We boarded Grand Princess with the assumption that this would be like every other cruise vacation -- there is no bad cruise. But we were hit with a bunch of unexpected negatives -- don't expect a cruise to be perfect but we do expect the crew to try and make the experience special for the passengers.

Embarkation was efficient and fast -- boarded about noon. Our cabin was open to us and very nice condition but the toiletries & robes were not there -- quickly fixed by our steward who was good at his job throughout the trip. Cabin was ok except the shower was the smallest on any ship we have been on -- DH had been in crew cabins with bigger showers. Kept hitting my elbow -- not easy to get yourself clean. Removable shower heads definitely would be a plus. No place to store anything in bathroom. Garbage can open -- can be embarrassing for a woman.

Saw a man selling soda packages as we boarded - asked which dining room was open for lunch -- he said go to the buffet on deck 14. Did not take his direction -- I had read here on Cruise Critic that there is a nice Dining Room lunch on embarkation and we found MDR open and had a wonderful lunch. The buffet is very crowded especially with some passengers carrying small luggage. Read more