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Interior Stateroom
The Interior stateroom is approximately 160 to 182 square feet and richly appointed with fine amenities. Some also...-
Interior Stateroom - Category IF
IFAUD $1,804
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IE
IEAUD $1,827
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category ID
IDAUD $1,853
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IC
ICAUD $1,877
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IB
IBAUD $1,903
total per person -
Interior Stateroom - Category IA
IAAUD $1,928
total per person
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Obstructed Oceanview
The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 168 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our... -
Oceanview Stateroom
The Oceanview stateroom is approximately 163 to 171 square feet and features a picture window^ for memorable views.... -
Oceanview with Balcony
The spacious approximately 232 to 274 square-foot balcony stateroom is appointed with fine amenities and outstanding...-
Balcony Stateroom - Category BF
BFAUD $2,660
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BE
BEAUD $2,711
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD
BDAUD $2,762
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC
BCAUD $2,814
total per person -
Balcony Stateroom - Category BA
BAAUD $2,917
total per person -
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4
B4AUD $3,019
total per person -
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2
B2AUD $3,019
total per person
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Mini-Suite With Balcony
The luxurious Mini-Suite offers approximately 323 square feet of comfort and a separate seating area with a sofa bed... -
Window Suite
Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive 319 to 730-square-foot Suites....-
Window Suite - Category S7
S7AUD $2,925
total per person
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Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony
Available on Grand Princess from 09 Jan 2017. Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the...-
Club Class Mini-Suite - Category M1
M1AUD $3,372
total per person
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Suite with Balcony
Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive 319 to 730-square-foot Suites....
Interior Stateroom
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Interior stateroom:
- Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly turn-down service
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Obstructed Oceanview
The Obstructed Oceanview stateroom is approximately 168 square feet and features the same fine amenities as our Oceanview stateroom, but the view from the picture window is either fully or partially obstructed. Some also have pullman beds to accommodate 3rd and 4th passengers.
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Obstructed Oceanview stateroom:
- Picture window (fully or partially obstructed view)
- Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly turn-down service
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Oceanview Stateroom
- These features and fine amenities are standard in the Oceanview stateroom:
- Picture window
- Twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V AC electrical outlet with U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Nightly turn-down service
^Select staterooms may have a porthole instead of a picture window. *Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Oceanview with Balcony
These features and fine amenities are standard in the Balcony stateroom:
- Balcony with patio furniture
- Twin beds that convert to a queen size bed*
- Private bathroom with shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Mini-Suite With Balcony
These features and fine amenities are standard in a Mini-Suite stateroom:
- Welcome glass of champagne
- Separate seating area with a sofabed
- Balcony with patio furniture
- Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
- Two flat-panel televisions
- Private bathroom with combination tub and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Satellite TV, refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, closet, phone and desk
- 110-volt, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Window Suite
Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our expansive 319 to 730-square-foot Suites. Window Suites feature a large picture window instead of a balcony. All Suites include a separate seating area with a sofabed, walk-in closet, full bathroom and deluxe amenities.
These features and deluxe amenities are standard in a Suite stateroom:
- Separate seating area with a sofa bed
- Complimentary mini-bar set-up
- CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library
- Walk-in closet with personal safe
- Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress
- Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer
- Two flat-panel satellite TVs
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
- Refrigerator
- Writing desk and phone
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Enhanced nightly turn-down service
- A host of other benefits and amenities
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Club Class Mini-Suite with Balcony
Available on Grand Princess from 09 Jan 2017. Club Class Mini-Suites feature the same great amenities as the standard Mini-Suites, but with exclusive VIP touches. This includes the delicious temptation of exclusive Club Class Dining privileges, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and the new Princess Luxury Bed, designed by leading experts in both the science and beauty of sleep.
