Just returned from the Mexican Riviera Cruise. Three days to Puerto Vallarta then to Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. This is one of the first itineraries to stop in Mazatlan due to the security concerns. Since we had been there many years ago we opted to remain on board and not tempt fate. Weather was great and temperatures were in the mid 70s.

The Grand is a "smaller" older ship and was refurbished in 2011. She still has areas that are original and is starting to look a bit tired but is still very acceptable since we are not into the glitch. The balcony cabins on the upper decks are small compared to other balcony cabins on other Princess ships. Closet space and doored cabinet shelves were half the size in width. Luckily on a seven day cruise we didn't take that many clothes but on a long cruise this could be an issue. On the other hand our friends had an inside cabin on Aloha that was twice as big as any we've ever seen with huge closets and cupboards. The room steward said that it and the one next to it were unique as well as the two on Baha below them.

The crew and staff were the best and most friendly we've had on any cruise in a long time. Unfortunately dining room staff has been reduced and it took over 2 hours to complete a meal at a table for six. Read more