Alicia Ruiz Peña

Age: 31
Occupation: teacher
Number of Cruises: 4
Cruise Line: Princess
Ship: Grand
Sailing Date: April 11th, 2004
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

What I Loved: Quick embarkation and debarkation. Shuttle from airport required no porter since the driver assured us he would handle everything. The ship has many Jacuzzis and pools (my favorite was the one at the back of the ship overlooking the ocean. I also enjoyed the “swim against the current”). Princess offers the BEST Caribbean party afloat! Princess has the most beautiful nightclub afloat and they play everything requested including LATIN!! Room service is prompt & will bring anything including things that are not on the menu. The ship is classy. The pizza is yummy!

What I Hated: When in port, they give preference off the ship to those who have booked tours through Princess. We waited a long time to get off the ship and missed a self booked tour (no one cared). Had I known, I could’ve at least slept in. Some of our friends missed breakfast and lunch on 2 occasions because Princess changed the tour time and made an announcement 15 min. prior to when they expected tour guests to meet! How rude! Expect no towel animals, dining room entertainment or bill update on your TV. The atrium is… not really an atrium.

 Shops are limited. Comedy and nightly entertainment is kind of cheesy and not well rehearsed (with the exception of the comedian/juggler and “Curtain up.” Buffet line has no order and the food is not too good (not even dessert). No free ice cream, lemonade, punch or a fancy midnight buffet. Activities are limited and somewhat boring. The Capt’s cocktail party was cheap. I took 1 drink and then they disappeared. Loungers are very limited and so is the gym.

Advise: Go with Royal Caribbean or Carnival. If you are trying to book the most affordable room, book a guarantee and let them surprise you- we’ve been pleased every time. Bring a small alarm clock and your own liquor, juice and coke. We’ve disguised liquor in the past using water and apple juice bottles but this time, we just packed them in our luggage.

Princess Cays: Ship didn’t stop because of high waves, refund of $15 on my account.

Costa Maya: Beautiful! Shop at the port not town, it’s cheaper and better selection. If you go to town $3 cab per person or a nice 20 min. beach walk.

Cozumel: Beautiful! Paid $6 cab and $12 entrance to Chankanab Park. It’s a nice beach (good snorkeling), tropical atmosphere with dolphin swims and man made little ruins. Saw the park in 2 hrs.

Had fun, a cruise is what you make of it but will not cruise Princess again. Princess responded to my letter in mid May. The only thing they had to say was “Sorry.”

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