We made it to Vocalist Marty Thomas:  Back with a brand new show! In the Vista Lounge.  He performed songs from the Great American Songbook.  That was very pleasant to the ears.  We then rushed over to see the Production Show:  "British Invasion" in the Princess Theater.

 

One last run to the IC for my Peanut Butter cookies and tea before calling it a night.  With San Diego being so close to home, the ship headed into Mexico waters.  The Captain did a straight line run south (at 8 nautical miles per hour) before making a u-turn to get us back to San Pedro on time.  Sometimes, the ship does donuts.  Other times, they make a nice square.

 

We went to breakfast in the MDR around 7:15.  The crew was already in transition mode trying to get us out as soon as possible so they could set up for the next group of embarking passengers.  We went back to the cabin to freshen up and check all the closets, drawers, cabinets, and cupboards.  One last parting look at my still fresh floral arrangement (still thought about how I could carry it off).  We said our goodbyes to Eric and F311.

 

 

We had planned on going up to the disembarkation lounge on deck 7, but as we were leaving the hallway, there was an announcement that disembarkation was ahead of schedule and would everyone just please leave.

 

We walked right off;  no stopping for CBP/immigration.  Our luggage was waiting, sadly, all alone.  I found a very strong female porter who assisted us out to the curb.  There I used the LYFT app to get us a ride home.  I am getting good at this.  Batting 50%.  Twice it didn’t work/twice it did with no hitches.

 

As the Hawaiian song goes:  http://hilohawaii.me/aloha-oe-lyrics-meaning

 

Aloha 'oe, aloha 'oe

E ke onaona noho i ka lipo

One fond embrace

A ho'i a'e au

Until we meet again

 

I will miss “my" Grand Princess.  Take good care of her while she is down under.  She is a beautiful ship.   

 

[travelin.sisters]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

there was an announcement that disembarkation was ahead of schedule and would everyone just please leave.

this just made me laugh & laugh...you know they feel that way, but to actually say it...

 

thank you so much for sharing your cruise, it was delightful

[cr8tiv1]

33 minutes ago, travelin.sisters said:

this just made me laugh & laugh...you know they feel that way, but to actually say it...

 

thank you so much for sharing your cruise, it was delightful

I was paraphrasing, but I’m sure everyone still onboard understood.  We were probably one of the last stragglers.  There were still LOTS of passengers waiting to be picked up outside.  There were lots of passengers in-transit, but I don’t have the numbers.  
 

I appreciate your kind words of encouragement.  

[cr8tiv1]

Bits and Pieces After Thoughts

 

What did I miss?

 

• Tiramisu in the small round glass from the IC.  Should have started earlier with the cinnamon doughnuts and almond croissants.

• Would have like to have done Afternoon Tea more than once (It was offered 3 times).

• Didn’t make it up to the Elite/Platinum/Suite happy hour after the first day.  Wish they would locate it at a more central location (like deck 7).

• Missed the enrichment lectures (none…zero).  This was a big fail for me (and sister).

• We missed the buffet, Coffee and Cones, Slices, Salty Grill, and/or Alfredo's.  Did not even check it out to see the food selections.  It was not high on the priority list.

• Did not miss riding the elevators.  Only one glass elevator (that I know of) was out of service for a couple of hours.  Mostly used the stairs between Decks 5, 6, and 7.

• This was supposed to be a masked cruise (required), but very few passengers wore masks.  N95 and blue surgical masks were provided.

• Smoking in the casino all the time.  Another big fail for me.

 

What was exceptional?

 

• I thought the entertainment was better than my previous cruises.  Guest artists were very good.  The four principal singers harmonized well.  The Piazza musical groups were very soothing.  Princess does need to change up the Grand's production shows.

• Art Auctioneer was pleasant and not overbearing.  She was informative.  Not a high pressure sales pitch.

• Crew was five star.  Everyone that I interacted with seemed to be happy to be back.  I did not see any passengers being rude to the crew.  All crew wore masks.  It surprises me how close the crew are to others that they have worked with before and are now on different ships.  Many keep in contact with one another through social media.

• Customer Service agents were always pleasant.  Crew Chat worked well and responses were timely.  With the exception of just a few days, their lines were very manageable.  I rarely had to use the elite/suite side of the counter.

• My sister had mentioned to Eric that a light bulb was out by her bed.  Within hours, it was replaced.  • No issues with toilets or air conditioners.

• Little or no wait for a table for any meals.  In fact, Iris told me on the last night that “my” table would be cleared in just a few minutes.  I told her that I would go to Vines to get one of my favorite wines.  Coming up by elevator, I see her chasing after us with her device in hand.  She tracked my medallion down to let me know our table was ready.

• Peanut Butter cookies were available every day.  Have I mentioned my addiction to these cookies?

• Grand Princess still has kiosks to print out your portfolio account sheets.

• Biggest surprise of all....the Medallion App worked well throughout the entire cruise!

