Grand Princess Information..I'm Sailing On Her Now.

[Cruise Raider]

18 hours ago, Belle said:

 

 

Cruise Raider I was in One5 often bet we saw each other. Hope you had a good time too. It was hot with the humidity.

Enjoyed it, now I'm cold at home and it's in the 70's.

 

 

 

I am sure we must have run into one another ... we went up there often.  

Mexico was way too hot for me .... way too hot!!  I won't be doing that itinerary in the fall again. 

We are at home and in the 50's and loving it!!  As soon as we disembarked in SF, I knew we were back home and I realized how much I appreciate our weather.  Now, those earthquakes we've been experiencing since we've gotten home, that's another story!!  

 

[strobellayjam]

By chance, dos anyone have pics of the Sabatini’s menu on the Grand to share? My DD is curious to see if it’s the new or older offerings. 

[brisalta]

2 hours ago, strobellayjam said:

By chance, dos anyone have pics of the Sabatini’s menu on the Grand to share? My DD is curious to see if it’s the new or older offerings. 

 

It is the same as the one on the Princess web site.

I was underwhelmed by the food in Sabatini's.

[strobellayjam]

5 minutes ago, brisalta said:

 

It is the same as the one on the Princess web site.

I was underwhelmed by the food in Sabatini's.

Not always. We were on the Regal in Dec and the Royal in May. Both menu offerings at Sabatini’s were different. 
 

Food is also subjective. I simply inquired about the menu itself. 

[snoozecrooze]

@strobellayjam I didn't eat at Sabatini's but I snapped pics of these menus just outside of Sabatini's this past week on the Grand. Hope this helps!

Edited October 23, 2019 by snoozecrooze

[brisalta]

1 hour ago, strobellayjam said:

Not always. We were on the Regal in Dec and the Royal in May. Both menu offerings at Sabatini’s were different. 
 

Food is also subjective. I simply inquired about the menu itself. 

 

The question was about the Grand Princess and I answered in that context. Maybe you should read the question.

 

Sabatini's claims to be Italian. It would help if the food actually tasted like it was prepared by someone familiar with Italian recipes and Italian food. It tasted nothing like food you find in in Italy. For example the seafood wrapped in parchment was bland to the point of being almost tasteless and had a strange texture. I have eaten much real Italian food.

Unfortunately Sabatini's is based on the food of some restaurant in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is not known for its food.

[2old4this]

On 9/30/2019 at 4:47 AM, Belle said:

New door handles, no slots for keys. Hold key to screen by the door

TV is on demand now

Escape room is now $8 pp

Still have Heist game

Computers work, slow some times but fast at other times ...Luck of the draw

No balloons starting in Oct.

At IC coffee lids and cups are paper

Straws are paper now most times you have to ask for them

Sabatini's new menu is good

Alfredo's good as ever

To me and others the Crown Grill not as good as use to be

Salty Dog is good

Dining room and buffet..OK

Times..The ship has put the Dining, Buffet and Elite lounge starting an half hour earlier..so then they close earlier. Just in case your use to the old hours

Formal night..Some really dressed up others looked nice. Smart Casual..lets say it means a lot of different things to people  Being hot it's been more casual I would say

Blue Brothers show is a good one to see (new with Steve and Lee)

Still lots of music around the ship

Trivia and other games still played

Some elevators and bathroom stalls out at different time....and they didn't build a center stair case...so just go with it...Relax..Enjoy!

John Smith is Captain now

Steve still CD

All the crew around the ship are friendly and helpful

 

If doing next cruise Mexico it's hot and the humidity makes it seem hotter.

1st formal night 2nd sea day...2nd formal night sea day after Cabo

A hint if you have an inside cabin..if you split the beds with night stand in the middle it makes your room so much bigger and more room to walk in.

 

I've been on the Grand since 9-13, getting off 10-13 (plus sailed Grand many times) If you have any question I'll answer if I can.