Upgraded Amenities & Services
- Exclusive Club Class Dining for dinner each night, plus breakfast and lunch on sea days
- The Princess Luxury Bed
- Priority Embarkation & Disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise
- Full access to the Priority Disembarkation Lounge
- Complimentary one time wine set-up on embarkation day, 1/2 bottle of red and 1/2 bottle of white
- Complimentary Premium Evening Canapés (upon request)
- Upgraded Terry Shawl Bathrobes
Plus the Standard Mini-suite Benefits
Stateroom
- Spacious staterooms up to 323 square feet with balcony
- Upgraded balcony with patio furniture (table and two chairs)
- Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
- Separate seating area with coffee table and a sofa bed
Bathroom
- Private bathroom with combination tub and shower
- Massage shower head
- Shampoo, conditioner and body lotion
- 100% Egyptian Cotton Terry Towels
Food & Beverage
- Welcome glass of champagne
- Fruit Basket (upon request)
- Refrigerator
Services
- Twice daily housekeeping service
- Evening bed turn-down with chocolates on your pillow
Accessories
- Two 42” flat-panel satellite televisions
- Hair Dryer
- Phone & Desk
- Tote Bag
- Digital Security Safe
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
Suite with Balcony
These features and deluxe amenities are standard in a Suite stateroom:
- Separate seating area with a sofa bed
- Upgraded balcony furniture with room for four: two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs
- Complimentary mini-bar set-up
- CD/DVD player with access to a complimentary DVD library
- Walk-in closet with personal safe
- Comfortable luxury pillow-top mattress
- Twin beds that convert to a queen-size bed*
- 100% Egyptian cotton linens
- Upgraded bathroom amenities and hair dryer
- Two flat-panel satellite TVs
- Evening bed turn-down, chocolates on your pillow
- Refrigerator
- Writing desk and phone
- 110V, 60-cycle alternating current (AC) with standard U.S. plug fittings
- Daily housekeeping service
- Enhanced nightly turn-down service
- A host of other benefits and amenities
*Due to some cabin configurations, the two twin beds may not convert to a queen size bed.
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IF
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IE
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category ID
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IC
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IB
Multiple Decks
Interior Stateroom - Category IA
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OZ
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OY
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OW
Emerald Deck 8
Obstructed Oceanview - Category OV
Multiple Decks
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OF
Aloha Deck 12
Oceanview Stateroom - Category OE
Lido Deck 14
Premium Oceanivew Stateroom Category O3
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BF
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BE
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BD
Multiple Decks
Balcony Stateroom - Category BC
Baja Deck 11
Balcony Stateroom - Category BA
Multiple Decks
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B4
Caribe Deck 10
Premium Balcony Stateroom - Category B2
Multiple Decks
Mini Suite with Balcony - Category ME
Dolphin Deck 9
Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MD
Dolphin Deck 9
Mini Suite with Balcony - Category MB
Fiesta Deck 6
Window Suite - Category S7
Dolphin Deck 9
Club Class Mini-Suite - Category M1
Multiple Decks
Vista Suite - Category S6
Caribe Deck 10
Penthouse Suite - Category S4
Baja Deck 11
Penthouse Suite - Category S3
Baja Deck 11
Owner's Suite - Category S2
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Vancouver Depart: Wed, Oct 7, 2020 @ 16:30 -
Day 2
At SeaThu, Oct 8, 2020
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Day 3
At SeaFri, Oct 9, 2020
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Day 4
Los AngelesArrive: Sat, Oct 10, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Sat, Oct 10, 2020 @ 23:00
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Day 5
San DiegoArrive: Sun, Oct 11, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Sun, Oct 11, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 6
Santa BarbaraArrive: Mon, Oct 12, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Mon, Oct 12, 2020 @ 16:00
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Day 7
San FranciscoArrive: Tue, Oct 13, 2020 @ 12:00
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Day 8
San FranciscoDepart: Wed, Oct 14, 2020 @ 23:00
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Day 9
At SeaThu, Oct 15, 2020
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Day 10
At SeaFri, Oct 16, 2020
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Day 11
Vancouver Arrive: Sat, Oct 17, 2020 @ 07:30
Onboard experience
Anytime Dining
Fresh And Flexible, Dine Any Time: Just like a restaurant at home, Anytime Dining enables guests the freedom to dine when and with whom they wish, at any time between 5:30 PM and 10 PM. Reservations are available through an onboard dining hotline, but not required, and diners may choose to eat only with their own group, or be seated with other guests. The choice is yours.
