Live Grand Jan 16 to Feb 13

[Carolyn R]

I just returned from 14 days sailing the Caribbean and had no rain except for a few light passing showers here and there.

[vickie_bernie]

With regards to the weather, yes it appears that things have changed this year in the Caribbean weather wise; however it certainly is nothing I would say put a damper on the holiday (pun intended).

 

Many days we encountered light showers but then it would quickly pass, and usually we were in the water anyways so we just enjoyed it. The last two days, St. Thomas and La Romana we encountered heavy downpours and we quickly ducked into a shop (jewlery store if I was lucky) until it passed. Then after each shower the heat kicked in and the humidty rose.

 

Even in St. Kitts even though it was cloudy it still shouldn't stop people from enjoying the beach, and I might add they were quieter.

 

Many people on board are complaining about the weather on this cruise and on the last cruise; but then again they are the same people who complained it was too hot too! Still better than home.

 

Today we did a ship's tour to Santo Domingo. It was an all day thing and it cost $99 each. The city is located approx. 2 hours away. We were not allowed off the ship until almost 9 so we started out late.

 

Then we ended up at the back of the bus (which was an older bus) and the air conditioning was not that good. When the tour guide talked we couldn't really make out what he was saying, we asked for the volumne to go up for the last five rows or so and he did but then the echo was so bad it had to get turned down again.

 

Now we should of known better, we are not followers and of course that is just what happens on organized tours. We got to the cathedral and the square and that was very interesting. Then we were lead to the token shop for a scheduled half hour visit (which was not suppose to happen - we didn't want a shopping tour and did confirm this ahead of time). Then we were lead along the streets to point out things. But because the group was so big (34) we often couldn't see or hear and there was no way we could get near the front because of fear of the "certain type of passenger" let your mind picture that.

 

The skies opened and we were hit with showers and we were just arriving at the restaurant. But there was no space for us as the outdoor seating was now being drenched. We hung out in the entrace for a half hour until space came avail. The lunch was very good and it included drinks.

 

After lunch we were quickly lead to the next spot. I should point out that one couple went to the washroom at one stop (as directed by the guide that it was avail) and he left without them and proceeded to the next spot. They had trouble finding us and were very upset (understandably).

 

Since we were delayed by lunch we missed some parts of the museum and we got back ont eh bus and headed back and boy did we head back! Of course as drivers of buses ourselves, we shouldn't even look at the driving habits. But he flew down that road, I was scared but we got back to the ship with 15 minutes to spare.

 

Tonight is the last formal night and the Captain Circle party. We skipped formal night and headed up to HC. And they had

 

LOBSTER

 

yes everyone lobster claws, which I prefer to the lobster tail, and lots of shrimp. Rumour has it tomorrow they have lobster again and crab legs and shrimp. I will let you know.

 

Clocks go back tonight so we will be back on FLL time. Tonight is also the champagne waterfall. The newlywed game and there is a comedian too called Tom Fletcher. The production show is Do You Wanna Dance.

 

The movie tonight is "the Women"

 

Tomorrow is Grand Turk and we are heading off and doing our own thing. But who knows things change all the time so stay tuned.

[shopperwhite]

i am sailing on the grand feb 27th and i want to thank you for the wonderful reports. i really enjoyed them.

[lovespositano]

If Maurizio is the main piano entertainer, would you tell him Shirleen and Shahnom say hello?

Thanks.

[High C's]

Vickie -As your cruise comes to an end, I just want to say how much I enjoyed sailing along with you. I looked forward to your posts, and I think I will miss them almost as much as you'll miss being there!! On behalf of the rest of us in the Big White North who sadly cannot escape this year, thank you for taking us all along with you!

[vickie_bernie]

We are near Grand Turk -- but unfortunately because of the high winds we are unable to dock and so we have had to turn today into a sea day. It is quite interesting to hear people complain about missing the port and how they should be compensated. Now firstly the winds were so strong last night that the ship was a rocking!!! In fact they cancelled the production show's second show last night, again people were complaining. But I think it was wise as I wouldn't want to be dancing on that stage for fear of falling.