My fellow traveler, my adult son Brian, is into chess big time.  Have you seen a chess board anyplace, perhaps the library.  If you can, snap a photo of the chess site and share here.  Regarding formal dinner times, does the room darken for the ambiance, play music during dinner, candlelight, etc?  I like formal dinners is why I ask.  I'm headed to Hawaii next month and have my cabin on Carib Deck in the C400 group.  Know anything about those accommodations?  Jack

[snoozecrooze]

52 minutes ago, 2old4this said:

Regarding formal dinner times, does the room darken for the ambiance, play music during dinner, candlelight, etc?  I like formal dinners is why I ask.  I'm headed to Hawaii next month and have my cabin on Carib Deck in the C400 group.  Know anything about those accommodations?  Jack

Hey Jack, I can help out with your formal dinner inquiry and OP can provide their input as well. I noticed you might be living in a suite as you're in the 400s on Caribe deck, so I'll write just a tad bit on Club Class just based on some superficial observation. We ate in Da Vinci (where Club Class dinners are also held), but I don't think the ambiance would be different in Botticelli or Michelangelo, the other two dining rooms. For the formal nights, I did not notice any particular difference in dining room atmosphere and ambiance between formal nights and normal nights. Club Class waiters are dressed in the same get-up on formal night. Lobster is generally offered on the menu of the second formal night (speaking in terms of a 7-day). No dimming, no candlelight, and no ambient music is played, as far as I can recollect. The dining rooms can get pretty loud in general regardless. We did not dine as Club Class but were seated next to some Club Class guests and noticed they received some more personalized service and more constant check-ups, but in terms of ambiance, I don't really have any further details -- apologies in advance.

For a specific ambiance, the specialty restaurants could possibly provide a more personalized/intimate atmosphere, depending on your preferences. For more information about Club Class, do try and search around the forum as well, as some others have provided their unique experiences. Hope this might help a little!

[strobellayjam]

17 hours ago, snoozecrooze said:

@strobellayjam I didn't eat at Sabatini's but I snapped pics of these menus just outside of Sabatini's this past week on the Grand. Hope this helps!

The pics aren't loading (perhaps an issue at my end!) but appreciate the time and response... not a huge deal as we'll be back on the Grand soon, albeit not soon enough, but just a curiosity on behalf of my 6yo who was inquiring

[snoozecrooze]

3 hours ago, strobellayjam said:

The pics aren't loading (perhaps an issue at my end!) but appreciate the time and response... not a huge deal as we'll be back on the Grand soon, albeit not soon enough, but just a curiosity on behalf of my 6yo who was inquiring

Hey there! So sorry about the pics not loading! I'll attach them as files and you can try downloading them to view them instead, since it seems like pasting it directly is giving it the issue. Please let me know if I can be of more assistance!

[strobellayjam]

@snoozecrooze thank you so much!  This menu definitely differs from the one posted on the Princess website. I’ll share this with my DD tonight. Hope you had a fabulous cruise!

[cmh]

On 9/30/2019 at 4:47 AM, Belle said:

New door handles, no slots for keys. Hold key to screen by the door

TV is on demand now

Escape room is now $8 pp

Still have Heist game

Computers work, slow some times but fast at other times ...Luck of the draw

No balloons starting in Oct.

At IC coffee lids and cups are paper

Straws are paper now most times you have to ask for them

Sabatini's new menu is good

Alfredo's good as ever

To me and others the Crown Grill not as good as use to be

Salty Dog is good

Dining room and buffet..OK

Times..The ship has put the Dining, Buffet and Elite lounge starting an half hour earlier..so then they close earlier. Just in case your use to the old hours

Formal night..Some really dressed up others looked nice. Smart Casual..lets say it means a lot of different things to people  Being hot it's been more casual I would say

Blue Brothers show is a good one to see (new with Steve and Lee)

Still lots of music around the ship

Trivia and other games still played

Some elevators and bathroom stalls out at different time....and they didn't build a center stair case...so just go with it...Relax..Enjoy!

