2/17 Grand Review (If I may say so myself!)

[TeacherSus]

Warning - This is a long one...Grab your favorite cocktail and imagine yourself on board!

Embarkation

“Arrive after 1 p.m. for faster embarkation.” What a joke! We arrived at 1:15 and couldn’t believe the lines! After standing in line for about 30 minutes (and barely moving), someone came around and asked, “Are there any Captain’s Circle Members?” My husband and I jumped out of line and into the Priority Embarkation line. We were on board less than 10 minutes later. An hour and a half later I ran into the people we were standing in the original line with…they had just embarked! Once onboard we were impressed with the condition of the ship. We cruised on the Grand 7 years ago for our honeymoon and she did not age one bit. The maintenance they do on the ship on a daily basis is incredible. Our cabin was immaculate (the bed was wonderful!) and the ship was in top shape.

Sunday – Sea Day

Cold, cold, cold! I figured Saturday (sail away) would be chilly in Texas but thought that by Sunday the temps would have warmed up. We were certainly able to keep busy on the ship but there was no lounging around in the sun to be done on Sunday. Formal night was nice…interesting to note that really the only people wearing tuxedos were the waiters! Suits are MUCH more common.

Monday – Costa Maya

We booked a tour with David and Ivan to the Chacchoben Ruins. We met David and Eliu in the Tourist Center and took an hour long bus ride to the ruins. The ruins were very interesting and involved a lot of walking. Eliu was a great tour guide who provided a lot of information. I enjoyed it, but didn’t love the big group we were in. I thought that by booking outside of the Princess excursions we’d have a smaller experience, but it was still an entire coach bus full of people. I generally don’t enjoy being part of a gaggle of tourists, but all in all it was a good way to see the ruins.

Tuesday – Roatan

WONDERFUL! We booked the day at Sante Day Spa. It was heaven. Alex met us right outside the dock gate, and arranged our taxi ride. His brother, Jacobo, was our driver/guide for the ride. We met Leon at his boat for a quick shuttle across the water to the spa. There were 3 couples for the day, and Angela and Leon and their great staff took wonderful care of us. My husband and I had massages and salt scrubs right on the beach. It was amazing with the sounds of birds and the ocean right there. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in hammocks, dipping in the plunge pool, enjoying a delicious shrimp lunch, etc. I would HIGHLY recommend Sante. It was a truly unique and very memorable experience.

Wednesday – Belize City

Again, a great day! We booked cave tubing and ziplining with Nacho and Cynthia. It was only us and another couple and since we both got off the ship on the first tender (this was the only port we tendered at) we were able to beat the crowds to the Jaguar Paw Resort. We had the ziplines all to ourselves. It was a very peaceful and at the same time an exhilarating experience. As we left, we saw about 200 people lining up to have their turn. The tone was so different in the jungle with all the noise they made! We were so grateful to have gotten there first! Next we had a bit of a hike for cave tubing (although about half as far as the ship’s excursions!). We were also fortunate to tube through two caves (most only do one) and be escorted by the resort dog, Lucky. After lunch at the resort and a tour of the butterfly farm, we were on our way back, to port. Nacho and Cynthia took great care of us, and were really engaged and happy to be showing us around. We learned a lot about Belize from Nacho and really enjoyed the day.

Thursday – Cozumel

This was the only day we didn’t plan an excursion. (We figured that after three busy days we’d be ready for a break!) We did some shopping, had lunch, and spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying a pretty empty ship.

Friday – Sea Day

Again, the weather was disappointing – cold, windy and even rainy! I foolishly thought that we’d be able to enjoy some of the day in the sun, but that was not to be. Instead, we spent some time at the art auction with the INCREDIBLY redundant Art Director, Daniel and played some Bingo. The highlights of the day were the cooking demonstration and galley tour, and a semi-private tour of the bridge…both super interesting ways of seeing the “inner workings” of the Grand. We enjoyed ourselves lazing around the ship.

