LIVE from the Grand Princess - 14 days - February 4 - 18, 2012

[DougH]

I'm back, but not for long. Answering questions first.

 

 

2. #2 and #3 are very close to each other in the first third of the 500's. I have a lot more.

 

 

Posting this now and will continue

 

Guess my friend has less than I thought but he is #2 so you can say Hi at the lunch. I also made the cut of but will be sitting at one of the supporting tables. :)

 

Time to head up on deck and enjoy some sun with a good book.

 

Doug

[DCCruiser57]

Pia, I've been enjoying your thread very much. We'll be doing our first B2B on Grand Princess in January. So, questions....First, I'm very curious about you. To be #1, how many years have you been cruising and has most of it been since you're retired (I'm assuming you must be?) You don't seem to do any ship or private excursions nor do you appear to rent a car to go on your own so are you there basically for ship days relaxation, programs, food, service, and old/new friends rather than caring at all about itinerary? And, since you have probably seen most all the shows already, isn't a B2B really redundant for you since I have been told they just do repeat menus and repeat shows/movies/entertainment for the 2nd part? Do they have anything different for the second trip in terms of entertainment (individual performers, movies, lecturers?) Also, does the Grand compare almost exactly to the Golden, Crown, or Emerald (the only Princess ships that we have been on)? Do you ever use the library and if so, do they have a good fiction selection? Thanks!

 

 

No. 1 has 843 days

[Pia1913]

Really LIVE! Wifi came back a few minutes ago. So just in case it disappears, here is my day's diatribe.

It’s Monday, the sun is shining, temps supposed to be near 80 and wifi still not available. As mentioned yesterday, this will be posted when access becomes available. We saw Al Katz show last night. He is one funny man. We have seen him several times on different ships and he always has a different show. Meanwhile………….

　

Lots to do today, if so inclined. The morning is chock full of “stuff,” such as fruit and vegetable carving, the ever popular three hour $10 sale, a martini demonstration, trivia, the movie Puss in Boots on MUTS and of course………….BINGO! Also this morning is wine tasting which conflicts exactly with our CC M & G. I didn’t understand it last cruise and I don’t understand it now. Why wine tasting at 11 in the morning?

The afternoon begins with a (hahaha) fabulous shopping show, then a pub lunch and among other things will also be a slot tournament, the movie In Time in the theater, the Art Auction and more Bingo.

　

Tonight is formal night number one and the champagne waterfall. We’re passing again. On MUTS we have “Moneyball”, in the theater “Do you Wanna Dance” and in Vista a double header of Jacqui Michaels and Al Katz. If we want to stay out late, we might even go to Passenger Feud after the Vista show. Ooooohhhh. That’s a biggie for us.

　

Breakfast awaits while this frustrated blogger isn’t able to post her nonsensical jabber. See you when I see you.

Back to add some comments, because I did sneak a peek at the LIVE from the café.

Gloria: There is no problem with the internet itself; only with wireless. Last week all was perfect and fast and internet access is still good and fast. It’s only wireless that’s kaput and I need my own computer in order to do my work.

Bill: Yes, $3.99 is here from 4 -6 PM, but is not advertised. Even up in One5 there is no menu and you have to ask the waiter who verbally tells you the menu.

Tina: Didn’t know there were two places to dock. Will observe

Ok. Gone again. The internet manager told me that they were installing a new system. Methinks they need a new installer.

　

Meet and Greet update: What a joke. Even the coordinator didn’t show up. Evidentally someone dropped the ball. Three couples from last cruise and 3 couples from this cruise showed up. That’s it. Not even a bartender showed up. I would have been embarrassed had any staff arrived, but thankfully nobody did. Of course with this so “well run,” invitations obviously were not sent. So now it’s lunch time and still no wifi.

To the person who asked about wine: yes, did not secrete it, just carried it on. They don't care or look in FLL.

To the person who just quoted number of days for #1, don't know where you think you got the information, but you are totally wrong.

[Pia1913]

Guess my friend has less than I thought but he is #2 so you can say Hi at the lunch. I also made the cut of but will be sitting at one of the supporting tables. :)

 

Time to head up on deck and enjoy some sun with a good book.

 

Doug

 

 

Doug, please find me and introduce yourself. We just spent most of the afternoon on deck; reading.

[paulwil244]

"When we were on right after the drydock, our cabin balcony was a mess but the cabin inside was fine. We were on Caribe deck.

What deck or cabin were you in. We are scheduled to do South America next year (49 days) and will be in Baja510.

Also did you have any issues with the elevators getting stuck, or toilet flushing problems?"