John Smith is Captain now

Steve still CD

All the crew around the ship are friendly and helpful

 

If doing next cruise Mexico it's hot and the humidity makes it seem hotter.

1st formal night 2nd sea day...2nd formal night sea day after Cabo

A hint if you have an inside cabin..if you split the beds with night stand in the middle it makes your room so much bigger and more room to walk in.

 

I've been on the Grand since 9-13, getting off 10-13 (plus sailed Grand many times) If you have any question I'll answer if I can.

Thanks for the info.  We are sailing on the Grand on Sunday.  What time are the appetizers in the Elite lounge at One 5?  It used to be 5 o'clock.

[snoozecrooze]

46 minutes ago, cmh said:

Thanks for the info.  We are sailing on the Grand on Sunday.  What time are the appetizers in the Elite lounge at One 5?  It used to be 5 o'clock.

Hey @cmh! Last week, for a Pacific NW itinerary, it was from 4:30PM to 6:30PM! Hope this helps!

[Belle]

chm..es  on the Grand it's 4:30 to 6:30 for the Elite lounge. In fact everything is earlier on Princess now,  tea times

dining times, show time All by 1/2  hour earlier. So be sure you check the Patter.

 

2old when you wrote I was already off the ship. There could be some sets in the library but don't know.

If he really wants to play, he should bring his own.

The dining room as you were told is bright with light, with people talking and waiters being busy it's not quiet.

Small flowers on table, no candles. You have a great cabin..get the Balcony dinner. Worth the price. Flowers and a picture to keep. Serves you each course with time in between. Comes the day before and tells you about menu. Pick a port day that

leaves port late, eat before the ship leaves and gets windy if you can.  If not think your balcony is half covered, half not.

Just eat under the covered part.

[LSGDRG]

On 10/22/2019 at 8:45 PM, 2old4this said:

My fellow traveler, my adult son Brian, is into chess big time.  Have you seen a chess board anyplace, perhaps the library.  If you can, snap a photo of the chess site and share here.  Regarding formal dinner times, does the room darken for the ambiance, play music during dinner, candlelight, etc?  I like formal dinners is why I ask.  I'm headed to Hawaii next month and have my cabin on Carib Deck in the C400 group.  Know anything about those accommodations?  Jack

I just got off the Grand Princess on Oct 27th.  I was in C410.  If you have specific concerns regarding the suites in this section, I would be happy to try and answer your question(s).

[2old4this]

4 hours ago, LSGDRG said:

I just got off the Grand Princess on Oct 27th.  I was in C410.  If you have specific concerns regarding the suites in this section, I would be happy to try and answer your question(s).

I'm in C-424.  Had it reserved since early spring.  Boarding on 18 November.  What purpose the doors in the hallway at both ends of the C-group?  What dinner perks did your cabin C-cabin avail you?  Was there a specific reserved area at dinner for C-cabins? Did you buy the unlimited WiFi and how did it go?  How formal were formal nights as best you could guess?  Was there a VIP boarding desk?  Were you satisfied with how you were helped departing the ship at SF?  Did you feel you got anything special or different from your cabin steward?  Did you use the laundry services everyday or occasionally.  Was shoeshining something you requested?  What about the morning fruit? . . . how did that go?

 

I know my questions are many and you have better things to do . . .I really look forward to your recall, however, as I am wanting to have a superb 15 day vacation and eager to leave all this inquiry politics and the fires in my home area, central Califonia, behind me.  Thanks for offering LSGDRG!

[caribill]

2 hours ago, 2old4this said:

 What purpose the doors in the hallway at both ends of the C-group? 

Those doors, as well as similar doors elsewhere on that and other decks are for isolating an area in case of an emergency. Normally they are open (recessed) all of the time.

 

They might be closed on embarkation day until access is permitted to the cabins.

