Grandeur OTS - A Ship Review in Pictures

[wgraves]

Sail Date: April 24th, 2010

Ship: RCI Grandeur of the Seas

 

 

Introduction

Sure, I know there are endless cruise reviews on the appropriate section of this site, but I always love the forum reviews with pictures. So I thought I'd write a brief one about my 5 nights aboard the Grandeur of the Seas last week. I will not discuss ports since a wealth of port info is easily attainable throughout these forums. But I certainly was not able to find much good info on the Grandeur prior to my cruise.

 

About Me

This was my 8th cruise, 3rd taken recently with Royal Caribbean. I'd definitely consider myself a "Royal Loyal." I feel the value received for the cost is just right for me on RCI. And I know the perks for being a Crown & Anchor member aren't phenomenal, but I still really like that my continued loyalty is appreciated in a small way.

 

My Expectations

I was a bit unsure of what this cruise would be like. After sailing on the Mariner and Freedom, I was quite accustomed to the giant RCI ships with all the available activities, eateries, etc. But I made up my mind ahead of time that even if all I did was kick back in the sun and relax, I'd be content. It is also worth noting that I take small problems with a grain of salt and don't let them negatively impact my vacation. It always amazes me how upset some people can be at the smallest of issues.

 

The Ship

As expected, the Grandeur was was certainly not grand in size compared to the Voyager and Freedom class of ships. Docked next to the Oasis, it felt like we were vacationing in a canoe. However, the small size meant no matter where you wanted to go, it felt like it was just around the corner. That said, however, not having a Royal Promenade seemed to make getting around a bit more of a challenge, even if everything was closer by.

 

Centrum:

Certainly doesn't have the "WOW" factor of a Royal Promenade, but it was still very beautiful and was the "heart" of the ship.

 

Great Gatsby Dining Room:

It wasn't the enormous 3-level dining room of larger ships, but the small size meant you were never far from a window with a stunning view of the water. Also, I have to mention that the dining room service was the absolute best I have ever had on any of my eight cruises, RCI or otherwise. The dining staff was truly exceptional. Food was also above-average, possibly due to the fact that there werent a slew of alternative dining options.

 

Solarium:

The Solarium never had more than a handful of people in it, and for once, the no-children rule seemed to be observed. It was always warm, quiet, and very inviting in here. Pizza, burgers, and hot dogs were served in here a few hours each day, and it was a great place to lie back and munch between meals.

 

The Palladium Theatre:

I am accustomed to having to get to a ship's theatre at least 30 minutes prior to a show to ensure a good seat. That was not the case here. Frequently, 20% of seats remained empty throughout a show. This was a shame however, as the singers and dancers were top-knotch as far as cruise ship entertainment goes.

 

[wgraves]

The Windjammer Cafe:

On the Freedom last year, finding a seat in the Windjammer was virtually impossible at times, despite its enormous size. That was not the case on the Grandeur. Even during peak hours, finding a seat was never an issue. Like with the dining room, food was also above-average for a cruise buffet. I guess not having a Johnny Rockets, Cafe Promenade, etc. really makes the dining staff care about food quality in the Windjammer.

 

Other Areas:

Not surprisingly, the ship wasn't "over the top" like some of the newer ships. But that is not to say it wasn't pretty. All the public areas were warm and inviting. Artwork was larger and.. grander than what's found on some of the new megaships as well.

 

The Captain:

While no one can compare to Captain Johnny on the Mariner in my mind, I really liked Captain Rob Hempsteadt. He had a dry humor during his announcements that always got a laugh, and he was extremely friendly when we ran into him around the ship. It's always nice when a captain stands out at all. I couldn't even tell you the captain's name on the Freedom last fall.

 

The Cruise Director:

I thought about not even saying anything regarding this, but it would not be a thorough, objective review if I didn't mention the cruise director. Now, it could be that I'm spoiled by having such great RCI cruise directors like Abe Hughes and Richard Spacey, but Grandeur's current CD, John Blair, was quite a disappointment. There was nothing particularly wrong with him, and we could tell that many people were satisfied with the job he was doing. But he honestly seemed disinterested in his job. Maybe I just read too much into it, or maybe he has some personal issues going on right now, but I would venture to guess that he is less than thrilled with his role as a cruise director.

 

Closing Thoughts:

Despite its age, small size, and lackluster cruise director, the Grandeur of the Seas is truly a marvelous ship. It has a much more intimate feel than you'll find on larger ships and was in immaculate condition. Carpet looked new, glass shined, railings sparkled, etc. I would go back on the Grandeur next week if work and finances allowed for it! :) If any of you ever consider sailing the Grandeur but have any concerns, lay them aside and book your trip. You'll have a great, relaxed, albeit slower-paced, time sailing her.

[fourkittys]

You are doing a great job with your review, love the pictures! I wish everyone who cruises did a pictorial. I am patiently (?) waiting:D:D for more. Thank you for doing this!

[wgraves]

If anyone has any questions about the Grandeur, don't hesitate to ask. I truly feel that she is a "hidden gem" in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

 

If you'd like to see all of my photos from the trip, just click here.

