I am considering taking a Western Caribbean cruise on the Grand Princess. Has anyone here taken a cruise on this ship? If so, do you have any advice or tips on what to do onboard? Thanks in advance!
We've cruised on the Grand princess. There are the usual shipboard activities, bingo, trivia games, craft workshops, lectures, art auction, casino, wine tasting. There is a library and a separate games room. There is an internet room but it is also available in the library. There are two different shows on every night, one at the show lounge, one at the theatre and there are two showings. Or another nice feature, movies under the stars (MUTS) every evening on the big screen outdoors by the pool. There are also movie channels in your stateroom. The saunas at the front of the ship are free (no spa charge). The promenade deck goes all the way around the ship if you like to walk off desserts the way we do.
There are two "anytime" dining rooms and one traditional dining room, all serve the same food. There are two specialty restaurants. The buffet is open 24 hours. Afternoon tea in the dining room is a treat.
To Jill's very comprehensive list, I would just add you have a choice of four fresh-water pools, one covered and one with a "swim against the current" feature. You can also get burgers grilled to order, fresh baked pizza and ice cream novelties(for a fee)near the pools. The Terrace Pool all the way aft is my favorite spot; it's quiet, and right near the Outrigger Bar and the Horizon Court Buffet.
And at night, the "Princess Pop Star" is a lot of fun, either to participate in or just watch. It's Princess' take on American Idol and runs on several nights throughout the cruise with one "star" emerging victorious.
In short, just a beautiful ship; well maintained and with a very friendly and courteous staff.
We will soon be going on our third voyage on the Grand (the April transatlantic) and of the 50+ ships that we have cruised, the Grand will be the first one that we have been on three times. My one tip about this ship (and all the Grand Class ships) is about the balcony cabins. The ones on decks A and B are typical cruise ship balconies. But, on the Caribe Deck the balconies are about 80% larger (9 feet deep as opposed to the usual 5 feet) with half the balcony covered and the outer half open to the skies (we love these balconies). If you want privacy you simply sit on the back part (covered) and in the front you can be viewed from above. They also put a reclining chair on these larger balconies. The mini-suite balconies on the Dolphin Deck are also pretty large, but they are entirely uncovered and absolutely no privacy since those passengers are in full view of anyone on decks A, B, or C above.
Just to round out what Hank had to say, the balconies in the mini-suites at the back of Emerald Deck are completely covered and give you total privacy. The cabins are also a little darker, which appeals to some and not to others. The Caribe Deck cabins give you the best of both--privacy and light. Although I've never found privacy to be in issue when I've been on Dolphin Deck. The other passengers have always been very respectful of our privacy.
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