Traditional Dining
Indulge In The Classic Cruise Experience: Harkening back to the Golden Era of sea travel, our Traditional Dining option allows you to dine at the same time each day and enjoy the same tablemates and waitstaff throughout your voyage. Choose from either early or late seating.
Horizon Court
Horizon Court offers an endless selection that changes throughout the day to satisfy the most discriminating palate. Indulge in a delightful array of worldwide cuisine, freshly baked breads and regional comfort foods, in a casual setting at breakfast, lunch or dinner. Enjoy fresh fruits, signature pastas and desserts galore along with your favorite beverages and customizable features like create-your-own salads and sandwiches.
International Cafe
Open 24-hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.
Alfredo's Pizzeria
Named for our Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi and voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, this charming sit-down venue offers an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas along with beer and wines by the glass. The open kitchen design allows you to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand and serve them straight out of the oven.
Trident Grill
Follow your nose to the Trident Grill where the burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin’s and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.
Craft by Curtis
In the Main Dining Room, savor fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Personal reflections on the menu by Chef Stone elaborate on each "Crafted" selection, prepared with the most authentic ingredients. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavors.
Specialty Dining
Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion.
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria
Treasured family recipes curated from our Italian chefs inspire the menu at this specialty restaurant. You are welcomed into a modern interior with a rustic flavor. Unique, handmade pasta courses, prepared fresh daily, invite you to experience the culinary magic of Chef Angelo Auriana - executive chef of renowned Los Angeles restaurants The Factory Kitchen and officine BRERA—who delights in sharing the Northern Italian flavors of his hometown, Bergamo.. Additional charge applies.
Crown Grill
Timeless Steakhouse Traditions: With a rich wood décor and a theater-style kitchen, it’s no wonder Crown Grill was named among the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses” by USA TODAY. Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, this specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically elegant setting and an open kitchen where chefs prepare and cook to order top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood. Additional charge applies.
Crab Shack
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this full crab shack experience. An intriguing bistro option housed within the Horizon Court buffet, Crab Shack diners can savor Bayou-style boiled crawfish and spicy sausage, popcorn shrimp, steaming clam chowder and a tantalizing mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels. Additional charge applies.
Chefs Table
Taking dining to a new level, the Chef’s Table Experience includes pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the galley for you and a limited number of fellow guests. After your executive chef describes the specially designed menu for the night, participants are escorted to an intimate table for the main course, including pairing suggestions. Each couple receives a personalized autographed copy of Princess’ best-selling cookbook, a handwritten copy of the special menu and a complimentary photo. Additional charge applies.
Swimming
- Pool area with simulated coral reef, covered by a retractable crystal dome.
- At the main pool, Neptune's Reef, families and friends can laugh, splash, and horse around without a care in the world.
Sports and Spa
- Sports court for paddle tennis, volleyball and basketball with space for spectator seating.
- Two golf simulators let passengers try their luck "playing" world famous golf courses.
- No detail has been spared at the Lotus Spa--from the expert technicians garbed in Asian-inspired outfits to the couples mud room--making it one of the best spas on the high seas.
- Nine hole mini golf course
Entertainment
Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre offers two shows each evening, that change daily. Offering Broadway at Sea with classics, popular hits original numbers.
Vista Lounge
Seating over 300 people, pull up a seat and enjoy the guest entertainers, magicians and comedians. Or part-take in an instructor lead class such as line-dancing. There is always something for everyone.
Casino
From gaming lessons to the latest slot machines to prize tournaments, our Casinos offer fun and excitement. If you enjoy blackjack, or “21,” and Texas Hold 'Em, our tables play by Vegas rules and if you relish the challenge of roulette, we offer the American version.
The casino will not be open when in port.
Movies under the Stars
Day time or Night time watch a feature film, concert or sports game on the Big Screen on the pool deck. Feast on complimentary popcorn or cookies and stay comfortable with fleece blankets in the evening.
