Live feed from the Grand Princess 9/25 and 9/30 cruises

[jondfk]

6 hours ago, cruzsnooze said:

Yes, I am in a window suite. On the Caribbean Princess the WS does not have the casino outside the wall of suites. I have never sailed on the Grand and was worried about noise and smoke.  Did you also get the little bag of sleep goodies in your suite?

About the window suites on Grand, we've sailed in these something like 7 times.  

 

Casino noise.  There is none, zero, none as far as I could hear anyway.  When the ship is in motion you do get a lot of "white noise" from the surf racing by 10 feet or so from your windows.  

 

Smoke.  DW is fairly sensitive and has sometimes picked up odor from the cigar bar which is just forward of F301.  There is a companionway door near 301 there that used to be frequently propped open (allowing smoke in) on recent cruises this has been more consistently closed.  Smoke odor has never been an issue inside the room though I confess we tend towards F307 & F309 which might help in this regard as well.  

[cr8tiv1]

45 minutes ago, jondfk said:

About the window suites on Grand, we've sailed in these something like 7 times.  

 

Casino noise.  There is none, zero, none as far as I could hear anyway.  When the ship is in motion you do get a lot of "white noise" from the surf racing by 10 feet or so from your windows.  

 

Smoke.  DW is fairly sensitive and has sometimes picked up odor from the cigar bar which is just forward of F301.  There is a companionway door near 301 there that used to be frequently propped open (allowing smoke in) on recent cruises this has been more consistently closed.  Smoke odor has never been an issue inside the room though I confess we tend towards F307 & F309 which might help in this regard as well.  

 

I wish you ALL would stop promoting the Window Suites (including me).  With only two ships (to be left unnamed) and too many wanting them, the demand has escalated.  Glad I am booked out until 2023.  

 

Hee Hee. 😇

[cruzsnooze]

2 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Cruise Raider; you are doing b2b; would you post a note letting us know if your 30 sep-4 oct trip will be delayed also.  I am doing 4 Oct and may have to adjust my return flight on the 9th.  Someone mentioned all ships departing LGB are slowing down due to whale migration.  Just a heads up would be great.  Cheers

Are you referring to Long Beach? We are sailing out of San Pedro. I wouldn't want anyone to miss the "boat" by going to the wrong pier.

[AF-1]

1 hour ago, cruzsnooze said:

Are you referring to Long Beach? We are sailing out of San Pedro. I wouldn't want anyone to miss the "boat" by going to the wrong pier.

Correct San Pedro.  I said Long Beach;  because they are across the marina from each other and assumed any ships sailing from these two ports would be subjected to speed reductions

[cruzsnooze]

CruiseRaider can you find out the occupancy of tomorrow's cruise

It shows all cabins SOLD OUT EXCEPT for the Owners suite & Family suite.  SO if they haven't closed bookings it's weird that only one or two cabins are still bookable

[BrandiGreg]

We are on the Grand now and just got a letter saying we will be in the same cabin for our b2b, and to meet deck 7 aft at 10:15 am to go as a group through customs and then re-embark (same procedure as pre-covid). Testing will be done onboard on our choice of the next day (San Diego) or day after (sea day).  We also got In Transit cards if we want to get off the ship and leave terminal.

[Ken the cruiser]

17 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

We are on the Grand now and just got a letter saying we will be in the same cabin for our b2b, and to meet deck 7 aft at 10:15 am to go as a group through customs and then re-embark (same procedure as pre-covid). Testing will be done onboard on our choice of the next day (San Diego) or day after (sea day).  We also got In Transit cards if we want to get off the ship and leave terminal.

So they're giving you an antigen test onboard to see if you caught COVID on your first leg of your B2B on the second or third day of your second leg which is a 4 day cruise? I am so confused? What's the point since all the other passengers have to show proof of a negative antigen/PCR test prior to boarding? Shouldn't you have gotten your antigen test today (at the end of your first leg) so you would know the antigen test status prior to boarding your second leg?

Edited September 30, 2021 by Ken the cruiser

[SwimCarrie]

Is it okay to ask a food related question? Have you all seen smoked salmon at breakfast? Weird, yes, but hey, we all have our things we look forward to. Lol. 

