princess-grand13

Note - this page contains multiple reviews.

Name: Ken Fogel
Email: gramps25@aol.com
Age: 37
Occupation: Sports Management
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 11/28/99
Itinerary: Western Caribbean
Cabin: D-705
FoodDiningRoom: 90
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 95
FoodRoomService: 80
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 90
FoodLidoDeck: 85
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 85
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 85
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 92
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 70
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 90
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff: 90
EntertainmentLounges: 80
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 75
EntertShowLounge: 85
OverallPortsofCall: 85
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino: 85
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 95
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 90
DeckSpace: 70
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 75
OverallCruiseValue: 90
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Mar 2000
Time: 17:53:39
Remote Name: spider-wo041.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

We took this cruise for our Honeymoon and were relatively satisfied. They did a very good job getting us
on and off the ship. Luggage delivery could have been more efficient, but when there are 2,500
passengers on board, I can see the difficulty.

Our cabin was a Mini-Suite and was well worth the value. The butler service was good. He seemed new,
but eager to please. Our cabin steward was excellent and very hard-working. The room was large, the
bathroom was spacious and there was adequate storage for a seven day cruise.

The food in the Botacelli Dining room was very good, but was made better by the service and attitude of
our waiter and his assistant. They both did a fine job.

The weather was not overly cooperative and due to hurricane damage, we had to reroute from St.
Maartin to San Juan, which was too bad as I have not enjoyed a visit to San Juan yet.

Their private island was nice and the teders to and from were quick and efficient. The beach is
sub-standard with a very rocky entry into the water from the beach.

Plenty to do onboard. Plenty to see. The deck gets crowded, but again, that is a function of the size of
the ship. That is the only time you feel crowded-when everyone needs a lounge chair.

I feel comfortable saying that the Grand Princess is an excellent value. Good to very good food with
excellent overall service and staff attitudes. The one warning would be if you get seasick, this is a large
ship and in high seas (we had 14-16 foot waves one night) the ship does move significantly. The motion
did not bother us, but the creaking of the ship did.

Happy sailing.

Name: Carole and Johnny Bensley
Email: bensleyracing@computron.net
Age: 37 & 52
Occupation: Race Team Owners
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: March 12 - 19,2000
Itinerary: Eastern
Cabin: Catagory BA - Caribe 519
FoodDiningRoom: 98
CruiseDirector: 98
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 100
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 100
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety:
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue:
GoodForHoneymoon: 97
CasinoStaff: 85
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 100
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 90
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 98
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 98
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 90
Casino: 95
AirSeaProgram: 95
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 97
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs:
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 97
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 22 Mar 2000
Time: 13:32:02
Remote Name: 63.64.87.206
Remote User:

Comments

Wednesday, 22 March, 2000 Our Grand Princess Cruise - March 12 - 19, 2000 Eastern Caribbean St.
Thomas, St. Maarten, Princess Cays Cruise Director - Alastair Greener

Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday are casual. Sea days are formal and Semi - formal.
Monday and Friday were formal and Tuesday was semi - formal.

It was sprinkling in Ft. L. when we arrived, and raining when we got back. Other than that, GREAT
WEATHER! Got some drops of rain as we left St. Thomas, but was soon gone. Be prepared - we filled out
all the paperwork BEFORE we arrived and mailed it in as told. When we got to the terminal, they handed
us another paper and we had to fill out one for each person. Some customs thing. Then we went through
the metal detectors, and then you got in line. It took about 15 minutes to go through the line and then get
on the ship.

Our captain was Andy Proctor, our waiter was Boty, and his assistant was Miklos. We were in the
Michaelangelo dining room 1st seating.