 

Hi, we got off the Grand Sat 4th feb and we were in Aloha 714 - I can only say that the cabin seemed in great shape, also the balcony. The balcony floor had been recently painted blue and balcony rail re-varnished immediately prior to our boarding. The 'rock hard beds' were nowhere to be seen and 7 comfortable night's sleep were had by both of us. As first time Princess cruisers (but been on several others) we found the food very good in both MDR and HC. Little niggle with wally waiter on 1st night but soon sorted (whole table moved) with help from head waiter and maitre d. No real problems with elevators and definately no toilet issues either. Sounds like we got off at the right time as Pia suggests the weather is not so good. Have a great cruise - 49 days - WOW, :cool: can only dream about that one!!

[DCT61]

We are on the GP at this moment...wi-fi back up again. Writing from the rear pool deck. Nice cruise so far ...a few glitches. Joggers on the promenade deck before 8oclock in the am...sound like they are coming thru the ceiling of the window suites below. Will be glad to dock tomorrow!

[DCT61]

Beautiful ship in great condition. I was worried when I read some of the comments prior to sailing...but it looks in good shape to me. Window suites very nice. I don't notice any smoke smell from the casino in the room or hall. You can hear the slot machines in the hall. The ws creaks quite a bit with the ship motion...but it hasn't been horrible.

[bighairtexan]

Thanks Pia, Paulwil, DCT et al who are reporting about the GP. I booked a B2B over the Thanksgiving weekend and am taking my kids and their spouses (and a few others are going w/ us). Since the GP was MY idea (were going to cruise Celebrity again), I was starting to worry about various negative reports. I don't expect perfection on a cruise but I was worried about them slapping a coat of paint over an old tug from the implications of some of the reviews/posts. I'm beginning to feel more comfortable w/ my choice.

[kajee75]

SSbeagle,

 

I thought everyone knew about Portfever (www.portfever.com) where you can watch live streaming video from Fort Lauderdale (and other ports) and live video of sailaways. You can also request cruiseship waves and they will zoom in on you and take photos(inletphoto.com) Hope this doesn't qualify as an ad. I am not personally affiliated with the site. Lots of fun though!

[Pia1913]

It’s Tuesday, it’s Valentine’s Day and we’re on our way to Curacao. Arrival time was originally scheduled for 1:00 PM, but since we missed Princess Cays, ETA is now 10:00 AM. At shortly after 8 it is already hot and humid, with temps supposed to be in the 80’s. Our ship will be in port until 9:30, so we have lots of time to roam about. We’ve been here twice before, but it’s been many years and all I can recall is jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry.

　

　

Last night’s show with Al Katz and Jacqui Michaels was terrific. Don’t ever miss seeing this guy when you have the opportunity. I had thought we might attend Princess Feud afterwards, but I drank a little too much wine today and felt really tired.

　

　

For those staying aboard today there is absolutely nothing. At 3:00 in Vista is the movie Midnight in Paris and that’s basically it for the day. Evening hasn’t got much either, unless you think two performances of Motor City is worthwhile. On MUTS there will be a Bob Marley concert and the theater will show Bridesmaids. If we finish dinner early enough (though I doubt it) we might attend a special Valentine’s trivia. Our group of 6 preplanned our attire for the evening and we will start with cocktails in the One5. Attire, you ask? We’re all wearing red shirts and black pants. Should make for a nice photo.

Food awaits and I will check in after Curacao. Internet permitting, of course.

[compozer]

Happy Valentines Day

 

Thanks for taking the time to post.

[kruisey]

Happy Valentines Day to you Pia and DH.......Heather:)

[paul929207]

Happy Valentines Day. Thanks for the continued postings.

[coo359a2]

Wonder if it will be the red heart-shaped candy on your pillows tonight.

[ibfern]

Happy Valentines Day to Pia and Mike:

 

Roses are red,

Violets are blues

Buy Mike some candy,

On your Valentines cruise!

[Lynda90]

Hi Pia, I think that Al Katz is funniest comedian I have ever seen on Princess. Wish he was on more cruises. We laughed until our sides ached. I think he was on the Golden to Hawaii a few years ago! :p

[Pia1913]

HOT HOT HOT. That’s Curacao. And humid. Very humid. As a south Floridian I am very well versed in humidity, but don’t expect it in February. Anyhow, we left the ship as soon as they let us, and walked for almost 4 hours. Only stopped to have coffee at Coffeelicious, Curacao’s answer to Starbucks. Not quite. I found out later there is a Starbucks here, but never saw it.

　

When you get off the ship you walk straight ahead and there are a whole bunch of souvenir kiosks and a multitude of people trying to sell tours. As you proceed away from them (there is only one way to go), you head towards an old fort and lots more kiosks. The fort itself has a whole lot of shops, bars, cafes, etc. Continue on to the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and walk across into town. Almost every jewelry chain you’ve heard of and some you haven’t are there. Also the main designers such as Lauren, Hilfiger, LaCoste, etc.

