Grand princess -1st time cruisers

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sweetpea

Guest
Hi all,

My boyfriend and I (age: 25 & 24) will be going on our 1st cruise, Grand princess sailing the western carribean on Mar 30.

We are both very new to this, and we have many questions to ask, I really appreciate any feedback!


1) Is there anyone that went to this cruise around our age group, and can share their experiences with us? Are we going to enjoy this experience, I heard the average age for cruisers are 60+ ?

2) My boyfriend loves alcoholic drinks, and I like sodas, how does the soda drink and alcoholic drink plan work on the Grand? How much is it?

3) Is there any suggestions for shore exclusions at cozumel? We are looking for something fun, but not too expensive?

Thanks in advance
 
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SpongeRob

Guest
We'll be on the same sailing. My wife and I are in the 40-something group, but barely. I expect there will be quite a mix of age groups. The soda cards are good for fountain sodas only (bar Coke - yuck!) and I think not worth the charge. Bring on some bottled sodas with your carry-on, and replenish your supplies at the port calls if possible. There are no alcoholic drink cards, but the prices are pretty reasonable considering that the drinks tend to on the largish side. We've booked the kayaking tour in Cozumel, which seems to be pretty reasonable.



Post Edited (02-17-03 17:18)
 
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Deja

Guest
Hi,

We've cruised Carnival also- and we are booked on the Grand the day you get off! I'd love to hear your feedback, thoughts and comments when you return.

I can't wait to go.... I'm so excited about this trip. We have the Dolphin Swim booked in Cozumel. I've always wanted to do this - I am so excited about it.
We're going with 4 friends and we got great deals on 3 mini-suites - in a row, so we will all be next to each other and we're hoping we can open the balcony dividers between us.

I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

deja :)
 
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cannonball

Guest
Sweetpea,
My boyfriend and I are about your age (25 & 23) and have found that the average age on Princess is generally 40ish-50ish but there are generally lots of people of every age a least when we've cruise with them (mid-March). It works fine for us though as we aren't really into partying a whole alot. We must like it as we are about to go on our third cruise with them!

Feel free to email me with any questions!

Have a great time!
 
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nimiq

Guest
Hi sweatpea,

We are 34 and 28 and this will be out 4th cruise but first on Princess but no matter how old the people are I think there is so much to do on a cruise that for sure you will enjoy every moment.

Depending on what u like to do .....Last year when we went to Cozumel we just wanted to relax on a beach because we had already done some snorkeling in Grand cayman.

So the Beach we have found was called Mr Sancho`s loco on the beach club. It was a nice beach free of charge with nice beach chairs and also a swimming pool and of course a great little mexican restaurant. I think the taxi to get there was of about 10 or 15 $ no more.

If u like more details email me

nimiq1@hotmail.com

Sea ya

Eric
 
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Don

Guest
We rented a car (VW Safari) from Less Pay Rentals in Cozumel and drove all around the island. ONce you get about 3 miles away from the port the island starts to get quite deserted, with beautiful beaches all around. (You can really only drive half-way around then take a road right through the center of teh island, into San Miguel. We went to the ruins at San Gervasio, stopped at roadside restaurants/shops/bars, visited Chankanaab Park (beach and snorkeling, lagoon, dolphin area, etc. - very good but costs $10 apiece to get in.) We also had time to explore San Miguel, and have a drink in a bar on the pier before returning to ship. Plus, we went back to the ship for lunch, then headed out again. The whole day cost about $80 (we had our own snorkel gear.)

Have a great time. I'd do Cozumel again in an instant. By the way, if you just want to go to one place, the taxis are relatively inexpensive and some of the beaches close to the port are free. Check the COzumel INsider on the INternet (http://www.cozumelinsider.com/carrental/) You can also book a rental car through them. We noticed an Alamo Car Rental agency going in right at the pier. Might be worth checking out. It's by far the closest location to the pier.
 
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Toto

Guest
Hi sweetpea,
We are also sailing on the March 30th cruise on the Grand ( :wave Hi SpongeRob)
Afraid we are in the age range of early 50's and early 60's, in fact this will be hubby's 62nd birthday cruise, but don't tell him how old he is, he would not believe you anyway. :lol
The last time we sailed on the Grand to the Caribbean there were all age groups on board the ship and you won't have any trouble at all fitting in. Lots to do on this ship for all ages and even us oldies but goodies sometimes visit the disco and have a great time. Just funnin with ya.
But honestly, it has been a few years since we sailed on board this ship but it was one of the greatest ships in all of our cruises for fun things to do.
Shore excusions, that would also depend on what you like to do. If you have never done swimming with the sting rays it is a great experience. You don't have to book the ships tour as there are several that you can book privately for less money.
Dunns river falls is also another great thing for first timers that is a lot of fun.
Hope to see you on board the ship.
Toto and Pudgey
 
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SpongeRob

Guest
Hi, Toto :wave. That'll be a pretty healthy boat ride to Dunn's River Falls, no? :)
 
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Toto

Guest
Oh, dahhhhhhhhh read the question but didn't realize they were only asking about Coz! :glow :glow :glow
You caught me Rob! :lol :lol :lol
 
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SpongeRob

Guest
I don't know if they've even been back to check for responses. I sent an e-mail to the addy supplied and didn't get anything back, either. Guess we're just too old...
 
