Grand Princess Review

This was an average Princess cruise

Review for Alaska Cruise on Grand Princess
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TahoeSierra
10+ Cruises • Age 80s

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Additional details

Sail Date: Aug 2018
Cabin: Oceanview (obstructed view)

We chose this cruise because it sailed out of San Francisco and visited two of our favorite places, Sitka and Glacier Bay. We also have more perks on Princess although they were not as important on this cruise as on past cruises. We may reconsider which line we will be using on future cruises.

We had two cabins on this cruise. Both were in good condition and well attended by the stewards. We had a VERY NEGATIVE experience with the first one. That is described below. The second one was much better.

The food on this cruise was about average for Princess. It never seems to measure up to other cruise lines. The waiters did an excellent job in the Anytime Dining Room. We only had one lunch where the service was quite slow and it seemed like the tables around us got more efficient service. Except for this one time, all other service was excellent.

Cabin Review

Oceanview (obstructed view)

Cabin OV

The first day we opened our drapes, we were confronted with a view of a man sized dummy HANGING FROM HIS NECK OUTSIDE OUR WINDOW. We immediately went to the front desk to have it removed. We were told that it would be attended to. Later that day and supervisor arrived to look out our window. She said she would report the problem. After the third day, nothing had been done. I went to the front desk again and asked to talk with the Captain. Of course, I could not do this, but the clerk asked what the problem was. I told her and showed her a picture of the dummy. I also said we wanted an immediate cabin change. She brought out a supervisor and he said he would look into it. I left very unhappy about the experience. Later that day he called to say that the dummy had been removed. I asked about the cabin change and he said he would "PUT US ON THE LIST." Than did not sit too well either. I told him I would be talking to the Captain at the party later that night. A few hours later, he called to say that they had another cabin for us. We immediately changed to the other cabin.

Port Reviews

Juneau

We have been here many times and taken several of the tours. We prefer to walk into town and see the sights. We have also rented a car and driven to the end of the road. There are some sights north of town that are not on any tours and make for pleasant stops as you drive north.

Skagway

We have also taken some of the tours out of Skagway, but usually walk into town. My wife is a shopper. I keep her company, but don't enjoy the experience as much as she does. Taking a Ranger led tour of the town is a very pleasant way to spend a morning.

Sitka

Our travel agent supplied free tickets to the Raptor Center. We took a taxi over and walked back with stops at the Historical Park and along the walking path near the water's edge. We also visited the downtown area before returning to the ship. Sitka is one of our favorite places in Alaska. The beauty of the bay and surrounding mountains as you sail in or out is very beautiful. The only drawback is that they now have a new dock that is several miles from the downtown area. In the past we anchored just off the downtown area and were tendered in. The view from the anchored ship was much more interesting than that from the new dock.

Victoria

Victoria is always a great place to visit. We have had excellent weather on all of our past visits. We have taken many of the tours on previous cruises. We have also taken the hop on hop off bus around town. This time we took a taxi to Government house and walked through the large garden around the house. My wife also visited the Costume Museum and the Uniform Museum while I looked over the Tea Room and surrounding buildings. Walking through the downtown area is a must. Visiting the Parliament Building and taking that tour is a very nice experience. The museum downtown is world class. It should not be missed. Unfortunately, this cruise did not allow enough time to see everything. It was a very short stop. Victoria deserves more time.

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