This was our second time on this ship and we were not disappointed. The food was great. Service was
great! Our cabin was on Caribe 519. First let me say that the balconies on Caribe are only half exposed.
We had plenty of privacy and we could see the entire balcony on Dolphin Deck below us. We had the
kids with us (ages 12 and 14) and they slept on the beds that come down from the ceiling. This was really
a nice layout and the kids loved the beds. I have a website from our first cruise on the Grand. As I get film
developed and scanned, I will be adding more photos from this cruise. The site is
http://www.bensleyraceteam.com/Grand%20Cruise.htm

We arrived by air to Hollywood International Airport in Ft. Lauderdale. We landed at 11:10 a.m. left the
terminal by 11:30 and we at the cruise terminal within 10 - 12 minutes. We got in line to go through the
metal detectors. Princess reps handed us this paper to fill out. After all the paperwork we mailed in, then
received more in the mail to bring in, we received these cards that were to filled out for each person.
Then we found our line, got processed, and headed for our boarding photo. We were on the ship by
noon. I don't feel that 20 minutes was a long time. There were three families in line in front of us and all
had their papers filled out.

Our luggage arrived at our door around 5.p.m. We unpacked, got everything put where we wanted it, and
began showing the kids around the ship. They were amazed how big it was. There were 10 of us on this
cruise. My parents, My sister and brother in law, their two girls, me and John, and our son and daughter.
We were assigned a table for 10 in the Michaelangelo dining room. Our waiters were Boty, and Miklos.
The head waiter, Guiseppe, came around every night, asked how we were doing and then left. Nothing
more from him. Saw our Maitré D once while he was introducing the chef. Our cabin steward was José.
Saw him several times and room was always great! We needed extra shampoo with four of us, and we
always had extras every night. The kids got chocolates on their pillows too, every night. Didn't get any the
last night. That was a disappointment. Maybe silly, but we look forward to those chocolates and when we
didn't get one the last night, it reminded us that this was the end of the cruise.

All of our sea days were smooth. On the TV, it said we were in rough seas once, but we didn't notice a
difference.

Wednesday ---- St. Thomas - 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. We docked at Havensight. St. Thomas was great as usual.
We did minimal shopping, and then went on to Coki Beach for snorkeling and parasailing. The water was
beautiful and we saw lots of fish. We tried ordering food at the stands there. It took over an hour to get 3
hamburgers and 3 cokes. Was 4 dollars for the hamburgers (each). Nearby (within walking distance) was
coral world and V.I. Parasail. Look for the happy face parasail. They are on the internet @
www.viparasail.com ...Very nice people! I recommend them highly. My husband and daughter went
parasailing. He did a tandem for 90 dollars instead of 50 dollars per person. The last time we parasailed,
(on St. Maarten last year), it was 50 dollars and you went up for about 10 minutes. Capt. Scotty took John
and Ashley up for 20 minutes. The others I saw stayed up just as long. The rope went out 600 feet, and
you were lifted UP 400 feet. Ashley said she saw the sea turtles there and they took several photos while
they were up. We headed back to the ship at 4:30, took showers and prepared for dinner.

Thursday ---- St. Maarten -- 7a.m. - 5p.m. We did some shopping on back street - Best prices around.
Beats any other places we saw on front street. We went to eat near Bobby's Marina and then my parents
took a 2 hour tour of the island. I don't care for the clothing optional beaches, so after just a little time in
the shops, we went back to the ship. We were not impressed with St. Maarten the first time we were there.
We saw more this time, but still, nothing to stick around for. My parents said they didn't see anything
impressive. Any cruise in the future that stops at SXM, we will stay on the ship..

Friday - AT SEA

Saturday - Princess Cays 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. We got our tender tickets in the Explorers Lounge and we on
the second tender out. Got our choice of places to sit. I went up to the crowsnest and got some beautiful
shots of the beach and the Grand. We snorkeled for hours, and enjoyed the BBQ provided by the ship.
The shops are terribly expensive on the island and the island vendors were there pushing their stuff. I
didn't like that. The one thing I enjoy most about that island is getting away from the constant nagging to
braid your hair everytime you walk by. You are charged for sodas, just like on the ship, but what amazed
us was being charged for juice too. $1.50 for orange juice in a small plastic cup.

