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First time with Princess by embkej

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

This was our first cruise with Princess.  We have cruised with Carnival on 7 previous cruises (both Alaskan and Caribbean), however Carnival didn't have the cruise agenda we needed this time.  

 

The ship check on at the Pier was terrible with long lines.  I don't believe Princess had been utilizing this pier long.  After a long day of travel to the ship from mid MO, we left KC at 6 AM central and boarded the ship at 2 PM west coast time.  After finding our cabin we experienced a very fine buffet late lunch then went to the cabin to unpack and rest for a few minutes.  After dinner, visiting with friends and a few drinks we went back to our cabin to find 3 maintenance fellows working in the cabin.  It would seem that the ship's staff would have tried to contact us over the loudspeaker concerning this issue.  The maintenance staff had much of the ceiling and trim taken down.  This was around midnight.  Needless to say we were upset and tired.  After going to the service desk we were placed in a substitute cabin down the same hall.  The room was roughly equivelant to the one we had to leave.  One of the stewards helped move our hanging clothes, however we were responsible to move all of the clothing in the drawers, etc.  We were told we would be compensated for all the trouble.  On Thursday we received a call and told we would be credited $40.  In my opinion this was almost an insult for the trouble we had gone through.

 

We saw our room steward 2 times during the week.  Our room was always freshened with clean towels and the bed made, however I found it odd that we never saw him.  Unlike all other cruises we had gone on, there was never any towel animals left on the bed.  This may be getting picky, but it's an indication of the level of service received.

 

The dining room staff were excellent as was the food in both the dining room and buffet area.  The Cruise Director and all his staff were also very good.  Port of Calls were very nice.  

 

We will more than likely not cruise on Princess again as we don't believe they come up to the level of service and caring we have had from Carnival.  Our next cruise will be on Carnival.   

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Good cruise by calleebee

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

Beautiful ship, good onboard entertainment, food is plentiful but could be better, would like to see different daily activities, going through customs in Long Beach was a nightmare....should have had customs come on ship instead of us getting off.

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Good enough trip, probably wouldn't take it again. by vasbjk

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

Service was great, the ship is oddly configured.  You cannot get to certain decks from the above one, must go to middle of ship then down.

The big sale at the end of trip, was a joke.  The prices were the same as in shops throughout the cruise.  Long Beach was a dead stop.  We went to Walmart and Ross there.  The lines were long to get back on the ship in Santa Barbara, maybe not enough tinders?  The dembarkation was easy and quick.

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They destroy your personal drinks by larryhermannpet

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

These people take your personal drinks from your baggage and destroy it. There was no notice on the bording pass that says you may not take drinks on the ship. They also messed up the Fed inspection in Long Beach. People had to stand in line for hours to leave the ship. I most likley will take this cruise again.     

 

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OK cruise by TravelPirate

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

Loved the warm weather...did not like the food. I found myself asking some night just what can I eat. I had steak one night that was very tough. I ate the daily salmon a few times because it was good and because there was nothing on the new day specials I cared for. We had two nights alone at our table because the other 3 couples PAID to eat at the steakhouse. Our room staff was excellent. The way they organized the excursions into rooms before getting off the ship was excellent. The pools, pizza, burgers, ice cream, outside movies was great. Not being able to get lemonade in the dining room or on your own without someone bringing it to you, like it was being held hostage sucked. Casino was nice to look at, but all you did was feed machines. It didn't want to give you little wins just so you could keep playing. Not sure if I will choose Princess again.

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Great Experience with 6 Year Old by Windsorsmom

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (young children)
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

We brought our 6 year old granddaughter and it was a terrific trip.  Most days at sea, she spent some time at the Pelican's Club for her age group.  She loved all the arts and crafts projects as well as the time with her peers.  While in Hawaii, we went whale watching which required a bit more patience than she has.  We rented a car on two islands to do some volcano exploring and that was fun.  The trip to the summit of Haleakala looks totally different going up than coming down.  At Volcano National Park on the Big Island, we did all the requirements for her Junior Ranger Badge which was a most memorable time for her. (The ranger had her take an oath and then annouced her new status over the PA.) She loved the Movies Under the Stars experience which we enjoyed a couple of times.  Dance shows were also fun for her.  We found that the comediens were a bit too adult for her.  She enjoyed the pool and spa with Grandpa. Her fussy eating was a bit of an issue but soon we realized it was not a battle worth fighting.  The kitchen was most accommodating for her requests.  If you are considering a similar adventure with a grandchild, please make sure that the kiddo gets enough sleep every night. There might be a few afternoons that are best spent as quiet time.We brought lots of coloring books and a couple of new stuffed buddies to keep her company.

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SF Roundtrip to Hawaii in January by degeo

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

Had a very good cruise. However, the seas were a bit rough and they had to close off some of the walkways on the deck. 

Made use of the free shuttles on each island.

