Our "Grand" Adventure (15 July 2006)

[Esprit]

I thought I'd post this here too. It was written for my "Brit" mates so apologies for any contentious comments!

THE SHIP

Our first view of the Grand was at Civitavecchia where it was berthed behind Oceana. Boy, did it look huge and I couldn’t make up my mind if it was a beauty or a beast. We sailed passed Oceana and fondly looked on. No regrets though. It was a bit like seeing an old car you once owned; nice memories but we had moved on from that model.

Once inside my first impression was Oh! and not Wow! (as on Oceana formerly Ocean Princess). The Atrium isn’t glitzy at all. It actually reminded me of QM2 but far less ostentatious. No line of stewards to take you to your stateroom just well positioned crew members to guide you through the ship.

We had a cabin on Caribe deck midships and the balcony was huge (a tip from the Cruise Critics website) whilst our kids (17 & 15 yrs old) had an inside cabin opposite. Both cabins looked identical to Oceana except we had a walk in wardrobe similar to the old Arcadia. Our balcony looked over the ones below and we ourselves were looked on from the two decks above. This meant 2/3 thirds of it was in the sun and the other third had an overhang of the balcony above. Perfect for sitting in the shade or wanting some privacy. Its size meant we had two chairs, a table and two loungers with space for more. No cushions on the chairs however although the suites below us did. I asked for cushions but was politely told they were for suites only so one morning I went up on the Lido deck and “borrowed” one of the sun bed covers for the duration of our cruise.

AROUND THE SHIP

The best way to sum the Grand up is to describe it as a much larger version of Oceana without the glitz. I could recognise carpet I’d seen on Oceana and the layouts of the three main restaurants were identical.

I initially thought I would never get used to where everything was and it all seemed a bit daunting. Up on the Lido deck you had a pool reserved for adults (with an excellent wave machine to swim against). Then there was the main pool which was looked over by the huge TV screen. Under the sky dome (always kept shut) was another pool and then at the back under Skywalkers disco a 4th but slightly smaller.

THE FOOD

The choice, taste, presentation and availability; I can’t think of enough superlatives.

We always had breakfast in the Horizon Court (aka Plaza & Belvedere). What a selections of omelettes, Danish pastries, French toast, muffins, bagels, cold & hot meats, fresh fruit etc etc.

Lunch saw us again in the Horizon Court every day. The choice never ceased to amaze me. There were a variety of pasta dishes, huge prawns, sushi dishes and desserts to die for (including hot puddings and custard!). There were roasts too. On one particular day the roast of the day was a “Canada round” (I think). It was a piece of beef the size of a boulder. I’ve never seen a joint of beef like in my life and the taste. Just amazing.

For the evening we chose “anytime dining” and after experimenting with two main restaurants we kept to the Michael Angelo as the air conditioning was set just right. Only on the first two nights did we have to wait (I’d forgotten to reserve a table earlier by phone in the day). The wait wasn’t a problem as it gave Jackie a chance to look at the shops and stalls around the atrium. I booked a few times but we were always late so I gave up. Instead we just turned up and were given a table straight away. We really liked having the chance to sit in different places and be served by different waiters. They were all excellent so I made a point of completing the satisfaction cards left on our table.

As for the food it was just exceptional. The plated meals looked great and the food was mostly hot. When it wasn’t I sent it back and got a hot one right away. OK so the vegetables were in tiny portions but I never had the urge to ask for more once it was eaten. Well, except once! It was the night I had Lobster thermidor. I’ve not had lobster that good since I was in Jersey in a renowned lobster restaurant. I was still hungry though having eaten it and the waiter asked if I would like something else. I thought the pheasant Jackie had looked good so I had the main course all over again!

On another night we had crabs legs as the main dish. These legs were enormous! We never saw the crabs they belonged to. They must have been the size of plates! Anyway the flavour of the crab meat was out of this world.

I won’t bore you anymore about the food except to say the freshly baked pizzas on the Lido deck were the best I have ever had. A special every day along with the Pepperoni and Margareta. They were my mid afternoon treat. No wonder I put weight on!!!

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS (M.U.T.S)

What a great innovation! Two films were shown in the day time (10 am and 2 pm) then another in the evening when the sun beds were covered over and a rolled blanket placed on top to give a luxurious effect.

I watched Spiderman the afternoon we were in Monaco! What a weird experience, lying on a sun bed in the blazing sunshine with Monte Carlo harbour in the background. The sound and picture quality was as good as any cinema. When the films weren’t shown you had continuous showing of under water footage, skydiving, watersports action etc. On the sea days when there were deck activities these would be beamed onto the screen so you didn’t have to get off your bed to watch. Just brilliant.

