Hello frm the Grand Princess

[winesfine]

Hi, Toto. Good to see your post. We'll be on the Grand on Feb 13 ... do do do do Friday the 13th that is ;o)

 

Enjoy your time. You've had a rough year.

[Cosmic Rays]

We're up next...........look forward to hearing your reports and for us then to see what@s different since we were on her last June in Norway.

[ocnlvr3]

Thanks Toto we do appreciate your posts this will be our first time on the Grand so look forward to all your info. Please say hi to Ann and Denis B for me:D

 

 

Andrea

[dewats784]

From one Kansan to another have a great time Toto!! I will hold down the fort here in the middle of the country while you are gone. Hope you have great weather and just a wonderful cruise. Looking forward to your posts. Just 2 weeks to go until I will be on the Crown! We sure enjoyed the Grand last January.

 

Weather was up in the 50's here again today, but colder tomorrow. As you know how the weather yo yo's here!!!

 

Enjoy!

[Solara]

Toto, Have a great cruise. Looking forward to your updates!

[spongerob]

Hit any jackpots yet? I'm glad we've got a few months before we sail so they can refill all those pokies after you're done with them. :D

[many cruises]

Toto- It's so nice of you to post live. The Grand was our very first Princess cruise...and then the addiction to Princess ships continued. :) Have a wonderful cruise...we'll all be anxiously awaiting your live posts!

[pmcrusta]

Hi! Sue and Jim, clicked the wrong thing forgot you can't fix the heading say wrong...meant to write saw, DUH! I watched you guys sail away off into the night, by the time you guys finally left Ft. Lauderdale (I was starting to get worried with all the issues the Grands had). Someone on the other couples post from the last cruise over on the Grand (sorry Phyl's?) they wanted to know about Wayne's new boat. I'll go back to it and tell them to post here.

Miss our cruise:(, but you guys have a great time. You'll be happy to know it was 20 degrees at your home town at 11PM Saturday night. Love my new toy Santa gave me for Christmas. Soak up the heat...

[Toto2Kansas]

Good Morning (almost afternoon) everyone.

 

Ahhhhhh, got a wonderful nights sleep last night, Jess our room service did a great job on softening up the bed. He is very proud of himself and checked with us the moment he saw us in the hallway. He is just looking to please and so far has thought of everything to make our stay onboard exceptional.

 

I would love to report on the entertainment, but alas, we haven't seen anything yet, although we tried. We arrived at the formal night production show last night 25 minutes before it began, and believe it or not, there was not one seat left in the threater. After looking at the passenger load a bit more carefully last night, I realize there are a lot more seniors on this trip then I first thought there were. That equals show seats filled up over 30 minutes before they begin. Not sure if we are going to rush through dinner to arrive 30-45 minutes or more, beforehand to see a show on this trip.

 

A few things I have noticed. There is some confusion as to formal nights on this sailing. One flyer of the cruise sent around to the staterooms says there are two, last night and the night we leave Ramona. BUT, last night we received another that said that there was only one formal night (last night) and the rest would be resort casual. Guess we will just have to wait and see on that and report later on. Last sailing there were three formal nights, but two were on Christmas and New Years Eve I have been told. So, even though princess.com says three formal nights on a cruise of this length, it looks like there will only be one or two.

 

I am going to post this and then continue just in case it goes poof! :)

[Toto2Kansas]

Back again! Enjoying a lovely day at sea. Began with a bit of clouds and a few sprinkles, but much nicer later this morning. Temps are around 80* and it feels wonderful.

 

Coffee info. That I am not sure of as you know we bring our own travel coffee maker for the stateroom. I do know there has always been a coffee bar in the Atrium though and will keep my eyes open for it in the next few days.

 

Juice at the buffet. Change since our last cruise. Juice is no longer available on the buffet itself, but poured by the staff at your table. So, for those that like to grab a dozen juices (OR MORE) and pour them into a container for use during the day, forget it, it won't be happening any more. They also have no way to keep it cold on the trays so it is usually quite warm when they pour it. Oh well, didn't make a dent so far in the cruise enjoyment.