[kharrison__15]

Thank you for the picture review! I haven't found as much info as I'd like on Grandeur, either. I just love reading the reviews! And thanks for the added picture link, as well! I can't wait to set sail in June :)

[dwarfsleep]

Thanks for the review and pics. :) They were great. How was embarkment? We arrive at the port about 11 am. I have heard mixed comments about taking water on board. Did you or anyone else take water on board? I am a big water drinker. I havent been to Key West in about 10 yrs..what is the best thing to do? 4 adults traveling!!!(leaving the kids at home :p) 10 days until embarkment....woo hoo...cant wait!!

[LBumb]

awesome photos

[dabucs]

Solarium:

The Solarium never had more than a handful of people in it, and for once, the no-children rule seemed to be observed. It was always warm, quiet, and very inviting in here. Pizza, burgers, and hot dogs were served in here a few hours each day, and it was a great place to lie back and munch between meals.

 

There had to be 75 minors max on that cruise. I found it odd.

[ImmortalxKiss]

I have been thinking about cruising on this ship because the itinerary (and one that includes cococay instead of costa maya) sounds wonderful!

 

Thanks for the pictures!!

[AF-1]

thank you for the honest review and also for taking the time to post the beautiful pics. My last cruise director wasn't not the best I've seen either. We were on Voyager but even though the CD did not meet our expectations we had a great time and enjoyed our 12 day cruise.

cheers

[yogimax]

Thanks for the review and neat pictures!

[readytogo2]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a nice review and also the nice pics. May I ask what kind cabin you had and how you liked it? On our upcoming cruise this June we booked an inside:eek: and it has a connecting door, just hope what I have read mostly about these connecting cabins, the noise level won't be too bad. Thanks again!

[lilfish7]

Thanks for the great review! I can't wait to sail on her again!

[debbie83]

Loved your review and pictures. Thanks so much. Can't wait to get on her on Saturday!

[Sunshine-lady]

Thanks for the great review and wonderful pictures. We booked this cruise because of the itinerary. We love Key West and Cozumel. Reading this review is really getting us excited to cruise her in just a little over two weeks.

[madra2112]

This is a very enjoyable and interesting review - I'm very much in the same boat, having previously cruised on Freedom and Navigator, we're on Vision later this year. I know there are differences between each ship in the Vision class, but this is very informative and encouraging!!. Thanks.

[bionicman97]

great pics :)

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Thanks for the review and pics. :) They were great. How was embarkment? We arrive at the port about 11 am. I have heard mixed comments about taking water on board. Did you or anyone else take water on board? I am a big water drinker. I havent been to Key West in about 10 yrs..what is the best thing to do? 4 adults traveling!!!(leaving the kids at home :p) 10 days until embarkment....woo hoo...cant wait!!

 

We took bottled water on board the exact same cruise--not an issue at all.

 

I LOVED the OP's review format and excellent photos. We were on the very same cruise sailing with adult family members. I agree with much of what he said. Of course, no two people will sail on the same ship and have the exact same expectations or impressions of the crusie. For one thing, they won't do the same things or have the same preferences.

 

I actually found the multi-floored and generously glassed Atrium to be quite beautiful and appreciated the lovely views of the ocean. The 70's party was held there and we watched it from Deck 8 railings. At the end, hundreds of balloons were dropped from Deck Seven. Guests had fun throwing them around and breaking them.

 

Also, I do not agree that the food was substantially better than on other RCI cruises. In fact, I had expected the food in the MDR to be really good because there is no premium restaurant, but, in fact, it simply was no better than what we have had on recent cruises on Oasis, Navigator and Enchantment. But I don't cruise for the food. It was good enough for me, though not spectacular. It was well presented.

 

I also don't agree about John Blair, the Cruise Director, but saw him only for shows and the 70s party. He told Hubby he has been on Grandeur SEVEN YEARS! I find that remarkable. Perhaps after all that time, the work would assume a bit of sameness. He actually spent a considerable amount of time one morning talking with Hubby because both are motivational enthusiasts and share an admiration for heroes such as Zig Ziglar. No other cruise director ever has spent any time with us beyond a bland hello and we are Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor, so that says a lot. I doubt the much-vaunted Ken Rush would have spoken with Hubby that long.

 

Both the OP and I admired the art and sculpture that adorned stair landings and other areas. It definitely is a cut above some ships we have sailed. Also, I am so happy the OP even cares. I saw so many people just pass right by the art and sculpture as if it was invisible. But many passengers do not sail fro art. They have other objectives.

 

I HATE smokey casinos, but must confess the casino on Grandeur seemed to be the leats smokey of any RCI ship I have sailed. Hurray!

 

We liked Captain Rob, who is now on a ten-week vacation, which started at the end of our cruise.

 

I felt, night-for-night, the theater entertainment was better than that on similar five-night cruises, especially the guest entertainers.

 

In short, while I am most definitely an Oasis fan and big ship fan, I really was surprised at how much I enjoyed Grandeur even though it has no Concierge lounge and no premium restaurants, not even Johnnie Rockets. It is a lovely ship for short, port heavy cruises where there is little time to enjoy ship frills anyway.

