Just returned from Med cruise on Grand Princess- any questions?
Jul 15th, 1998, 07:39 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
We too just returned from the Grand in the Med from Barcelona to Istanbul. They moved soo many people seemingly effortlessly. We were on deck 12, towards the middle (nice and quiet) and a short walk to the Botecelli. Food excellent, pools so so, lots of deck chairs, can walk to everywhere in Intanbul, or take taxi which are eveerywhere. We stayed on one week in Istanbul and had a very good guide, hotel in old quarter and two meals day plus air conditioned van, all for $400 each. (facinating place). The Grand is grand!! walked a lot just getting from place to place. Lots of set ups to relieve you of your money, i.e., photo and shopping opportunitiies, jewellry, etc.. Good cabin crew, waiters, etc. However tipping cost plenty and would prefer next time to have all that included. Can also answer any questions. Next cruise is going to be on the Windstar for contrast. they only take 150 people. <BR>
Jul 22nd, 1998, 11:55 AM
#24
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HI JULIE, <BR> <BR>I RESERVED A MINI-SUITE ON THE GRAND. HAVE YOU SEEN ONE OF THEM? IS IT WORTH THE EXTRA MONEY IN YOUR OPINION? WHAT WAS THE AGE MIX ON YOUR SHIP? HOW WERE THE SHOWS, I'VE HEARD EVERYTHING FROM GREAT TO LOUSEY. I GUESS IT DEPENDS WHAT YOU LIKE. DID YOU HAVE ANY TROUBLE WITH YOUR AIR ARRANGEMENTS? THANKS <BR>
Jul 23rd, 1998, 10:57 AM
#26
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As I previously stated, I am going to be on the Grand next year as my trip this year was cancelled. I am very interested in any inforamtion you can give me regarding the Grand. I am concerned about the charges to eat in the alternative restrauants. Is this charge to cover the waiter's service? Also, did you have or know of anyone who had a butler. Is this person really useful, or just someone else to tip? Do they unpack your clothes, etc. <BR> <BR>Someone was asking about Alaska...I cruised on the Regal Princess two years ago from Seward to Vancover. It was one of the best trips I ever took (although I must admit, I enjoyed the land portion two weeks prior to the cruise more). The Regal is a beautiful and spacious ship. I received excellent service throughout except for the front desk personnel. They were quite rude. The food is so-so, but so what. The ports we visited were Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. I did alot of research prior to my trip and was really looking forward to seeing Skagway and Juneau. Skagway was a big disappointment. We went on a raft trip to scout bald eagles. It was raining really hard the day we went, but the tour operator insisted that it would be okay. First, it rained in the plane we took to Haines. (Yes you read that correctly.) Then once we were on the rafts, it was raining so hard, you couldn't even see the eagles. The trip back was just as glorious as the trip there. There were six people in our plane including the pilot, and almost everyone was throwing up. Although, I think it was more from fear that we were going to crash. This trip cost about $300.00. When we returned to the ship everyone complained. Princess gave us a $50.00 refund. Big deal. In Juneau, we went on the Pilot's choice helicopter ride to the glaciers. It was great. It costs a little more than the Mendenhall helicopter ride, but I think it was worth every penny. We stopped on two glaciers and saw the most magnificant sceanery. We also heard raves about a wildlife boat tour in Juneau. In Ketchikan we went kayaking is was alot of fun. Ketchikan is really beautiful.. It looks just like a post card. Everywhere we went in Alaska the people were wonderful, and so very anxious to show you their beautiful state. <BR> <BR>I am going back to Alaska on Sepetember 3 and will be sailing on the Dawn Princess from Seward to Vancover. I am looking forward to relaxing and enjoying and beautiful wilderness. <BR> <BR>P.S. If you get a chance, spend a few days in Vancover. It is very expensive, but worth it. There are alot of things to see and do.
