Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Grand Princess Caribbean ~
by Linda & Mel
Coffman
Grand Cayman—Wednesday
Everyone tenders ashore in
Grand Cayman and once again we were very pleased with the flawless
tender operation. We weren't too keen on the sight of three other
really big ships at anchor with us, though. George Town was as crowded as the
local mall during holiday shopping season.
 |
|
Grand
Princess at anchor
off Grand Cayman |
She said:
We've been to Grand Cayman a number of times and decided against an
excursion this time. I want to shop for a few gifts.
He said: Whatever
you buy, you have to carry.
She said:
It's a deal. Follow us. Deb wants to go to the Bernard Passman Gallery
to see the black coral jewelry. We can look over his latest
sculptures. I'm just window shopping there... what I'm buying are rum
cakes.
He said: There's
a bar overlooking the tender landing
that has a balcony and ceiling fans.
She said:
Breezes by the Bay—a perfect spot to sit and have something cool to drink.
 |
|
Sabatini's
Trattoria |
Back on board Grand Princess, we ate
a light lunch in anticipation of our dinner reservation at Sabatini's
Trattoria.
Dining in Sabatini's is an uncommon treat and well worth the $20
per person cover charge. Our waitress was a delight, explaining each
dish as she presented it to us. We appreciated her attention to detail
and the considerate manner in which she served portions to our liking—a
bit more of one dish, a lesser amount of another.
The food just kept coming and
coming... our expectations were certainly exceeded. Delicious food and
warm, attentive service, what more could we ask for? (Thank goodness
they no longer automatically serve a pizza course!)
He said: I
don't normally care for meals that last over two hours, but that one
was so enjoyable that I didn't notice the time.
She said:
My shorts and slacks have elastic waistbands and I hope they still
fit!
We were so sated, we could barely
make it to Tropical Island Night and we sure didn't have room for the
tempting Island Night Buffet in Horizon Court.
 |
|
Mayan
Pyramid at Chacchoben |
Majahual, Mexico
(Costa Maya)—Wednesday
In July I visited the Mayan
ruins at Chacchoben and suggested that Mel would find the tour
extremely interesting. Instead of repeating the excursion, I stayed at Puerto
Costa Maya to see the folkloric show in the amphitheater and to
shop in the boutiques and the palapa house where local craftsmen make
and sell their wares. We met in our stateroom after Mel's tour in
order to go back ashore together.
He said: I
thought the tour was good, what there was of it. I'm still wet.
She said:
What?
He
said: It rained. No, it didn't just rain—after
we walked around the first pyramid and saw a bit of the rain forest
and unexcavated areas it poured.
The day was glorious in Puerto
Costa Maya and it was sunny and hot in mid-afternoon so Mel changed
into dry clothing (he was still soaked!) and we went ashore for snacks
in the beachfront bar/restaurant. Excellent guacamole and chips,
washed down with local beer.
 |
|
Bottom
balcony... E728 |
She said:
Grand Princess was the only ship
in port and we had the entire complex to ourselves. Quite a few
passengers took advantage of the beach and swimming area to the right
of the pier. Our friends took a cab to Majahual
and spent the day at the beach
there where they had massages on the beach. We were envious of their
idyllic day... but I found perfect silver and onyx earrings so my
shopping was a success.
He
said: I highly recommend
buying an inexpensive rain poncho to put in your backpack for just
such occasions, especially when you are going into a rain forest
during rainy season!
Once again our group of six met in
the Wheelhouse Bar and proceeded to dinner at our own pace. There was
no wait at all for a table in the Michelangelo Dining Room. We're
really enjoying Personal Choice. We could make a reservation, or have
the bartender call down to reserve a table for us, but there hasn't
been a need to do so.
It was an evening for a variety of
activities as well—music
for dancing, London Pub Night, and comedy—not
only in the Cabaret Show, but also jokes presented by our fellow
passengers.
Grand Princess
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