How is the Grand Princess aging?

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MikeInPgh

Guest
Thinking about booking a Western Caribbean on the Grand for next fall, and I was wondering how well she is aging?

I was on the Dawn Princess this past Dec (she was 5 years old then I think) and very well maintained. The pool area showed some wear, but with constant sun, saltwater, wind, spilled frozen drinks and over 1000 guests per week, still looked pretty good.

Do they take better care of the Grand because she is (or was) considered the flagship?
 
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BurBunny

Guest
I was on the Grand the first week of April, 2002, and she looked good. The only signs of wear I saw were a couple public areas in the carpeting (notably outside the Explorers Lounge where they had some sort of water issue the week I was on), and the the edge of the carpet next to the balcony in my cabin needed tacking down, but those are *very* minor issues. The soft goods (chairs, etc.) throughout were in great shape, and the polished surfaces gleamed.
 
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MikeInPgh

Guest
I see you are taking a live aboard soon. I am green with envy. I wish I could get my wife to try diving, then I know I could convince her to try a live aboard. She saw a bit on the Travel Channel last year that showed the Cuan Law and loved it, until she found out it was mostly a diving cruise.
 
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BurBunny

Guest
Mike,

I'm so excited! The sailing I'm doing has a photo emphasis, and is actually 2 ships going out in tandem, so they will tie together at night for social activities as well.

If you find a good, comfy ship, many of them have certification courses onboard if she decides to go for it. Or they often also offer snorkeling options (I know the Nektons do).

Let me know if I can help with the nudging toward diving. I love getting people started on diving!
 
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Sunshine

Guest
I was on the Grand in June and she was in excellent condition. I did not see any evidence of wear and tear at all. She is a great ship!

I seem to recall one of the crew telling me that she is going in for refurbishment in Dec. They were going to expand the Business Center, and move the chapel, and change the digital imaging studio. So I would think if she needs any touch-ups they will do them at that time.
 
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dsawyer

Guest
Just got off the Grand on Monday. This was my 3rd cruise on the Grand and she still looks fabulous!
 
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JohnG

Guest
Good grief. The USS John F. Kennedy is over 35 years old. There are a number of ships still doing well that were introduced in the 50's. The Grand has been cruising less than 4 full years, for pete sake. How "worn" can she be?
 
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Jackie D

Guest
Interestingly, on the 4th trip of the Brilliance this month I noticed that rust was already beginning to to crop up on my balcony. The maintenance on Princess was always more visible to me.
 
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