This was our third cruise (and our honeymoon). Our two previous cruises were on Royal Caribbean: the first was on Sovereign of the Seas (2000) and the second was on Enchantment of the Seas (2001). We enjoyed both cruises and would definitely cruise Royal Caribbean again, but wondered if all cruise lines were the same. For this reason we did a lot of research on different cruise lines and ultimately chose Grand Princess because of her reputation, price and itinerary.

We read practically every cruise review on this website. Before we left we decided that we would in turn write a review that would hopefully help someone else. The easiest way for me to write this is to write about specific differences between the two cruise lines. Even though some of our comments might be in favor of one cruise line or another we don’t want you to think we didn’t have a good time. We don’t mean to be picky, these were just observations that we noticed. We had the most enjoyable, relaxing, wonderful time on all of our cruises.

Transportation/Parking

We drove from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale to board the Grand Princess. Our first observation was that the parking garage was more convenient to the terminal than on Enchantment of the Seas (which also leaves from Fort Lauderdale). On Enchantment we had to check our bags at the curb, drive to the parking garage, and then ride a shuttle bus back to the terminal. To board Grand Princess we parked our car in the terminal went down the elevator and we were at the terminal.

Embarkation

Embarkation was really easy and quick. We did the express check in, but it really didn’t make a difference because there was virtually no waiting in any of the lines.

Mustering

Grand Princess’ mustering drill was so much better than Royal Caribbean. It wasn’t nearly as painful. On Royal Caribbean you had to put your life vests on go outside to your lifeboat station and wait for the cruise staff to do roll call. They do not allow you to stand leisurely on the deck; rather you are crammed into tight rows touching the person next to you. It is very hot and miserable.

On Grand Princess they did the mustering drill in lounges and the theatre. You didn’t have to wear your life jacket until after they did the demonstration and gave you time to practice. The Princess mustering drill was also more informative. There was a recording that played over the PA system that told you exactly what you would have to do in the event of a real emergency. The Princess made this required drill less dreaded.

Coca Cola Stickers

When we were on Royal Caribbean we didn’t purchase the Coca Cola stickers. We didn’t think it was worth it because the soda from the soda guns didn’t taste that great. Plus you could get free soda in the dining room. And the price was around 30 dollars. On Princess we purchased one Coca Cola sticker for my husband. It was around 22 dollars after the gratuity and you get a thermal mug. It was definitely worth it for us. You can go to any bar and use it, but remember to ask for a large if you are really thirsty because they will always try to give you a small cup.

Personal Choice vs. Traditional Dining

On Royal Caribbean we had great dining room service. The traditional seating allowed us to make friends with other cruisers. We were able to develop a relationship with them and it was nice to touch base each night, discuss our days and hear exciting plans for the coming day. Traditional dining also allows you to become more intimate with your servers. The servers on Royal Caribbean were excellent; they were excited about the food and made dining enjoyable. The servers we were assigned to have amazing memories. After the first night they remembered how you liked your meat cooked, what drinks you liked with your dinner, and any other idiosyncrasies that you might have had. The only downfall was that you were on a time schedule to eat dinner, which meant that you might have to cut your time short in ports if you had an early seating.

This is why we decided to go with Personal Choice Dining on this trip. With Personal Choice Dining we didn’t feel that we got nearly as good service as we did with Traditional Dining. The first night on Grand Princess we dined in the Michelangelo Dining Room we had horrible service. It was slow and the waiter was unfriendly. The next night and the remaining nights on the cruise we ate in the DaVinci Dining Room. The remaining nights we had better service but it wasn’t nearly as good or as much fun as on Royal Caribbean. We don’t know if the service wasn’t as personable because they had to constantly get people in and out or if they didn’t have to work as hard to earn their tips because they were automatically billed to your account each day; but we did notice a decrease in the quality of dining service on Grand Princess.