 

When we came back to our cabin last night the vase of flowers was on the floor and the water every where, guess it slide off. This time we placed the vase in a safer location.

 

The crew are busy getting events together for the day - and fielding complaints - I just wonder how many would be complaining if we docked and damages were encurred or if someone was hurt. Cancelling a port is never easy but I agree that the safety of the ship and passengers is priority.

 

I forgot to mention, the day we were in St. Thomas we cashed a travellers cheque at the Purser's desk and got it in $20 bills. When we tried to cash one at the Havensight mall store the cashier wouldn't take it as she thought it was not real. She used a pen to mark it... we said we just got it from the ship. so when we got back on board we went to the Purser's desk and they said they would have the accountant look at it.

 

Later that day we were informed to come to the desk and collect the $20 as it was a good bill. They offered to return the old one or give us a new one. Hubby wanted a new one but I said no, I wanted the original one as I felt it was lucky. Bernie thought I was crazy (so what is new) and I said no I am taking it into the casino and I did. The .25 poker machines were all busy so i went over to the $1 machines and said I would do 20 $1 bets. I quickly won, and walked away with $69.25 - and if you know me I am never lucky at the casino, lucky in love but not in the casino so I was happy. I went back to the cabin and threw the money on the bed and Bernie laughed.

 

We saw Tom Fletcher last night, he was okay - he is a comedian and he just rhymes off jokes - he is replaying his show tonight in case you missed him.

 

The movie Australia is being shown this afternoon and I am going to go see it.

 

Well I better get going.

[GSDsky]

The key work was "complain".

Never in all my life had I heard people bitch and complain when on the Grand. Glad to see it was just not my cruise date.

Hey Grand Turk is nice for a bar and a beach and other than that not much missed IMHO. Love sea days. Congrats on the big win and it's even better when converted back to Cdn!

[ocnlvr3]

Vickie- A big thanks for taking the time to let us "cruise" with you. I have enjoyed reading about everything and I can't wait to go and experience the Grand for myself.

Although Grand Turk would have been nice like Sky said a beach day is really all it is. I'm sure most on the cruise have had their share of beach days:)

Enjoy the last leg of your cruise and I hope the next group will continue the live thread!!

 

 

Andrea

[kilimaspitz]

Hi, many thanks vickie_bernie for posting such a detailed report. It is greatly appreciated. We are on the Grand April 2010 and I was getting rather concerned at all the negative reports I have been reading. So much so I did seriously think about cancelling.:eek: After reading what a good time you are having I have decided to go ahead and try the Grand for myself:D Hoping you really enjoy the rest of your cruise and thanks again for sharing:)

Melanie

[coo359a2]

Thanks for all your posting Vickie. Feel that now I am ready to board. As ya'll are getting off, we will be getting on. Hoping that our cruise is as good as yours even with the weater/beds/missed ports. When your're cruising what more can you ask for - no cleaning/cooking - sounds Grand to me.

[susiefay]

Vickie, thanks for the great "live" reports. Makes waiting more bearable!

 

Never ceases to amaze me at the stuff some people will complain about:confused: A day on a ship is no hardship, so just enjoy and be happy you are safe. Safe rest of your travels:D:D

[vickie_bernie]

Well if I would have had all you nice people on the ship we would of noticed a lot less complainers. But truely most people are really great but unfortunately you tend to hear only the complainers.

 

Today though if someone complains I am going to throw it right back at them! I'll report back if and when I do! :D

 

Played Scategories today with Ricky aka Pee Wee from the Cruise Dir. Staff. He is so much fun, he is in the library right now and is laughing at me because I am posting! He says to say hi to all his CC friends. He worked the last three years for Carnival this is his first Princess sailing. He wants anyone who is sailing soon to come and say hi to him and that you heard all about him on the CC boards.

[coo359a2]

I'll make a point to try and find Pee Wee. Just hope our cruise goes as well as yours.

