I have been on the Grand Princess a few times, so I didn't set my expectations to high because I know that she is almost 20 years old. She is a Grand Princess, yes her age is showing and she will be having a complete refurbishment in Spring of 2016, which I am sure will only make her grander. I love the size of the ship, I am not a mega cruise ship person, so the Grand is a perfect size.
The embarkation was easy-breezy. Because I have a disability I needed a wheelchair as soon as I got to the port building. I was immediately put in a chair and was done with check in less than 15 minutes. Another 10 minutes to get on the ship and into my room. My rental scooter was waiting for me. A phone call to the room steward got a small table and small nightstand moved out of my room so I could fit the scooter in the room and turn it around to get back out. The disembarkation was exactly the same, very easy.
My room steward's name was Danny and he was always ready, willing and able to help me in any way he could. I thanked him for everything he did and he told me it should be him thanking me because I was one of the easiest passengers he has taken care of.
The cabin was a good size, with a closet with enough room for two or three people. Lots of storage space. It was clean and the bed was very comfortable. I only used the balcony a few times because it was cold out there but I did watch the Golden Gate Bridge as we sailed under it and watch the port of Santa Barbara when docked there. I had the room steward remove a small bedside table and a small night stand so that I could drive my mobility scooter into the room and turn it around in the room to get it back out.
I didn't get off of the ship. We we docked right next to the QE but all passengers that went on to see her said they wouldn't waste their time again.