　

Our purchases consisted of the requisite collared polo for Mike, a souvenir plate for the girl who does my nails and a prescription name brand medication, which needed no RX , and was 62% less than what we pay for it at home. When we were ready to return to the ship, we got to the bridge and it was open. So, we proceeded down a ways to where there was a free ferry. Just as we arrived, the ferry left. OK we thought, we’ll just wait for the next one. Shortly thereafter, a huge Coast Guard ship came through and the bridge began to close. We were talking to another couple and proceeded to walk back to the bridge entrance. But………..just as we got there….you guessed it; it opened again. Pretty funny. This is a swing bridge and just starts turning even when people are on it. This time a smaller vessel came through and it closed up again. Needless to say we didn’t wait around. Enough action for one hot afternoon. Anyhow, Mike’s back “gave out” and he barely hobbled back to the ship.

Tina: there is only one place that Princess docks. I heard from someone else that Royal docks way down at the other end of town and also on the other side of the island.

Now to take a shower and per Amelia leave this thought:

Roses may be red,

And violets may be blue,

But Mike's getting no candy,

'Cause he's still eating for two.

See you folks tomorrow in Aruba.

[coo359a2]

Thanks Pia. Sounds like you had quite a day. You at least answered another question I had- is it warm enough for shorts? Sounds like Alabama in mid summer.

[Mia63]

Really enjoying your posts Pia . We have recently booked our first cruise on the Grand Princess for January next year and cant wait! Lots of questions buzzing around my head right now but your posts are so informative! Thanks:)

[wineforhealth]

 

Now to take a shower and per Amelia leave this thought:

 

Roses may be red,

And violets may be blue,

But Mike's getting no candy,

'Cause he's still eating for two.

 

 

See you folks tomorrow in Aruba.

 

aren't we in a good mood tonight :D

 

Hope Mikes back is better soon

[ibfern]

 

now to take a shower and per amelia leave this thought:

 

roses may be red,

and violets may be blue,

but mike's getting no candy,

'cause he's still eating for two.

 

 

see you folks tomorrow in aruba.

 

rotflmao!

[Pia1913]

aren't we in a good mood tonight :D

 

Hope Mikes back is better soon

 

That's what happens Jim when you become a wino. ;) And thanks, he's feeling much better tonight. Certainly didn't affect his appetite. :rolleyes:

[ssbeagle]

SSbeagle,

 

I thought everyone knew about Portfever (www.portfever.com) where you can watch live streaming video from Fort Lauderdale (and other ports) and live video of sailaways. You can also request cruiseship waves and they will zoom in on you and take photos(inletphoto.com) Hope this doesn't qualify as an ad. I am not personally affiliated with the site. Lots of fun though!

 

Thank you for the info. I will be checking it out.

 

rotflmao!

 

Huh???

[paul929207]

Rotflmao = Rolling On The Floor Laughing My Ass Off

[Lynda90]

HOT HOT HOT. That’s Curacao. And humid. Very humid. As a south Floridian I am very well versed in humidity, but don’t expect it in February. Anyhow, we left the ship as soon as they let us, and walked for almost 4 hours. Only stopped to have coffee at Coffeelicious, Curacao’s answer to Starbucks. Not quite. I found out later there is a Starbucks here, but never saw it.

 

 

　

When you get off the ship you walk straight ahead and there are a whole bunch of souvenir kiosks and a multitude of people trying to sell tours. As you proceed away from them (there is only one way to go), you head towards an old fort and lots more kiosks. The fort itself has a whole lot of shops, bars, cafes, etc. Continue on to the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge and walk across into town. Almost every jewelry chain you’ve heard of and some you haven’t are there. Also the main designers such as Lauren, Hilfiger, LaCoste, etc.

 

 

　

Our purchases consisted of the requisite collared polo for Mike, a souvenir plate for the girl who does my nails and a prescription name brand medication, which needed no RX , and was 62% less than what we pay for it at home. When we were ready to return to the ship, we got to the bridge and it was open. So, we proceeded down a ways to where there was a free ferry. Just as we arrived, the ferry left. OK we thought, we’ll just wait for the next one. Shortly thereafter, a huge Coast Guard ship came through and the bridge began to close. We were talking to another couple and proceeded to walk back to the bridge entrance. But………..just as we got there….you guessed it; it opened again. Pretty funny. This is a swing bridge and just starts turning even when people are on it. This time a smaller vessel came through and it closed up again. Needless to say we didn’t wait around. Enough action for one hot afternoon. Anyhow, Mike’s back “gave out” and he barely hobbled back to the ship.

 

 

Tina: there is only one place that Princess docks. I heard from someone else that Royal docks way down at the other end of town and also on the other side of the island.

 

 

Now to take a shower and per Amelia leave this thought:

 

Roses may be red,

And violets may be blue,

But Mike's getting no candy,

'Cause he's still eating for two.

 

 

See you folks tomorrow in Aruba.

Pia, sorry about Mike's back; hope he gets better. Do you remember the name of the pharmacy where you got your prescription over the counter? Or, where it is located? Thanks! :p