Sailed Grand Mar 31-Apr 7

[MiBoater]

We just returned from the Grand and we had a great time. I'm not going to write a full review, but just a few comments.

 

We flew to Houston (George Bush Intercontinental, the airfare was MUCH less than Hobby) the morning before the cruise and overnighted in Galveston. It was a 1 1/2 hour casual drive. However we stopped at Johnson Space Center for several hours, the kids loved that.

 

We were on board by Noon, the check in was very fast and organized.

 

We found the ship to be in great shape. We had 4 mini suites on the Emerald Deck and we asked the steward to open all of the balcony doors between the cabins.

 

The beds were fine and comfy.

 

We were assigned the Botticelli Dining Room. The service and food were great.

 

MUTS is a great feature. We all enjoyed that.

 

I liked the open dining for Breakfast and Lunch. It was so leisurely and passenger friendly.

 

The ONLY things that I found lacking was our cabin steward, almost daily our rooms were not made up by Noon. This may have been just our steward. I was a little surprised by the lack of service because we were in mini-suites.

 

AND, the entertainment was just ok. 1 out of 3 comedians were hilarious. The singing and dancing were good, not great.

 

The ports, Costa Maya was a little too dumpy and I didn't feel safe there with the kids. Once off the ship we had to wait 45 minutes in line to buy tickets for transfers into town, THEN wait another 45 minutes for the busses to arrive and once we got to the city beach area, it down poured! Yikes! Oh well, there are things that are out of my control and we just tried to make the best of it.

 

Roatan, was one of my favorite ports. We took a van tour to West end and stayed there for the day. I was so surprised to find NO SAND FLEAS! After everything I read on this board, I was so concerned that we'd be eaten alive, and I was armed with bug spray, however there was no need.

 

We were burnt to a crisp, so in Belize we just shopped and hung out and tried to stay out of the sun.

 

Cancun we went to Chakanaab Park and snorkled and enjoyed the sun, this place was the kids favorite place to snorkle and goof around.

 

Disembarkation, we did the "Express". That wasn't too bad. It took 50 minutes from the time we got into line and thru customs. I was worried after reading the horror stories posted. When you figure that Princess is trying to get all of these people off the ship, I think they do a pretty good job.

 

We booked our return cars thru Hertz which is located right at the cruise terminal (very convenient) and drove back to the airport.

 

All in all, a GREAT cruise vacation. My brother and family's first cruise and they had a wonderful time. Our family was able to experience something fun that they will remember for a lifetime. Hats off to Princess!

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the review, I want to try the Emerald deck minis one of these times. :)

[Not an Essex Girl]

HI

we were on the Grand last summer in a suite and we was a little disapointed with our steward too. Perhaps it was the same one

 

Our beds did not seem to be made up till noon either. Definitly sounds the same LOL

 

 

Tina

[sunshineminnie]

Which comedian was funny? Do they have them same ones each cruise? Where do they perform? What kind of humor is it? I love a great comedian but hate TONS of vulgar language.

 

thanks

[Northender]

Thanks for a nice review. We were on the Grand the week before you.

Our Cabin Steward left a lot to be desired. The only thing he told us was he had 27 cabins and the others had 19. But that he didn't mind. (More tips?)

We felt lucky if our room was made up by Noon:D

[DetectiveMom]

I was on this sailing also.....

 

I found very few things lacking in certain areas of the Grand Princess. Well maintained and lovely ship. Food was well presented and tasted great...and I'm picky as my husband is a chef. The only area lacking was children's club (not to my son's liking) and casino staff friendliness....maybe they didn't like us as my MIL won over $2700 on the slots during the voyage.

 

I found 2 of the 3 comedians funny....Cary (forgot his last name) and Rollin' Jay Moore. The balloon/magician/comedian was not funny. And the hypnotist was bad also.

 

Our cabins D404 & D406 were very much to our likely. Even though our balconies were uncovered....we had no problems with people looking down on us. Everyone minded their own business. Our cabin steward, Melchor, was a total dream.

 

We didn't care for Costa Maya...schedule got screwed up, arrived in port almost 6 hours late due to heavy winds the night before.

 

I didn't care for Honduras....DH & DS loved the zip line. Booked Victor Bodden tours...Carlos was very informative, but AC was not working well in van. We could have done without the tour through the poor areas. Over all a nice tour.

 

ATTENTION: For anyone booking a cave tubing tour in Belize.....book through cave-tubing.com. They are far superior than any other excursion out there! Junny, Mike and Timmy were our guide and we loved them so much! We felt safe (myself, hubby & 2 kids) and so welcomed n their country. They made the tour fun! Do not hesitate to book through them!

 

Cozumel...went to Nachi Cocom Beach Club. Excellent accommodations, no over crowding like Playa Mia. But staff is indifferent to guests. Wonderful food. DH & DS went on the mini-jet boat excursion through Princess...they loved it! And the pictures looked like a good time. Did lots of shopping also. Bought jewerly at Columbian Emeralds...very nice people and excellent values!

 

Also note to those collecting the charm braclets....all employees at Diamonds International are very kind EXCEPT some middle aged, frizzy haired, laether faced looking woman in the Cozumel store. Horrible attitude! I will never buy anything from that store....I took my money to Columbian Emeralds!

 

Overall, it was a very blessed trip and I feel fortunate to have visited these countries and met the people I did.

 

I would not hesitate for a moment to sail Grand Princess again!

[MiBoater]

I agree about the Diamonds International people. Some where nice others followed me into other stores! I kid you NOT. I was just looking at a ring and this lady was so persistent she kept following me and wouldn't take not interested as an answer.

 

Besides their prices aren't a deal. I purchased an Ebel watch for HALF of what they were selling them for.

 

Roatan was kind of neat. They only thing was that there is definate evidence of developers are starting to buy up property and build. It should help the local ecomony, but I hope it doesn't lose the charm.

 

Our guide was a teacher, she was great. The people of Roatan have great family values and she said that they are constantly trying to defuse the negative hollywood/entertainer crap that their children come in contact with. In some ways its a very small world!