 

Packing-Just a hint for those that like to pack without cross packing. One couple traveling with a 4 year old in our CC group found out the hard way. Their luggage arrived but the one suitcase with ALL the childs clothes did not. Poor baby, she had the clothes on her back and the few T-Shirts they purchased for her onboard. But as we know, the shops sell very little in the way of childrens clothing. They are hoping it will catch up to us at the first port. :( Cross packing is one thing we have done for years, even though we have not ever had our luggage lost, it can be a lifesaver.

 

M&G went very well yesterday. Lots of gifts exchanged and we could meet face to face with many from the roll call that we had going for so very long. Nothing special done by Princess except for a printed sign blocking off part of Skywalkers for cruise critic members. But we all had a great time (at least I did) and some interesting gifts exchanged from our areas of residence.

 

Food-Actually even better than I remember it being. Lots of variety and the presentation seems to be going back to the way I remember it long ago. Each plate is displayed in a very pleasing manor and delicious. Even the desserts are better than they have been the last few sailings with Princess, for me, that is not good. LOL It just means I better dig out my elastic waist pants for the trip home.

 

Weather. We noticed a difference from before dinner to afterwards last night. A bit cool and windy as we ordered in our suite as it was too windy to dine on the balcony. We returned after attempting to go to the theater and opened the balcony door to very warm and humid air and very little breeze. Just exactly what we were looking for this cruise. Give me warm and humid over cold and snowy anyday. ;)

 

Casino-ARGH! What a difference from past sailings. TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT Haven't heard one person mention winning, but lots of loosers, including me. Just about ready to go down, while it's still quiet, to give it another try, still lots of casino credits waiting to be cashed in. I seem to be much luckier in the AM then I am at night. Here's hoping! Sponge-One good thing, the progressive max play on OUR machines is still 5 and not 10 as on other ship. Bad news, the progressive doesn't get much above $1200-$1500. LOL But I'll take that, if I can get it. :)

 

So far things are very enjoyable and I am so glad to be here and not home trying to keep warm.

 

Gotta run for now, long line waiting for computers since the speed is much faster this morning.

[55J5-5]

Do the guys have the inflatable pool out yet??? LOL :D

 

Sarah

[burm]

Food is excellent, service even better than I remember, crew friendly, etc etc.

We have a very mixed age group onboard from 20 somethings to the older set (not telling which we fall into ;)). Only 24 children onboard it has been reported, so very quiet as to kids running up and down the halls or around the pools.

 

All is well, having a marvelous time, and will check back when I can if there is internet access.

 

Toto, if you will be touring with Wayne is St Vincent I would love to hear all about it please. We booked with him on your recommendation and can't wait.

 

So glad to hear the food is good. That is right near the top of my list of cruise pleasures.

[ocnlvr3]

Toto, Sounds like things are going well wish I was there.

When you find out about the formal nights please let us know. Also we have booked Wayne so looking forward to your post on his tour.

 

 

Thanks again,

 

 

Andrea

[Colo Cruiser]

Thanks for the updates. :)

[Shogun]

Hi There Toto,

 

Keep up the good work, may be stay away from the casino.

 

have a great cruise

 

 

yours Shogun

[-Lew-]

Toto...

 

Thanks so much for your reports. I'm reading them with great interest as we are sailing the Grand on January 30th.

 

I identify with your attitude. We always try to amplify what's good about our vacations and let the little annoyances fall by the wayside. Sounds like you're having a wonderful time.

 

Lew

[silvercruiser]

We're boarding the Grand Jan. 16 and I'd hate to pack for 3 formal nights if I don't have to. Wonder if Princess will explain why they cut back to just one on your cruise. I always cut out the little itinerary from the Patters that's in the cabin the day we board, hilite the formal nites in yellow and tape it up on the mirror so I won't forget. Also an easy way to check on what ports on what days.

