Topic: Just back from Grand Princess - Warning contentiuous subjects!!

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.

Well done, Lizzie, and very apt and timely. ......Neil

Thank you for an interesting review. Very informative since I'm currently looking at the Grand for this summer - hoping for a last minute deal! How did you find the ship interior, a few reviews have stated she's looking tired & in need of refurbishment.

Lucky you having a suite.. balcony's our limit for now.

Hi Tarkah,

I think that as with all things, if people look for faults, they will find them!

She is not as 'Glitzy' as some ships we have been on, and yes there is some wear in places, but it did not detract from the overall experience. Apparently, she will be refurbished in two years time.

She is also a very clean ship and we liked the overall ambience.

The mini balcony suite was a good deal with cruise dot and the upgrade was a real bonus and very good value! Problem is a balcony will never be the same again!!

Lizzie.

Nice review Lizzie, why didnt you play the Lottery, bought tickets online, sounds like lady luck was on your side and good for you..

What about the ship falling to pieces from all the rust !!! so we have been told lol..

Hello Lizzie, A very imformative review , its so good to look at it from a positive angle when things go wrong, through no fault of the Captain or company, yes I expect there will be a few negatives however, I enjoyed reading yours. Marie

Excellent review Lizzie, I am sure that will put a lot of peoples mind at rest who are due to travel soon. As you say most cruises are not entirely perfect, but there are always those who find it pleasurable to 'nit pick and complain' !! Instead of taking on board the many good things.

Are you thinking about the next cruise yet?

QUOTE:

* 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.



* 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!


* 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!!

Thanks for a nice realistic review.

* Congrats on doing the right thing: you left the tips in place!!
and somehow survived the economic onslaught enough to tip even further.
Wow! You guys must be even richer than I am


* Love the bit about the generous $5 tips in envelopes.
My God some people are so very cheap: does so much for England's reputation! :D



* Always amazing how little Average People know/don't know about docking procedures and what really happens.
Stevedores handle ropes slung to them by the guys on board
and they then place the end-loops over the bollards, before tensioning can begin.
Doesn't sound like much,duzzit.. but trying docking a cruise ship any other way..
I won't go any further, coz they simply don't care:
all the moaners understand is me me me me! -but you promised us Oslo,Daddy!



* Having a go at Purser's Desk staff might end you up in the ship's brig.
As you say Rules iz Rules, and the girls at the Purser's Desk are hardly in control of International Law etc.
but alcoholics, gamble-o-holics and our smoker friends do have their demons to handle.


All in all you had yet another wonderful cruise
and I hope you saved those cruise cards for me!?
.

Hi Lizzie and welcome back. Good review. As you say the moaners are always out in force when something does not go to plan. You never hear the the passengers enforce say what a great day or great staff at the time. The cruise seemed a good one, so a new photo album on the horizon. Been looking to do a cruise on her so double my efforts now.
EDNA

Hi Aplmac. I was wondering how quick you'd be in asking for the cards.
Not long was the answer.
EDNA