PORTS OF CALL.

Our itinerary was as follows:

Monaco

Livorno

Naples

Santorini

Kusadasi (for Ephesus)

Mykonos

Athens

Katakolon (for Olympia)

Corfu

Venice

I won’t describe each port but one favourite was Monaco (being a big F1 fan). I must be mad to pay 25 euros to get into a taxi which started and finished at the same place! But then it was a drive around the F1 circuit. What an experience!

Santorini was a pleasant surprise. There was a huge queue for the cable car and the donkey ride up so we thought we’d walk up instead (all 588 steps in 90 F). Not for the faint hearted! The donkeys stampede up the steps (and back down) and you have to get well clear of them. There is also a lot of Donkey poo to negotiate! Those riding the donkeys seemed envious of us! We knew what we were doing; they didn’t!

Another hour long queue for the cable car down meant we walked the steps again. Gluttons for punishment or what? Still, it meant we had worked up an appetite.

Venice provided an astonishing finale. We knew we’d enter the Grand Canal at 8.30 pm so made sure to eat early (anytime dining works a treat). We then got some champagne and positioned ourselves on the Lido deck (starboard side) along with our American friends Kevin and Sheryl. We sailed up the canal with Pavarotti singing on the big screen (“just one cornetto” etc). The view was spectacular and the waves and whistles from the people on shore was a complete surprise. Flashes from cameras at us everywhere. We felt like filmstars. The ship must have looked awesome to them from below towering over the Venetian skyline.

FELLOW PASSENGERS

We flew out on a Qantas 747 so there must have been approx’ 400 English passengers out of the 2,600 aboard. We didn’t see much of them once on board but came across the odd pockets of Brits on the sun deck and at breakfast.

As expected the majority were American and we made friends with a couple from Arizona through our son paling up with their son at the start of the cruise. They broke the mould of the American stereotype (particularly the beer Kevin could drink!). We spent a day with them on the Mykonos beach and then dined together that evening thanks to the anytime dining option. An excellent day. We also met up with people from the Cruise Critic site following a get together on embarkation day. Bob & Tina Duffin (from Essex) were the only other Brits that showed. After that meeting we drank with Tina and Bob most evenings and Bob became my “Bucket Buddy”. We’ll be meeting up with them again in Bluewater soon.

What surprised us the most were the number of Mexicans aboard and the abundance of Canadians together with the odd Russians and Australians. I was also baffled why there were Italians on board. No Germans, French or Scandinavians however. Overall the average age was easily in the 50’s so we were definitely not a floating nursing home.

I really liked the international feel it gave to the ship and the lack of any……..MOANING. I can honestly say I did not hear a bad word about the cruise, ship, food etc but some did confess to being a little port weary by the time we got to Corfu and wished we had skipped it in favour of more time in Venice. We also NEVER heard any foul language. As for the other contentious issue of smokers? They were few and far between. One bar we liked to go in for the dancing had evidence of smoke but you only noticed it because of its absence elsewhere.

FORMAL NIGHTS

Initially I thought 2 were not enough on a 12 nighter but I was wrong. The first (Captain’s cocktail) took place in the Atrium on the 4th night following a sea day. As well as the captain other senior officers were introduced which was interesting. Everyone was dressed accordingly with about 10% of the men in white jackets, 50% in DJ’s and the remainder in lounge suits. Those that never bothered in the first place stayed away from the proceedings. To my surprise people remained in their formal attire and the ambience was maintained throughout the night.

The second night was on the penultimate night and again everyone made the same effort. At 11.30 pm the champagne waterfall ceremony commenced and this was quite spectacular. For those going on a Princess cruise I won’t spoil the surprise. We were given champagne as it got under way and once the streamers came down everybody began to party assisted by the cruise director’s staff. For those wishing to continue in to the night you were invited up the Skywalkers where I believe the champagne waterfall glasses were distributed

On other nights the smart casual dress code meant we saw all sorts of combinations. What struck me as odd were women dressed glamorously but some (only a few) of their partners dressed in shorts. I wore jeans on three occasions (the deck party night, a night we had decided not to dine in the restaurant and the sail down the Grand Canal evening). On the whole people were dressed as smartly if not more so than on our previous P&O cruises.

ENTERTAINMENT

For us this centred around two lounge bars (the Explorers and the Wheelhouse). They both had very good live bands playing. The Explorers had an all black group who played contemporary, reggae, rock n’ roll and party music. They also played on deck for the sailaways and deck party night. In the wheelhouse there was a quartet playing Latino music which was great for our Salsa, Tango and Rumba routines. When they stopped for a break we’d go next door to the Explorers and hit the floor there and so on. For anyone into ballroom/Latin dancing we danced more on this cruise than our last 3 P&O cruises put together!

