Hi all ... we're cruising on the Grand 3/10-17. Couple quick questions:<BR><BR>* Does the Grand have a program specifically for teenagers? I've read about the kids programs but I haven't seen any reviews mention a teens program.<BR><BR>* Does anyone have any info about "renting" dinner jackets/tuxes from the cruise line itself? I recently read a review and they mentioned "our formal jackets were delivered to our cabin on the first night." How would I find out more about such a service?<BR><BR>* Finally, any recent experience with Personal Choice Dining? I've heard there are long lines, etc. I'm traveling with my 40+ husband, 15 yr old son; 40+ sister and 83 yr old father. Everyone will probably want something different a several nights and Personal Choice seems to be a good way to accomodate everyone's needs.<BR><BR>Thanks everyone. I appreciate any help.

Regarding your dining question and based on my experience, my preference is for the main dinig room. You are coddled by the wait staff anything you want from a diverse menu is yours. It feels like a holiday dinner with family every night. In a word = special

Hi Laura,<BR><BR>Princess has one of the best children's programs at sea.<BR><BR>Princess Pelicans for ages 2 through 12 and Princess Teen Club from ages 13 through 17.<BR><BR>Princess has a formalwear store where tuxes can be rented. You will find the information when you receive your documents. You can rent a tux when you board.<BR><BR>Seems like the personal choice dining runs about 50/50 for those who love it and those who hate it.<BR><BR>I enjoy the assigned seating for the camaraderie of those that you meet. Not surprising that many lifetime friendships have evolved.<BR><BR>With personal choice you may sit with strangers every night or by yourself .... which you can do at home. <BR><BR>Most of the positives are the dining times that you can choose and not be structured to the assigned times.<BR><BR>I am sure you will hear more on this thread.<BR><BR>Have fun,<BR><BR>Paul

Any other "tips" to make our trip on Princess successful? <BR><BR>One other question. I have heard that disembarkation is a nightmare. We have a flight at 1:00pm out of FLL on the Sunday of return. Does anyone see any trouble making that flight given the current security delays?<BR><BR>Thanks all.

No problem at all with the 1:00 PM flight.<BR><BR>Paul

Laura,<BR><BR>We sailed on the Grand when our son was 14. He loved the teen club. We only saw him at dinner! We rented the tuxes before we sailed. I understand they have a few on board but if they don't fit you are out of luck. I would suggest reserving the correct size ahead of sailing. My husband opted for the 2 different jackets, one black and one white. Both of my sons only got black. All fit perfectly and were delivered on time. You will receive a pamphlet with your cruise docs or can get one from your travel agent. <BR><BR>We felt the food in the dining room was excellent. Personal choice dining gives you the option of dining when you want. You are not locked in to early or late sitting. We did traditional dining and met a great couple who we later went on another cruise with. <BR><BR>Happy cruising!

Laura,<BR><BR>I forgot to mention that our flight left at 11:00 am and we had no problem making the flight. When we arrived at the port to board, there were forms to fill out for early debarkation. That lets the staff know who needs to debark first and they assign colors accordingly. We were off the ship by 9:00am. If these forms aren't available at the port, let the purser know your flight time when you board.

http://www.cruiselineformal.com<BR>4 of us used these guys in january on the Dawn Princess without a problem. If I remember correctly cost was $90. Coat, Pants cumberbun (Spelling) tie, studs, suspenders, 2 shirts and shoes

Thanks everyone. Debbie ... can you tell me a little about the teen club? What do they have there? Are there organized "get togethers" or is it just a place to "hang." Needless to say, my son is still a little leary about going on the cruise. He's not overly outgoing with kids his own age (but put him in front of adults ... well, you get the picture).<BR><BR>And Bob ... did that "formal wear" service deliver the tuxes to the ship? How was the quality?<BR><BR>I'm starting to actually get excited about our trip.

Yes they did, they were hanging in the closets when we go to our cabin Drycleaned and laundered. We all thought thagt it was fine, believe me my wife looked it over VERY good. All the fits were great except for my father-in-law who ordered a jacket a couple of sizes two small for some reason. He said he went to a tuxshop and go measured and I gues they mesed up. We all tried the coat and pants on as soon as we got in the cabing and as soon as we found the bad fit we called the stewardess and she took and exchanged it.<BR>The web site has detailed instructions on how to measure for size or as I'm sure you know you can just got to any tuxshop and get measured.<BR><BR>

Laura,<BR><BR>I know that the teen club had their own disco. Believe it or not, no one under 18 was allowed in the club. That included the parents! Pretty exclusive. I will talk to my son when he gets home from school and let you know more. I'm sure how good a time your son has will depend on how many other teens are on board. We went during spring break. We live on the west coast so it will be later today or tomorrow before I can post with the info.

Laura,<BR><BR>My son said that there is a disco and they had a dance with DJ on the top deck one night. There are also video games for a quarter and some basketball tournaments. He said that he didn't stay at the club the whole time, so they may have more organized activities too. Sometimes he would meet up there with other kids and then hang out at the pool or see a movie. Just like your son, he is probably more comfortable around adults. His older brother (20)was on board and they would do things together too. Believe me, he won't be bored. Our sons can't wait to cruise again. Have fun!

Debbie ...Thanks so much for taking the time to check in with your son. You were both very generous with your time. We will be going on March 10, which is our spring break. I'm guessing there will be other teens on board -- I hope.<BR><BR>Thanks.