Topic: Grand Princess!

QUOTE:

And I'll be on her the week after (I lost out to Mrs Piermaster) for her first and only Canaries trip 4-15 June.

Dave

We'll make sure we keep her nice for you then! Off to the Canaries myself in a few weeks on Azura - can't wait!

Debbie

everyones consentrating on the gp,s age and interior ,been on her five times also been on newer gem sized ships and the ventura ,they are basically set out the same, poor old gp was the FIRST of the this style of ship and yes is showing her age ,but shes well cared for always has clean passenger rooms ,prone to n.v but thats a lack of pax cleanliness not the gp,s,
when she has her refit will we be as negitive about her i for one will be sailing on her next year and again in 2012

QUOTE:

When on Crown Princess last month I was told that Grand Princess will be having more than a refit, she's getting a 'Retro-Fit' which entails:
Dry-docked,
Replacement of some engine components
Full internal refurbishment including replacement of all furniture
Additional fittings to bring her into line with Golden and Star (Does that mean an International Cafe?)
and
This one I'm not sure about - rebuilding the Atrium Staircases so they are the same as Golden, Star, Emerald, Crown, Ruby, etc - I can't quite work that one out unless it means getting rid of the 'footbridge' that cuts across the atrium from decks 6 to 5 and that is serious structural alteration!

Dave

Am booked on GP next year and must say was getting rather worried with all the bad reviews......glad to hear she is getting a full refit next year - will wait and see reviews after the refit before I decide whether to cancel or not !
Thanks
Sarah

QUOTE:

I believe she is indeed getting an International Cafe, amongst other things. I'll find out for myself next year when we sail on her just after the refit (28th May to the Fjords).

Debbie

Hi Debbie,
Look forward to hearing your review of GP after the refit next year....still undecided whether to keep booking for Oct 2011 or not after reading all the bad reviews !
Sarah

QUOTE:

Hi Debbie,
Look forward to hearing your review of GP after the refit next year....still undecided whether to keep booking for Oct 2011 or not after reading all the bad reviews !
Sarah

Hi Sarah

I'll be sure to come back and do a review afterwards!

Debbie

Hi, were looking at the same 17 day cruise, we went on the Grand Princess last summer and as a first cruise it was great, the only downside was the somewhat tired apprerance of the boat...still 10 years at see full time is a long time...but the service was great and are going to book again as the refit should fix much of the issues....plus the cruise offers good value Vs the Cunard option which is coming in at over 30% more based on Cruise.co.uk prices. As for the refit I am not sure, but the Maitre'd told me that there would be 1000 people on board for a month which sounds like a big refit, he said that they were moving the rear section that contains the disco to the middle of the ship...that sounds pretty drastic, but on the basis that they can "cut n shut" ships these days and put them back on the water I am sure that anything is possible.....Hope that helps and maybe see you next year ;-)

Hi KK!
I have to say thank you to all who have replied.
We were sorely tempted. A great Itinerary.
Read all the replies and decided to go with P&O again. One night less a bit dearer, not all the ports we wanted. Maybe one day. But have a great cruise and please tell us (well me) anyway how you found it. Thanks for taking the trouble to respond.

Having done Ventura last year and GP in October this year, I would definately go for GP. She has a nicer feel than Ventura (we don't hate Ventura, been on her twice) The service seemed better and the ship looks great. You can find bits of rust if you want to find them and some of the furnishings are a bit tired. If I was offered both then I would take Grand. That said I am happy to be on either.
Matthew

heard the disco (shopping trolly look will be going too) ..anyone else heard this is going to definatley happen too...

had a very very good trip on her last year..and I ve booked 2 weeks round the med in the school holidays , yes must be mad..but I had more trouble last year with old timers...moaning moaning ..all the time over silly things...so I am for one quite happy to be sailing with the young ones !

According to the Captain on our cruise in October, it is going.