Festivals of the World
There’s nothing like a Princess party to bring people together. Our Festivals of the World hosts onboard events that celebrate timeless traditions from nearly every corner of the globe.* Parties and dancing, lively music and folkloric performances, enriching activities, themed movies and specialty shopping are just some of the ways our Festivals of the World come to life! From Oktoberfest to Rio’s Carnival, Festivals of the World is a gala event you won’t want to miss.
Featured Guest Entertainers
Grab a seat, order a cocktail and be prepared to be entertained by our lineup of world class entertainers. From magic to comedy, singers to instrumentalists, jugglers to balancing acts and much, much more, we search the globe for top talent to be featured on our ships. So get ready to be amazed, entertained, mesmerized or just laugh the night away!
Live Music
- A lounge where Indiana Jones would feel at home, designed to evoke the wonders of the Far East and Africa. Entertainment includes cabaret acts, singers, magicians, comedians and dancing. Seats 298.
Kids & Teens
Princess Cruises Children's Clubs and Teen Lounges ensure our all cruisers, young and old, stay happy all day long
The Treehouse (formerly Pelicans) : Ages 3-7 years
Go wild in the animal-themed Treehouse. With a range of activities including: art projects, protecting the wildlife and takeing part ina Pirate night, your kids can huddle, create and discover all cruise long.
The Lodge (formerly Shockwaves): Ages 8-12 years
An outdoor based area, will engage minds and muscles. Build rockets, Scavenger hunts, miniatures Olympics and Mythbuster challenges are just some of the fun to be found.
The Beach House (formerly Remox): Ages 13-17 years
A contemporary surf-themed lounge, your teen will never want to leave. With plenty to do from video game tournaments, movie nights, dance classes and a VIP party they will keep busy or be happy to just hang.
Club 1820
A private secret society for 18-20 year olds - no parents, no siblings a secret handshake and code is required to enter
Babysitting
For your convenience, group kidsitting is offered in the Youth Centers. Kids can relax and watch movies or play games with their friends while mom and dad have a relaxing night out.
- For children ages 3 to 12 years.
- From 10:00 pm to 1:00 am.
- Charge of $5.00 per hour per child.
Bars and Lounges
- Boastion panoramic views form its vantag point 15 decks above the sea, Skywalkers Nightclub is the hottest spot to be after the sun goes down. Immerse yourself in the high-energy atmosphere and get into the groove while you senses are set abuzz by the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system.
Voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea,” by USA TODAY and located in a charming corner of the Atrium, Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass. Gourmet delicacies, such as antipasti and tapas, are complimentary with any wine purchase.
- P&O memorabilia decorates the nautically-themed Wheelhouse Bar, where the attentive staff is always ready to take your order.
Ship info
Grand Princess is a consummate host at sea, rivaling the most luxurious resorts on land. Included among myriad features are the Lotus Spa, Movies Under the Stars , more than 700 balcony staterooms and an entire deck of Mini-Suites, as well as dozens of dining and entertainment options.
- Vessel: Grand Princess
- Year: 1998
- Beam: 118
- Cruising speed: 21
- Crew: 1150
- Gross Tonnage: 107,517
- Onboard Currency: USD
- Passenger Capacity: 2,606
- Refurbished: Dec. 2016
- 24-Hour Room Service
- All Main Meals Included
- Anytime Dining
- Coin Operated Laundry
- Guest Entertainers
- Internet Facilities
- Jogging Track
- Live Music
- Quiet Library
- Security Safe in Cabin
Decks
Grand Princess - Deck Plans
Cruise reviews
2 passengers have reviewed this ship
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"A Grand Experience of the Mediterranean!!"