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One of the best cruises we ever made by lutz

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

We only can recommend the Grand Princess - Excellent Service - outstanding kitchen (Restaurant Boticelli) - very friendly and helpfull staff

Very reasonable prices for Wine and cocktails - good entertainement programm

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not recommended! by n2cruising

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

First of all the ship itself was in desperate need of upgrading. We've been on a lot of different cruises and cruise lines and this was by far on the bottom of our list. The food court was definitely nothing to brag about. This was the only cruise we have been on that offered only coffee, tea and water. All the others also had juices and lemonaide. This does not reflect in any way on the service we got from the crew members, state room, dinning room ect. They were right on top of anything we may have needed. The entertainment was very disappointing. The timing of the shows were ridiculous. The main shows at times would be during the late dinner. The only positive thing about that is the shows were not that great. One of my biggest suggestions is to have a crew member at the elevators after the main shows to help the disabled people get a chance to get on one. I happen to be disabled and there was a lot of times that I was pushed out of the way so people I had seen earlier walking the stairs could get in. When I needed to use the elevator I would have to get to them early and hope for the best. Our cruise had a very bad experience,  one of the crew members jumped overboard.  The ship spent 36 hours looking for the man with no success. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. To make up the time we missed the first stop, hilo hawaii and half a day in ohau. This of course was out of anyone's control and I am not complaining about that but I do believe we should be compensated.  They rebated us back $12.50 each for the hilo port charges and 20% off our next cruise.  Really!  They should have rebated the 20% off this cruise. Please note, this is the first time I have been this critical but I believe princess can do better. By the way this is the second cruise with princess and the first(around 2008)was awsome and that's why we tried them again.

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1 Comment

15 Night Hawaiian Dec 20 by SusanPokorney

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

Highlights for me;

  Being with my family on an amazing Vacation.

 

On the way to the islansd on the first formal night I had an amazing experience.

While dancing at the ONE5 a man colapsed near me of an apparent heart attack.

I am a registered nurse, Knew CPR so I assessed the man and began CPR.

Soon a paramedic arrived and I continued chest compressions until the rest of the team arrived..

I learned the next morning that the man survived, would need medical care but would be ok.

I have to commend the Emergency Responce Team on a job well done.

TEACH ALL YOUR EMPLOYEES TO DO CPR

I too will spread the word.                                                                           Susan Pokorney

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2 Comments

Excellent Value, but Short of Perfection by Mizzbe

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Hawaii

Very choppy weather created a downtime experience for many of the sea-sick passengers (and crew) for at least one day, and large swells prevented the stop we hoped to get at Mauii. It's a lot of time at sea, so if you lust for land, this isn't your cruise. Otherwise, the passengers were kept well occupied. The food is good, not great, and tends to read better on the menu than it actually tastes. Still, I had a very good time (even though my travel companion and I were both sick for a day, and even though we missed a stop in Mauii. The crew was very courteous, and the activities are plentiful.

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The worse by cruiseme

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

The cabin was kept clean, however there was mode in the bathroom. The cabin had a terrible smell, (One Night) which we had to call maintenance, and was told it was due to not enough air circulation. Told us to leave air down very low, for about 30 minutes. Room service was not that great. The coffee was warm and the pastries were very cold. (Not enough selections) Our waitress at dinner was not very professional, at times she was rude to my friend. (She was nice to me.) We went to see a movie and it was SO COLD. Because it was so cold, I got sick, and could not go to the first Formal Dinner. The only time the food was half way good was on the second Formal Dinner. I was still feeling sick and could not really enjoy myself. (Due to the cold theater) The elevators were not working on two occasions.The DJ played music for the young, rather than for the older people. Needless to say I was very disappointed, being that I was looking forward to the cruise. I felt like asking for a refund. Because I paid both fares. ($1,760.99)

I must say all the crew showed us lots of respect and was very nice and friendly. This was my first time with Princess Cruise and the last time. SO SORRY.

Ms. Betty Phelan

11/01/13

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Great way yo Cruise by JimMuncy

Sail date: / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: U.S. - Pacific, Northwest

My wife and I had a great cruise. We were impressed with the food and the service and we able to enjoy resting and some fantasitic views of California.

 

Jim

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CONDITION OF SHIP by needtocruise

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Mexico

I HAVE BEEN ON MANY  PRINCESS CRUISES...BUT I MUST SAY I WAS DISSAPOINTED IN THE CONDITION OF THIS SHIP.....I WILL BE TRAVELING

ON THIS SHIP AGAIN IN MARCH OF 2014 AND HOPE THINGS HAVE IMPROVED....THE CABINS WERE FAIR....THE BALCONIES WERE VERY BAD...

LOTS OF RUST..BALCONY PROTECTER WINDOWS WERE NEVER CLEAN..