 

We are doing Anytime Dining. Any good names of waiters to pass on.:rolleyes:

[chamima]

Well if I would have had all you nice people on the ship we would of noticed a lot less complainers. But truely most people are really great but unfortunately you tend to hear only the complainers.

 

Today though if someone complains I am going to throw it right back at them! I'll report back if and when I do! :D

 

Played Scategories today with Ricky aka Pee Wee from the Cruise Dir. Staff. He is so much fun, he is in the library right now and is laughing at me because I am posting! He says to say hi to all his CC friends. He worked the last three years for Carnival this is his first Princess sailing. He wants anyone who is sailing soon to come and say hi to him and that you heard all about him on the CC boards.

 

Hi Vickie

It's hard to believe that almost 2 weeks has gone by since we were sailing with you. I've enjoyed reading about your trip this time around.

I think we met "PeeWee" the last night of the cruise. He really is a riot. Tell him hi from us but I'm sure he won't remember.

Have a great time and stay in touch!

Allan and Karen

[cruzzers]

Vickie & Bernie.....it has been a wonderful adventure sailing along the CC boards with you. (and Toto while she was onboard) What are we going to do next week when there are no reports from you? We followed your live reports last year before our cruise and loved every minute too. We feel like old friends and hope we get to sail with you both someday. We will try to post live while onboard to follow through.

 

Safe travels home!

[Jeepers385]

Vickie, thanks so much for your live reports and I can't wait to board her in a month. I've gotten a lot of good ideas from you for excursions when we're in port.

I also have to agree with you and say safety first and foremost. I love sea days and I've been on a couple of cruises where we couldn't get in to port and not a big deal.

[LarryF]

Today though if someone complains I am going to throw it right back at them! I'll report back if and when I do! :D

 

Vickie...

 

Poor some ice down their swim trunks!:D

 

Have enjoyed reading all your posts and can't believe you're almost done!

 

I'm planning on booking the S. American trip on the Star when we sail in April. Don't know if I'll be able to afford it, but we'll have almost a year to see if things improve with the economy and our business!

 

Take care,

 

Larry

[passthru]

Vickie,

Thanks for all your posts. We will be boarding right after you get off. We have learned a lot from your posts that will make our cruise even better.

Thanks again

[obendus]

Vickie...

 

Poor some ice down their swim trunks!:D

Have enjoyed reading all your posts and can't believe you're almost done!

I'm planning on booking the S. American trip on the Star when we sail in April. Don't know if I'll be able to afford it, but we'll have almost a year to see if things improve with the economy and our business!

Take care,

Larry

 

Larry,

 

I like your attitude! How does one complain while on a cruise, where every conceivable amenity is cared for?

We had the greatest time sailing with Vickie and Bernie, for the second time, on round-one of their current b2b sailing.

While we can't do the S.American cruise next year (conflicts with taking our other daughter and her 3 kids on a Caribbean cruise), one thing the Grand cruise taught us, besides being wonderful, is to never say never!

Making friends on a cruise is phenomenal... sailing with so many, on a reunion cruise, was a blast!

We are also watching the economy, with an eye to expanding our vacation horizons, at the same time, keeping an eye on what's remaining in our investment accounts.

 

Our 14 day itinerary was certainly the most fulfilling vacation experience, and knowing Vickie, she can confirm and additionaly evaluate the differences that an individual sailing can make. It has been a marvellous adventure reading her impressions on both legs of her b2b sailings.

 

To anyone booked on a future cruise on the Grand, be mindful of the impressions and advice shared here, and prepare to be cared for on a Grand scale.

[vickie_bernie]

Pee Wee (actually known as Ricky) will be tickled pink if someone recognizes him from CC boards. He helped host the majority rules game last night and he was very funny - but he needs to cut back on the Sugar or Caffeine cause man is he wired!

 

Karen - I will tell him you liked him, he is so young too! 21!

 

Cruzzers - thank you, I always appreciate the live posts and reviews as they help me plan my wonderful voyages. So i am thankful and my way of repaying it is to post live. My big thanks goes to Toto as she added to my knowledge for this trip and even prior. Thanks for the Wayne's tour advice, he is great.

