This was our first visit to the Hawaiian Islands and our longest cruise we have taken. There was very little we did not enjoy and were overall pleased with our cruise. This cruise was during Christmas and New Years holidays.

We flew to San Francisco a day early in order to avoid weather related issues. It was good thing because one hour after we left, they closed the airport and the next day was miserable for all travelers. We stayed at the Tuscan Inn near the port. It was a very nice hotel and convenient to most tourist attractions. We visited Alcatraz and found it to be one of the most interesting museums we have ever been in. The island is very accessible, having a cart that will take you up and down the steep pathway. The rest of the tour is pretty accessible with only a couple of places that are not. It was nice to see the ship as we traveled back and forth to the island. We also visited the Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio. It is an interesting museum, focusing on his life and accomplishments. The worst part of the museum is getting there and getting back. Cab service is very spotty and even if you do call a cab, other guests may take it and the cab companies offer little help.

Embarkation was pretty smooth. We waled the 5-6 blocks from the hotel, a flat, easily accessible route. There was a long line but it only took about 30 minutes to get helped. After that it was pretty quick to get on board and to our room. Since we had eaten lunch prior to boarding we didn't feel the need to join the crowds in the buffet (a smart move since the food will get old pretty fast). We noticed that the hallways were a little wider on the Grand than other Princess ships so that a wheelchair could get down the hallway with carts in it. Unfortunately, there was no way to make it down the hallways on the last night, with all the suitcases in the hallway and the such. Read more