Tell me about the Grand

[shredie]

So I guess we're booking the Grand for Mexico, and since I've never been on her, I have some questions. Looking at the deck plans, I see some things I'm not familiar with.

 

Leaves. It's the library? They sell tea there? Is this in place of regular tea time usually held in a dining room?

 

One5. I take it this is the replacement for the now-gone Skywalkers. Is this the location for the Elite lounge?

 

Alfredo's. This is the same thing as on the Sapphire? Same menu?

 

Casino. It was once the "largest at sea"? How large is it now that some of the space has gone for window suites? Does it have windows? I assume, like all other Princess ships, it has the smoking section and the non-smoking nights?

 

Thanks for any help! Pictures always appreciated!

[Pam in CA]

So I guess we're booking the Grand for Mexico, and since I've never been on her, I have some questions. Looking at the deck plans, I see some things I'm not familiar with.

 

Leaves. It's the library? They sell tea there? Is this in place of regular tea time usually held in a dining room?

 

One5. I take it this is the replacement for the now-gone Skywalkers. Is this the location for the Elite lounge?

 

Alfredo's. This is the same thing as on the Sapphire? Same menu?

 

Casino. It was once the "largest at sea"? How large is it now that some of the space has gone for window suites? Does it have windows? I assume, like all other Princess ships, it has the smoking section and the non-smoking nights?

Yes, Leaves is a tea bar. One5 is a lounge that replaced Skywalkers and is used for the Platinum/Elite lounge. Alfredo's is the same as the Sapphire. Only the Royal and Regal have the expanded Alfredo's. Have no idea about the size of the Casino but you're right: there are smoking and non-smoking nights.

 

The Grand is my least-favorite Princess ship but it's been years since I've cruised on her and we're booked for a HI cruise in February on her. Like the Royal/Regal, there are no center stairs so if this is an issue for you, book your cabin accordingly.

Edited August 5, 2014 by Pam in CA

[cactusrose]

Also, unless you have booked a mini suite or suite your closet space will be about 1/3rd the space on other grand class ships.

[shredie]

Uh oh. DH is not going to like the lack of a center staircase. But since this itinerary and ship was his idea, oh well! LOL! So how does the tea thing work? Is there staff in there who will prepare it for you or do you have to order it from somewhere else? Does this replace afternoon tea or is it in addition to it?

[Colo Cruiser]

I miss Skywalkers. :(

[Doughnut Dolly]

I will be going soon on my 5th cruise on the Grand. It's not the newest or the biggest, but as far as I am concerned it is my favorite Princess ship. The staff is wonderful and go out of their way to please you. The size is just right and you will feel very comfortable. I love her!!!!

[cactusrose]

Uh oh. DH is not going to like the lack of a center staircase. But since this itinerary and ship was his idea, oh well! LOL! So how does the tea thing work? Is there staff in there who will prepare it for you or do you have to order it from somewhere else? Does this replace afternoon tea or is it in addition to it?

 

The have bins of different kinds of teas that you can order and they will prepare it for you. If I remember correctly they add some to one of the tea envelopes and place it in the pot before serving. It doesn't take the place of the regular tea served in the afternoon in one of the dinning rooms. At least it didn't the last time I was on the Grand.

[waltd]

It's been a while for us but from what I remember Leaves has hours. It was not open all the time.

[shepp]

It's been a while for us but from what I remember Leaves has hours. It was not open all the time.

 

And from what I remember, I never saw anyone actually drinking tea there. Books and spillable, staining beverages: perfect combination.

[shredie]

And from what I remember, I never saw anyone actually drinking tea there. Books and spillable, staining beverages: perfect combination.

 

That's kind of what I was thinking...

[smslms]

Been on the Grand several times, no problem with her at all other than the lack of a central staircase, but then this is a recurring Princess problem.

 

Not into the whole tea leaves scene. Looked into the library, saw the tea set up, but honestly don't pay attention.

 

One 5 is in some ways a replacement for Skywalkers. Much smaller and nowhere near the same ambience. Often used for the Elite Lounge but not necessarily, depends on the number of Platinum/Elite passengers on board.

 

Alfredo's is the same, only Royal & Regal offer expanded menu.

 

Can't see where casino is much different than any other ship. Yes there are windows, on one side. Your chances of winning are not exponentially greater whether looking out the window or looking at the slots. You are correct in respect to smoking/non-smoking issue.

[sherryf]

Also, unless you have booked a mini suite or suite your closet space will be about 1/3rd the space on other grand class ships.

 

This is one thing that I really disliked about the Grand, compared to her sisters, the Star and Golden. It wasn't even so much the size of the closet, but the different layout of the bathroom, closet and dressing area. It didn't ruin my cruise or anything like that, but it was annoying and I much prefer the updated layout on the newer ships.