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sweetpea

Guest
Hi SpongeBob , Toto and all the other helpful people,

Sorry for the late response, I have been going to so many boards and reviews website, I have lost track where I posted my questions. Thank you so much for giving me the tips. My boyfriend and I are really looking forward to our first cruise.

We have decided on stingrays at grand cayman, and going to the Chankanaab Park in cozumel (probably going to take a taxi there). Has anyone been to Chankanaab Park on their own?

P.S. SpongeBob, we are looking forward to mingle with people of all ages, 40's is for sure NOT too old, :)

Hope to see you guys on board!!

Cheers,
Rufina and Harry
 
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Toto

Guest
Sweetpea, sniff sniff, are you saying that Pudgey and I are? (too old :lol :lol ) Just teaseing you again, I completely understand.
There are several sites where you can book your stingray city tour besides with the ship. Here are some links to two of them. Both have come recommended from others but Cpt. Marvin would be the #1 choice.
<http://www.captainmarvins.com/> (this one comes highly recommended)
<http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/shiptours.html>

Hope to meet up and say hello on board the Grand. ;)
 
E

ene

Guest
Just returned from one of the best cruises I have ever been on: The Princess Grand!

Our group was of various ages from 13 to 65. The average age of cruisers on this ship was about 42. That was just the average age, many different ages on board, a great mix!

We attended the wonderful wedding of two in our group in their young 30's.
Awesome ceremony! Congratulations Michelle & Scott! Wow!

$22.50 will put a soda sticker on your card for all the fountain fills you may desire. Also, if you are so inclined, they usaully allow you to get two beverages on one card, if they are in a good mood! Just order at the bars or from the waiters.........Drink prices for alcho are between $3.50 plus 15% for the drink of the day, to about $7.00 plus 15%, for top single malt. They do measure everything in every bar to the perfect shot, but they also have 3 sizes of beverage, 1 shot, 2 shots, 3 shots...floor!

Cozumel..........Shop til you drop..negotiate a good deal, better prices on this island than Grand Caymen.
Have lunch at "Carlos n' Charlies" , ( if you enjoy a loud fun party ) followed by a little duty free shopping followed by " Senor Frogs"!

Also a trip to chank..would be a great beach /snorkel. $ 6.00 cab ride from pier and a $10.00 entrance fee. You could also book an excursion and swim with the dolphins there! ( did that one two years ago)

Should consider an excursion to "Stringray City" at Grand Cayman. $45.00 per per> worth every penny! Although it seems like there are a zillion people out there, it was still one of the best things ever! Plenty of STINGRAYS to go around! Tell the " Meduim large articulate black man",that he was fantastic. No dis intended, that is what he called himself!

Skywalkers nightclub was a blast.........Say hello to MAY, the best dealer in the casino!

Any other ????????????????????
 
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sweetpea

Guest
Thank you so much for everyone's tip!! We haven't receive our documents yet, since there is only less 1 month to go, I guess I will check with my TA.

I cannot wait to leave this cold weather (I am at Toronto), we just had 15 cm of snow!!!

Cheers,
sweetpea
 
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paul

Guest
Hello to all,
My wife and I are also sailing on Grand on March 30.
both in our early 40's. First time for us and looking forward to the trip.
Princess website -okay for wine or champagne - to bring on board with yu,
but what abt beer?
see yu on board!
 
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SpongeRob

Guest
Hi Paul. If you see me wearing my Cruise Addicts tee-shirt, don't be shy to say hi.
 
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Toto

Guest
Hi Paul, we'll be there too. Pudgey and Toto checking in.
Wine and Champagne and even things like pepsi are fine to carry on the ship even in your carry on luggage, did it in January without a problem on the Dawn. Beer is iffy. I did carry a 6 pack on for Pudgey at one of the last island ports and they did not confiscate it but not sure how they are handling it towards the beginning of the cruise. It's nice to keep a few cold ones in the cabin refrig I have to admit.
Hope to meet you all on board the Grand Princess, it looks to be a great cruise ahead of us. She is one fantastic ship!
 
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paul

Guest
Hi Toto,
thks for the information.
I've had a chance to tour around Golden Princess, so really looking
forward to spending some time on the Grand!
 
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