[LSGDRG]

12 hours ago, 2old4this said:

I'm in C-424.  Had it reserved since early spring.  Boarding on 18 November.  What purpose the doors in the hallway at both ends of the C-group?  What dinner perks did your cabin C-cabin avail you?  Was there a specific reserved area at dinner for C-cabins? Did you buy the unlimited WiFi and how did it go?  How formal were formal nights as best you could guess?  Was there a VIP boarding desk?  Were you satisfied with how you were helped departing the ship at SF?  Did you feel you got anything special or different from your cabin steward?  Did you use the laundry services everyday or occasionally.  Was shoeshining something you requested?  What about the morning fruit? . . . how did that go?

 

I know my questions are many and you have better things to do . . .I really look forward to your recall, however, as I am wanting to have a superb 15 day vacation and eager to leave all this inquiry politics and the fires in my home area, central Califonia, behind me.  Thanks for offering LSGDRG!

I am not sure what purpose the doors serve.  They were never closed.  I received a complimentary meal at a specialty restaurant the first night for booking the suite.  I chose the Crown Grill for my meal.  I also received free daily canapes at the time I requested and chocolates.  Club Class dining was included and I was underwhelmed by the experience.  The tables were very close to each other and I was unable to choose my table.  The extra item offered in Club Class was a pasta dish which I declined.  I actually preferred the service in the other part of the dining room.  WiFi was horrible on this cruise.  I tried to turn in my 150 free minutes for a plan upon embarkation.  I was told that I had to use up my minutes before purchasing a plan.  I ended up being given additional minutes because the internet was  so slow.  After a couple of days of trying to access my email, I gave up.  I participated in the first formal night.  I wore a sequined dress and I would say that I was on the dressier end of the scale.  I saw one man in a tux and many in dark suits with a tie.  Surprisingly, I did not see as many casually dressed individuals as some of the posts on Cruise Critic indicate.  I boarded at 11:00 am.  There was a line for Elite/suite guests.  I was offered an escort on board but choose not to wait since the escort service was not to the cabin.  My cabin steward was efficient but not as friendly as some.  I think he had too many cabins to attend to and little time to chat.  If I specifically asked for something I received it.  Laundry sent out was returned within 2 days.  The nearby laundry room was $3.00 per load and kept clean.  A token machine is inside the laundry room and the tokens are charged to your account.  I did not use the shoeshine service this cruise, but have in the past.  They did a great job and the shoes were returned the next am.  We were provided a fruit bowl which consisted of apples, banana, grapes & pears.  Fruit on the room service menu was melon. Overall, the staff was friendly and helpful.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

[toads45froggy]

On 10/22/2019 at 6:24 PM, brisalta said:

Unfortunately Sabatini's is based on the food of some restaurant in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is not known for its food.

You have no idea what you are talkingg about, Los Angles is the west coast hot spot for pop ups and award winning chefs from all around the world some of the best "americanized" fusions come from L.A. Its evident you either have a bias or are unsure what you are talking about.

[brisalta]

12 minutes ago, toads45froggy said:

You have no idea what you are talkingg about, Los Angles is the west coast hot spot for pop ups and award winning chefs from all around the world some of the best "americanized" fusions come from L.A. Its evident you either have a bias or are unsure what you are talking about.

 

I certainly do know what I am talking about considering that I actually live in an area that has what are considered the best restaurants in California.  Anyone can issue awards. LA is well known for that. Actually cooking to a high standard is a different. I am amused by you using the phrase "hot spot for pop ups".  A phrase that indicates fly by night operations that have no long term commitment to their customers.

