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

[srpilo]

12 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

Yes...it really is not that big of a deal but most people aren't doing it actually and I have not observed any enforcement.   Mainly masks when going from place to place, elevators, hallways, or in non- drinking/eating locations, etc.  I think what works best is just common sense that 90% of us use anyway.

 

Thanks good to know, I'm on the Emerald in 14 days for her first cruises (15 days) and trying to gather my expectations for the indoor vibe. Thanks for your honest reply... It helps 😉

[BrandiGreg]

15 minutes ago, srpilo said:

 

Thanks good to know, I'm on the Emerald in 14 days for her first cruises (15 days) and trying to gather my expectations for the indoor vibe. Thanks for your honest reply... It helps 😉

Just my observation.  We're used to masks, living in California.   I think many are unnecessarily worried about using them.  With reduced capacity, you are rarely within 6 ft of each other.  10% seem to disregard completely, but that's life I guess.  I figure just enjoy the cruise and not worry about those few.

[AF-1]

So does today's cruise leave from San Diego and return to San Pedro?

[san diego sue]

37 minutes ago, AF-1 said:

So does today's cruise leave from San Diego and return to San Pedro?

San Diego is a port stop today for the Grand. Part of the 4 day cruise RT LA. (San Pedro).

It will also stop in Ensenada

[BrandiGreg]

Getting covid tested en masse this morning in Boticelli dining room with other b2b passengers.  Negative!

[srpilo]

BrandiGreg

Thanks for your reply, certainly not worried about using masks indoors, and I also live in California, and know the drill,  but was specifically asking about sip & cover while seated which I've  never encountered, except on an airplane, seems is a definite departure, and escalation from other cruises and cruise lines currently operating during the restart, and glad to hear your positive observations on enforcement

 

Once again thanks for your thoughtful response, and enjoy the rest of your cruise. 

 

 

 

.

Edited October 1, 2021 by srpilo

[Cruise Raider]

3 hours ago, srpilo said:

Still sip & cover on the 2nd leg  ?

Oh yes … the announcements were made and the signs are in the lounges.  While largely adhered to on the first leg of our cruise, we noticed a lot of people on this cruise ignoring this requirement.  Just not cool!  

[Cruise Raider]

2 hours ago, BrandiGreg said:

Just my observation.  We're used to masks, living in California.   I think many are unnecessarily worried about using them.  With reduced capacity, you are rarely within 6 ft of each other.  10% seem to disregard completely, but that's life I guess.  I figure just enjoy the cruise and not worry about those few.

Well said!  I’m having too much fun at hot I should let that go about the people that don’t feel as though they need to comply!  I love the advice!  
 

[Cruise Raider]

3 hours ago, partybarbie said:

A huge thank you to everyone that is posting from the ship. I can hardly wait for my cruise at the end of the month. I think if the crew claps and cheers when we board, I will start crying. My heart is filled with gratitude for all of the people that work so hard for us to have a wonderful and much needed vacation. 

I’m sure you will … haven’t seen anything close to a dry eye yet!  

[BrandiGreg]

1 minute ago, Cruise Raider said:

I’m sure you will … haven’t seen anything close to a dry eye yet!  

This is the best time to be cruising.  With reduced capacity, no lines and super service by staff.

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, BrandiGreg said:

Getting covid tested en masse this morning in Boticelli dining room with other b2b passengers.  Negative!

Yoohoo!  We go tomorrow morning.  Also praying we test negative … we feel great and have been very careful so I would be surprised if we contracted anything.   

[Cruise Raider]

3 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

This is the best time to be cruising.  With reduced capacity, no lines and super service by staff.

I agree … cruise now because we will never experience anything like this again in the future.  It is amazing!  
I’ve seen some people make note they wouldn’t want to cruise while the ship is like a morgue … hardly the case!  This is turning out to be as great as cruising on the Majestic back in July!  Simply Amazing!  

 

 

[cr8tiv1]

@Cruise Raider, Thank you for starting this thread.  Lots of similarities with Alaska run, but nice to have specifics regarding the Grand.

 

I wish I had the same cabin.  But the rules kept changing.  When I was "finally allowed" to book a b2b, after the fact, the best I could do was the cabin next door.  Agent said that inventory department would try to get me a b2b in the same cabin.  Still holding my breath.  I'm really okay with my current arrangement.  I have moved before.  Not a biggie.  It's not like I have tons of stuff to move since these are short cruises.   

 

So happy testing is being done on the ship.  There's not much to do around San Pedro (been to the Iowa).  Do you know if the red trolley is running?  It's October....yay!

 

Are there crew cards out for guests to fill out?  

 

 

 

Edited October 1, 2021 by cr8tiv1

[Astro Flyer]

45 minutes ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Do you know if the red trolley is running? 

