Live From the Grand Princess, 22-Day Alaska B2B, Apr 30 - May 22

[Port Power]

Princess Cruises emailed today to advise they have redeployed Grand Princess next year and she is not coming to Australia.  Obviously both my cruises have been cancelled.  Just as I was becoming familiar with how life on a Princess ship works!

[Ken the cruiser]

We had an interesting morning, even though we had nothing planned. First, we went to Sabatini’s for breakfast and sat near the entrance where we were quietly entertained by the various issues the Sabatini’s manager, Alfredo, had to deal with during the 45 minutes we were there, from a loyal Princess patron (his words) complaining about the breakfast for over 10 minutes to folks popping in for breakfast that weren’t suite guests. Unfortunately, as it was after 9 am and the MDR was closed, the only place he could point them to was the Lido buffet which most were saddened to hear. But on the bright side, there were quite a few guests that came in to just make evening reservations. I know, nothing catastrophic, but it was entertaining. 😁

 

Then we noticed our internet service expiration date only had 2 hours left, even though we had purchased the ($50) Plus package on all three legs. We first stopped by the internet desk to see what the issue was and discovered the Plus package was not listed on our account. Then I checked my Folio on the App and noticed I had also been charged for my drinks last light! 😱

 

So we headed off to Guest Relations with our confirmations in hand. Luckily, there was no one in Suite/Elite line and they were able to get our previously purchased Plus packages reapplied to our remaining bookings. Once they did that, our internet service expiration date magically bumped up to 7+ days, and the drink charges from yesterday disappeared! 🕺💃🏻

Edited May 9 by Ken the cruiser

[Purplsmurf]

I think I know the answer to this question, but need an answer in writing. I have been on a Celebrity cruise to Alaska and know that the casino is open. Is it the same for Princess? We are sailing Princess next year for my parents’ 60th anniversary and they want to make sure that the casino will be open on any sea days and after we sail from ports (like any other cruise). I told them yes, but they are still concerned. 

[Ken the cruiser]

30 minutes ago, Purplsmurf said:

I think I know the answer to this question, but need an answer in writing. I have been on a Celebrity cruise to Alaska and know that the casino is open. Is it the same for Princess? We are sailing Princess next year for my parents’ 60th anniversary and they want to make sure that the casino will be open on any sea days and after we sail from ports (like any other cruise). I told them yes, but they are still concerned. 

We just went by the casino and here’s what they said. On sea days, the cashier opens at 9 am and some of the tables open at 10 am. They will stay open until midnight, or a little later depending on how many guests are there at that time. 
 

On port days they will open once the ship gets far enough away from the port into international waters. For example, the casino was open on the last leg after we left Skagway, even though Alaska was on both sides of the ship as we left. 

[Purplsmurf]

3 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We just went by the casino and here’s what they said. On sea days, the cashier opens at 9 am and some of the tables open at 10 am. They will stay open until midnight, or a little later depending on how many guests are there at that time. 
 

On port days they will open once the ship gets far enough away from the port into international waters. For example, the casino was open on the last leg after we left Skagway, even though Alaska was on both sides of the ship as we left. 

Thank you so much! Now I can show this to my parents 😂. Appreciate it!

[Ken the cruiser]

We just got back from listening to an awesome North To Alaska series lecture given by Dave Timmerman! The last part of his lecture discussed the evolution of the Aleutian Ballad crab fishing boat to one that now takes along tourists when they go fishing out of Ketchikan! 

 

 

 

It was so motivating, we decided to swap the Ketchikan duck boat tour we had originally booked for the below excursion on the Aleutian Ballad! Luckily, the excursions for the May 15 cruise don’t close out until tomorrow, 5 days before embarkation.

 

 

Edited May 9 by Ken the cruiser

[no1racefan1]

26 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We just got back from listening to an awesome North To Alaska series lecture given by Dave Timmerman! The last part of his lecture discussed the evolution of the Aleutian Ballad crab fishing boat to one that now takes along tourists when they go fishing out of Ketchikan! 

 

 

 

It was so motivating, we decided to swap the Ketchikan duck boat tour we had originally booked for the below excursion on the Aleutian Ballad! Luckily, the excursions for the May 15 cruise don’t close out until tomorrow, 5 days before embarkation.

 

 

I have seen rave reviews for this excursion!

[Ken the cruiser]

10 minutes ago, no1racefan1 said:

I have seen rave reviews for this excursion!

It sure looks pretty cool, that’s for sure! I guess that’s why it’s not cheap! 😂

[phabric]

It is a very popular excursion to book.

[cr8tiv1]

Ha Ha...you could have saved yourself a cruise fare.  Good luck on this voyage spotting the Northern Lights.  I can't believe you are giving up another "DUCK BOAT" for crabs.  

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/weather/2024/05/09/northern-lights-forecast-auroras-possible-this-weekend/73629276007/

[Ken the cruiser]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Ha Ha...you could have saved yourself a cruise fare.  Good luck on this voyage spotting the Northern Lights.  I can't believe you are giving up another "DUCK BOAT" for crabs.  

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/weather/2024/05/09/northern-lights-forecast-auroras-possible-this-weekend/73629276007/

OK, you’ve got us hoping again, as it’s looking pretty positive for this weekend if the clouds clear away for us around midnight each night! 😂

  

 

 

  
Even the weather looks like it might cooperate as we cruise from Ketchikan to Juneau tomorrow evening! 🤞

 

[Ken the cruiser]

2 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

I can't believe you are giving up another "DUCK BOAT" for crabs.  