[2old4this]

2 hours ago, LSGDRG said:

I am not sure what purpose the doors serve.  They were never closed.  I received a complimentary meal at a specialty restaurant the first night for booking the suite.  I chose the Crown Grill for my meal.  I also received free daily canapes at the time I requested and chocolates.  Club Class dining was included and I was underwhelmed by the experience.  The tables were very close to each other and I was unable to choose my table.  The extra item offered in Club Class was a pasta dish which I declined.  I actually preferred the service in the other part of the dining room.  WiFi was horrible on this cruise.  I tried to turn in my 150 free minutes for a plan upon embarkation.  I was told that I had to use up my minutes before purchasing a plan.  I ended up being given additional minutes because the internet was  so slow.  After a couple of days of trying to access my email, I gave up.  I participated in the first formal night.  I wore a sequined dress and I would say that I was on the dressier end of the scale.  I saw one man in a tux and many in dark suits with a tie.  Surprisingly, I did not see as many casually dressed individuals as some of the posts on Cruise Critic indicate.  I boarded at 11:00 am.  There was a line for Elite/suite guests.  I was offered an escort on board but choose not to wait since the escort service was not to the cabin.  My cabin steward was efficient but not as friendly as some.  I think he had too many cabins to attend to and little time to chat.  If I specifically asked for something I received it.  Laundry sent out was returned within 2 days.  The nearby laundry room was $3.00 per load and kept clean.  A token machine is inside the laundry room and the tokens are charged to your account.  I did not use the shoeshine service this cruise, but have in the past.  They did a great job and the shoes were returned the next am.  We were provided a fruit bowl which consisted of apples, banana, grapes & pears.  Fruit on the room service menu was melon. Overall, the staff was friendly and helpful.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Many, many thanks for the great response.  My guess the doors represent one extra attempt to give the 400s the feeling of a gated community.  Maybe they have them open since few have commented about them - - another guess of mine.

 

One final question, LSGDRG, did you leave the Grand feeling the cruise was worth it to you generally speaking - - overall?

[2old4this]

I'M REALLY HOPING TO HAVE A 'GRAND' TIME

 

In several weeks several thousand travelers are heading for the islands on the Grand and are nervous as all get out.  Why nervous?  Think pet care, buying those necessities, hunting for the black belt, care for the property,  maybe arranging things regarding 'Mom at the Rest Home'.  Most of us are counting pills and wondering if one, 2-week's worth, is enough.  Another concern is the possibility of catching something like norovirus, a head cold, even the flu, and not having the right medicine to fight back.

 

A whole bunch of us have selected the smallest cabins, those inside and without portholes, to save money just to take the cruise.  A few, the first timers, may be stressed just wondering if they'll have another claustrophobic attack with no place to go.  Stress and anticipation, when combined, make a challenging mental state.  Many of us are experiencing both right now as we ponder the dark suit and the long dress for formal nights, buy the tours now or possibly be too late later,  and the way we appear in swim suits before our home mirrors.

 

I'm going, no matter!  I've paid my money,  counted my meds, got my Hawaiian shirts,  and my luggage is packed, locked, and tagged.  Let's do it!  Whoa, hold it, "Where's my shoes?"

[2old4this]

2 hours ago, toads45froggy said:

You have no idea what you are talkingg about, Los Angles is the west coast hot spot for pop ups and award winning chefs from all around the world some of the best "americanized" fusions come from L.A. Its evident you either have a bias or are unsure what you are talking about.

No need to be harsh about the reply.  I've lived in Los Angeles for years and agree the city has many outstanding restaurants.  They are great in several other cities, too.  Anyone who has enjoyed Italian foods in Italy has a pretty solid basis for an opinion on such things.  And you, Toads45, know Los Angeles as best I can tell.  Much is decided individually and I trust you both as well travelled folks who have tasted the very best.  See you on board!

[Haboob]

Curiosity question for you.  Grand made a mad dash to arrive in San Francisco 11 hours early and avoid winds that would have made docking impossible -- we got to play CBP Follies all the last evening, including getting awoken at 11pm with the cabin speakers blaring "Will the following passengers report IMMEDIATELY to the gangway..."

 

Did you folks get to sail on time?

[toescat]

Thank you for the update.  I was on the beautiful Grand in May right before they started the upgrades.