We have a wonderful trip and will book Princess again. This ship was just as great as the first time we
sailed on her. Never thought it was too big. Our cruise was fantastic! They weren't showing the Pirates
show anymore, missed that! Rythms of the City was a good show. There was the farewell show with Steve
Garden. He was boring. Great singing voice, but just not entertaining. Saw many people sleeping,
(seriously) but after he left, the Duo Macaggi came on - WOW! and then a comedy juggler, Peter Sasso.
He started out slow, but really had us all in stitches! The Macaggis also played on Thursday evening.
Really good. There were two more girls with them for this show.. On Tuesday, the hypnotist, Alexander
performed in the Vista Show Lounge. Our niece went up there. That was the funniest thing I have ever
seen. We bought the video. When she started remembering everything was even funnier. The cruise
director, Alastair Greener, was much more entertaining than Kieth Cox was on our last cruise on the
Grand. Every morning is BIG "G" TV. If you play the Scavenger hunt (that takes place over three days)
he will give answers to some of the questions you need. Marty Allen and Karon Kate Blackwell were still
there and as usual, the show was superb! We spoke with him several times on board. He stopped and
talked to us everytime we saw him. Didn't go see Dave Heenan. We didn't like his show the last time, so
we skipped it. ( He is supposed to be a comedian )

Activities for the kids were numerous. Neither my son or daughter complained of being board. My son
won a gold medal for basketball, and a silver for water volleyball and a silver for shuffleboard. They had
their own disco, pizza parties, a dating game, scavenger hunts, contests, ice cream socials, etc. They
were able to come and go as they pleased. If there was something they didn't want to do, they just went
off on their own. Sometimes they just hung around the pools, and played basketball, volleyball, etc. Great
programs for the kids!

The island was beautiful and we loved it! Met a lot of people from the Cruise@ddicts Bulletin Board.
http://bamaslam.org/sruniforms2/list.php?f=1 They are working on getting their own domain @
www.cruise-addicts.com Very friendly people there. Good advice and no flames. They even have
Cruise@ddicts shirts available. In February or March 2001, there will be a BB cruise. The plans are in the
works now.

Overall, on a scale from 1-10, this cruise and ship get a 10. Any questions - e-mail me @
bensley@computron.net Johnny & Carole Bensley

Name: Steve and Dawn Parent
Email: dparent@gibraltar.k12.wi.us
Age: 43
Occupation: Civil Engineer/Early Childhood Teacher
NumberOfCruises: 1
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 3-12-00
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: C602
FoodDiningRoom: 100
CruiseDirector: 100
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService:
CruiseStaff: 100
CabinAmenities: 100
FoodLidoDeck: 90
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets: 95
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 100
DeckService: 100
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService: 100
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 100
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 100
EntertShowLounge: 100
OverallPortsofCall: 95
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 100
CruiseActivities: 100
Casino:
AirSeaProgram: 100
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 100
DiscoNightclubs: 100
DeckSpace: 100
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 100
OverallCruiseValue: 100
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 24 Mar 2000
Time: 12:08:34
Remote Name: 198.150.175.67
Remote User:

Comments

We would like to start our review with a Thank You to all who took the time to write a review of their trip.
We felt so prepared for our Grand Adventure due to your efforts. As you contemplate your booking, we
highly recommend that you use a travel consultant. Mary took care of all of our details and our trip was seamless. She also surprised us with flowers, wine, and an anniversary cake. Thank you Mary!

Our plane arrived in Fort Lauderdale forty minutes early. We walked to the terminal entrance where
representatives from each cruise line stood with signs. Passengers waiting for Princess waited no more
than a few minutes and we were directed to a waiting bus. No luggage to wait for so we were beginning
our embarkation within 15 minutes.

As we arrived around 2:30, we may have missed the rush but within ten minutes we were having our
pictures taken for our onboard security/credit card. This was such an efficient system. Once in our
stateroom we could place all of our important papers, credit cards, and money in the safe, knowing that
all we needed was a single card.

Our initial impression of our stateroom was that it was small. As we unpacked and slid our empty
suitcases under the bed it was actually quite comfortable for our seven day stay. We never felt
claustrophobic with the sliding glass door and balcony. We are early risers and we enjoyed being up
with the sunrise. We were very pleased with our location. We were on the Caribe, deck 10, amidships. I
believe this deck has the largest balconies. Half of our balcony was private. As you moved closer to the
rail you could be seen by the decks above.