We boarded Grand Princess on the 10th of November for a 12 night cruise of the Mediterrancean. I was dreading the boarding since our experience boarding Pacific Star in Brisbane. There we lined up for 3 hours in the hot sun dragging our luggage all the way. On this day we had our driver from RomeCabs collect us at 1100 to go to Civitavecchia, Rome's port. It takes about one hour to get there so we thought this would be good since boarding commenced at 1200. The brochure said, board after 1300 for a faster check in. Anyway we go there at 1230 and as we got out of the car, a port worker took our luggage straight to the ship, we did not see it again until it arrived in our mini suite later that day. We then went to check in. We lined up for no longer than 20 minutes, got our cruise cards, and were on board in 30 minutes flat. How great was that! It does not have to be complicated, maybe the Brisbane port should take some hints from these guys. Grand Princess is truly a grand ship. Built 10 years ago it was Princess' flagship and still is. It is 109000 gross tonnes and is like a massive floating palace. You can hardly believe you are on a ship. Every space looks huge and although there are near 4000 people on board including crew, you could never tell. After boarding the ship on Sunday, we got settled in and the very next day the ship was alongside in Naples Italy. This was a good stop for us because we were looking forward to seeing Pompeii. A once in a lifetime experience to see a city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. Pompeii was roman installation and looks similar to the others we have seen so far. All the towns had similar characteristics, a theatre, baths, public piazzas, shopping areas and wide streets and of course a very important thing, underground plumbing!! We went on a Princess arranged tour with an English speaking guide so we did not have to do anything. This time it was me getting on a tour bus outside the port terminal instead of watching passengers at Outer Harbor do it as I have always done. It is nice to be on the other side for a change and to see how the different ports operate their terminals/embarkation points. When we arrived in Naples by bus it was hard not to notice the mighty Mount Vesuvius towering over town still so dangerously close for an active volcano that is likely to erupt again. This monster must have instilled some fear in the inhabitants of Pompeii back in the day when they hear the mountain rumbling. Believe it or not they left their city for days and after the rumbling and trembling stopped, they returned only to be sitting ducks for the explosion of deadly gas and ash that they had no idea was to follow. This eruption preserved life at a moment in time like no other. We had a perception though that our tour of the city would show the people in their homes preserved at that moment in time but unfortunately, in order to preserve them forever, the people have been removed from their original place and placed in a central viewing area as well as artifacts like pots, plates etc. This was probably our only disappointment. The city is huge as it used to have 20,000 inhabitants. A funny thing we walked through was a two storey brothel. In those days many foreign merchants would come to Pompeii to sell/buy products and of course they would visit the brothel. Because of the language barrier, the locals depicted pictures of certain "services" as a catalogue on the walls of the brothel so that foreign visitors could just point to the service of their choice. Apparently they were a very open civilisation when it came to these things. The anguish on the faces of these people frozen in timde, quite chilling. Another important Port of Call on this trip was the visit to Athens. Athens, the centre of the ancient Greek empire, was the centre of the ancient world after Rome. If you ask the Greeks, Rome was second to them!! We took a ship's tour again in this port that covered the city of Athens and the Acropolis. After a coach tour of the city, we headed up to the Acropolis. Acropolis is the term used for the entire area on the mountain that includes the Parthenon and other monuments. From the mountain top we could see the whole city which is probably why the ancient Greeks built it there, it was a fortress. For those who are considering cruising, this is the life! Wake up when you want, or if you have an early tour, get a wake up call! We booked all our tours in the afternoon that way we had plenty of time to get organised in the morning. We go to breakfast to Horizon Court, the on board 24 hour buffet. The selection is great, cooked breakfast, freshly baked pastries, breads, jams, muffins, fruit galore - it is a paradise of food selection for any taste. After breakfast we would take Michael to Kid's Club (more on that in another post) which he absolutely loves, then go to the Grand Atrium coffee lounge and get a Capuccino. I bought a Coffee Card on board which gives you discount on coffee, hot chocolate and espresso whilst on board. Remember that drinks and real coffee are not free. After the coffee fix it would generally leave us time to go for a walk, check out the photo board or sit in a lounge and just relax. The photo boards are good to look at. The ship employs photographers/videographers who go along on tours, take photos at dinner, do formal portrait photos and theme photos. Then each day the photos of everyone are put on