Keikidoc

you can bring as much wine as you want on board. It must be in your carry on luggage and not the checked luggage. If it's more than the one bottle per person, you will have to pay the corkage fees. I brought a black box and no one said a word. Luck of the draw but I was prepared to pay for it because when you figure it out, it was still cheaper than buying 4 bottles of wine on board and kept nicely for my 10 day cruise.

I just got off the Grand 15 day. Took 8 bottles of 750ml all in my checked luggage, well protected with wine bottle egg-crates. Outside the boxes were well marked with Wine. I fully intended to pay the corkage fee on 6 bottles. I checked at the security desk before boarding that I had some extra bottles of wine. He asked to see them and I said they were in my checked luggage. He said OK and went on my way. They all arrived intact in my stateroom. No charges appeared on room charges. Only when I took one of the bottles to dinner, was I charged a corkage fee of $15. We were able to drink wine out on the deck, once we did it with wine glasses. Other times we used our coffee travel mugs up by the pool.

Wondering if I could call princess and find out - I could always take another ship that does have the teachers- I heard grand has zumba classess too- Wondering if all the ships have the same fitness schedule?

:eek:

Kimo and Lokelani were moving on to the Japan circuit with Princess at the end of April. I believe they were doing two more HI out of SF, taking a 17 day break when the Grand does a Costal trip then back on for one more to HI. They have someone lined up to take their place when the move on. There were line dancing, ball room dancing, hula and zumba classes available. Don't know about the other ships. I guess it's a matter if the staff available is proficient in leading the classes.

Is it normal that the ship would miss the port due to waves or bad weather? Wouldent they just stay in another port longer? Thanks again .. :)

I have heard of ships skipping ports. Couple of sails ago, the Star skipped Lahaina due to rough seas and too dangerous for the tenders. Other sails have skipped ports due to sea emergencies, like man overboard and they altered their schedule to search for the person. I believe the ports are scheduled way in advance and there may be a ship in everyday so staying for two days may not be an option. I'm not an expert on this so I'm only guessing.

Sorry, did not go to the tea place as I don't drink tea. Looked nice though. The star does have a Hawaiian duo on board giving lessons. Have fun!

Just got off the Grand in SF. Had a great trip and the ship was excellent as was the crew. Dan the CD with his AsstCD Kez are very funny put on a great time during the sea days. I cannot speak for the Star.

As for the weather/ocean/swells it is a luck of the draw. We only had one bad day of rocky sailing the whole time. I like SF cause we live in NoCal and could drive to the terminal.

I am not sure- It does not matter - I would prefer more time in hawaii and smooth sailing so either sf or la is fine with me.. Which ship is the better one?

Just got off the Grand and it was in pretty good shape. I heard of only one incident where a water pipe broke in one of the cabins. Otherwise our cabin was great with no significant wear issues. The Star is the same layout. They both had major renovations and converted the old skywalker nightclub into the One5. A good place to for quiet reading during sea days. I don't know about the present condition of the Star. They both spend the same amount of time in HI. Four days is not enough if you really want to experience the people and culture.

was the sailing rough out there or was it smooth to hawaii??

On the cruise that ended on 18 Feb, it was minor rocky out of SF the first night. From then on, it was smooth sailing till we started north from Ensanada. 14 ft swells made walking hilarious. I did not get nauseated but some folks were feeling it and not very hungry. It was only the last night, we were very fortunate.

Thank you for posting! Was there enough ukeleles for people, and do they sell them onboard ? Thinking I would like to pick one up onboard if they are not too expensive.:)

They ran out of ukes for students. They have about 40 or so soprano ukes that are loaned out and you have to give them back after the class. There is a uke for sale in the ship store about $120. Can't remember exactly. Came with a case and tuner. Kimo has a list of stores in each port that sells ukes if you want one made in HI. Be prepared to pay $600+ for a good custom uke in the islands.

Presently on Grand. Only 2 more days. We played Pearly Shells, Tiny Bubbles and Aloha oe. Kimo and Lokelina do a great job.

Thanks for the info. Now waiting to see if share price will go down from the 40 today.

Thanks for replying. We are on the Grand in March. Keikidoc, have a great trip and if you wouldn't mind, will you let us know how the uke classes are. Thanks!

Will do. Looking forward to our sail. 4 days to go and started sorting stuff to take.

Taking 2 ukes I made.

So I don't have any CCL stock at this time but considering it. Are the OBC benefits a yearly thing and reservations must be made by end of Feb and only on sailings before Aug? Thanks

ses320, when will you be sailing on the Grand? We are on the 3Feb14 out of SF to HI. I'm bringing my uke also.

On another note - taking my first Princess Cruise (not a newbie have about 25 "other" cruises) - e mailed the paperwork required for my husband to have the military OBC applied - didn't show - then we faxed it - still waiting - will be 2 weeks today and still nothing.

It took faxing X3 for me. I let a week go by each time. I called Princess Rep and they had me re fax each time. Finally the OBC appeared on my personalizer. Great credit since I'm on a 15 day cruise to HI.:)