The room had all the necessities. Edwin our room steward was extremely efficient when we needed items
out of the ordinary like a pair of scissors. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion were replenished as
needed. The ice bucket was always full. The room had a fridge, TV, and a hairdryer. The laundry room
was just steps away with ironing boards so I didn’t even need the one I brought along. I did bring along
ten extra hangers, which as overpackers we needed. We did see other guest request hangers from their
steward...so next time we’ll know. We enjoy listening to music and although the TV had two music
stations they seemed dull. We thought playing lively island music or romantic tunes would be
appropriate on the music stations. It is the Love Boat. We did bring along a disk player with two tiny
speakers and a handful of CDs. We used the TV only to track our course, observe the weather, and to
listen to information regarding our ports, shipboard activities, and disembarkation.

The sea ranged from flat calm to 15 footers during our cruise. The Grand is remarkable. We never felt
seasick. Matter of fact it was harder for us to adjust to land once we were home than to the slight
movements of the ship. We did however conveniently blame the ship when we stumbled on the dance
floor. Heading to St. Thomas and St. Maarten our view was seaward from our portside stateroom. On
our return trip we enjoyed viewing the islands and having the afternoon sun. It would be hard for us to
book another cruise without a balcony.

As midwestern creatures of habit, we quickly developed a routine on the Grand. We have been waking
at five am for the last 20 years so it was difficult for us to even sleep in till six with the two hour time
differences. We found early morning to be an excellent time to walk or run the two tracks. Deck 7 has
the large track, with stairs, that is a third of a mile. Deck 15 has the smaller track at the bow which takes
ten laps to make a mile. Early in the cruise we met several other passengers on our early walk/run but
by the last few days we often tried to work off those calories alone-hard to believe on a ship this size.

We ate breakfast in the formal dining room twice and used the Horizon Court buffet style for the
remainder of the breakfasts and lunches. Many seemed to enjoy the poolside burgers and pizza. On our
next cruise we would probably try to use the formal dining room for more of our breakfast and lunches.
We think we would have eaten less had we sat down and ordered rather than walking through and filling
our platters. (Yes we did gain 4-5 pounds even with all the exercising.)

Dinner in the Michelangelo dining room was always superb. We cannot recall a course that we did not
like and the variety was phenomenal. We enjoyed all five courses, cocktails and coffee every night. The
best part was the attentive service provided by Enrique and Manuel. As the week progressed they
began to anticipate our needs and engaged us in conversation when time permitted. We were at a table
for six but two did not return after the first night. A mother and daughter also sat at our table. It took us a
few days to realize that they had the stateroom right next to us. They were very nice people and we
compared notes and passed on recommendations throughout the week.

St. Thomas was absolutely beautiful. We could have stayed there for several days. We had an eight
o’clock excursion that we prebooked. We would recommend prebooking because the tickets and specific
instructions were on our nightstand when we arrived. We rode ‘The Wild Thing’ to Buck Island where we
snorkeled. We took underwater pictures of fish and saw the remains of a shipwreck. The boat then sped
to a nearby beach where rum punch was in abundance. Other beverages were available at an additional
cost. We had a blast. We were fortunate to be the last to board and had to take the last two seats
starboard against the pilothouse. A prime location, we later found out, as the waves came splashing into
the faces of several onboard. We were back to the dock by eleven. We showered and lunched on the
ship before setting out to explore St. Thomas. We caught a cab for downtown shopping. Our driver
waited and then took us up to the Mountain Top for more shopping and the view. We then headed to
Magens Bay-a beautiful beach! We literally ran into a family from our home town of 800 people. We
wished we could have stayed at Magens Bay longer. The cab brought us back to Havensight where we
finished our shopping. It was so convenient to be at port and not have to tender in and out.

When we arrived at St. Maarten we took our time and didn’t rush to the tenders. We did some shopping
and decided to save the French side for our next trip. It is hard to judge St. Maarten/Martin since we did
not experience the entire island. We can say that an hour or two on the Dutch side was more than
enough.