the boards, you can then select any you want to buy. They also use the video they shoot to create a cruise DVD that you can buy at the end of the cruise with all the ports of call, special ship events, and lots more. We had a family formal photo done on formal night when we were all dressed up and purchased the photo. For US$260 we are also getting a canvas print of it in a huge size framed and shipped directly to our home. Even in AU$ we would not get that for the same price. It was a good opportunity to get a family portrait because we would never get around to it once we got home. Lunches are served in all the dining rooms (there are three main dining rooms), the buffet, the Pizzeria and the Grill. Lots of choice for everyone whether you want a light lunch or a big sit down affair. After lunch on a sea day, we have had the choice of movies in the theatre, trivia, wine tasting, shopping on board and much more. Princess is good at their sales. They have jewellers, clothes, perfumes, and much more on board. They time their sales well with sea days and they hold the sales in Grand Atrium or in one of the dining rooms. The prices are tax and duty free and heavily discounted at times. Some stuff is junk but lots of good opportunities for good gifts. They had my Guess handbags and Svarovsky jewellery, watches (which I bought many of) and of course lots of trinkets and cruise junk but must haves!!! Money on board. When on board a cruise, all transactions are cashless. When you get on board they give you a cruise card which is your stateroom door card, ID for getting on and off ship and your method of payment for those items which are not included in the cruise fare. Great not to have to carry money around! Don't get me wrong, a lot of stuff is included in the fare: Accommodation Gym facilities Pools and all lounges All shows and entertainment Food in all dining rooms, dining areas except two alternative dining areas (the Steakhouse and the Italian restaurant but here you pay a $20 cover charge only) The ice cream parlour is also extra The Lotus Spa is extra for hair and beauty appointments as you would ashore Room service Really the only extras are: Drinks Shopping Tours if you book any Other special things on board are: The Princess Patter - this is the daily ship newsletter, every cruise line has one. Each night you receive one in your stateroom and it has all the activities for the next day on it. It includes shows, games, movies, weather, sales etc. It is a lot of fun to look at each night and plan out your next day. Michael even gets one for the Kid's Club and he loves reading it to find out what he is going to do each day. Dining There are many dining options on the ship. When you book your cruise with Princess they ask you if you want traditional fixed dining or Anytime Dining. Traditional is a set time each night at the same restaurant, same table, same people. Anytime is basically just that, you turn up anytime and have dinner. If they have no places at that time, they give you a pager and page you when a table opens up. This has only happened to us once so we went to a bar to get a drink and I did not even get to finish it because they paged us so quickly. We love anytime dining. It is good because you do not have to worry about what time your tour gets back or if you want to have a later dinner, you can. The alternative restaurants like the steakhouse and Italian restaurant are good too but you need to book there to get a table. They charge a cover charge of $20 but it is really good value and the food is great. The cost covers entree, main and dessert a la carte. Kids are not forgotten either. There is a kids menu and there is always the grill or the pizzeria!! We visited Mykonos on a half day visit. I had not booked any ship tours because we decided to go ashore on our own. We went ashore and took a shuttle bus to the main part of town. Mykonos is a very famous Greek Island. It is made of granite and all the homes are painted white with blue or red shutters. This is what you typically see in paintings and postcards of Greece, very different to Athens and the mainland. This place is truly unique, with tiny streets and walking areas, it is a place where progress seems to have missed. No typically evident things like satellite dishes or other modern things, whilst I am sure they have them, they have been very good at hiding these from tourists so as not to spoil the impression of this island. Well for us this port of call was the most important, seeing the great pyramids. The ship docked in Port Said which is a 3 hour drive from Cairo. We booked a ship's tour which included motor coach transport to Cairo, a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, a visit to the Pyramids and the Sphinx. We got up at 0500 and had to meet at 0630 in the Casino to go to our bus. Believe it or not there were 120 motor coaches going on this tour on this day so a logistical nightmare for the ship, the port and the Egyptian authorities. They value tourism as a natural resource and it is extremely important to them as a source of income for the national economy so when you have 120 tour buses travelling in motorcade for 3 hours to Cairo, the military escort the motorcade all the way. Seeing people with machine guns was a little frightening but apparently it was for our safety. We waited on board our bus for what seemed like ages (1 hour) so that all the 120 buses could be loaded