The presentation of the dinners was not as “Grand” on the Grand. Royal Caribbean’s food was more dramatic, more delicious, and more unique. When we go on a cruise we like to try uncommon dishes that we don’t normally eat at home.

Editorial Note: I discovered the cold fruit soups served at dinner. They are unbelievable! I had two bowls of the strawberry cream soup one night!

Husband’s Editorial Note: Royal Caribbean’s lobster is the best that he has ever eaten. He thinks that they are bigger and tastier than Princess’

Horizon Court vs. Windjammer

Princess’ Horizon Court was heads and tails better than Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer. To begin the Horizon Court was open 24 hours. We had breakfast and lunch in the main dining rooms on Grand Princess once each. For the rest of the week we ate in the Horizon Court for breakfast and lunch.

Royal Caribbean’s Windjammer was always good, but nothing spectacular. There was often a line and the café wasn’t always open.

Midnight Buffet

There was no Midnight Buffet per se on the Grand Princess. There was however a midnight bistro that was a sit down sort of meal in a roped off area of the Horizon Court. The Horizon Court was open as well though.

On Royal Caribbean they have one night where there is a grand midnight buffet. Even if you couldn’t possibly eat another bite it is definitely something that we enjoy just for the pure spectacle. We did miss all of the delicious chocolates that are on the midnight buffet. And on both Royal Caribbean Cruises we got to go on a galley tour!

Pizzeria

The pizza and hamburgers were excellent on both cruise lines. There are only two notable differences. The first is that the pizzeria closes early on Grand Princess. It would be nice if they opened again later on in the night. On Royal Caribbean the pizzeria is open late, which is a nice late night casual snack. The second difference is that the Royal Caribbean’s pizzeria is a very small counter/window with very slow service. On Grand Princess there are two huge separate counters for pizza and hamburgers. They were quick and there was virtually no line.

Hagen Daas

On Grand Princess you have to pay for ice cream (other than what was served after dinner in the dining room). I was opposed to this and even though I love Hagen Daas Chocolate I avoided the temptation. My opposition really came from reading other reviews on this page from people who had really good arguments against why the cruise line shouldn’t impose an extra charge for premium ice cream.

On Royal Caribbean they have an ice cream bar at designated times. However, it isn’t really ice cream. It is ice milk, which really isn’t worth eating, but regardless it IS included in the price of the cruise and not an additional charge.

Cabin Stewards

The cabin stewardess that we had on Grand Princess was efficient and very friendly. However, we didn’t get any extras like we did on Royal Caribbean. On both of our previous cruises we had outstanding cabin stewards who went beyond our expectations. They worked really hard to make the room look and feel refreshing every time you entered. They were creative with the pillows and towel figurines on the bed, which was a nice treat.

Editorial Note: I prefer the Andes Candies that they leave on your pillow on Royal Caribbean. On Princess they left poor quality chocolate hearts.

Sabatini’s

Sabatini’s was a unique dining experience. There was a cover charge of 15 dollars per person. It was a great experience and the food was excellent, however, there were a lot of dishes that were available at one time or another in the dining room or on the buffet in the Horizon Court. There were 17 courses. It was a lot of food and it kept coming…until the officers came in to dine. Our waiter was then more concerned with them rather than us. Regardless, it was a good dining experience. I don’t agree that they have a surcharge, but what can you do?

We didn’t go to The Painted Desert, however, we walked through several times while people were dining. It was weird there was a main walkway from one side of the boat to the other that took you directly through the restaurant while people were dining. Interesting.

Security

One really reassuring thing about Grand Princess is their security system. When you first get on board they take a picture of you. Every time you get off the boat at the ports they swipe your card out. When you get on the boat they swipe you back in. Royal Caribbean didn’t do this. I always felt a little uptight about getting left behind on Royal Caribbean. On Grand Princess I had no worries.

