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Help us decide-Emerald or Grand to Hawaii-winter 2019?


trvlwrld
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We cant decide between the 2 ships. Whether it sails out of LA or SF isn't a big deal, but also can’t decide on balcony or interior....would appreciate input from others on condition of the ships and room sizes—-thanks!

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We've been on both itineraries and once on the Grand (as well as other ships).

We've always had such great service on the Grand, although she is probably my least favorite ship in the Princess fleet ... the ship itself, not the experience.

The lack of a central staircase for passenger use is an issue on the Grand. It creates a bottleneck in front of the Explorers Lounge / Photo display area for those wanting to use the aft stairs or Vista Lounge ...and also longer than usual wait times at the midship elevators. We did find a solution to this, however, by booking a cabin on the Plaza or Fiesta decks.

The closets are also smaller on the Grand and while that might not seem like an issue, it can be an annoyance to keep all your belongings / clothing organized.

Also, she is missing Skywalkers and that has been replaced by the One5 club ... but that venue doesn't hold a candle to Skywalkers, which you will still be able to find on the Emerald.

There were some much needed renovations on the Grand and I must say, they did a nice job in many areas around the ship. They still need to replace some of the furniture in public lounges, though ... but did notice some nicely done improvements from the previous time we sailed on her.

 

What we absolutely cannot do without, though, is an indoor pool for this itinerary and that is not to be found on the Emerald. Also, the Emerald has approx 230 cabins more but to my knowledge, they haven't really expanded any of the lounges or the theater, so if that equates to approx 500 more passengers onboard, you might have a harder time to secure a seat for one of the shows or events. Everything will just be more crowded and longer lines to be had. Also, I don't think there is an Alfredos pizza restaurant on the Emerald, whereas you will find that one the Grand.

 

As far as sailing out of San Francisco under the Golden Gate vs past all the cranes in the Port of Los Angeles ... there is simply no comparison here!! The pier in SF is directly in the center of town so there are great public transportation options to take advantage of if you even need it. There are so many sights within walking distance of the pier.

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I would choose the Grand because she has 400 less passengers and Alfredos (no fee Pizzeria). Stunning departure under the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

ELUA is not on the Grand from San Francisco. Only San Pedro. Great Hawaiian Ambassadors for the 2 weeks at sea.

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Also the Grand have a category called Window Suites which are a great value with suite amenities!

 

Pooh

IF the Window suites fit within your budget, they are really worth considering. You don't get a balcony, but our experience has been that a balcony is not all that useful on sea days due to the wind. You do get all of the suite amenities--which we like. The Window suites are a very good Value proposition. There are lots of reviews of them here, so you can easily research them if you think you might be interested.

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we’re not so much interested in the pool, but more about the comparison of rooms on each ship and the overall condition —-which is fresher or tired looking—-thx!

 

Just look at the age of the two ships for your answer. While the latest dry dock definitely gave a little life back to the Grand, I don't think the condition of the ship's furniture and cabins was properly addressed at that time. The Horizon Court and all the new carpet nearly throughout, on the other hand, does give the ship a fresher / cleaner feel. They did a good job in some areas but seemed to have missed others.

 

We loved our cabin this last time on the Grand but it was in need of some TLC. The grout in the bathroom shower was in desperate need of replacement, as was the sofa in our stateroom.

The couches in the lounges appear to be the same ones that were there a couple of years ago and needed to be replaced way back then. If you go to one of the lounges and wonder why the couches are all unoccupied, that's why. You feel like you are going to sink through right to the floor.

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