My wife and I were on the Grand to Mexico September 25 through October 5 and then again to Hawaii November 13 through November 28. Now, ordinarily, as a person who still has to work, I would not have spent 25 out of the last 60 days on the ocean, but my wife is terminally ill and we are running out of time, so I'll not be denying her anything.

More than anything, my wife wanted to be cruising and Princess and the Grand came through in spades! We live in San Francisco, so being able depart and arrive from home is so great. Amazed at how both the Port and Princess handles the embarkation and disembarkation process. Simple amazing. For example, when it was time to leave after the Hawaiian cruise, we left our cabin at 8 and were walking through our front door at home before 10.

What made both cruises so special were really the people running the boat. From our Super Steward Agustin (best cabin steward ever), to Hazel the room service operator who developed a relationship with us and was very concerned about my wife, to Emily Ashcroft and the customer service desk who helped my wife arrange a really lovely vow renewal ceremony on the first cruise, to the charming Jobelle in the Piazza bar, to Camille and then Gretchen at the Michelangelo dining room who helped us get a cozy table for two at each dinner. Read more