Ah, the Grand.
Sailed in 1998, and twice last year (once to get married on it!). I love the ship.
The coke sticker is for fountain drinks only, and be sure to tell them you have the sticker when you order. Be careful of the Chocolate Banana's, they are quite addictive!
Sabatini's only go once, make reservations for early evening. The Painted Desert is worth going to twice, the guacamole is awesome. I'm partial to the flan as well.
Make sure you read your Princess Patter (newsletter), you now get it the night before instead of waking up to it like in 1998. Make a list of what things you're going to do and the times.
If there is a show in the Explorers lounge, get there atleast half an hour early, sometimes more. The best seats there are in the middle right, next to the column. There will be an empty seat behind the column.
Don't sit in the center back unless you're late, lots of traffic and standies. Princess Theater is less of a problem.
The big thing is to participate. Don't stand around and watch the dance competition, get out there and have a good time. Being a horse owner is alot of fun too, bringing your horse to lunch/dinner.
I also recommend going to the high tea's. You'll meet very interesting people, and the snacks are great. You'll run into these people all the time, even with 3000 people on board. Nice to be able to wave to people through out the cruise.
Next cruise will be in Feb, probably not on the Grand (wife want's to try other boats).