I know, who knew! 😂 I guess we just got caught up in the moment! My DW is really looking forward to seeing all of the eagles at the end of the cruise! 😁

[Ken the cruiser]

Tonight after dinner we headed to the 6:30 pm Comedy Show in the Vista Lounge with the very funny Sid Davis!

 

 

 

Then over to the theater to watch the production show Sweet Soul Music, which was very upbeat and had us tapping our feet the whole time! 😁

  

 

The entertainment in the Explorers Lounge tonight was the Yes/No Game Show.

 

Edited May 10 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

Day 10 - May 9 - Ketchikan, Alaska

 

 

 
Looks like the internet speeds are back to 5heir normal range again.

 

 

Edited May 10 by Ken the cruiser

[Ken the cruiser]

Our excursion we’re heading out on early tomorrow morning.

 


 
And it appears we might have some pleasant weather too. 🤞

  

Edited May 10 by Ken the cruiser

[Wink87]

16 hours ago, Ken the cruiser said:

We just got back from listening to an awesome North To Alaska series lecture given by Dave Timmerman! The last part of his lecture discussed the evolution of the Aleutian Ballad crab fishing boat to one that now takes along tourists when they go fishing out of Ketchikan! 

 

 

 

It was so motivating, we decided to swap the Ketchikan duck boat tour we had originally booked for the below excursion on the Aleutian Ballad! Luckily, the excursions for the May 15 cruise don’t close out until tomorrow, 5 days before embarkation.

 

 

We did this excursion twice last year, in June and September. Be camera ready when you get to the area when they throw fish out to the eagles. Set your phone on slow mo for best pics!

[Ken the cruiser]

We have arrived in Ketchikan, Alaska! Last week I believe we were docked at the end of the long pier in the distance. Well, we now know where the Aleutian Ballad will probably be docked when we come back here next week! 😂

 

 

[HaveDogWillTravel]

In Juneau we love to walk to the Alaska State Museum.  We then continue on to Cope Park and then up the steep stairs by the dog park (bonus if the locals are out with their dogs) out to Franklin street for the shorter trek back to town. You’ll pass by Amalga Distillery then a few doors down Devil’s Club brewing for well deserved libations on the way back in. 
 

There’s a lot of beautiful homes and interesting landscaping as well as the Governor's house and State Capitol building along the route. Great way to stretch your legs. 
 

[Ken the cruiser]

14 minutes ago, HaveDogWillTravel said:

In Juneau we love to walk to the Alaska State Museum.  We then continue on to Cope Park and then up the steep stairs by the dog park (bonus if the locals are out with their dogs) out to Franklin street for the shorter trek back to town. You’ll pass by Amalga Distillery then a few doors down Devil’s Club brewing for well deserved libations on the way back in. 
 

There’s a lot of beautiful homes and interesting landscaping as well as the Governor's house and State Capitol building along the route. Great way to stretch your legs. 
 

That looks awesome! Thanks!! 😁

[Sail away MK]

Hey Ken, Thanks for this great LIVE thread.  I will be on the Grand for the May 29 - June 5 voyage so I'm following closely.  I saw the Crab Shack is open and was wondering if this would count as one of our free Premier specialty dinners.  If you have a chance to ask someone I would really appreciate it.  I've heard on different ships it counts different ways.

Edited May 10 by Sail away MK
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[AryMay]

We were on the Zaandam and followed you into Glacier Bay. Here are some photos I took of the Grand Princess…

 

 

[latebloomer56]

Such a nice live review thanks for sharing. Quick question we just booked the Grand Vista Suite C750. I hope they are all similar. What do you think of your balcony? Also did you need to pre book your dinner reservation since your in a suite? Is there a concierge lounge for coffee in the early AM like on the Regal?

Thanks so much, enjoy we love Alaska been 3 times can't wait to take our sons and grandson.

[memoak]

1 minute ago, latebloomer56 said:

Such a nice live review thanks for sharing. Quick question we just booked the Grand Vista Suite C750. I hope they are all similar. What do you think of your balcony? Also did you need to pre book your dinner reservation since your in a suite? Is there a concierge lounge for coffee in the early AM like on the Regal?

Thanks so much, enjoy we love Alaska been 3 times can't wait to take our sons and grandson.

If you are in a full suite you have Reserve dining you cannot make reservations just show up and you will be seated. There is no concierge lounge on Grand class ships

[latebloomer56]

1 minute ago, memoak said:

If you are in a full suite you have Reserve dining you cannot make reservations just show up and you will be seated. There is no concierge lounge on Grand class ships

Wonderful thank you so much. Will be up early as always so just hit the IC.

[Ken the cruiser]

7 minutes ago, latebloomer56 said:

Such a nice live review thanks for sharing. Quick question we just booked the Grand Vista Suite C750. I hope they are all similar. What do you think of your balcony? Also did you need to pre book your dinner reservation since your in a suite? Is there a concierge lounge for coffee in the early AM like on the Regal?

Thanks so much, enjoy we love Alaska been 3 times can't wait to take our sons and grandson.

 

4 minutes ago, memoak said:

If you are in a full suite you have Reserve dining you cannot make reservations just show up and you will be seated. There is no concierge lounge on Grand class ships

Regarding the balconies on the aft-facing Vista Suites on the Grand class ships. We have booked ones on both the Caribe and Dolphin decks and the balconies on the Dolphin Deck are a few feet deeper plus they are in the corner whereas on the Caribe deck, there is usually Premium balcony cabin on the corner. No big deal unless you’re like us and want both an aft view as well as a full port/starboard view without having to look through someone else’s balcony.
 

However, we were in C755 on the Sapphire on our recent Antarctica/SA cruise, and there was still plenty of space. But if we had the option, we’d always book one on the Dolphin deck.