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Embarkation and first day:

Finally, after 6 months of anxious waiting, here we were, back in Florida to embark on the Grand again.
We drove all the way from Chicago and arrived quite late (3.30) but the good side of it was that there was no line at the embarkation. We were alone. After a smooth embarkation, we headed off to our cabin and realized we missed the mandatory safety drill *oooooooooooh*. Once again, we had booked an inside cabin and we were upgraded to an oceanview stateroom with a porthole. Which meant, we were aerial the way back on the Aloha deck. The motion is supposed to be stronger at the extremities of the ship and we were a little afraid of the noise since it’s right next to the Terrace Pool where they have Island Night and the door leading to the decks are right next door to. But, we didn’t experience any problems, were not awaken by anyone and the best thing was: when we would wake up, we just had to do 2 steps, go out the ten little steps up the lido deck and : lo and behold, a grand view and the swimming pool, the Horizon Court just right next door. I couldn’t ask for more (OK, a balcony would be fine but I can live without it). It was very enjoyable to eat my breakfast “ al fresco” as it was usually very quiet in the morning back there. Our cabin steward (unfortunately, I can’t remember his name) was a really nice guy and as soon as he saw us, he came to greet us and ask us if we needed robes, extra towels or fruits. This time, our luggage took a little longer to be delivered to our cabin but they made it all right. We got reacquainted with the ship, it didn’t take us long, and we felt like coming back to our vacation house. We hurried up to get refreshed and see the ship leave. Once again, it was GREAT… I stopped the first waitress I could see and asked for a LoveBoat, my favourite cocktail. We also rushed to the Buffet and relaxed from the anxiety we had of not making it to Fort Lauderdale on time. Our first night was VERY quiet. We were so exhausted that Justin went to bed early. I found a cozy spot by the Calypso pool and began reading. Since we traveled during Thanksgiving week, there was a LOT of kids and teenagers aboard which was a nice change from the usual crowd (no offense). One thing of importance: the soda card sticker was $22.50... $5 more than 6 months ago. Which is a very steep raise I’d say but it’s still worth buying one if you drink a lot of soda.

Relax at the Cays >>





		Western Caribbean Cruise with Princess Ship: Grand Princess, registered in the Bermudas Itinerary 1st day: Embark at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 2nd day: Princess Cays, Bahamas 3rd day: At sea 4th day: Grand Cayman 5th day: Costa Maya, Majahual, Mexico 6th day: Cozumel, Mexico 7th day: At sea 8th day: Disembark at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida		Ship's aft by the Terrace Pool, anchored at Cozumel.
		Note: Since I talked extensively about the Grand in the Eastern Caribbean cruise, this review will be essentially centered on the ports-of-calls.
		Embarkation and first day: Finally, after 6 months of anxious waiting, here we were, back in Florida to embark on the Grand again. We drove all the way from Chicago and arrived quite late (3.30) but the good side of it was that there was no line at the embarkation. We were alone. After a smooth embarkation, we headed off to our cabin and realized we missed the mandatory safety drill oooooooooooh. Once again, we had booked an inside cabin and we were upgraded to an oceanview stateroom with a porthole. Which meant, we were aerial the way back on the Aloha deck. The motion is supposed to be stronger at the extremities of the ship and we were a little afraid of the noise since it’s right next to the Terrace Pool where they have Island Night and the door leading to the decks are right next door to. But, we didn’t experience any problems, were not awaken by anyone and the best thing was: when we would wake up, we just had to do 2 steps, go out the ten little steps up the lido deck and : lo and behold, a grand view and the swimming pool, the Horizon Court just right next door. I couldn’t ask for more (OK, a balcony would be fine but I can live without it). It was very enjoyable to eat my breakfast “ al fresco” as it was usually very quiet in the morning back there. Our cabin steward (unfortunately, I can’t remember his name) was a really nice guy and as soon as he saw us, he came to greet us and ask us if we needed robes, extra towels or fruits. This time, our luggage took a little longer to be delivered to our cabin but they made it all right. We got reacquainted with the ship, it didn’t take us long, and we felt like coming back to our vacation house. We hurried up to get refreshed and see the ship leave. Once again, it was GREAT… I stopped the first waitress I could see and asked for a LoveBoat, my favourite cocktail. We also rushed to the Buffet and relaxed from the anxiety we had of not making it to Fort Lauderdale on time. Our first night was VERY quiet. We were so exhausted that Justin went to bed early. I found a cozy spot by the Calypso pool and began reading. Since we traveled during Thanksgiving week, there was a LOT of kids and teenagers aboard which was a nice change from the usual crowd (no offense). One thing of importance: the soda card sticker was $22.50... $5 more than 6 months ago. Which is a very steep raise I’d say but it’s still worth buying one if you drink a lot of soda. Relax at the Cays >>