We only visited the Theatre once and caught a violinist playing. Nothing like Gary Lovini, so we left quite quickly. At the other end of the ship was the Vista lounge where we watched the theatre company perform a Motown special. Very well performed and surprisingly entertaining for me. We just didn’t have time to see the other cabaret acts which were slanted towards the Americans.

Every night in the Promenade bar Paul Burton (an Englishman) played the piano and sang classic musical hits, made witty remarks and interacted with the audience. A great entertainer but the Americans just didn’t get his sense of humour.

The Skywalkers disco must be visited just to see it. We went once but because it’s right at the back you tend to forget about it. Apparently its 120 feet above sea level and the views are remarkable.

As for drinks I mostly drank Becks ($3.50 per bottle = £2) but if you got a bucket it was 5 for the price of 4. These we bought every evening in the Sea Breeze bar (like the Pennant bar) as we sailed out of each port. One the best parts of the day with my “bucket buddies” Bob and Kevin.

Princess offer a “Soda card” for $47 which means you can then have as many Cokes, Sprites etc as you like. It definitely saves you money as my son only drinks orange juice or Fanta which the cards don’t cover. His drinks bill was some 3 times higher than my daughter’s. Jackie also took up the offer so it meant I could have a Sprite using her cruise card when she was with me.

OTHER NOTABLE POINTS

There was an abundance of waiters everywhere and nothing was too much trouble. They also didn’t pester you on the sun decks; just remind you they were there if you wanted to order a drink.

No tannoy announcements about art auctions, bingo or other day time activities.

No tea making facilities in our cabin (so we had room service deliver it)

We had brand new carpet in our cabin (felt great in bare feet) and along the corridor. Generally the ship was in very good nick and the usual revarnishing of the teak handrails was in evidence everywhere.

Tendering was never a problem once the tour groups got off first.

We never heard a thing in our cabin. No vibrations or noise from the corridor or adjacent cabins. We only ever knew we were in port once the announcement was made that all the port clearances had been given etc.

The Qantas flights was far superior to the cattle trucks used on the P&O fly cruises and the 2 hour flights were over before you knew it.

The weather was as you would expect for the Med’ in summer. Always in the high 80’s or low 90’s with never a cloud in sight. Only on one day was it windy when in Mykonos but we were told it usually was there anyway. I actually prefer the Med’ weather to the Caribbean. You also get longer days of daylight.

Movement on the ship was barely noticeable which disappointed me slightly. I love it when it’s rockin’ and rollin’.

TO SUM UP

After the anticlimax of our last cruise I was really apprehensive about this one but it turned into our best cruise. Each day just got better and better.

And the Grand Princess……….. Was a beauty and not a beast.

Peter

PS Sorry for going on a bit (not like me!)

[spongerob]

Thanks for the informative review, Peter. I'm glad you enjoyed "our" ship. We've sailed on Grand Princess more often than any other ship, and have two more booked on her.

[chrysalis]

Many thanks for your comprehensive review. It is nice to be reminded that there are other ships in the Princess Fleet besides the Crown....when you look at the "Princess" threads listing, I noted that there were at least 13 threads on the front page regarding the Crown. Some might think that she is the only ship sailing these days.

 

Thanks again, it sounds like you had a great cruise.

[mii]

Thank you for a well balanced review. Chyrsalis I was thinkng of the same thing about the Crown. I also have been counting just how many threads there are about that ship. It was very nice to finally read about another ship of the Princess fleet. Again thanks for the review of the Grand.

 

Marilyn

[Not an Essex Girl]

I was on the Grand too the same cruise as Peter, my husband was his "bucket buddy"

 

i agree with everything that Peter says, we have travelled on princess before so obvisiouly knew what to expect.

 

We 1st cruised with princess to the carribean and on there the formal nights were not really adhered to that much so it was a pleasant surprise that on this cruise, as Peter said, that the majority of people did.

 

We have a great time on the Grand too and have booked up to go on the Emerald next year and hope it is as good.

 

We did have traditional dining and the only thing I would say about this is that a few times our table companians did not turn up so we had to sit on our own and some times (when it was a port intensive day) there was lots of empty table.

 

But as Peter says a great time had by all.

 

And hope to meet up with Peter and his family soon

 

Tina

[LILynn]

Wow - Thanks for the great review. I leave on the Grand in 30 days (but who is counting!)

 

What did you do in the ports? Did you do any of the ship tours or did you have any private drivers?

 

I am glad you had such a great time and thanks again for all the information about the Grand.

 

Lynn

[Esprit]

Wow - Thanks for the great review. I leave on the Grand in 30 days (but who is counting!)

