A long review I am afraid. Firstly thanks to all on CC who organized the M&G, Sail Away party, and Slot Pull. Lots of fun as always!

Our Thanksgiving cruise is becoming a tradition, at two complete, and the Royal already booked for next year. We had a blast on the NCL Epic last year and would have gone again but it was the same ports as last year, plus its fun to try a different ship. I booked the Grand because - 1. We have had a good time on previous two Princess cruises - 2. We had not been to Aruba or Curacao - 3. The price was really low.

Embarkation was a little hectic as the ship changed piers at the last minute so we received e-mails and texts from Princess to let us know of the change plus a little later boarding time. Ft Lauderdale is not an easy port to drop off and park, plus Pier 29 has no parking garage nearby. So at the last minute I booked at the "Park and Go" which turned out to be a great decision. You drop off the car there and they shuttle you right to the luggage drop off and then pick you up and take you back to your vehicle. About half the price of parking at the dock, no hassles of walking the distance from the parking garage to the ship. Very efficient and Park and Go staff very polite. I was pleased. At the pier only one x-ray machine so slow going, but arrived at 11.30 and by 12.30 we were in the cabin. Luggage was there when we arrived! Read more