Grand Princess Review
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After taking a Princess cruisetour to Alaska last August, we decided to go back this summer. This time we booked the 10 night trip out of San Francisco. After reading other reviews we were worried about boarding in SF. But the drop off was simple, directly in front of Pier 35, then my husband went and parked the car in parking garage a few blocks away. There were dozens and dozens of ready and able porters to quickly take your luggage to the ship, then we walked right in and checked in and walked onto ship. Took 10 - 15 minutes. Couldn't of been easier or more organized. Just as easy getting off the ship.
The Grand Princess was very similar to the Sapphire ship from last year. The biggest difference was the size of our closet in room A743. It was tiny and too small for all our clothes. Never had that issue on any other ship. Was it because it was the very back cabin on Aloha deck?? Loved the location !!!! Just a few steps and your to the back door and can step onto the back deck of the ship which features an adult only pool, a bar, and steps away to the the back entrance to the buffet seating area. So convenient and never crowded. We didn't really eat in the buffet, but was great to get coffee for my husband. The back fantail of the ship is pretty quiet if you like that. We played games using the dining tables next to the bar (in the shade). Perfect view. Great place for photos or taking video as you pass under the Golden Gate Bridge heading out to sea or returning if your up early.
We had a fantastic cruise director named Martin, kept us laughing. The entertainment was great every night. Comedians, dancers, singers kept us very busy each evening after dinner. Lots and lots to do on a ship.
Cabin Review
Balcony
Very small closet compared to other balcony rooms on Princess. Not enough room for all of our clothes, jackets, shoes etc. We brought extra jackets and warm clothes for Alaska and shore excursions.I also gave a poor rating for fitness only because 200+ passengers show up for the Zumba class that will accomodate about 40 people. It was impossible to get a workout crammed so close togeter. Passengers were trying to exercise all over the room on carpet, between tables of the Vista Lounge. This cannot be the only time this has happened. As a matter of fact I talked to Zumba instructor after class. If Zumba is so popular and passengers obviously want a fun workout during their cruise, why not offer it a few times per day since there is not a venue with enough space on the ship??? I would have even paid for the class to just had a chance for a real workout. The gym is available but also very crowded. What does that tell the cruiseline?? Some Passengers like a little exercise to continue with their normal routine even during vacation. After all, everyone wants dessert on vacation right??