 

Larry! Are you and Amy really going to book South America with us next year! We would love that! We were talking about you both last night at dinner and we spoke of Karin and john from the Star too and how we have kept in touch and have met up again. don't forget we are on the march 16 sailing out of Rio -- Bernie will be happy to hear you have booked.

 

I also like your tip for the complainers will keep that in mind.

 

Pete (and Tina) you are both so nice -- and tina made us laugh every time we talked to her. You will have a great trip next year with your grandkids, just wish you would adopt us.

 

The last sailing was fun with such a big CC group and so many friends who we had sailed with prior and so many new friends. I am enjoying all the pictures that are being posted on facebook - and what is with the tagging of me ! Just wait I have a ton of photos too. The crew is still talking about Brian in his grass skirt and coconut bra. For those coming on next or in the near future make sure to ask James the CD about it.

 

This sailing has another great group of CC people. Although we have not had many organized events like last sailing we have enjoyed meeting up for drinks and dinner, and trivia/games.

 

Recommendations for Wait staff - well our favorite julienne is getting off this sailing. But our next favorite is Luis - he is currently in the Davichi dining room; however they rotate locations every sailing.

 

 

Lastly - The Grand is definately Grand - sure she has a few rough edges but that gives her character, the staff are truely what make this ship. Of all our sailngs (13 on Princess) this has to be the best crew we have ever sailed with. We are sad to say goodbye to them.

[WannaCruise365]

Vickie & Bernie..Thanks for allowing us to enjoy your second leg of the B2B...We loved meeting you both (along with the many other CC'ers) and thank you for your friendliness..your true ambassador's for Cruise Critic...we really enjoyed our day in St Thomas with the gang.....We would love to join on your SA cruise...Hubby is ready to book, I am looking at airfare. If you post some video, please use the The Boat Theme :))

 

Hope our paths cross once again..

 

Susan..

 

PS..Vickie..I have a cruise pic of you and Gwenda in St Thomas..living the life!

[free2travel]

Vickie & Bernie,

Thanks for keeping the dream alive. Trying to get Yvonne to decide on our next trip, but she isn't sure if she wants to go away May, June or October. So, I vote all 3!

 

Regarding the complaining, all I have to say to that is that no matter what you do or say, there are people out there that could ruin a wet dream!

Stay in touch, we will have to sail together again.

[vickie_bernie]

Well it is time to sign off as reality has hit !!! I am home.

 

We got off the ship at 7:15 (walk off with bags) and was at the airport by 7:45 am.. our flight was at 11 and of course hubby said why didn't we book an earlier flight. I responded just our luck the time we book an earlier flight is the day we run into problems.

 

We arrived in Seattle at 8:30 florida time and then got in the car around 9 pm and drove to Vancouver. My body is saying it is 1 am so it must be bed time.

 

I will be doing another photo montage with music again and I will put up on youtube and will add to my signature again when complete. I will make sure to post when I am done it.

 

Thanks for allowing me to share my experiences on board with all of you. I hope everyone who sails on her has just a great a time as we did.

 

Vickie & Bernie

[Just Want to Cruise]

Brian and I have just arrived in Toronto and will be off to Sarnia tomorrow. (We are short one bag of Brian's from the airport!) We watched the Grand go out at 5 from my parent's balcony in Lauderdale. A part of me wished we were back on it. I hope everyone on this next sailing will have as much fun as we did and that everyone from our cruise had a safe trip home.

Karen

[cruzzers]

Glad to hear everyone is home safely. We really miss you guys posting live and can't wait to see your pictures.

 

Vickie...we are headed to Vancouver in August for our Alaska cruise tour. Unfortunately we will be flying into Seattle and then take the Princess shuttle to Vancouver the next day to meet the ship so we don't get to spend any time there. We are really looking forward to seeing your neck of the woods and doing something different. It is so hot here in the midwest during August so it will be nice to get away from that for a couple of weeks.

 

Take care and stay tuned in March for live posting from us when we board the Grand. Can't wait!