What a great trip! Of all the cruises we have been on, this one certainly topped them all. I am sure it was a combination of factors, including the fact that our kids are now 16 & 18 and can look after themselves. But from beginning to end, this was a perfect cruise for our family. San Francisco is an amazingly friendly port and I found the Boarding the ship was so much easier than any other location we have used in the past. Disembarkation was a breeze, no customs form, no passport. I walked down the gangplank and within 3 minutes we had spotted our luggage, gave them to a porter and was sitting on the bus awaiting our transfer to the airport.

The food was tremendous on this trip. We ate at the Crown Gill one night, had breakfasts at Sabatini's, had an amazing meal at the Chef's Table, and loved the Pub Lunch. Also thought that the food on the Horizon Court Buffet was much better than on past cruises, with many tasty entrees and the pasta was usually very well prepared. Also ate at Anytime Dining and only had one mediocre meal, but that was because I chose poorly - the calamari steak is really something I would avoid in the future. But no matter where we went the food was great and the service was very fine. The wait staff was attentive but not overbearing. Also love the Piazza and International Cafe and many a night managed to squeeze in a pizza at Alfredo's.

The entertainment was also better than usual. Led by the Hungarian Classical group, The Rhapsody Trio, the overall quality of the entertainment was much better than on past cruises. The Trio routinely packed the Atrium when they performed 3 times per day, and for anyone traveling on the Grand we were informed that they will be there for another 4-5 months. Also enjoyed the group Volume who performed in the Explorers Lounge, and Martin Lewis the British comedy-magician. Read more