as they all had to travel together. We travelled for 3 hours to Cairo with very little air conditioning so it was hot and uncomfortable. Princess insists on air conditioned coaches and inspects them all prior to departure when our driver had it on but during the trip he turned it off, probably to conserve fuel. We were then told not to use toilet paper in the on board toilet and it did not flush so take a guess what that meant - cross your legs!! We got to Cairo finally and arrived at the Museum. Imagine over 1000 people converging on the museum at once plus the people who were already there!! Anyway we had around 45 minutes in the museum and we were rushed through it with our guide yelling, "faster, faster", Imagine all these elderly people (most of the passengers on this trip are retired, there are some younger people but not many for this itinerary) trying to scurry around. Anyway we saw very little. We did manage to get a glimpse of Tutankhamen's famous gold mask that was found in his tomb along with many other treasures. His mask is made of solid gold and weighs over 11kg. I would show you a photo but that was not allowed. After the museum we went to lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel were they put on a huge buffet for all 120 coach loads of passengers in their banquet room. Of course we were warned about eating/drinking certain things in Egypt as you can get sick not being used to their water etc. Last cruise apparently over 400 passengers got sick. You ask me why? If you saw the rubbish in the Nile you would understand. The Nile is the lifeline, no other source of fresh water around and it is polluted, dirty and even has sewage in it!! Imagine washing you veggies in it!! Anyway we stayed away from certain foods and still had a nice lunch. Then rush rush to the next location, Giza for the Pyramids. We crossed the Nile to go to the Giza area which believe it or not is just on the outskirts of Cairo. You don't see that in the movies!! We had 30 minutes at the Pyramids and between walking to and from them, we had a few minutes only to get pictures, another disappointment about this tour. The Egyptian hawkers are really pushy. They make it really difficult to enjoy the place. We then all piled in to the 120 coaches and set back for Port Said another 3.5 hours away with no air conditioning and no toilet!! All the buses arrived at the port at around 2000 and the ship and port authority did little to arrange our re-entry, it was a free for all with 1000+ passengers trying to get through gates and into the ship. There was only chaos and we had to pick Michael up or he would have got trampled. Everyone was very tired by this stage, a 12+ hour tour!! It was a real pity by my view of it all was that the tour company was far too ambitious to fit all this in one day and the result was a very rushed, uncomfortable tour. We went, we took our photos and left but had little time to soak it all in. The next day the line at the complaints desk on the ship was very long needless to say!! The next day we visited Alexandria also in Egypt. A very important city if you are a history buff. This is where Cleopatra and Mark Anthony spent a lot of time, a very important port, the biggest for Egypt (excluding trade through the Suez Canal). We loved the Pyramids and Sphinx, pity for the lack of time. The next few days were spent travelling back to Rome where we ended this 12 day trip. What a great experience!!
Read moreAnonymous - Aug 2011
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"Med/Eqypt cruise"
The ports were great, it was the first time they had been to Egypt and despite warnings people ate what they shouldn't and strict hygene rules were put in place after that port. There was food 24/7 thanks to a round the clock buffet, the restaurant food was better than the buffet but it was still very good. Next to the pool there was complimentary pizza and burgers (on other ships you have to pay). The shore tours were very expensive (as you would expect) but not waiting in a line for hours was great. We didn't have to worry about being ripped off or getting lost. We worked out that it cost about NZ$300 per person per night. The ship was beautiful with three pools and seven spas. The staff were professional. Nzers may not be as comfortable on a Princess Cruise as on a P&O (despite Princess being more luxurious) as the feel is very different. On P&O the crew and passengers are much more laid back and friendly - but if you are travelling with people this won't bother you at all on a Princess Cruise.
Read moreAnonymous - Jul 2011
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Cruise code: A033
10 nights
Classic California Coast Cruise
- Departing from Vancouver
- Grand Princess
- Receive up to $100 onboard credit per cabin. May not apply to all cabin categories.
- Upgrade to the Best Value Fare and receive Premier Beverage Package (First 2 Passengers) and WiFi package. May not apply to all categories. T&C's Apply.
- TV for in-cabin entertainment
- In cabin safe
- Full breakfast
- Buffet or a la carte lunch menu
- Buffet or 4 course a la carte dinners
- Musical stage shows and entertainment
- Special guest entertainers
- Latest release movies (in cabin and on big screen)
- Choice of Bars and Lounges
- Fully supervised children's programs for ages 3 to 17 years
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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