Very good cruise to the Mexican Riviera

Grand Princess Cruise Review to Mexico

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 47

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5
Grand Princess

10 Night Mexican Riviera (San Francisco Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 16, 2018

Ship: Grand Princess

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: B254

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 6 years ago

Review summary

This was my husband's first cruise (my second). He had some concerns but things were great and we both enjoyed sailing on the Grand Princess. There were ten in our group (all family) with one traveler wheelchair bound and two children (ages 6 and 4). Things went smoothly for all of us.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Our Embarkation went smoothly and quicker than expected.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
We enjoyed all the food venues that were included in our cruise price. We did not see the need to go to any of the specialty restaurants. The food and service were outstanding. The staff were extra accommodating for my sister-in-law (who has dietary needs) and our grand nieces (ages 6 and 4). We loved how the dining room staff remembered our names and food and drink we liked.

International Cafe

5 out of 5

You could have specialty coffees and tasty light meals until late at night.

Sundaes Ice Cream Bar

5 out of 5

You could have soft serve ice cream mostly any time of the day.

Da Vinci (Main Dining Room)

5 out of 5

The staff and food was outstanding. We (there were 10 of us) were pampered each evening with exceptional service and delicious food.

The Salty Dog Grill

5 out of 5

The menu was varied and made for tasty quick meals.

Wheelhouse Bar

5 out of 5

Happy Hour (two for one) provided good drinks with nice music.

Horizon Court

5 out of 5

The food service was good and the offerings were varied and tasty.

Crooners Martini Bar

5 out of 5

The piano music was great.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
Pools were nice, fitness center was well equipped, easy to do walking around the deck, and the spa had helpful and professional staff too.

Beauty Salon

5 out of 5

The staff did a wonderful job on my wheelchair bound sister-in-law. They took the time and effort to make her experience special.

Internet Cafe

4 out of 5

The staff was good but the connect was not the greatest. I understand the limitations. Just wish the connections were better.

Passenger Services

5 out of 5

The staff was knowledgeable and professional eager to explain things when needed.

Lotus Spa

4 out of 5

Their varied offerings were good.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
Not enough stage shows, musicians/Djs were very talented, the magician was outstanding, and the evening star gazing was exceptional.

Princess Theater

4 out of 5

Egress could be improved. We travel with a wheelchair bound adult and two young children. Where we could sit anywhere with the children, we could only sit in the back (last row) with my sister-in-law. It made it harder for her to enjoy the performances.

Piazza Atrium

5 out of 5

Large variety of activities, comfortable seating, and great place to meet up with those in our group and to make new friends.

Movies Under The Stars

5 out of 5

The Grand Princess had a variety of offerings throughout the day. It was nice to enjoy taped concerts along with movies.

Explorers Lounge

5 out of 5

Comfortable seating and no obstructions to the view.

Children's Programs

4 out of 5
Lots of children on this cruise. So, it was rather crowded at times.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our cabin steward took very good care of our cabin and our needs. Our waiters and staff in the main dining room were exceptional. And the staff in the buffet and other food venues were all great to work with.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
The staff kept busy making sure the common areas were clean and well-maintained. They were not under-foot, they were just very efficient.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5
The size was adequate for two people. The balcony was not meant to have many guest join us at the same time. But the balcony afforded to enjoy some quiet and relaxing time (the view was great). The bed was so comfortable we enjoyed a good night sleep each evening.

Ship tip

Schedule your daily activities carefully. Do not try to do too much. Stop and smell the roses and spend quality time relaxing.

Ports of call

San Francisco, California Did not visit port

I grew up in San Francisco. So, I did not feel the need to participate in any of the tours/excursions.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

3 out of 5
Too commercial.

Manzanillo, Mexico

4 out of 5
Friendly local people. We did not participate in any excursions. We walked around the town area.

Mazatlan, Mexico

4 out of 5
Friendly local people. We did not participate in any excursions. We walked around the town area.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

4 out of 5
Friendly local people. We did not participate in any excursions. We walked around the town area. We consider this to be the prettiest we visited.

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
The Grand Princess staff were very efficient. Their organization was excellent and made our Disembarkation much quicker than we expected.
Was this review helpful? 47

7 Comments

ibcnyaa    6 years ago

We are going with a group of 9 and liking in to cruise insurance? Do you have any insurance tips? Heck, I'll take any tips since you traveled with a large group!

metvan    6 years ago

Cabin B323. Any comments?

metvan    6 years ago

We are going on the Grand Princess on August 4th from San Francisco to Alaska (inside passage). 20th cruise but first with Princess.

IkeDeb    6 years ago

So glad you had a good experience. 😋

markcross    6 years ago

We love the Grand, thanks for your positive review

Shay1920    6 years ago

Glad you enjoyed your cruise

TOhcruisers    6 years ago

Thanks for sharing NTSarah. We are going next January.

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