rogueriver

We were on the Grand this past April for the trans Pacific Sydney to San Francisco. We enjoyed the ship, but some of the furniture, especially in the Vista and Explorer Lounges really needs to be replaced. There were also occasions when buckets were out catching drips from the ceilings. We also had a major electrical issue that caused many of us to be moved to other cabins, but that was fixed once we arrived in Honolulu. Even with these issues, we really enjoyed the ship and the crew was fantastic, especially the Cruise Director Jayson and all of this staff.

We were on the Grand in April for the trans Pacific Sydney to San Francisco. We were able to order the water package.

I don't know about the Sapphire, but we were on the Grand for a 29 day trans Pacific cruise in April. There was Zumba daily on sea days as well as a pop choir and mob flash dance.

We were on the Grand in April and had foot rests on our mini suite balcony. However, we had to be moved to a balcony cabin because of a major electrical issue, and that cabin did not have the foot rests. I guess they are now provided only in mini suites and above.

When we were on the Grand in April, Smize was available to order on the app. I believe the price was $6 for a tiny container - ridiculous in my opinion! They also kept showing the Tyra Banks commercial during the daily Wake Show, which was pretty annoying.

They were serving popcorn when we were on the Grand in April.

We docked in Honolulu early this morning and I’m sure the engineers hopped on board as soon as they could to assess and begin repairs if possible. We haven’t received an update yet, but the captain has done a great job of keeping us informed. We are heading to Maui tomorrow and leaving for the final leg to San Francisco on Monday.

We are on the Grand now heading to Hawaii and were in a mini suite that lost power. Although it’s been a hassle moving to a smaller cabin, we feel very fortunate that we were given a balcony room. I want to give a shout out to the fantastic crew. This situation has been difficult for them, especially since they are also dealing with a norovirus outbreak. They are continuing to provide superior service and we are grateful. As for the condition of the Grand, it is really showing it’s age and could do with some upgrades.

If you use a higher voltage item like a flat iron or curling iron, you may need to also have a converter. Check to see if your appliance is listed as dual voltage. If not, you’ll need the converter.

Our cruise is departing March 31 in Sydney, and we just received our medallions on Monday, March 20. I was worried that it was cutting it a little close since we actually fly out on the 26th. The return address was from New Jersey.

We also plan to rent a car when we stop in Lahaina in April. We've reserved from Budget in Kaanapali and it looks like it's about 5 miles from the cruise port. We plan to take an Uber if available but not sure of the cost.

I realize that deciding on surgery is a very personal decision, but count me as one who would be encouraging it for arthritis in the hip. My sister had both hips replaced in 2022, one in August and the other in November. She diligently followed her therapy routine and is now back playing pickleball and raring to go for our 29 day cruise in April.

Thank you for the information!

Our cruise will be stopping in Papeete on a Sunday in April and I've heard that many of the shops may be closed. Do any of you know if that is the case for the market/shops near the cruise port?

Thanks so much for the information and the beautiful pictures!

We will be stopping in Papeete on our Princess Grand cruise in April. We would like to spend some time at the beach and read that the Toaroto Beach near the Le Meridien resort is a nice white sand beach. Has anyone been to this beach? If so, would you recommend it? Is there another beach that may be better? Would it be easy to take the bus or is it better to go there by taxi? Thanks in advance for your answers.

Thanks for the replies. We are already paid in full and I'm trying to purchase the Medallion Net now before the price goes up next week. I think I'll try calling just in case they will let me use the gift card over the phone. If not, I'll just take it on board. We'll be on a 29 day cruise, so I'm sure it will be used up, especially if I don't stay away from the casino!

I tried to use a gift card to purchase Medallion Net on the app but it only allows me to use a credit card. Does anyone know how to use a gift card on the app or will I have to call Princess?Thanks in advance!