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I am writing this on the Forum, as there have been a lot of comments and concerns on here about this Ship. Plus there are others going on later cruises. We only got back this morning, had a great time.
We boarded later than intended because of the dreaded virus, so were served in the Buffet by staff, which took longer but for us - no problem. Frankly we preferred it! By Monday there were four cases reported, by Wednesday the restrictions were lifted. For the first time ever on a cruise, everyone I saw leaving the bathrooms washed their hands and all used the gel, clearly that helped to stop the spread.
We found the food and service excellent in the Da Vinchi Dining Room and Horizon Court. The food in the Dining Room was also Hot! Luigi the Maitre D' was a Star, so were our waiters. However, I did here some moans about the food, one being there were no chips in the Horizon Court at Lunchtime ( If they had wanted them they could have gone to the Grill and had a beefburger as well!) They could also have had a whole plateful in The Dining Room!
Wine prices, we thought reasonable and a good range, cheaper than Cunard! 15% on drinks is a 'rip-off' but we knew this before we went, it's been the same on every ship we have been on and budgeted for it. Clearly, others we overheard complaining, didn't!
Our cabin, we were lucky, we booked a mini balcony suite with cruise dot and were later offered an upgrade to a Penthouse Suite, for a fee!! It was brilliant and all the little extras you get make it very worthwhile, If you ever get offered one, I would take it! It was a real treat to retire to, on chilly days and to relax in between times.
Gratuities, we left ours on the bill and also paid a little extra to the Waiters and our Room Steward. We had the misfortune of observing one of the 'I always tip at the end' guests putting money into envelopes for the staff, $5 bill in each envelope! For a week!! What an insult to hard working and charming staff.
Smoking, yes, you can on your Balcony, In the Casino-all day and evening apart from the two formal nights. Also in the Snooker Bar, in the evenings and on sea days. Also, outside, on designated decks Port Side and on one of these there is cover from the elements! I also understand you can smoke in Sywalkers after 9pm in a designated area. We only ventured up there once, full of children, so we beat a hasty retreat! I think it was 'Family Disco night' so no suprise really!
Mobility scooters and wheelchairs, yes plenty, were they a problem? Absolutely NOT.
Entertainment, on the whole pretty good, although we didn't bother with the comedians and didn't miss much apparantley!
The Casino, minimum stake $5, some tables very busy, especially 3 card poker, did feel they could have opened another table, had to wait ages to get a seat! Glad I did, as I won $200! So left with a profit!
Ports of Call, the only Ships excursion that we did, was the Ghent Canal Trip by Coach from Zeebrugge, we thought it very good value. Far longer on the water than we expected and very scenic, on a lovely hot day! Copenhagen, there is a shuttle bus right by the ship No 26 that takes you into the centre, lots of building work going on, so didn't see it at it's best. It was only 8 degrees when we were there so didn't stay there very long! We did see Nyhaven, which would be brilliant on a warm day! Helsinborg, got the tender ashore & then walked into town & along the Kullagatan, Sweden's 1st pedestrian shopping street and into Stortoget, which was very lively with a Market in full swing and the Keep is impressive. On our return all the ladies were given a rose as we waited for the tender, a charming gesture by the very welcoming Swedish tourist board.
Unfortunately, Oslo didn't happen! The Public Sector which includes the Pilot and the Dock Workers were threatening a strike! The Captain waited, hovering off the Berth until 10.am hoping the ongoing negotiations would have a positive outcome, there wasn't one! He couldn't risk taking the ship in, in case the strike went ahead and we could have been there for days! What other course of action could he possibly have taken? Yet, the 'moaners' were out in force, he should have 'risked it' etc.. how ridiculous! If we had been stuck there, what about all those with commitments, not to mention this weeks cruise passengers! We were disappointed, yes, especially as we chose the cruise for the visit to Oslo, but that's life! We had a very slow tootle through the Fjords, which was brilliant!
As a result of leaving Oslo early, we got back into British Waters, earlier, so the shops and Casino had to close by 9pm last night. My husband witnessed an ugly scene at the Pursers Desk, with some of the 'Casino Gamblers' having a real go at a member of staff because it had closed! It's the law, what are the staff supposed to do.Nor wonder they call us Brits a Nation of Moaners!!
This is of course just our personal view, and I am sure there will be other views of this same cruise. I have written this for others who are due to sail on Grand Princess in the future & hope it is of help. For us, despite the setback, it was a very positive experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed it & would sail on her again.
I will post some photos of the ship and places we visited, when I have adjusted to being home!! At the moment a 'Mucho Mango' or a 'Sicilian Kiss' would go down rather well!
Lizzie.
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