In February of 2001, while sitting in a local eating establishment, Laura and I talked with some friends about taking a cruise together.  Over food and drinks we picked a time frame and what type of cruise we were interested in. The group wanted to be pampered, enjoy excellent food and visit exotic places. Within a week, we had booked passage on the Grand Princess, leaving Florida, September 16th and sailing the Eastern Caribbean.

This is a photo-journal of our trip.  Hopefully you will get a taste of our wonderful week.

The Grand Princess

The Seven of Us Boarding the Grand Princess on Sept. 16th

Brian Cook, Jeff Heckman, Judd Scott

Melissa Heckman

Julie Underwood, Heather Greisinger, Laura Scott

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Our group decided on the Grand Princess because we wanted a large, new ship that provided a high quality cruise experience. Laura and I sailed on the Sea Princess two years before and we felt that everyone would be happy with the this type of cruise.

Due to the horrible attack on September 11th, we decided to arrive 3 hours early to board our flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. We found the airport empty, except for a few passengers and lots of security personnel. The Southwestern flight on a Boeing 737 was almost empty! Our flight leaving Columbus, Ohio had only 18 passengers, plus crew. The flight attendants thanked us for flying and we received our fair share of "free" drinks! We all had some jitters about flying and making it on time to our ship, but everything was great. Southwest did an excellent job!

Having coffee while waiting on our flight in Columbus

Laura, Julie & Heather enjoying our flight to Ft. Lauderdale

After arriving in Ft. Lauderdale, we were met by a Princess Representative and directed to a bus for the short trip to the ship. Princess is very well organized. After we checked our bags in Columbus, we didn't have to worry about them until they were delivered to our cabin on the ship. 

It was very evident that most people had cancelled their travel plans due to the attack on the US. The airport was not busy, which made us feel a little strange. We saw a lot of security. Even on the bus ride to the ship we had to pass through a security checkpoint to enter Port Everglades.

Brian, calling home to tell everyone we made it to Florida. As you can see, everyone was excited on the bus ride to the ship!

Jeff & Melissa assuring us we would have a "quality" time

Once we arrived at the dock, checking in was very easy. The lines were short and having filled out the paperwork prior to our cruise, we had our cabin assignment in five minutes. Laura and I were lucky enough to get a great deal on a Mini-Suite. Our cabin was located on Dolphin, Deck 9.

A view of our Mini-Suite. We had a nice bedroom, a sitting area with a couch, two TV's, a large bath with a shower/tub, separate closet area, and a great balcony. In the past we had been in a balcony-cabin on Princess, this was very nice!

After everyone explored the ship for several hours, and had a number of "bon voyage" cocktails, we all met on our balcony to plan dinner and celebrate the cruise. We were amazed at the size of the ship and really excited about what lay in store for the week.

Jeff, Melissa & Julie enjoying drinks on our balcony. We proudly displayed our flag as we sailed.

Early in the week we opted for dinner in Sabatinis.

Here is Jeff with Carlos, who made our evening "total quality"!

Julie and Brian with our favorite bartender, UB at the Aft-Deck Oasis Bar.

Jeff and the girls enjoying the hot tub on a sea day.

Laura and Judd at the Captain's Circle Cocktail Party meeting the Commodore.

The women all dressed up and looking good for a formal night. Melissa, Heather, Laura & Julie

Judd, Brian & Jeff looking pretty good too.

The U.S. Coast Guard was there to meet us upon arrival in St. Thomas, V.I.

St. Thomas has a beautiful harbor!

Snorkeling at Coco Beach was really fun.

The white sand and blue waters on St. Thomas was wonderful.

Our ride back to the ship from Coco Beach was "interesting". The cabs fly down the steep roads on the left side.

The harbor on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

"Laylas' beach, a beautiful spot on the French side of St. Maarten.

Orient beach was beautiful on the French side of St. Maarten.

Leaving St. Maarten. A view from the Aft-Deck.

Another view of the Aft-Deck

One of the many fun contests each day at the pool.

Heather, UB & Brian, enjoying late afternoon drinks at the "Oasis".

Heather decked out for another formal dinner.

A view of the Grand from the beach at Princess Cays.

Sailing away from Princess Cays.

This is a work in progress!

Check back to read about our cruise and see lots of pictures!