Princess Cays

This was a great first stop. The island is relaxing and similar to Royal Caribbean’s Coco Cay. One thing I did like Princess Cays was the brick sidewalk. You didn’t have to walk in the scorching sand until you got closer to the water. All the reviews are correct when you get off the tender boat go left. It is more private and not as crowded. The thing we liked best about Coco Cay was that on one side of the island it is pretty secluded and the water is bluer and clearer. The sand was not nearly as shelly either. For either island I would recommend a good pair of water shoes.

Grand Cayman

Of the four ports this was the nicest in regards to cleanliness and manners. The streets were clean and the people in the stores weren’t at all pushy. It was kind of refreshing. We didn’t swim with the sting rays, something we would like to do if we went back to this port. This was a relaxing day and we tend to like to stay on the boat when the masses are on the islands.

Costa Maya

Everything that we read about Costa Maya before we left was true. It isn’t worth the stop. A stop in Jamaica would have made a non-port a fun port! There is little fresh air circulating in the enclosed circle of pushy shopkeepers. The prices are outrageous here and the salesmen aren’t willing to make a deal as easily. We got off the boat, walked the circle and got back on the boat. The most interesting thing we saw in this port was sharks swimming in the water near the pier. We enjoyed watching them while we were eating lunch in the Horizon Court.

Cozumel

This was by far our favorite port on this itinerary. We went to one of the government run beaches, Playa del Sol. The cab ride cost around 15 dollars each way and the basic admission onto the beach was 6 dollars per person. It was worth the money. There were public showers, hammocks, water toys, and plenty of beautiful beach. Many shore excursions include a stop at this beach, so by midday it gets really crowded. Beware of the shopkeepers at the entrance of the park; they are very pushy. In fact, all of the shopkeepers are very pushy in the downtown area. Prices are good if you are good at bargaining.

Famed Carlos and Charlie’s is a lot of fun and we would have had more fun if we had more time to spend there. The day goes by really quick.

Editorial note: There are Mexican Guardsmen along the pier carrying really big guns. It was kind of hairy, but for our protection.

Island Maps

On Royal Caribbean they put Island maps and shopping maps in your room the evening before visiting a port. On Grand Princess they handed out shopping maps only as you were walking down the plank at port. I really liked having an island map because we like to explore the island ourselves, in addition to visiting the shops.

I do however like the shopping guides on both cruise lines because it gives you an idea of which shops you will be able to find what you are interested in, as well as freebies and discounts.

Arcade

Grand Princess had a virtual arcade. There were some fun games: air hockey, racing, and the usual arcade fare. We really enjoy playing air hockey. It is by far one of our favorite things to do. This arcade was fun and during peak times crawling with kids. We went a couple of times when they had arcade specials (i.e. half off play from 4-6) and had a really good time.

Entertainment

Entertainment aboard Grand Princess was similar to Enchantment of the Seas and Sovereign of the Seas. Singing and dancing, a couple of comedians, a juggler who thinks he is a comedian, and a magician. Nothing to write home about.

The Boat Itself

The Grand Princess was huge. It was well maintained and cleverly designed. The crew is constantly working on the boat keeping it up to par. The atrium wasn’t overly spectacular. There were two main pools and two smaller pools, one in the front of the boat and one in the back. There were about 10 hot tubs. All of the pools were really nice and one bonus was that the pool water wasn’t salt water nor chlorinated.

Disembarkation

Disembarkation on Grand Princess was easy and fast. We went to breakfast and waited for our color. When it was called we walked right off the boat, we didn’t have to wait in any lines. I think it helped that there were two places where you could get off the boat into the terminal.

Royal Caribbean, however, was another story. When our color was called there was another line that we had to wait in. It probably took close to 45 minutes to disembark.

Summary

We had a great time on the Grand Princess. The ship was so large that we didn’t even see everything on the ship. We wouldn’t mind sailing on her again, but there are so many other itineraries that we want to try and other cruise lines that we want to explore first. Cruising is really what you make of it.