Great getaway

Grand Princess Cruise Review to Hawaii

Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Reviews: 3
Helpful Votes: 103

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5
Grand Princess

15 Night Hawaiian Islands (San Francisco Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 27, 2019

Ship: Grand Princess

Cabin type: Suite

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 5 years ago

Review summary

This was a great cruise to just get away. Four of the fifteen days (five if you care to count Ensenada) are in port and the rest are sea days. So for the most part you can get up when you wish and then do as much or as little as you wish in terms of presentations, lessons, groups, kicking back by the pool, or entertainment. Note that you're going to have warm weather only while at and near Hawaii. Also, you may have some rocking and rolling of the ship for a few of the days. Already re-upped for this cruise which I suppose is the best review of all.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very smooth and quick

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
Food in buffet and dining room was excellent. Special mention though for Sabatini's and Crown Grill which were both superb. Also great pizza to be found at Al Fredo

Crown Grill

5 out of 5

I'm going to include Sabatini's here since the choices for some reason didn't list it. Both Crown Grill and Sabatini's were superb. Crown Grill had the level of steaks you'd find in a top notch steak house in any world class city. The French Onion soup there was being talked about for days. Sabatini's had a wonderful menu and outstanding food. Not sure why it's not listed as an option for review. Highly recommend both.

Vines Bar

5 out of 5

Great place if you're into wine. We did one of the wine tastings. The "wine-tender" (as they call him) was very knowledgeable and well trained. The three wines chosen were all very good. Obviously on a cruise ship there is a mark up but if you're looking for a nicer bottle of wine for dinner they can certainly help.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Ship Quality

4 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
This was a mini suite and was nice. On a cruise like this with lots of sea days the extra space afforded us by having the mini suite was much appreciated.

Ship tip

While a bit older and a bit worn, Grand Princess is just fine. Going in for dry dock early March '19 so it should be even better.

Ports of call

San Francisco, California

5 out of 5
Pricey but a fun city with lots to do and see.

Hilo, Hawaii

4 out of 5
Didn't see much of Hilo but our excursion up to the Mauna Kea was a highlight of our cruise.

Honolulu, Oahu

4 out of 5
We did the Pearl Harbor/Arizona/Big Mo stuff so didn't see much else.

Nawiliwili, Kauai

4 out of 5

Lahaina, Maui

5 out of 5
Our excursion didn't allow enough time to explore the port but we'll do it next time. Looked like a lot of shopping and food/drink places worth visiting.

Ensenada, Mexico Did not visit port

Didn't feel the need to get off the ship even after four straight sea days. Not much here.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Other than one bag being placed in the wrong group it was okay.
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3 Comments

phil20261014    5 years ago

we will on thst ship 4 6 2019

rowena44    5 years ago

Sorry for the mistakes !!! Was going to say we had a couple of rough days but it just adds to the experience 😫!!!

rowena44    5 years ago

Love this ship and this cruise and that cruise. Enjoy your next one!!

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