Disembarkation

What a nightmare! We had signed up for Express Walk Off and received #447. I know that there were at least 650 passengers doing the same (our friends had that number) but maybe more. It would have been fine if we had gotten off when we should, but alas, we wanted one more dining room breakfast. When we got in line to disembark they had already called the first color. After about five minutes of not moving in line they announced that disembarkation was halted and no one could leave the ship because customs was backed up. Apparently, the customs officials just leave on hour breaks with lineups of people. According to Princess personnel, this happens “all the time” in Galveston. After over an hour we were allowed off. Since we already had our luggage we were able to go straight to customs and were out of the terminal in about 15 minutes. We then had to hike over to Terminal 1 for our rental car…walking over broken sidewalks and through the street with a 50 pound suitcase was not much fun. Even though we screwed it up, I would not hesitate to do Express Walk Off again…I’d just actually get off the ship next time!

Food

We thought the food was great. We are not buffet people and aside from the first afternoon lunch and a couple of snacks, we did not visit the Horizon Court. We never had more than a 5-minute wait for anytime dining, and aside from 2 mediocre waiters, had smiling, friendly and wonderful wait staff for the entire cruise. The lobster and crab were great, pastas delish, etc. We ate to beat the band and were quite satisfied. I though Anytime Dining was great…I liked not being tied to a certain dining time. My only suggestion to improve it would be for Princess to help facilitate matching up dining partners. Just a simple message in the Patter (singles meet at Da Vinci at 7 p.m., 30-something couples meet at 7:30 join a large table) would be a nice way to meet people. Dining at a table for 2 was really nice too!

We ate at Sabatini on Italian night (fitting) and it was WONDERFUL. I wouldn’t recommend it for the picky eater. You really only choose your main course. They come around with platters and give you samples of cold appetizers, hot appetizers, pasta, etc. It was really an experience we loved.

The Painted Desert Steakhouse was good, but nowhere near Sabatini. The service was not as good, nor was the food. The steak was fine (I had filet) but not fabulous and the side dishes were a joke. I must say though that the crème brulee was incredible! (Sidenote - I was put off by the fact that while we were dining a man was seated next to us wearing shorts and NO SHOES! We laughed that he wouldn’t even be served in McDonald’s but it was fine in a surcharge restaurant on board. Ridiculous!)

Entertainment

The variety shows were entertaining, but certainly not Broadway. The comedians were good, especially Rollin' Jay Moore who made me laugh so hard I cried. I would see him on land in a minute. We went to at least one show every night and had a great time.

Final (Random) Thoughts

We had a GREAT cruise! I can’t believe the complaints people can come up with! I got so nervous reading the boards before we left but had none of the same complaints. The beds were FINE…best sleep I’ve had in a long time (granted I have a 2 and a 4 year old that I left at home). I have NO IDEA what all the egg crate hoopla is about. I enjoyed the ports mainly due to the fantastic excursions we had planned. Based on feedback from others and from what we saw of Belize, I would DEFINITELY plan an excursion.

All in all I would NOT cruise out of Galveston again. I suppose it’s fine for people who can drive to the port (not many ships cruise from the Detroit River so I don’t have that luxury), but the port is just too far from the airport (about a 70 minute drive), too disorganized and too cold to consider in the future.

Overall we had a very relaxing and wonderful vacation. The service was EXCELLENT! From waiters to pursors, stewards to bartenders, EVERYONE was friendly and helpful. They were so respectful both to passengers as well as to one another...I was amazed. We also met some fantastic people on board and really enjoyed meeting and hanging out with everyone.

Enjoy the Grand…we did!

[kftw]

Thanks for the review. We enjoyed the Grand in December and are sad she won't be coming back to Galveston as we are able to drive to the port. Thanks again.

[sanjosebarbie]

Nice review. I agree with you about Sterling's. I've never eaten at Sabbatini's, but I ate at Sterling's on the Carribean Princess (I think "The Painted Desert" has been rechristened "Sterling's" now, too, from what I read on the website and other reviews). The food was fine, but it was NO better than what you would get in the dining room, so why pay the $15 extra. I wonder why they changed it. When it was "The Painted Desert," it was a Mexican restaurant, and I would happily pay the surcharge for great Mexican food! I'll have to try Sabbatini's, though!

 

As to disembarkation, EVERY review I've read has said the same thing. Luckily, I'm never in a hurry to get off the ship. I just figure I'll chill out and drink coffee and read my book until the bitter end. Thank heavens I have a late flight. I've never cruised out of Galveston, and it sounds like everybody has the same problem with it!!! Too bad.

 

Again, I found your review really honest and positive and helpful. Thanks. Oh yeah...I booked my Sante Wellness Center package a few weeks ago, too, and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

[gomomgo]

Thanks for the great review. We'll be onboard for spring break and every bit of information (especially the good stuff) is eaten up voraciously. It sounds like you had a wonderful time!

