TwoCruisers

What wrong? Food? Rusted Balconies? What? The food is definetly not as good as a few years ago and the selections are quite limited. Normally only one desert per night unless you want sugar or gluten free.I will probably try another line after my upcoming British Isles cruise in august. The reviews of Celebrity seem to be up and down. Seaborn, Oceana and crystal would definetly be better but the cost is about 50% higher.

I was on the Coral Princess less than four months ago and I had two desserts every night at dinner, except for the one night that I had three desserts!

I think you mean a sideways cabin. I have seen a few pictures of these and some comments. I will try to locate them. :)

 

Here is the thread about them.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2035996&highlight=sideways+cabin

Thank you! The link you supplied had all of the information I was looking for.

Does anyone have pictures of Royal Princess inside rooms that run length wise with the length of the ship? I have seen a few rooms with this orientation on deck plans for other ships, but Royal Princess seems to have many rooms with this orientation. I am wondering where the door enters the room and the general layout of the room. Thanks for any help.

What an outstanding review! I agree with the others who said that it is the BEST review we have seen on CC. I loved your story with pictures and commentary. Take care of yourself.

I'll be on the Coral Princess in about two weeks from now. If you have a chance to send more 3D pictures I would love to see them. I do have a 3D big screen TV.

Email – GL4383 at gmail dot com

Thanks for the wonderful review.

-Gordon

In the past I have gotten good deals at the Renaissance through Horwire. It seems to be the only 4 star hotel in the “Los Olas-Downtown-Port Everglades” area. If you book several months ahead (for February) the rates have been in the $120 range. If you book a couple of months ahead the rates go up to the $175 range.

The Hyatt Place is quite nice, but shouldn’t be priced as high as the Renaissance.

I also Do NOT recommend the Extended Stay. I stayed there two years ago because I got a very good deal. I wouldn’t do it again.

We sailed on the Grand last year prior to the dry dock and immediately after the dry dock in the same cabin.The cabin was in horrible shape prior to the refit and we were assured that the issues(balcony divider falling over,stained tub and toilet,balcony door would not lock,tiles on the bathroom floor that were moldy and unattached,carpet ripped away from the wall)would be addressed,and they were not.Since that time there have been numerous complaints on Cruise Critic of plumbing that does not function properly.They also removed the balcony matting which,when wet,creates a mud puddle and when dry,and in the sun, it is to hot to stand on in bare feet.The Grand is tired and we would rather sail on one of the newer ship without the issues.We are on Ruby 12/30,Emerald 1/6 and the new Royal 10/9 and they are the 3 newest ships.We would also sail on the older ships,just not the Grand.JMHO!

I now understand your dislike of the Grand. From your description of the ship the condition sounds totally disgraceful.

We are loyal Princess cruisers who would never sail on Grand ever again!

Hi johnmik1,

Could you please elaborate a little about the reasons for you not ever wanting to go on the Grand again?

I was on the Grand about 3 years ago and I found it to be very similar to the Caribbean and the Crown.

Thanks,

-Gordon

Thank you everyone for your input. I think I’ll check the bed out as soon as we get to the room and decide if we will be needing a topper.

In a few weeks I will be going on my first RCCL cruise. I have sailed on Princess several times and have found that their beds are very firm and not comfortable. So, when I am on Princess cruises, I have learned to ask for an egg crate mattress topper to help make the bed more comfortable.

Now for my question: How comfortable are the beds on RCCL? I have been reading the RCCL boards for a few months and haven’t noticed any mention of this until now. On one post people said that they needed egg crate toppers. Please let me know your opinions.

Faith413,

Thank you for the WONDERFUL cruise review! I love your comments and details of your adventures ashore and on the ship. Your pictures are great and you have given me ideas for our upcoming B2B cruises on the Serenade. It was very fun reading and I am now even more excited for the next four months to pass and embark on our trip.:D

Where is the Doubletree and what can you tell me about it? Rating, whats near, etc. Thanks.

 

Does it seem people are winning the Marriott for multiple nights rather than for a one night stay? I may get up enough courage to bid later today for our 3 night stay for January..

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The Doubletree by Hilton San Juan is located about 2/3rd’s of the way from the airport to the Pan Am Cruise port. It is rated 2nd by a major travel website. (I don’t think I can mention the name on here)

The reviews by past guests were by far the best I could find for any hotel in San Juan.

I don’t know the area so I can’t comment on what is nearby.

The price I gave in my post is for 2/25/2011. The prices listed on the web site for a queen bed are:

1) $149 plus tax - Normal cancelable reservation held with a credit card. The card is not charged until you check in or don’t show up for the room.

2) $129 plus tax – Prepaid room. Your credit card is charged immediately and the reservation is not cancelable.

3) $96.85 plus tax of $24.55 – Special rate for seniors age 62+. Cancelable reservation held with a credit card. The card is not charged until you check in or don’t show up for the room.

I hope this helps.

I went back to the Doubletree web site and found that they have a tremendous offer for seniors. If you are 62+ years old they had a cancelable reservation for just $96.85 plus $24.55 tax for a grand total of $121.40. In this case there is no need to get a deal through either Priceline or Hotwire.

I got Hilton Doubletree for 95 dollars it is number 2 on trip advisor and reading the reviews people were very happy with this choice/

I am interested in Doubletree San Juan for my pre-cruise hotel. Where did you get this? Was it through Priceline or Hotwire? What dates was this for? Any other specific information would be appreciated.

Thanks