 

KEY WEST. To Dwarf Sleep

 

Key West's major attractions have not changed much in ten years. Are you a museum person? Check out the Mel Fisher sunken treasure museum. Do you want to do a beach? Go to Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

Do you enjoy nature? Check out the Butterfly Conservatory. That may be new in the last ten years. Want a broad view of Key West? Ride the trolley or the Conch Train. If the Pirate Soul Museum is still open, check it out. It may have already closed, unfortunately.

[wgraves]

Thanks to all for the kind words. Glad to hear you're enjoying the review and pics! :)

 

How was embarkment? We arrive at the port about 11 am. I have heard mixed comments about taking water on board. Did you or anyone else take water on board?

Good question. I had really anticipated that boarding would be the best experience to date since we were sailing out of the "Oasis Port." But the actual facility we boarded through was older and certainly not the fancy new building built for the Oasis (which we ended up debarking through). We arrived at 11 and were on-board by around 11:30, but I'd say that's pretty average based on my past experiences. It did seem a bit less chaotic than usual, but I would attribute that to the reduced number of passengers / small ship size. As for your water question, we didn't take any on-board. We've made a habit of carrying Gatorade powder in our carry-on and mixing it with water on-board.

 

 

May I ask what kind cabin you had and how you liked it? On our upcoming cruise this June we booked an inside:eek: and it has a connecting door, just hope what I have read mostly about these connecting cabins, the noise level won't be too bad. Thanks again!

We had an inside cabin. We prefer to save money on our cabins so we can afford more cruises. I was a bit concerned when I saw that the inside cabins on the Grandeur were around 150 square feet, as opposed to the 200 square foot size of an inside cabin on some newer ships. But the difference wasn't noticeable at all. I actually think there was more storage room in this cabin than we had on the Freedom, but that's probably largely due to the fact that we didn't have a fridge. Either way, the cabin met our needs just fine, and we slept like rocks as always. Gotta love those pitch black cabins!

 

 

I also don't agree about John Blair, the Cruise Director, but saw him only for shows and the 70s party. He told Hubby he has been on Grandeur SEVEN YEARS! I find that remarkable. Perhaps after all that time, the work would assume a bit of sameness. He actually spent a considerable amount of time one morning talking with Hubby because both are motivational enthusiasts and share an admiration for heroes such as Zig Ziglar. No other cruise director ever has spent any time with us beyond a bland hello and we are Diamond Plus Crown and Anchor, so that says a lot. I doubt the much-vaunted Ken Rush would have spoken with Hubby that long.

I guess I made the mistake of only mentioning the negative in my comments. And again, we've been spoiled by some really top-knotch cruise directors. Family we were traveling with also had the opportunity to speak 1-on-1 with John Blair, something they too commented was a rarity. But since I view a CD's primarily responsibility as "keeping the party going," I viewed him as falling a bit short. In the Love & Marriage show, for example, which is something we always really look forward to, no thought seemed to be put into how couples were chosen. A lazy ticket draw? We're used to couples having to compete in ridiculous ways, ensuring the wildest, most entertaining couples make it on stage. But again, our meter could be skewed since we've had stellar cruise directors in the past.

[crookedhalo]

Your pictures bring back good memories. For those who don't already know, Capt. Rob (love him!) will be moving to Enchantment when she moves to B'more:)

[readytogo2]

Thanks to all for the kind words. Glad to hear you're enjoying the review and pics! :)

 

We had an inside cabin. We prefer to save money on our cabins so we can afford more cruises. I was a bit concerned when I saw that the inside cabins on the Grandeur were around 150 square feet, as opposed to the 200 square foot size of an inside cabin on some newer ships. But the difference wasn't noticeable at all. I actually think there was more storage room in this cabin than we had on the Freedom, but that's probably largely due to the fact that we didn't have a fridge. Either way, the cabin met our needs just fine, and we slept like rocks as always. Gotta love those pitch black cabins!

I'm wondering...maybe we could request a fridge..what do you think?

[kellbellscruise]

Thanks for sharing your cruise with us. I really dont even like the official review section and always enjoy the ones posted on the board with the pictures attached... Have a great day!!

[AlanFromFL]

Thanks for the outstanding review! I've been looking forward to our cruise on GOTS in only 12 more days, but now I CAN'T WAIT!!!! :D

[disneygoof]

Your review and beautiful pics are making it really hard to wait for our June 19th cruise on the Grandeur :cool: Thanks for the great review. :)

[wgraves]

Thanks for the outstanding review! I've been looking forward to our cruise on GOTS in only 12 more days, but now I CAN'T WAIT!!!! :D

 

Your review and beautiful pics are making it really hard to wait for our June 19th cruise on the Grandeur :cool: Thanks for the great review. :)

 

You'll have a great time!

 

Grandeur Tip: There is no Promenade Cafe, so great coffee is hard to come by. But if you need a fix, you can order a good cup of coffee from Lattetudes for around $2.