[dskenn]

20 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

We are on the Grand now and just got a letter saying we will be in the same cabin for our b2b, and to meet deck 7 aft at 10:15 am to go as a group through customs and then re-embark (same procedure as pre-covid). Testing will be done onboard on our choice of the next day (San Diego) or day after (sea day).  We also got In Transit cards if we want to get off the ship and leave terminal.

Thank you for in information!

Edited September 30, 2021 by dskenn

[BrandiGreg]

3 minutes ago, Ken the cruiser said:

So they're giving you an antigen test onboard to see if you caught COVID on your first leg of your B2B on the second or third day of your second leg which is a 4 day cruise? I am so confused? What's the point since all the other passengers have to show proof of a negative antigen/PCR test prior to boarding? Shouldn't you have gotten your antigen test today (at the end of your first leg) so you would know the antigen test status prior to boarding your second leg?

I agree, seems weird to me.

[BrandiGreg]

3 minutes ago, SwimCarrie said:

Is it okay to ask a food related question? Have you all seen smoked salmon at breakfast? Weird, yes, but hey, we all have our things we look forward to. Lol. 

Yes, and sometimes smoked salmon sandwiches at lunch buffet

 

On 9/10/2021 at 7:47 PM, cruzsnooze said:

I'm thinking of just printing the medical report page for proof logging into my Kaiser account. I will also do a screen shot and email it to my phone. 

 

On 9/11/2021 at 8:27 AM, Sea Hag said:

We bought a two-pack here: COVID-19 Test for Travel - Abbott BinaxNOW™ Ag At-Home Kit 2 Pack | Optum Store

 

 

[Steelers36]

27 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

I agree, seems weird to me.

They have to go through the motions.

[DUCHESSRN]

6 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Swami says:  I have no idea.  Last Sunday's game was not on TV in my area.  I was spared some of the agony.

 

It was agony ,my husband is from Pittsburgh .

[cr8tiv1]

2 hours ago, BrandiGreg said:

We are on the Grand now and just got a letter saying we will be in the same cabin for our b2b, and to meet deck 7 aft at 10:15 am to go as a group through customs and then re-embark (same procedure as pre-covid). Testing will be done onboard on our choice of the next day (San Diego) or day after (sea day).  We also got In Transit cards if we want to get off the ship and leave terminal.

 

Thank you for posting Princess' COVID policy for your b2b.  Seems strange, but I will be happy not to have to get off the ship.

 

You mentioned that you get to stay in your same cabin.  Did you have a different cabin assigned for your b2b at the start?  Or did you always have the same cabin?  

[mellon1]

9 hours ago, BrandiGreg said:

We are on the Grand now and just got a letter saying we will be in the same cabin for our b2b, and to meet deck 7 aft at 10:15 am to go as a group through customs and then re-embark (same procedure as pre-covid). Testing will be done onboard on our choice of the next day (San Diego) or day after (sea day).  We also got In Transit cards if we want to get off the ship and leave terminal.

Thanks for posting that about b2bs and testing!!!  Keep us updated.  

[fabby50]

Sitting in the Explorers Lounge, waiting for early walk off.  Suppose to start at 8 am, we will see.  Good thing is pilot was on time and we are docked.  Now, we see if customs made it.

 

Good cruise, my opinion is if you are sitting on the sideline, wondering if you should go, go now!  Who knows what tomorrow, next week or next year will bring?

[dskenn]

57 minutes ago, fabby50 said:

Sitting in the Explorers Lounge, waiting for early walk off.  Suppose to start at 8 am, we will see.  Good thing is pilot was on time and we are docked.  Now, we see if customs made it.

 

Good cruise, my opinion is if you are sitting on the sideline, wondering if you should go, go now!  Who knows what tomorrow, next week or next year will bring?

Thank you for posting this cruise!  I agree don't wait, because it may be too late.  Safe journeys home.

