We sailed from San Francisco on Feb. 18, 2014. We took this cruise with our neighbors. Parked my car and walked across the street to Pier 35. Gave our luggage to the handlers at 11:20. Got in line and at 11:40 we started showing our Passports and Boarding Passes and filled out the 'Achoo Form', then on to the check-in line for our Sea Cards. We sat in the Platinum/Elite/Suite Lounge, and at noon we walked over to the "Welcome to Grand Princess" photo staging set. We did passed on taking photos and then had to get our mug shots taken at the Security Entry Control. Got to our stateroom at 12:15. Easiest boarding ever. Met with room steward, Edwin friendly guy and very seasoned. Asked for a sheet under the duvet. I ran down to the Customer Service Desk and signed up for the Ultimate Ship's Tour. We checked the Horizon Court and has a large salad. Every item was very fresh. After lunch we did a quick tour of decks 5, 6, 7, and 14. It was time for the General Emergency Station Exercise (Muster) in the Vista Lounge. Cruise Critic Rollcall set for a casual Meet & Greet after the Muster in the One5. About 25 showed up and I stayed for 40 minutes. I went and picked up my wife Frances and went to Da Vinci for our early dinner. Table #119 was a table for 4, next to a large window. During the whole cruise, we were the only one using this table. Waiter Jeffrey and his Ass't Kaidir were very friendly, fast and gave great service. Food was good, and the rolls were the best. I like sorbets, but they were not as good as on Emerald Ship, back in September.

We did this cruise for the Hawaiian Aloha theme. The Hawaiian Duo "Makani E" was super. They performed nightly in the Piazza. They taught hula classes, ukulele playing, lectured on island foods, language and each Island's history. They also played in the Wheelhouse and Deck 14, Neptune Reef & Pool. Their song selection was vast and they performed flawlessly. Lokelina's hula dancing and singing were delightful.

Honolulu, Oahu: weather in the 80's. Took the free Maui's Diver bus and was dropped off at the Moana Surfrider Hotel. Walked up and down Waikiki. Took "The Bus' to Chinatown. I was there last year and the area is going down hill fast. Homeless people everywhere. I wonder if Sunday makes a difference? I did not make it to Champion's for their famous Malasadas. Read more