[bhopal21]

I wonder why they changed it. When it was "The Painted Desert," it was a Mexican restaurant, and I would happily pay the surcharge for great Mexican food./QUOTE]

 

The steakhouse on The Grand Princess is still named The Painted Desert.

 

Mike:)

[pmcue]

we sail in March, and I was wondering what night was Italian, as we want to do the same thing you did with Sabatinis.

[Boo's Mom]

Nice review, TeacherSus !

 

Were there any craft classes offered....that you saw?

 

[friend of Eeyore]

Nice review' date=' TeacherSus ! [/b']

 

Were there any craft classes offered....that you saw?

 

Just a quick response here - I'd love to add my two cents of the week to Susie's review, but it's WAY past my bedtime, and I have an assembly with the kids tomorrow...

 

Anyway, there were some craft classes. I didn't check out most of them, but I did attend the two scrapbooking sessions. They had their pluses and minuses. There was a nice Elison cutter & some travel dies, which I do not have access to at home.

However, they were limited on their paper (all card stock, and you were not encouraged to use too much - they cut some down to smaller sizes for you to use), there was only one cutting machine (which caused trouble at the first session), and they did not do "lessons" - they knew less about scrapbooking and design than I do, I think - and I've never actually done a scrapbook page.

Instead, they passed out a picture of the ship and a piece of cardstock, and encouraged you to design a page of your own. If you bought the scrapbook kit (a nice deal, in my opinion), you could attend the second session. I went, and got to use the cutter by myself for an hour - no one else showed up.

[JoeTx]

Sailing out of Galveston is hit or miss weather wise during Winter and its just the luck of the draw. Some weeks you could be leaving in 60-70 degree weather, other weeks, it could be in the 30's. But that could be said for any port on the Gulf Coast, including Miami, during the winter time.

[Northender]

Thanks for the great review. Like you we are probably going to do a "walk off", so will be prepared.:p

We do enjoy "Sterling" but have not had dinner on the Grand as the last time it was still the Painted Desert.

We enjoyed it very much on The Star and The Golden.:)

 

Susie, do you remember what night was Caribbean night. I think that is when we would like to go and we try and make our ressies as soon as we board.

 

The only thing I disagree with is separating the masses by age group or singles. We love meeting with all different types of folks.:) Not flaming as you are certainly entitiled to your opinion:)

[sailingz4me]

We live in Houston. This seems to have been an especially cool winter. The cool days seemed to have gone on and on. There have been so many times in past years that we could wear shorts in January, and February. Not every day . . . but sometimes. We actually wore our winter clothes more than 1 or 2 days this winter.:eek: If you sail out of the gulf coast during the winter months, be ready for anything!:)

[Highwaydude]

I was on the same cruise. As with you, I read all those posts about how bad the beds were. They were not bad at all. We got on the ship really quick. We arrived around noon and had no lines getting on the ship. But next time we will carry our luggage on. It took a long time to get ours delivered to our room. Getting off the ship was correct. A nightmare. We also signed up for early early walk off. All to find out they closed off the exit for about 50 minutes.

 

We are already looking into sailing next year on the new Emerald Princess out of Fort Lauderdale. Maybe we'll get some warmer first days of cruising.

[bhopal21]

I was on the same cruise. As with you, I read all those posts about how bad the beds were. They were not bad at all.

 

That depends on the cabin, some have been replaced with the new bedding; but a large portion still have the old worn out beds in them. And we had four cabins like that; but we didn't let it ruin our cruise.

 

Mike:)

[TeacherSus]

we sail in March, and I was wondering what night was Italian, as we want to do the same thing you did with Sabatinis.

 

Italian Night was Monday.

[TeacherSus]

Thanks for the great review. Like you we are probably going to do a "walk off", so will be prepared.:p

We do enjoy "Sterling" but have not had dinner on the Grand as the last time it was still the Painted Desert.

We enjoyed it very much on The Star and The Golden.:)

 

Susie, do you remember what night was Caribbean night. I think that is when we would like to go and we try and make our ressies as soon as we board.

 

The only thing I disagree with is separating the masses by age group or singles. We love meeting with all different types of folks.:) Not flaming as you are certainly entitiled to your opinion:)

 

Caribbean Night was Tuesday.