 

[Cruise Raider]

20 hours ago, AF-1 said:

Cruise Raider; you are doing b2b; would you post a note letting us know if your 30 sep-4 oct trip will be delayed also.  I am doing 4 Oct and may have to adjust my return flight on the 9th.  Someone mentioned all ships departing LGB are slowing down due to whale migration.  Just a heads up would be great.  Cheers

I don’t believe the Oct 4th sailing will have any issues as far as schedules staying on time as we are only traveling down as far south as Ensenada.  But, if I hear anything, I will post on here.  

[Cruise Raider]

15 hours ago, cruzsnooze said:

CruiseRaider can you find out the occupancy of tomorrow's cruise

It shows all cabins SOLD OUT EXCEPT for the Owners suite & Family suite.  SO if they haven't closed bookings it's weird that only one or two cabins are still bookable

The occupancy is just under 1000 according to the guest services desk … 80 B2B passengers and approx 900 passengers boarding.  I’m sure that was an estimate.  
We were upgraded to a mini suite on the dolphin deck but they are allowing us to stay in our balcony cabin seeing as how we are very happy there and nobody else has booked that cabin.  

[cruzmore99]

23 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

We have t heard anything … still waiting to find out about the B2B testing procedures.  Hope they let us know sometime today. 

I'm very curious about the testing for B2B on your cruise (and how it compares to what we have received from Princess).  Thanks for taking the time to post so much info.

[Cruise Raider]

15 minutes ago, cruzmore99 said:

I'm very curious about the testing for B2B on your cruise (and how it compares to what we have received from Princess).  Thanks for taking the time to post so much info.

We just arrived in the Vista Lounge for the 80 in transit (or B2B) passengers that are onboard.  
we received a letter in our room last night about our upgrade from our Caribe deck balcony room to a mini suite on the dolphin deck but they are allowing us to stay in our balcony room.  It appears they are trying to move everyone more midship.  We are all the way aft and it is really bumpy back there but it made for such good sleep last night.  We are happy there and all settled in and like our steward.  Our letter also addressed the testing procedure and meeting place at 10:15 AM for the Vista Lounge.  Not sure if we will stay here or be disembarking and hanging out in the terminal.  I’d be fine right here … 

Anyway, they started disembarkation at 9:00 AM and called all remaining passengers to disembark by 10:00 AM … so 1 hour flat!  They are very efficient and even a little ahead of time.  
In the Vista Lounge, we had a choice to have our rapid antigen test, which will be done in the Botacelli dining room either tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM or the next day at 8:00 AM.  I’m so happy we don’t have to pack up our belongings on the rare chance that we might test positive.  We feel well and really don’t think there is that chance we have contracted everything.  

 

[mellon1]

7 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

We just arrived in the Vista Lounge for the 80 in transit (or B2B) passengers that are onboard.  
we received a letter in our room last night about our upgrade from our Caribe deck balcony room to a mini suite on the dolphin deck but they are allowing us to stay in our balcony room.  It appears they are trying to move everyone more midship.  We are all the way aft and it is really bumpy back there but it made for such good sleep last night.  We are happy there and all settled in and like our steward.  Our letter also addressed the testing procedure and meeting place at 10:15 AM for the Vista Lounge.  Not sure if we will stay here or be disembarking and hanging out in the terminal.  I’d be fine right here … 

Anyway, they started disembarkation at 9:00 AM and called all remaining passengers to disembark by 10:00 AM … so 1 hour flat!  They are very efficient and even a little ahead of time.  
In the Vista Lounge, we had a choice to have our rapid antigen test, which will be done in the Botacelli dining room either tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM or the next day at 8:00 AM.  I’m so happy we don’t have to pack up our belongings on the rare chance that we might test positive.  We feel well and really don’t think there is that chance we have contracted everything.  