Cars Operate Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Noon – 9:00pm

 

http://www.railwaypreservation.com/page8.html

 

http://www.railwaypreservation.com/images/red car brochure.pdf

 

Edited October 1, 2021 by Astro Flyer

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, cr8tiv1 said:

@Cruise Raider, Thank you for starting this thread.  Lots of similarities with Alaska run, but nice to have specifics regarding the Grand.

 

Are there crew cards out for guests to fill out?  

 

 

 

Yes, the cruise is very different from the Alaska one we took in July but am ranking them right up there with being a couple of my favorites.  
 

I’ve not seen the crew cards abut were I formed at the end of the cruise, we will be able to mention them.  I didn’t take that as being part of the post cruise survey but it could very well be, now I come to think of it!  
there are some people from headquarters onboard and we’ve made our gratitude well known about all the wonderful staff and crew onboard!  
 

Just of note, I think I may have figured out the deal with CC going all wonky on me on my IPad.  Once I log onto the MC app, I have to go back into my MedallionNet click on the ‘Browse the Internet’ link to make it work properly.  I can’t say this is for sure for sure, but it seems to have solved my issue.  I was checking the app while at home, too and it seemed to do the same thing …and never on my PC.  Well, hope that helps others down the line.  

 

[memoak]

2 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

Oh yes … the announcements were made and the signs are in the lounges.  While largely adhered to on the first leg of our cruise, we noticed a lot of people on this cruise ignoring this requirement.  Just not cool!  

My PVP got back recently from the Majestic and I asked her about this and she told me that once you are seated in a restaurant or bar no need to keep the mask on. No sip and cover in effect

[mellon1]

I wonder if they are having the onboard testing because the cruises are so short.  Anyone have an answer for seven, ten or fourteen day cruises????

[ebeluga]

5 hours ago, BrandiGreg said:

Getting covid tested en masse this morning in Boticelli dining room with other b2b passengers.  Negative!

 

 

 

 

Is the test self-administered?

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, memoak said:

My PVP got back recently from the Majestic and I asked her about this and she told me that once you are seated in a restaurant or bar no need to keep the mask on. No sip and cover in effect

The Grand hasn’t been requesting sip and cover or eat and cover in any of the restaurants (or even the bars, for that matter).  They are requesting them in the theater, elevators, casino and the lounges, though and when walking down the public hallways.  This is because social distancing is not as easy to maintain as the seating is fixed in place.  Makes sense to me.  
We still bring up our masks when our order is taken, just out of respect for the servers that are not able to go mask free.  

[Cruise Raider]

59 minutes ago, mellon1 said:

I wonder if they are having the onboard testing because the cruises are so short.  Anyone have an answer for seven, ten or fourteen day cruises????

I don’t think Princess has started up any longer cruises as of yet.  I read that people on the Majestic with B2B sailings, it was done the night before the first leg of the cruise ended and yes, it was done onboard.  
but, I believe the protocols will be in constant flux for months to come.  All that we can do is go with the flow, be very flexible and understanding that nothing is yet set in stone.  
 

[BrandiGreg]

1 hour ago, ebeluga said:

 

 

Is the test self-administered?

Yes.  They have one person in front "observing" a room of about 60 passengers simultaneously swabbing their nostrils.

[BrandiGreg]

Compared to the previous leg, I've observed a LOT of non-compliance with mask wearing, or wearing improperly (not covering nose).  Staff seems to ignore it. But I assume they don't want to start an argument,  and for wait staff and entertainment staff it is probably not their responsibility.  I have not seen any "mask police" in action.  I have to just remember to control my own actions and not feel I need to be responsible for others.

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

35 minutes ago, BrandiGreg said:

Compared to the previous leg, I've observed a LOT of non-compliance with mask wearing, or wearing improperly (not covering nose).  Staff seems to ignore it. But I assume they don't want to start an argument,  and for wait staff and entertainment staff it is probably not their responsibility.  I have not seen any "mask police" in action.  I have to just remember to control my own actions and not feel I need to be responsible for others.

We were on with you last week and also thought the vast majority were complying.  Any noticeable difference in passenger breakdowns?  Older, younger, etc...

[wallyj]

As this is the first ‘short’ Princess Cruise where there will not be a Captain’s Circle party.

 

I asked the Loyalty Ambassador, if Princess will give a ‘drink’ voucher to Platinum and Above as before. The answer was ‘No’ that policy has been discontinued as Princess feels many have the ‘plus’ package so it is kinda moot.

 

So another cutback.

 

The weather today in San Diego was sunny and hot. I believe 86 degrees.

 

 

[cr8tiv1]

It's a weekend cruise.  Need I say more?