We especially enjoyed the onboard nightly activities. We generally took in two shows each night and
danced a few dances in the Wheelhouse Lounge. Steed and Steed played music that we could fox trot,
waltz, and swing to! The entertainers were excellent. Our favorites were two Broadway and Las Vegas
type shows, Glamour and Gotta Sing Gotta Dance. The Grand Princess Dancers with Kathy and James
Taylor were wonderful. We saw Marty Allen and his very talented wife Karon Kate Blackwell-what a pair!
The Princess Theater seemed to always accommodate everyone wishing to see the show. The Vista
Lounge required that you arrive at least 15 minutes early. Other memorable moments included on-going
music in the atrium and The Captain’s Gala Cocktail Party.

The photography staff provided us with several pictures that we could have in hand as we left the ship.
Each day the Gallery would have several photos available that you were under no obligation to buy.
What a treat for those of us who don’t want to tote a camera all the time.

What we enjoyed most was just cruising the Caribbean on a poolside chair under the sun. Yes chairs on
the sun decks are at a premium. From reading reviews we knew what to expect but we saw many
unhappy people when they couldn’t find chairs together. Princess needs work on this-after all you go on
a cruise in the Caribbean for the sun. Since we were early risers we were always at the pool before ten
and generally stayed until two. Live music poolside definitely put you in the atmosphere of the islands.

The cruise director and staff were always friendly and upbeat. We often wondered how they maintained
their enthusiasm. We only caught a portion of the Tropical Island Night festivities and dancing but what
fun!

We had seven beautiful, sun-filled days. One day it poured for ten minutes and the sun came right back
out so we have dismissed that episode. The only poor day was disembarkation day as it was overcast as
we pulled into port. Disembarkation was very organized. We departed the ship based on our flight
schedule. We were given color coded luggage tags and a time to meet in the Explorers Lounge. Groups
disembarked by color in the order called. We entered an enormous room filled with luggage. Don’t
panic. We just had to look for our color on the wall to find our luggage area. We found all five pieces
and were out of the area within ten minutes. It was nice to see several porters available for those who
couldn’t handle their own suitcases. It was raining by the time we were heading to the airport. We did not
have to stand out in the rain as all areas were covered.

Our transfers were seamless. We had to switch planes in Chicago and only the last leg to Green Bay did
we experience a delay due to fog and heavy traffic at O’Hare. This was by far our most enjoyable
vacation. We have never been so pampered. Seven days to do as much or as little as we pleased made
it perfect. It was our 20th anniversary and we traveled without our teenagers. Maybe next time we’ll bring
them along...or maybe not.

Name: Don Davidson
Email: donaldd1@home.com
Age: 60
Occupation: Engineering Analyst
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 3-12-00
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: A246/Aloha Deck
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 95
CabinComfort: 100
FoodRoomService: 95
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 95
CabinQuietness: 100
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 95
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 95
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 95
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities:
EntertShowLounge: 95
OverallPortsofCall: 100
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 90
CruiseActivities: 95
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities: 95
ShipCleanliness: 100
EmbarkDisembark: 95
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 95
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 95
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 95
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 03 Apr 2000
Time: 12:01:39
Remote Name: fdfw-02.fluordaniel.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was our second cruise on the Grand Princess. We loved our first one so much we decided to try
the same cruise again. We enjoyed the second cruise just as much. We enjoyed all of our ports, Saint
Thomas, Saint Marteen and Princess Cays. Although we would have been just as pleased if we had
never left 'our ship'. It seemed as if you were in another world when you stepped out on that balcony.
Loved the sea days. We took some photos. I have placed several hundred of them on my web site.
Please drop by and take a look. don't forget to sign the guestbook. The address is
http://www.24link.net/davi0616. I would relate the negative aspects of our cruise, but they are none.

I would like to thank all of the staff of the Grand Princess for showing us such a great time. We are
considering Alaska as our next venture. We will certainly go with Princess Cruise lines.

Don't forget to stop by our web site and say hello.