 

 

12 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

We just arrived in the Vista Lounge for the 80 in transit (or B2B) passengers that are onboard.  
we received a letter in our room last night about our upgrade from our Caribe deck balcony room to a mini suite on the dolphin deck but they are allowing us to stay in our balcony room.  It appears they are trying to move everyone more midship.  We are all the way aft and it is really bumpy back there but it made for such good sleep last night.  We are happy there and all settled in and like our steward.  Our letter also addressed the testing procedure and meeting place at 10:15 AM for the Vista Lounge.  Not sure if we will stay here or be disembarking and hanging out in the terminal.  I’d be fine right here … 

Anyway, they started disembarkation at 9:00 AM and called all remaining passengers to disembark by 10:00 AM … so 1 hour flat!  They are very efficient and even a little ahead of time.  
In the Vista Lounge, we had a choice to have our rapid antigen test, which will be done in the Botacelli dining room either tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM or the next day at 8:00 AM.  I’m so happy we don’t have to pack up our belongings on the rare chance that we might test positive.  We feel well and really don’t think there is that chance we have contracted everything.  

 

I wish they would update their website if that is the new procedure.  Just check FAQ section on Princess.com and here it is:

 

Will I be able to book multiple cruises, back-to-back?

Yes, back-to-back bookings will be available for vaccinated guests, subject to availability.

Guests on back-to-back voyages will need to disembark the ship at the end of each voyage, receive a complimentary viral COVID-19 test, and will be permitted to board the ship again once they receive a negative test result.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be denied boarding on the next voyage, together with their family members and close contacts who are not fully vaccinated. If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are suspected of having COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit.

We will closely monitor all guidance and will adapt and evolve this policy accordingly.

[Cruise Raider]

57 minutes ago, mellon1 said:

 

I wish they would update their website if that is the new procedure.  Just check FAQ section on Princess.com and here it is:

 

Will I be able to book multiple cruises, back-to-back?

Yes, back-to-back bookings will be available for vaccinated guests, subject to availability.

Guests on back-to-back voyages will need to disembark the ship at the end of each voyage, receive a complimentary viral COVID-19 test, and will be permitted to board the ship again once they receive a negative test result.

Guests who test positive for COVID-19 will be denied boarding on the next voyage, together with their family members and close contacts who are not fully vaccinated. If you, your family members, travelling companions or other close contacts are suspected of having COVID-19, you are entitled to a 100% Future Cruise Credit.

We will closely monitor all guidance and will adapt and evolve this policy accordingly.

I think everything that is posted is in flux right now.  They are definitely  trying to make it as easy on passengers in keeping with the ever changing CDC rules.  We didn’t know of the procedure for the testing until last night as they were still working on the details.  
We are planners so it is hard for us to not know exactly how things are going to be handled.  But, if CoVid has taught us anything, it has taught us how to go with the flow.  We went from 2 weeks to slow the spread to what was close to a complete lockdown.  Life is so much better now … thankfully!  

[cr8tiv1]

1 minute ago, Cruise Raider said:

I think everything that is posted is in flux right now.  They are definitely  trying to make it as easy on passengers in keeping with the ever changing CDC rules.  We didn’t know of the procedure for the testing until last night as they were still working on the details.  
We are planners so it is hard for us to not know exactly how things are going to be handled.  But, if CoVid has taught us anything, it has taught us how to go with the flow.  We went from 2 weeks to slow the spread to what was close to a complete lockdown.  Life is so much better now … thankfully!  

 

I, too, am a planner...way in advance.  The Pandemic has "taught" me patience and how to be "more" flexible.  Two character traits that I somehow missed when they were being passed out.  I am far from being proficient in these two areas, but consider myself a work in progress.  

 

The best I can say is that I have control over what is in my control and have to allow myself to let others do what they need to do.  In this case, get me on a ship and out to sea.

 

Thank you to everyone on this thread.  You all have been most helpful to those cruising out of San Pedro in the near future.  

[Cruise Raider]

33 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

 

I, too, am a planner...way in advance.  The Pandemic has "taught" me patience and how to be "more" flexible.  Two character traits that I somehow missed when they were being passed out.  I am far from being proficient in these two areas, but consider myself a work in progress.  

 

The best I can say is that I have control over what is in my control and have to allow myself to let others do what they need to do.  In this case, get me on a ship and out to sea.

 

Thank you to everyone on this thread.  You all have been most helpful to those cruising out of San Pedro in the near future.  

Having a morning cocktail in the piazza listening to the band and the cheers from the crew as passengers board is definitely helping …. All such happy sounds!