Can someone explain to me exactly how this works. I assume I can choose from any of the main dining rooms, any additional eating locations and/or any of the reservations only type restaurants (the latter of which charge a small fee). I can eat dinner anytime the mood strikes (from like 5 - 10 pm or so). Is this correct? <BR> <BR>Anyother helpful hints/tips regarding either Princess or the Grand Princess would be greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>

Nikole, <BR> <BR>We were on Grand Princess 3/4/01 (had a very enjoyable vacation) and chose Personal Choice Dining. <BR>This is for dinner only and there is one dining room (the other rooms are for 1st/2nd seatings). If dining around 5:30pm, there should be no problem...same with after 9pm. The 'glitch' is between 7pm/8:30pm. On our sailing, folks from 1st/2nd seating were coming into our dining room some evenings (while keeping their orig. seatings). Eduardo, our maitre 'd, tried his best to accomodate passengers; many were irate. Now this could change sailing to sailing. On our sailing many folks opted for Personal Choice and the ship was 'sold out'. What I suggest is to make dinner reservations the first night for the duration of your cruise - you could mofify or cancel different evenings as you choose. Decide if you'll accept dining with others (we were with another couple and we enjoyed meeting fellow passengers) and also had a table for 4 a few evenings. Painted Desert is wonderful (make a reservation the first day onboard - hint: Mon. is a good night to dine there as well as the last night). I don't know if there was a charge, as our final bill did not reflect this. We did have reservations at "Sabatini's" ($15/pp) and we heard raves from folks who claim it is the best restaurant on land or sea. Unfortunately, we were very tired and did cancel. If interested I would perhaps go for lunch (only open on sea days for lunch as is Painted Desert). There is always the Horizon Court (personally I would 'pass'). There were other places to dine on the ship, but we never had the opportunity. We had a balcony cabin and one evening rather than order from room service, we went to the dining room and got a menu, placed a room service order and dined on our balcony in our robes. As our sailing was only the 10th week of Personal Choice, I think Princess will need to monitor passengers. The concept is great and we will do this again in the future. Passengers may be asked to show their cruise card when being seated or making reservations; thus avoiding the crossover from the guests who have not opted for Personal Choice which will be listed on your cruise card. <BR>The ship is large but the small maps that are avilable proved very helpful. Deck chairs were plentiful even on sea days. If there's a great sunset, head up to the cocktail lounge (think near the disco) on deck 16(?) where there is a 360 degree view. We were there when our ship sailed and it was a nice view of Fort Lauderdale and the residents who have their homes illuminated as the ship passes their properties. <BR>If buying perfume, etc., the prices on the ship were the same price (in St. Martin the prices were more expensive) as any island - duty free and they gift wrap. <BR>Any other questions, please post and I'll try to answer if I know the answer. <BR>(PS -- there was no semi formal night as listed in cruise literature - 2 formal nights and 5 smart/casual nights.) <BR>You'll really have a wonderful vacation. <BR>Bon Voyage! <BR>

Thank you SO Much for your wonderful and in depth review!!! Is Painted Dessert the TexMex style restaurant and Sabatini's Italian? So my dinner options then would be the main dining room, either a TexMex Restaurant, a buffet style Horizon Court or Room Service? <BR> <BR>Thanks again!!!!! <BR>

The area you are thinking of is on Deck 14. You have to go all the way through the Horizon Court to get to the AFT (Back) of the ship. There is a bar there along with chairs, tables, etc. We didn't know it was there until the Wednesday we sailed from St. Thomas. It was beautiful. The "Sail Away" from St. Maarten was really exceptional, with the live music. The people on the ship docked next to us (I think RC) were waving and the music on the Grand was loud. I think they wished they were on OUR ship...what do you think? <BR> <BR>It's where the adult pool is (we shouldn't be giving away these secrets, you know, because when we go back, these areas will be crowded <BR> <BR>I'm looking forward to booking the Grand for the Western Carib cruise next year. My husband didn't think he'd like cruising but he LOVED it.

Thanks! I hear you about giving away secrets but I sure appreciate it! <BR> <BR>We went on the Disney Cruise last year. (it was a freebie) and I didn't think my hubby would enjoy...well wouldn't you know....that cruise was Sept 2000 we'll be cruising May 2001 because he liked it so much! Works for me!!! <BR> <BR>Thanks again for the info!