I TRIED TO CLEAN IT MYSELF.....COULD NOT SEE OUT OF THEM AT ALL

WHEN SITTING HAVING COFFEE...THAT TO ME IS WHAT YOU PAY

EXTRA FOR HAVING A BALCONY CABIN....

CARPET IN CABIN IN OURS AND OUR FRIENDS..WHO HAD A MINI-SUITE

WERE BADLY STAINED.....

   WENT TO THE CROWN GRILL ON FORMAL NIGHT...NOT KNOWING YOU HAD TO BE DRESSED UP..I CALLED ..THEY SAID NOTHING ABOUT THAT...

  WE GOT A "LECTURE" ABOUT OUR DRESS AND THEN FINALLY LET IN..

  OTHERS EATING WERE JUST IN GOLF SHIRTS AND LEVIS!!! LIKE US...

NOT HAPPY ABOUT HOW THE MATRIDEE TREATED US!!

I HOPE THE NEXT CRUISE ON THIS SHIP WILL BE BETTER!! I HAVE BOOKED

ONE OF THE LARGER SUITES FOR MYSELF AND 2 CLOSE RELATIVES

WHO HAVE NOT CRUISED BEFORE.....($8000 CABIN!! )

HOPE IT LOOKS BETTER!!!

 

     

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trip to alaska by japadilla

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

over all was a good cruise, wish there was more time to visit the ports, was very disappointed that we did not go to skagway and provisions were not made for our excursions that were missed.

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We enjoyed our cruise by RoslynHeights

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (older children)
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

This is the second time that my husband and I cruised Alaska in order to accompany my mother and sister who are visiting us from China. Before our cruise, we thought we would not have much to see at the ports Grand Princess would dock. But it turns out that we visited those ports of call from a perspective different than that of our previous Alaska cruise, mainly thanks to the Alaskan Port Talk Ann Carroll Burgess gave before we approached the first port. Ann truly highlighted each port from the passenger's viewpoint. By contrast, the previous cruises we had typically focused more on marketing their shore excursions than providing what-to-see information. Another aspect of Grand Princess that impresses us is its taste in its entertainment programming. Like most other cruises we had, it provides comedian shows, singing and dancing performances, etc. Unlike some other cruises, the entertainment Grand Princess offers always shows a healthy and good taste. In addition, Grand Princess did not do daily tower folding in staterooms and short entertainment in the dining room, Instead it provided a display and demo of power folding on one of the sea days and had a parade of cooks and waiters at our last dinner on ship. This is an excellent practice in our opinion so that all the service personnel can focus on their work without being distracted from other activities on a daily basis. All in all, we are very satisfied with our Alaska cruise with Grand Princess and shall definitely cruise again with her in the future.

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GRAND PRINCESS ALASKAN CRUISE, AUGUST, 2013 by jamesmayo

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

My husband Jim and I took a cruise in August, 2013 to Alaska. The trip was for 10 days. We had been to Alaska before for 7 days and now found 10 days was too long for us. We were on the ship too long. The first port was 4 days in and and then to the next port which was Haines, Alaska. There is not much in Haines and we stayed all day. Juneau is the capital and we stayed only half a day. So much to see in so little time. Victoria, Canada was next and we had only a half day there. Because I am Canadian born I would have loved to see more. The crew was wonderful. Our room steward , dining staff were exceptional. Lots of great entertainment. We did have a wonderful time. We'd do it again for 7 days.

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Relaxing and fun by Relaxingcruiser

Sail date: / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

I wanted a cruise that would give me the chance to disconnect from my work and totally relax. This definitely fit the bill. I loved the fact that I could do whatever I wanted. I spent the time at sea just hanging out reading and napping. There was no pressure from anyone to do more. I was always aware that i could participate in all kinds of activities; but no one nagged me to do more. The shore excursions were great fun. I highly recommend the "Ghosta and Good-time Girls Walking tour in Skagway". We had a fun time with our tour guide 'Lacey Knickers'. We were very lucky to experience 'bubbling' behavior in a group of humpback whales while on out whale watching excursion in Juneau. A once in a lifetime experience! The Butchart Gardens in Victoria has provided me with a beautiful slideshow of pictures I am using as my background on my computer at work. I can escape many times a day now! Overall I encourage you to take this cruise.

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great week by davisfamily

Sail date: / Traveled as: Family (young children)
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

Our Booking agent Bonnie did everything right we had a great time The excursions were good and the food on the ship was the best sinse we were on a disney cruises several years ago Thanks

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REVIEW ON THE ALASKIAN CRUISE by chuckchan

Sail date: / Traveled as: Large Group
Ship: Grand Princess / Destination: Alaska - Inside Passage

Service on the cruise was excellent. The itinerary was so so as Icy Straits and Tracey Arm Fjord were boring compared to Skagway and Glacier Bay that we saw on our last trip. The locations of the bathrooms are hard to find and should be better labeled.

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