Don and Bonnie Davidson Moore, South Carolina donaldd1@home.com

Name: Christine Furlow
Email: Furlow87@aol.com
Age: 32
Occupation: Retail Management
NumberOfCruises: 3
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: Dec 5, 1999
Itinerary: Eastern Caribbean
Cabin: E-421
FoodDiningRoom: 92
CruiseDirector: 89
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: 75
CruiseStaff: 90
CabinAmenities: 94
FoodLidoDeck:
DiningRoomService: 98
CabinQuietness: 96
FoodMidnightBuffets: 87
CabinSteward: 99
ShoreExcVariety: 95
FoodVariety: 92
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 93
GoodForHoneymoon: 97
CasinoStaff: 95
PrivateIsland: 92
GoodForFamilies: 95
LoungeService: 95
TenderService: 95
GoodForSeniors: 96
BeautySalonStaff: 96
EntertainmentLounges: 85
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 92
EntertShowLounge: 83
OverallPortsofCall: 90
BeautySalon: 92
EntertainmentPoolside: 92
CruiseActivities: 83
Casino: 92
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 90
EmbarkDisembark: 94
DiscoNightclubs: 94
DeckSpace: 93
Stabilization: 93
ShopsOnBoard: 78
SpaceRatio: 91
OverallCruiseValue: 92
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 05 Apr 2000
Time: 12:42:23
Remote Name: spider-th074.proxy.aol.com
Remote User:

Comments

This was my first cruise with Princess, and overall, I was very satisfied. The childrens' program is very
strong, our nine year old was always busy with games, scavenger hunts, and parties. Beacause we
sailed while school was still "in-session" they were only about 50 kids on the whole ship. He was made to
feel very special! On the downside of that, the hours of some of the kids' facilities were shortened. For
example, we never saw the kids' ice cream bar open, and the arcade closed down early at night. It was
never really a problem though. Our cabin was adequate. Next time, I am definately going to spring for a
balcony. Our cabin steward was top notch. He addressed us by name every day, and catered to our
every need. The food on our cruise was just as I expected. Some good-some bad. I did go to the
Southwestern restaurant one night, and thought it was very good. The wait staff was superb! The
entertainment was the most disappointing aspect of the cruise. Maybe, my age was a factor, I don't
know. Some of the older crowd seemed to enjoy it. I think there is a lot of room for improvement.
Princess Cays was very nice. The outdoor lunch buffet was simple, but nice. The beach was very nice
and clean. The snorkeling was really great too! The view of the ship from the island is magnificent. My
overall review of Princess is very good. I would definately sail this line again.

Name: Barb Pace
Email: barbinbuffalo@webtv.net
Age: 37
Occupation: caregiver
NumberOfCruises: 4
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: April 2, 2000
Itinerary: St. Thomas, St. Martin and Princess Cays
Cabin: D728/AC
FoodDiningRoom: 95
CruiseDirector: 97
CabinComfort: 97
FoodRoomService: 90
CruiseStaff: 95
CabinAmenities: 95
FoodLidoDeck: 92
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 90
FoodMidnightBuffets:
CabinSteward: 50
ShoreExcVariety: 94
FoodVariety: 90
DeckService: 95
ShoreExcValue: 90
GoodForHoneymoon:
CasinoStaff:
PrivateIsland: 98
GoodForFamilies:
LoungeService:
TenderService: 96
GoodForSeniors:
BeautySalonStaff:
EntertainmentLounges: 95
WheelchairAccess:
ExerciseFacilities: 85
EntertShowLounge: 96
OverallPortsofCall: 92
BeautySalon:
EntertainmentPoolside: 95
CruiseActivities: 97
Casino:
AirSeaProgram:
MedicalFacilities:
ShipCleanliness: 98
EmbarkDisembark: 97
DiscoNightclubs: 95
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 95
ShopsOnBoard: 85
SpaceRatio: 95
OverallCruiseValue: 98
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 10 Apr 2000
Time: 22:08:20
Remote Name: proxy-554.public.rwc.webtv.net
Remote User:

