Just completed a two week cruise on board the Grand Princess around the Caribbean visiting Aruba, Curacao, Trinidad, Barbados, St Vincent,St Kitts, St Thomas, La Romana and Grand Turk. Fantastic itinerary although was not too keen on Port of Spain, Trinidad (but that may have been our fault as we did not do a trip and just went into town - which was a bit intimidating and the first time ever we have felt that way when visiting a port town). Barbados, St Vincent, Aruba, St Thomas and Grand Turk fantastic - others what you expect from a caribbean island. We flew with BA from Manchester to Heathrow and then Miami, which was good and on time...but they are extremely strict on luggage allowance so make sure your cases are under 23kg if you are flying with them !!!! Amazingly for BA all our luggage made it to Miami and home.

Disembarkation ?? We were picked up from Miami airport and taken to the Intercontinental Hotel for our first nights accommodation..all ran smoothly and the hotel was fine and each room easily can accommodate four people. Please try and avoid breakfast at this hotel as it is extremely expensive especially if you are in a large group. We walked out of the hotel onto the main road (turn left or cross over as there are a number of the usual eat-out places at a fraction of the cost) Please be careful on the first crossing if you go left as you have to make across EIGHT lanes and those less agile may find it difficult..if not a little dangerous. If you go left and walk for around twenty minutes you will come across a big Wal-Mart which sells any last minute items you may have forgotten for the cruise. We then went back to the hotel and sat around the pool and eventually we were picked up on time and before we knew it were at the cruise terminal in Fort Lauderdale. Getting on the ship was quick and painless and well serviced. Luggage was outside our cabin in no time.

Grand Princess itself ?? A huge graceful ship that is well kept and yes there are a few signs of wear and tear but this ship is over ten years old now and people should expect this as you know the age of the ship when booking it (???) Cabins kept spotless by ever attentive hard working staff and public areas are immaculate and of a high standard. Don't forget nearly 3000 passengers use this ship every trip and on our cruise we were full to the brim. Read more