Grand Princess - Feb. 19, 2005

[mjlafarr]

We are a gay couple in our 30's going on our second cruise, first time on Princess. We hope it is a gay friendly cruiseline. Anyone been on the Grand Princess? Any other gay couple going during spring break (Feb 19th)?

[argosy]

We'll be getting off the ship just as you get on. Sorry we won't meet. However...Princess is quite gay friendly in my experience. You'll have a great time, I think.

[mjlafarr]

Sorry we are going to miss you. We are former Denver guys ourselves. We miss it terribly. What will you do for your meal option?

Thanks for the reply!

MJ

[argosy]

We'll do the Freestyle or anytime or whatever it's called. Not the 'fixed' at any rate. It'll be my third Princess cruise. The fixed is nice, but we're hoping to meet other gay couples on the ship, and we want the flexibility to be able to have dinner with people we 'click' with. Otherwise, with the fixed, you don't really have that option.

[mjlafarr]

This is helpful. When I called to book, I told them we wanted the flexible dining option. She said that was fine, but I still had to choose between a 2 person table, a 4, 6, or 8. Did she know what she is talking about? How does that work, since we will not have a "reservation"?

[mjlafarr]

This is helpful. When I called to book, I told them we wanted the flexible dining option. She said that was fine, but I still had to choose between a 2 person table, a 4, 6, or 8. Did she know what she is talking about? How does that work, since we will not have a "reservation"?

[bdjam]

The agent may have meant when you get to the dining room – you’ll have to tell the matre’d what sized table you want to sit at. If there are two of you and you choose a large table, they will seat you where there is availability and more than likely you’ll be introducing yourself to those at the table when you sit. If you want a table for two, you can probably get that, but you might have to wait for it. If you meet friends and you need four, you just ask for a table that size.

 

While I prefer traditional dining, this system seems to work fairly well – there are some inconsistencies with wait times – but if you’re not in a hurry, you can always go have a drink at one of the lounges and they will give you a pager to let you know when you’re table is ready.

A little secret - if you find a table with waitstaff that you can't be without - and some people do - you can reserve the same table for the rest of the cruise. Just see the Matre'd -

 

Grand Princess is a nice ship – have a great cruise.

[Ed and Jim]

We were on the Grand Princess this past summer. We would not recommend the Traditional dining option, since the minimum table size in that dining room is for four, with no tables for two. We were always able to make a reservation the same day for either of the two Anytime dining rooms for a table for two. Reservations were not necessary, however, since we prefer to eat later at around 8:30. Also, we quickly found a table and waiter we liked, and booked the same table each night. When we wanted to eat with other people, we simply changed the reservation for that night to a larger table.

 

Have a great time!

 

Ed and Jim in Flagstaff

[argosy]

well...I agree with bdjam. They were probably just advising you that when you do flexible/anytime/personal choice...you'll still have to tell the maitre'd what kind of table you want. 2, 4, 6 or whatever.

 

We always made reservations, though. It's easy enough to do, and why wait if you don't have to?

[bdjam]

with no tables for two. We were always able to make a reservation the same day for either of the two Anytime dining rooms for a table for two.

Ahhh – a romantic table for two. Damn it – I’m always in Traditional because I’m always sailing SINGLE! :mad: :D

[Ed and Jim]

Well then, please join us next cruise. :)

[TXSailor]

Hi:

 

My partner and I will be joining you on this cruise. We will be celebrating his 35th birthday....shhhhh, don't tell him :) We are sailing on the Grand's inaugural cruise in about 4 days...we're so excited, we've never been on a ship this large. Talk to you when we get back.

 

Fausto