Comments

I've just returned from my Caribbean cruise aboard the Grand Princess and I can honestly say it was the
best vacation i've ever been on, bar none. The ship was absolutely beautiful and for it's great size, had
a smaller ship feel to it. I shared a mini-suite with 3 other people on Dolphin Deck 9 and we never felt
crowded and had plenty of storage space for our things. We also had a balcony which was a nice
change from the usual inside cabin i've had in the past. Mini-suites on Princess also have Butler service,
which we did not use very much, but comes in handy if you need something and you can't get in touch
with your cabin steward. Our Butler was very good, but we were very disappointed with our cabin
steward and the service, or lack there of, that he gave us. Our dining room staff, however, were
exceptional! We were in the Michelangelo dining room, second seating and we received excellent
service from our Head waiter Pasquale, our waiter Aurel and our Jr. waiter Alberto. They went out of
their way to make dinner an event that we looked forward to every evening. The food was very good, but
we were not always happy with the menu selections. They could inprove somewhat on their menu
variety. We visited three ports of call on this trip, St. Thomas, St. Martin and Princess's private island,
Princess Cays. St. Thomas is a must see for anyone who loves to shop, especially for Jewelery. St.
Martin was a bit of a dissapointment visually, but we were told that they were still cleaning up after being
hit by a hurricane this past November. We did one excusion on St Martin to a Butterfly farm which was
very interesting. Princess Cays is basically just a beach island. It is very beautiful and very clean. If you
enjoy water sports, it's a great place to spend a day. On the days at sea, there is a multitude of things to
do. There's always something going on and you'll never be bored. From Jeopardy to Bingo, or just
lounging around one of the three beautiful pools, you can always find something to suit everyone's
taste. The only complaint we had was the lack of deck chairs available on the days at sea since almost
everyone heads up on deck to catch some sun in the late morning through late afternoon. In summary, I
have to say the Grand Princess is one of the nicest ships i've been on and I would hightly recommend it
to anyone thinking about taking a cruise. Overall, for your money, it's one of the best vacations you can
take. If your budget allows it, choose a mini-suite, they're much larger and more comfortable than a
regular cabin. Happy Sailing!

Name: Roy & Gay Williams
Email: royboy7@excite.com
Age: 62&60
Occupation: Ops Spec Supv. T.D.O.T.
NumberOfCruises: 2
TravelAgent: No
Ship: Princess-Grand
SailingDate: 04-02-00
Itinerary: Eastern Carribean
Cabin: B-245 / inside
FoodDiningRoom: 99
CruiseDirector: 85
CabinComfort: 90
FoodRoomService: ?
CruiseStaff: 80
CabinAmenities: 92
FoodLidoDeck: 95
DiningRoomService: 100
CabinQuietness: 65
FoodMidnightBuffets: 90
CabinSteward: 100
ShoreExcVariety: 90
FoodVariety: 99
DeckService: 90
ShoreExcValue: 85
GoodForHoneymoon: 99
CasinoStaff: 90
PrivateIsland: 100
GoodForFamilies: 90
LoungeService: 98
TenderService: 92
GoodForSeniors: 99
BeautySalonStaff: ?
EntertainmentLounges: 99
WheelchairAccess: 80
ExerciseFacilities: 95
EntertShowLounge: 99
OverallPortsofCall: 89
BeautySalon: 0
EntertainmentPoolside: 85
CruiseActivities: 89
Casino: 89
AirSeaProgram: 90
MedicalFacilities: 0
ShipCleanliness: 99
EmbarkDisembark: 99
DiscoNightclubs: 96
DeckSpace: 90
Stabilization: 85
ShopsOnBoard: 80
SpaceRatio: 95/1
OverallCruiseValue: 99
Submit: Submit Review
Date: 11 Apr 2000
Time: 15:54:04
Remote Name: usr51-dialup343.mix2.atlanta.cw.net
Remote User:

Comments

This has to be one of the best ships affloat including the Elite Fleet.Even though we were not royalty, we
were treated as such. Our room steward ( William) was the most attentive person I have ever seen.We
had our bed changed everytime we left it. Sometimes twice a day.He could not do enough for us and
went out of his way to provide anythig we needed. Our waitress in the Botticille dinning room ( Marie &
Marco) were unbelievable.The food was so great and the service beyond compare. We had so much fun
and relaxation, we plan to make a habit of it. The shows were beautiful and the dancers very talented.
The ship was beautiful and huge. Had some trouble getting to the aft dinning room until we figured out
walking to the rear of the ship , then going down to six. If you want fun and relaxation , I reccomend the
Gran Princess for your next cruise. You will be coddeled like never before. I can't say enough about the
commitment of the crew to show you an enjoyable experience.

Roy & Gay Williams royboy7@excite.com

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