 

Post cruise

 

We tested several times on the cruise.  We tested before sis flew back up to San Francisco.  And I tested again before visiting a friend in a nursing home.  That’s in addition to the pre-testing to get on the ship.  Both of us had the bivalent booster shot.  Both of us wore masks anytime we were out of our cabin except during meals.  It did help that the ship was only half full.  It helped that we were able to socially distance most of the time.

 

As for my sister, it is hard to tell how much she enjoyed the cruise.  I think she did.  I think she did.  I think she did.  The itinerary was perfect.  The length was good for her.  She did comment that she was getting tired of eating.  She did enjoy the pastries and desserts.  She’s a much healthier eater and in better physical condition than I am.  Sis is very easy to get along with, as long as I did all the planning.

 

Mahalo Nui Loa for following my episodes.  I am glad I could share this will all of you.  You were my ears and eyes.  There is still a lot of editing before I get this into a printable format for my sister.  Kudos and shout outs to everyone who does a live or an after cruise report on Cruise Critic.  I learned a lot from all of you.   

 

 

 

 

[Astro Flyer]

On 10/20/2022 at 10:20 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

With San Diego being so close to home, the ship headed into Mexico waters.  The Captain did a straight line run south (at 8 nautical miles per hour) before making a u-turn to get us back to San Pedro on time.  Sometimes, the ship does donuts.  Other times, they make a nice square.

I followed Golden’s progress on MarineTraffic & noticed your indirect route from SD to LA.

 

 

[cr8tiv1]

I thought I captured that too…glad you had a photo for my travels.  Thanks. 
 

I wish i was on the Golden…

Edited October 22, 2022 by cr8tiv1

[icat2000]

On 10/21/2022 at 4:20 PM, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I will miss “my" Grand Princess.  Take good care of her while she is down under.  She is a beautiful ship.   

 

We will. My partner and I are booked for 21 days on Grand Princess in March. We are very much looking forward to it. Thank you for your postings about your cruise, it was nicely done.

 

 

[JF - retired RRT]

7 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

 

 

What a beautiful picture!!

Great review 🥰

[Kiwicruiser25]

Thank you for sharing your cruise, I enjoyed reading it so much, that my coffee is still sitting untouched (cold) on my desk. Time to retire to bed 🙂

[dickinson]

@cr8tiv1 I use those black wallet/cardholder things to hold my license and credit cards along with health cards. It fits nicely in back pocket when I walk for exercise.  After all these years I ran out of them.  A couple of years ago bought one off eBay for $5.  dh thought I was nuts. 😉 I don't know what I will do when this one "dies"!

[cr8tiv1]

3 minutes ago, dickinson said:

@cr8tiv1 I use those black wallet/cardholder things to hold my license and credit cards along with health cards. It fits nicely in back pocket when I walk for exercise.  After all these years I ran out of them.  A couple of years ago bought one off eBay for $5.  dh thought I was nuts. 😉 I don't know what I will do when this one "dies"!

 

Hopefully the wallet/card holders will still be available when you book your next suite.  I can't remember if I got them in March/April.  Was delighted to get them this past cruise.  Oh, the little things that make us happy.  

 

When you need another one, I will send one to you.  Much cheaper than eBay plus shipping,  

[dickinson]

16 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

Hopefully the wallet/card holders will still be available when you book your next suite.  I can't remember if I got them in March/April.  Was delighted to get them this past cruise.  Oh, the little things that make us happy.  

 

When you need another one, I will send one to you.  Much cheaper than eBay plus shipping,  

 

Thank you so much! 🥰

[msvca]

I enjoyed reading your wonderful trip report.  I am glad you and your sister enjoyed your trip.  We will be sailing on the Grand Princess for the first time in June 2023 on our Alaskan adventure.  I picked the Grand because of her size, Promenade Deck, and cabin selection.  After all of the negative posts I have read about her I am encouraged by your reports that I made the right decision.  I thought about booking 2 window suites but booked 1 mini-suite and 1 inside cabin instead since I knew my mom would enjoy the balcony.  

 

You have provided me with lots of information to make our cruise special.  I am definitely looking forward to trying the peanut butter cookies and other items at the International Cafe thanks to you.

[cr8tiv1]

45 minutes ago, msvca said:

I enjoyed reading your wonderful trip report.  I am glad you and your sister enjoyed your trip.  We will be sailing on the Grand Princess for the first time in June 2023 on our Alaskan adventure.  I picked the Grand because of her size, Promenade Deck, and cabin selection.  After all of the negative posts I have read about her I am encouraged by your reports that I made the right decision.  I thought about booking 2 window suites but booked 1 mini-suite and 1 inside cabin instead since I knew my mom would enjoy the balcony.  

 

You have provided me with lots of information to make our cruise special.  I am definitely looking forward to trying the peanut butter cookies and other items at the International Cafe thanks to you.

 

Thank you for your kind words.  

 

Regardless of which cabin category you picked, you will have a wonderful trip to Alaska.  

 

Will this be a roundtrip Vancouver or one way?  Glacier Bay is absolutely beautiful.  

 

Yes, I am a Grand Princess cheerleader...rah rah rah.