[cruisinsoooon]

Thanks for your updates, and I look forward to reading more! Can't wait for our turn on January 30th! Interesting about the formal nights -- can you let us know when you find out more, whether it is one formal night or two? Thanks!

[kywildcatfanone]

Toto,

 

Thanks for the updates, I hope the casion is kinder to you today.

 

Mike

[Cosmic Rays]

Toto,

 

We too are concerned about the number of 'formals'. We thought there were three and will pack accordingly before we leave next week for the 16th sailing. Further information you are able to glean will be much appreciated............

 

Thanks,

 

Colin

[kodiac]

Hi All, just checking in from a very very slow internet connection.

Almost gave up but decided I would sit here until it loaded, which has been about 10 minutes or more.

 

Embarkation was a breeze. Arrived at the pier just after 11:00 and sat in the Elite Lounge until abuot 11:30-11:45 (sorry wasn't actually watching the clock as we were visiting with other cc members). Boarding took all of about 5 minutes, since we bypass the photo.

 

Things are well onboard so far, no problem to speak of that we have found. We are pretty sure the thrusters are still in disrepair though, but won't find out for sure until we get to our first port of Curacao day after tomorrow. Will try and report back when I find out for sure.

 

Everyone we have met from the CC group so far seems to be so tired after arrival, even those of us that arrived a day or so early. Probably the busy holiday season which wore us all out, or just plain old age setting in. lol

 

Have met up with about 1/3 of the cc members for sailaway, but actual M&G is scheduled for about 90 minutes from now.

 

The ship is good condition, although I have to admit showing it's age a little bit (if you really want to look). But as long as you aren't knit picking looking for scratches and well used sections, you won't even notice a bit.

No smells, water is pure as ever. No notice of any carpets bunching up, in fact, they all appear new and fresh. The ship is very clean and just as I remember it the last two sailing we have taken on the Grand.

 

Only problem we have had so far, again, was the beds. The room steward actually put three egg crates on it to soften it up a bit. Hopefully it will help. I actually expected a little more comfortable bed in a full suite, but then again, I have been wrong many times before. The problem seems to be that the new egg crate mattress toppers are less than 1 inch thick, compared to the old ones that were several inches thick. So if you aren't fond of extra firm mattresses, make sure you plan accordingly.

 

Food is excellent, service even better than I remember, crew friendly, etc etc.

We have a very mixed age group onboard from 20 somethings to the older set (not telling which we fall into ;)). Only 24 children onboard it has been reported, so very quiet as to kids running up and down the halls or around the pools.

 

All is well, having a marvelous time, and will check back when I can if there is internet access.

 

 

Darn you!!! :) Maybe I should just post here from now?? :)

 

By the way... our bed is awsome here on the Grand. We decided to bring our own bedding! LOL...

[obendus]

Good Morning (almost afternoon) everyone.

 

Thanks for the information re: the formal nights. Funny that you mention the crowd at the theater... we've experienced this on occasion as well. One would think an 'older' demographic would result in more, not less formals, but like everyone else here... we'll keep tuned for your upbeat insights.

 

Nice of you to note the food appears to be improving... not that is was bad before... but if they keep it interresting, it certainly adds to the cruise.

[johnmik1]

Toto,Is the elite embarcation lounge still just a segregated area at the entrance to the checkin?

[Paul123]

Toto..thanks for the fantastic write-up. Well done you. Is the wireless internet working throughout the ship at designated areas for those with own wifi laptops? Have a great cruise we're on her when you get back.

 

Paul

[wishful thinking]

Hello Toto. Your live thread is brilliant. We board on 27 Feb and can't wait! Just a small request. Can you wish our son a Happy Birthday tomorrow, and tell him we'll see him in February? He's Chris, guitarist and singer in Junction 21 band. Thanks so much.

 

Have a fantastic cruise.