 

What did you do in the ports? Did you do any of the ship tours or did you have any private drivers?

 

I am glad you had such a great time and thanks again for all the information about the Grand.

 

Lynn

 

We didn't do any of the Princess tours as I could never muster enough enthusiasm fom my kids until they woke. We got a taxi in Athens to the Acropolis (dead easy) and would have done the same in Livorno and Naples.

 

We went as much for the relaxation as for the ports and living in England it's easy for us to return if we really like a place.

 

I'm eyeing up Emerald Princess for next August which repeats many of the ports but also gives us a day in Rome and Istanbul.

 

Have a great cruise. I know you will

 

Cheers

Peter

[KristinP]

Which ports required tendering?

[kftw]

Thank you so much for your review of the Grand. I was beginning to go through withdrawal with no news of her. I'm counting the days until we will be on her as it sounds as if we are going to have a wonderful time. Thank you again.

[Esprit]

Which ports required tendering?

 

Monaco

Santorini

Katakolon (for Olympia)

 

All were easy without any waiting or rough rides

 

Cheers

Peter

[Cruise-a-holic444]

As we like to say, "We had a GRAND time on the Grand!" Great, positive, fun review!:D

[Esprit]

As we like to say, "We had a GRAND time on the Grand!" Great, positive, fun review!:D

 

For taking the trouble to write this and everybody else who have made appreciative comments.

 

Peter

[Not an Essex Girl]

Dont know if you wil read this

 

But thankyou for the invite to the party we would love to come.

 

I will phone and tell you anyway and to get directions.

 

Thanks again

 

tina, bob and laura

[Esprit]

So pleased you can make it.

 

I'll let Valentina know as soon as she gets in from work. Maybe Laura can make her see sense that she should cruise again with us next year.

 

See you on the 12th

 

Peter

[Not an Essex Girl]

I will get Laura to have a word with Valentina and then you could come on the 28th the same time as us then Valentina would have Laura there too

 

See you soon

 

tina

[thekids]

thanks, did they have free ice cream at certain times :D

[Fuzzyape]

I won’t describe each port but one favourite was Monaco (being a big F1 fan). I must be mad to pay 25 euros to get into a taxi which started and finished at the same place! But then it was a drive around the F1 circuit. What an experience!

 

mad to pay 25 Euros! I think not. That would be an experience, some day I hope to get to Monaco, either for the race or just to be near the most famous bit of track in motor racing.

 

Thanks Esprit for the review.

[Eileen G]

Thanks so much for the review. We will be sailing the Emerald next may the same itinerary. Where did the tender let you off in Monaco. Could you just get off and walk around town? Thanks

[Esprit]

The tenders takes you into Monte Carlo harbour but not close to the expensive yachts (but you can walk up to them WOW!) . You then walk a little way around the harbour to the swimming pool complex and start/finish line of the F1 track (main road). The town is easy to walk around but to visit the Palace or the casino requires a few steps.

 

Ice cream is free at a certain time of the day but to be honest I never bothered.

 

Hope that helps

 

Peter

[English Tim]

Great review, but what's a "bucket buddy"?

[Not an Essex Girl]

My husband was Peter's "Bucket Buddy"

 

At the pool bar they sold a bucket of beer I think it was 5 bottles of Becks for the price of 4 - so they use to buy a bucket or maybe 2 buckets each early evening before dinner and drink they together. Hence the term "Bucket Buddy"

 

Hope that makes it clear

 

 

Tina

[English Tim]

My husband was Peter's "Bucket Buddy"

 

At the pool bar they sold a bucket of beer I think it was 5 bottles of Becks for the price of 4 - so they use to buy a bucket or maybe 2 buckets each early evening before dinner and drink they together. Hence the term "Bucket Buddy"

 

Hope that makes it clear

 

 

Tina

 

Thank you.

[Ashlea13vb]

Thank you so much for your review of the Grand. I was beginning to go through withdrawal with no news of her.

 

I agree! I leave on Sunday for a little pre-cruise in Barcelona before boarding the Grand on Tuesday. I've been watching for reviews on her, and this one is great!

 

Just makes me want Tuesday to come even faster! Thanks for the awesome review!

[bballprncess]

Thanks for the great review and chat about your cruise! We leave on the Grand in late September, and now can't sit still from excitement!!!

[Not an Essex Girl]

As I said before I was on the Grand the same cruise as Peter and I am really jealous of you all going on her.

 

You will have a great time and some of the ports are really great.

 

We didnt always get off as we like spending time by the pool on the ship.

 

And as it was quite port intensive it was really quiet on ship during these times

 

you will have a great time

 

Tina