First time cruise on Grand - some questions...

[phaelon56]

First time cruiser.... we're booked on the Grand for western Carribbean itinerary. My GF has cruised
with Carnival on four previous occasions and wantd an outside room - we booked late (last minute plans) and did the air portion on our own.
I have some basic questions that I was unable to verify answers for here or on Princess web site. Any and all comments
and suggestions will be appreciated.

1) I'll be doing snorkeling or scuba in the Caymans via self-booking and also doing scuba in Cozumel. Just to plan my bookings
accordingly, how long does it take to get off the boat and onto shore (after stated port arrfival time - e.g. if it states 7 AM Cozumel arrival, can I be on shore by 7:30 or so?)

2) Princess web site shows our cabin as GUAR and category as FF. We were offered a restricted/obstructed view outside cabin at a very good price and opted for that (the GF insists on outside cabin). is there any way to determine where the cabin will be from this info and also.... if there are balcony rooms still available now or just before sailing, can upgrades be purchased? (and can they be bought at a discount at last minute?)

3) She requested Traditional Dining Late Seating option. We were waitlisted for this. I'm considering trying to sell her on getting Personal Choice instead - opinions anyone? I see favorable reports on Personal Choice. One consideration is that we are celebrating an "anniversary" that Friday night and added that to our itinerary info (not married but dating for one year as of that date). Is there something special that is provided/offered that will appear only if we're dining in a predictable place and time?

4) How bad is the coffee and what about the cappuccino? I'm a self professed coffee geek and espresso enthusiast. It's rare that a cafe or restaurant on land serves coffee I consider to be of excellent quality. Should I be bringing some of my own ground coffee and a small hotpot so we can have good coffee in our room in the AM? Also.... is there a small fridge in the room with enough space to keep some half 'n half if I bring some along? Any hadrcore coffee aficionado's out there who can weigh in on this?

5) I don't drink alcohol and will plan on getting the Coke card. Should I be bringing some bottle water to keep in the room or can I get an unopened bottle from a bar to take to the room? I drink lots of water (at least six large glasses per day) and dont' want to keep running somewhere for it.

 

[BurBunny]

Let's see what I can do here to answer your questions.

On disembarkation, it varies dramatically by port, and whether you dock or tender. In Cozumel, likely you can be off the ship within 30 minutes. In Grand Cayman where you have to tender, it could be closer to an hour to 90 minutes before you're ashore. Normally you can do it within an hour, but best to leave a bit extra time. Those with excursions purchased through the cruise line have priority tendering.

Keep checking the Personalizer. When they assign your cabin, that GUAR will change to a particular cabin number. There's no way to tell now what it will be, just that it will be category FF or higher.

Princess tends to upgrade people into higher category cabins rather than sell them at the dock. If you want a balcony, ask your TA to keep an eye on the prices, and you should as well. Often the last round of upgrades begin at about 2 weeks out, so I'd try to purchase before then. After that, there likely won't be an opportunity. Also, there aren't any last minute discounts on upgrades on Princess.

Make sure your TA puts in your record that you're celebrating an anniversary. If you do end up in PC dining, ask the Maitre d' before the date what you need to do to ensure you get the celebratory cake. Likely he'll just ask for a reminder when you're seated that night, but make sure you don't just presume.

Coffee is pretty bad. It's usually moderately acceptable through room service, but truly horrid at the buffet. If you're a coffee fanatic, bring your own. There is a small refrigerator which is perfect for half and half. One other secret, there's a small coffee bar on the Promenade deck just off the atrium. That's the best place on the ship for coffee.

Your steward can provide bottled water in your room. When you arrive there will be one bottle for purchase and it's a simple matter to ask for more. You can also bring some aboard if you prefer.

Hope that helps!