 

I hear ya about meeting different types of folks. We were totally up for that but seemed to have a hard time sitting with others at Anytime Dining. The head waiters tended to push us into a table for two (not that I have a problem sitting with my honey!) because no one else was looking for a table at the time, or sitting with a group of 8 who all knew each other (family). We ended up sitting on our own for the majority of our meals and I thought the meeting times might be a nice option for people looking to meet others.

 

No flame caught at all! :)

[TeacherSus]

Nice review' date=' TeacherSus ! [/b']

 

Were there any craft classes offered....that you saw?

 

 

There was a ceramics class on the first sea day (it was just a paint your own ready-made pottery class) and I think some sort of box-making later in the week.

[Boo's Mom]

There was a ceramics class on the first sea day (it was just a paint your own ready-made pottery class) and I think some sort of box-making later in the week.

 

 

cool.

Thanks. :)

[sharkfins]

TeacherSus thanks for the informative review :) We are leaving on Saturday for this same cruise and are going to the Sante Spa as well. I wanted to ask you if you had any trouble actually getting to the spa. The directions/instructions that Angela sent seem very complex. So do you really not pay the land taxi until he brings you back to the ship? Did it seem like he was use to that? Do you remember how much your taxi was?

I'm very excited about our spa day, just a little worried about actually getting there.:confused:

Thanks for info.

[TeacherSus]

TeacherSus thanks for the informative review :) We are leaving on Saturday for this same cruise and are going to the Sante Spa as well. I wanted to ask you if you had any trouble actually getting to the spa. The directions/instructions that Angela sent seem very complex. So do you really not pay the land taxi until he brings you back to the ship? Did it seem like he was use to that? Do you remember how much your taxi was?

I'm very excited about our spa day, just a little worried about actually getting there.:confused:

Thanks for info.

 

I too was concerned about the instructions. There seemed to be a lot involved. Actually, we walked off the ship, were met by Alex, put in his brother Jacobo's cab with another couple and driven to Leon's boat. We didn't have to do any of the phone calling or anything else Angela mentioned in her instructions. Leon met us at the boat, helped us arrange a pickup time with the driver and brought us across to Sante. Leon brought us back to the taxi at our pre-arranged time (2 hours before the Grand sailed) and Jacobo was waiting. We didn't pay him until we got back to the docks and there was no haggling to be done. Since there were 4 of us in the cab it was $15 per person. If there were only 2 of us I believe it would have been $20 or more. It was easy and totally stress-free.

 

Enjoy your day there...it's wonderful!

[TeacherSus]

Just wanted to add one hotly debated point to my review...COFFEE!

 

I am certainly not a coffee connoisseur, but I do drink it every day and can recognize the difference between a good cup of coffee and a crappy one. (As a point of reference, Dunkin' Donuts is my coffee of choice on my way to school in the morning.)

 

That being said, I found NOTHING WRONG with the coffee served in the dining rooms. If not for all of the chatter on the boards, I never would have known that it was made out of coffee syrup. There is something so civilized about drinking a cup of coffee at the end of a good, long meal (something I RARELY get to do at home with two toddlers!) and I really enjoyed it on the ship. I saw no reason to purchase the coffee card and was quite satisfied with the coffee I drank both at breakfast and after dinner.

[bhopal21]

I found NOTHING WRONG with the coffee served in the dining rooms. If not for all of the chatter on the boards, I never would have known that it was made out of coffee syrup.

 

It's not.

 

It is the coffee served in Horizon Court Buffet that is made from concentrate

 

Room Service and dining room coffee is brewed and in Horizon Court it comes out of a tap like soda.

 

Mike

:)

[spongerob]

I think it is Mike, it's just that it's fresh and made properly. Or I could be wrong. I find that both the dining room coffee and the coffee I order from room service is usually okay. Horizon Court sometimes isn't so good.

 

Thanks for the review TeacherSus. After our first cruise from Galveston, I swore I'd never sail from that part again (disembarkation nightmare). We've gone twice out of Galveston since. But as you say, and please don't get your red pen out because I started a sentence with, "But," it's much more convenient for people who drive than fly. We're disappointed that there won't be a Princess ship sailing from Texas for the foreseeable future.

 

The situation with Galveston being far from the airport is similar to many other cities, such as Southampton and Rome and probably many others. There are far fewer complaints about the transfers this year and last compared to the first year Princess used the port of Galveston.