Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Grand Princess Caribbean ~
by Linda & Mel
Coffman
Princess Cays—Monday
Uh oh... rain. We spotted
Princess Cays (Eleuthra, Bahamas) in the distance and it looks so
enticing. By the time tendering began, the sun was shining.
 |
|
Pure
pleasure... Princess Cays |
She said:
I'm not much of a beach and sun person, but I love cruise line
"private islands" and this was our first visit to Princess
Cays. I got a kick out of the reminder in the Princess Patter to take
beach towels ashore and bring them back to the ship at the end of the
day because, "Although locals may offer to do this for you,
unfortunately we seldom see the towels again!"
He said: We
were pleasantly surprised at how smoothly the tendering operation was
handled. Tickets were handed out in the lounge, we took a seat, and
within five minutes were called to the tender landing.
She said:
From the tender landing, our little group of six headed to the left of
the boardwalk and found shaded lounge chairs. Even with the South
Beach area to the right closed, the North Beach, swimming, and
watersports facilities were generous enough for Grand Princess
passengers. While our husbands went exploring, Rox, Deb, and I ordered
Rum Runners... whew, we found out later they contained FIVE shots of
rum!
He said: FIVE
shots of rum? Maybe she won't notice the shops on the way back to the
ship.
She said:
There aren't many children on our sailing—they
are mostly infants and toddlers—but
they are having a great time playing in Pelican's Perch. It's nice to
see well-behaved children. The few teenage girls are going
"island" and getting their hair braided.
He said: Great
photo ops. The water is really clear and I'm glad Linda is having such
a good time relaxing with her friends. She's staying ashore longer
than she usually does.
She said:
Oh, look. Shops.
He said: Mike
found the 'unofficial' local vendors behind the fence. Same stuff,
lower prices.
She said:
Purchases in the "Tropical Treasures" Boutique can be
charged to shipboard accounts. Local vendors accept cash only—be
sure to take some ashore with you.
The Grand Princess entertainment
staff kept up a roster of games for all ages and a barbeque buffet was
served al fresco. All-in-all, it was a gorgeous day. Did I mention
there were FIVE shots of rum in those Rum Runners... ?
Back on board, showers and naps were
in order. When early 'showtime' began in the Vista Lounge right below
us, it was time to leave for dinner anyway. We discovered it wasn't
necessary for us to actually go to the lounge to hear the music...
yes, it was loud in our mini-suite (but not on the balcony).
Fortunately, it didn't bother us because we were generally just
leaving for dinner when the first show began and the second show was
finished by the time we returned.
Once again, Mel and I dined in the
Horizon Court, as did Deb and Mike. Rox and Ron went to the dining
room and were very pleased with the food and service. We gathered for
coffee at the Horizon Terrace overlooking the adults-only Horizon Pool
where passengers enjoyed late swimming in one of Grand Princess' five
freshwater pools.
At Sea—Tuesday
An entire day to really enjoy
the ship's facilities get into the serious business of relaxing.
She said:
The best coffee on board is at the Promenade Bar. While they serve
chic lattes and other specialty coffees for $1.50 to $2.50, there is
always a pot of complimentary freshly brewed coffee available.
He
said: Bring your own thermal
'commuter' mug as Linda did, otherwise you'll have to use paper cups.
She said:
The spa on Grand Princess is huge and they did makeovers today for
everyone who attended their Make Up Party! I really like the steam
room and sauna, but not necessarily the location. The entrances are
outside, forward of the lap pool, which means you can't use them
attired in just a towel (unless you are an exhibitionist).
He
said: Walking around the
ship, my impression was that it is cut up into small spaces.
She said:
That's why there aren't any "crowds" to speak of, despite
the fact every stateroom on board is occupied. Those intimate spaces
absorb passengers nicely.
He
said: Look, there's a couple
having wedding photos taken out on the Promenade Deck.
She said:
The Captain of Grand Princess has the authority to perform marriages
on board during sea days. There's even a lovely chapel spacious enough
for guests (34 seated, 50-60 standing).
 |
|
Wheelhouse
Bar |
After a lazy day, it was time to
prepare for our first formal night and meet our friends for pre-dinner
cocktails in the Wheelhouse Bar. In our opinion it's the nicest lounge
on the ship and is one of the few areas that has a section set aside
for smokers, although, unfortunately, not cigar smokers. With its
nautical theme and warm wood paneling, leather chairs, ship models,
artifacts, and paintings of P&O liners of the past, it has the
ambiance of a perfect gentleman's 'club' room. Far nicer for a cigar lounge than
Snookers.
He
said: The Wheelhouse is a
great spot to gather before dinner, but the musicians are too loud.
She said:
At least they take frequent breaks and it's time to eat.
Our first test of Personal Choice
"anytime dining" at about 8:15 pm was a pleasant experience.
There was a line outside the Da Vinci Dining Room on Deck Six so we
went down to the Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck Five where we were
told a table for six would be available in about 15 minutes. However,
our 'beeper' captured our attention in less than five minutes and we
were seated almost immediately. Try that in a restaurant ashore during
peak dining hours!
Great food, wine, service, and
companions... the perfect ingredients for a formal
evening.
Grand Princess
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