[casavaha]

This is one thing that I really disliked about the Grand, compared to her sisters, the Star and Golden. It wasn't even so much the size of the closet, but the different layout of the bathroom, closet and dressing area. It didn't ruin my cruise or anything like that, but it was annoying and I much prefer the updated layout on the newer ships.

 

I had forgotten about the central staircase. We were on deck 8 so we tried to walk up

but could not. The closet was small, ok for 7 days but longer?

I would probably not cruise the Grand again. I like the Golden and Star and of course

the Sapphire.

[Thrak]

Several times on the Grand my wife and I forgot about the central staircase issue and felt like dorks when we got to the door blocking it off. We had an aft balcony on Caribe (actually looking out over the wake - it was awesome). We did a lot of walking back and forth to get to the stairs. A number of times we just went up the forward stairs. It really gives you an appreciation of how long those halls are when you start at the bow and walk all the way to the stern to get to your cabin!

 

We enjoyed our cruise on the Grand and Alfredo's made it extra special. I wish they would add Alfredo's on Star Princess.

[bdjam]

Another difference with Grand Princess is that she does not have the Thermal Suite that was incorporated first with Star Princess' design.

 

That being said, I like Grand Princess and am puzzled why someone would discount her over her two original sisters. Yes, the closet is smaller, but I've done 10 day cruises on her with my cruising buddy and we had plenty of room. The refurbishment that was done to spruce her up makes her public areas look as new and fresh as the other ships in the fleet. One5 isn't spectacular as Skywalkers, but based on a passenger complement that doesn't seem to use the nightclub, it seems a more appropriate use of space.

 

[DAngel799]

My husband & I were just on the Grand Princess in July. I didn't go to leaves, but it looked like a library to me. People were always reading in there.

This was our first Princess cruise, and I loved the Grand. If you have anymore questions I'll be glad to help. I wrote a long review, but I don't think they posted it yet. Maybe I didn't do it right. ;)

[Camelia-]

I confess that I usually find myself blending all the ships that I've cruised on and none has really stood out to me..whether negatively or in a positive way. I was on the Grand to Hawaii in February and I can honestly say that I loved this ship!

 

Yes I too was shocked when I saw the very reduced closet space in our cabin but I got over that and went to explore the ship. Loved the location of the library..I was so disappointed when I was on the Star and the library and internet cafe are crammed together! Loved the location of Alfredos..it added to the celebratory atmosphere and there is no doubt that this is where the heart of the ship is. This is the first ship where I didn't get lost once..a miracle indeed!! The lack of central staircase really didn't impact on us..we just enjoyed walking all the calories off!

 

I'd love to go back again one day..

 

Camelia

[suzyed]

I will be going soon on my 5th cruise on the Grand. It's not the newest or the biggest, but as far as I am concerned it is my favorite Princess ship. The staff is wonderful and go out of their way to please you. The size is just right and you will feel very comfortable. I love her!!!!

 

I agree as far as the staff goes. Everyone was friendly, helpful and our dining room waiter was wonderful!

[G&T Cruisers]

We were on the Grand for two weeks and we found no problems with the closet space and we thought the food,entertainment,venues,and staff were great.We really enjoyed ourselves on this ship and we hope you will as well.

[MauiLvrs]

I agree as far as the staff goes. Everyone was friendly, helpful and our dining room waiter was wonderful!

And the medical team is awesome!

[casavaha]

Another difference with Grand Princess is that she does not have the Thermal Suite that was incorporated first with Star Princess' design.

 

That being said, I like Grand Princess and am puzzled why someone would discount her over her two original sisters. Yes, the closet is smaller, but I've done 10 day cruises on her with my cruising buddy and we had plenty of room. The refurbishment that was done to spruce her up makes her public areas look as new and fresh as the other ships in the fleet. One5 isn't spectacular as Skywalkers, but based on a passenger complement that doesn't seem to use the nightclub, it seems a more appropriate use of space.

 

 

I would be very surprised if many people thought the Grand was a better ship than the

Star or Golden, let alone the Sapphire. I was with a group of 40 persons who had never

sailed on Princess, they thought that the Grand looked very tired, especially the public

areas.

[RNGALNG]

Maybe I miss this but, is there an extra cost for the tea?

[ginabab]

Hi, the Grand is indeed Grand If you can, sign up for the ship's tour The only thing I remember really disliking is the smell of the casino So sad

They don't make them like this anymore

You will have a great time

[shredie]

Thanks, everyone! Another question: do the offerings at Vines change in any way since it shares so much real estate with Alfredo's? Do they still have the tapas?

[bdjam]

I would be very surprised if many people thought the Grand was a better ship than the

Star or Golden, let alone the Sapphire. I was with a group of 40 persons who had never

sailed on Princess, they thought that the Grand looked very tired, especially the public

areas.

When were you on Grand Princess? - she was completely refurbished in the public areas AFTER her sisters and they are pretty much identical.