Just off Grandeur - a few surprises!

[Merion_Mom]

Right now, I believe that it is all. But since I have not been on every Vision class and Radiance class ship in the past week, I cannot guarantee that this is accurate.

 

 

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[LizzyDragon]

We were told that royal Caribbean has discontinued the aerial shows because they can't hire enough qualified riggers. They have started their own training program to fix that.

 

I can believe that. I also suspect the cost of hiring qualified riggers could be part of the problem. I do events for a hotel, and the costs of hiring riggers for a static setup (no movement on the truss once it's up) can be thousands of dollars for one setup/teardown.

 

Rigging involving live loads (ie people swinging) would be even more expensive. Live loads on a moving ship would require even more qualifications and cost. I'm surprised RCCL didn't already have a training program for this, but it makes sense that they're trying to get something going now.

[cementhands]

I've been reading several Grandeur reviews that say that there is some other kind of show in the centrum. RCL should clarify that on website as it seems like aerial show is no longer available for the Grandeur.

If anyone has any recent cruise compasses from recent 12 night cruise we would love to see them, beyondships copies are from 2014.

Still looking forward to January cruise, can't wait.

Thanks to all for information.

Edited December 21, 2016 by cementhands

[clyde1509]

I'm on Grandeur right now. Anyone have any questions let me know and I will try to answer them

 

 

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[riclop]

Thanks for sharing.

[do_not_spindle]

Got back today from 12/10-22 to St Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St Lucia, St Marteen. 3rd or 4th time on Grandeur. Trying to address questions from up-thread in no particular order:

 

- Lamb shanks on 2 nights, I think there was duck at least once. Lobster tails on 2nd formal nite. Menus not as extravagant as past years, always found something we liked and often split an extra appetizer or entree. I like meat MR and was fine with the MR-MW offering; MR looked like it might moo.

 

- Mostly ate in MDR (wife likes being served and tablemates; we have not bothered with specialty or My time). Occassionally visited Windjammer for extras or to see what they had. Mussels on 1st day not repeated. Food in WJ seemed OK, nothing fancy. Food in MDR seemed better on at sea days vs port days. Ship ran out of bananas and when they were all going soft, there were a lot of "with banana" items on dessert menus that were executed well.

 

- MDR service generally good except consistently slow on ice tea & coffee. Dunno why. M'd able to switch us to another table to be with a couple we met (people at assigned table were OK, but mostly staring at themselves/travel companion and not into conversation). New table had a great mix of new and experienced cruisers and age range. Table staff always able to get us through dinner in time for 7PM show without rushing us, even on the day we were late (St Thomas).

 

- Cabin service - use the "please service room" card on at sea days - staff seems to assume people are sleeping in,esp 1st day. 1st time that has happened on any RCL cruise.

 

- Did not use Voom internet and could have sent/rcvd text messages if we wanted to. Waited for free wifi in bars and shops at ports and ignored rest of the world rest of time. [it's a vacation!]

 

- Shows: ship company very good, wife really enjoys them. Ventriloquist was super! Temptations tribute group OK (a Motown trib group in March was worth going back for the 2nd show). Comedians were OK (funny at the moment, nothing remarkable next day) and I've seen the juggler on a ladder guy before.

 

- Music: Wife and I are big dancers and we were happy to find a group in March playing in Centrum almost every night. A group from the Phillipeans this time - "Real Time Band". Good music and usually danceable with a few minor caveats: Limited songs list (esp vs.March group). Band didn't always stay on a steady rhythm (important for dancers other than free-styling) but we could adapt. ChaChas too fast (but do a rumba so not a big deal) and only a few "weird but I will sit and listen through it" songs. If you want lots of jive/lindy/big band swing, wait for the ships band nite. Breaks generally short, so worth hanging around. They did their job and generally kept Centrum busy. even well into their last set on last night of cruise.

 

Ships band played in Centrum one night (2 sets) and were excellent. Wish they had used South Pacific for more seating and a larger and better dance floor.

 

Rosario Strings (string duet) also excellent and we met a few new dance friends dancing to them while boarding was underway.

 

<rant> DJ Bosco stunk and not just my opinion. Songs were either ancient or "what is he playing?" R&B night was all hip hop (sorry RCL, not the same). When Temptations tribute group did show, they missed chance for a motown night in Viking Crown. No one ever got a request played that I knew of. Checked out VC during Centrum band breaks and there was often NO ONE DANCING. Sorry, DJ's job is not to empty the floor or lounge. Played long sets of too many songs of similar style at tempos you cannot dance to other than hop back and forth. When a couple from Columbia that grew up on Samba and Salsa walks off, YOU HAVE A PROBLEM!</rant> I'm treating this as a one-off, DJs on G and other RCL ships have been competent to great, and if they can't play a request, there is a good reason.

 

Lessons: Kelly (member of cruise staff) taught at least 1 lesson on at sea days; did a great job of getting total beginners moving while having something for more experienced. Has a dance background and knows what she is doing; taught some dances (Bachatta, 3-count Hustle) I have not seen taught on cruises before. This is not a new RCL, policy, Kelly and Tanya (Activity Dir) told me it just worked out she's on the staff (and is very happy about that).

 

Other: South Pacific not used enough for dancing, bingo and art auctions keep taking priority (OK, RCL makes $, I get it, but still...). Centrum OK but small and hard floor.

 

Met a lot of dancers on this cruise (wife & I are NOT the cute jitterbugging pair in matching outfits) and we may organize a "reunion" trip. So this aspect of cruise was a highlight! I can recommend G for dance types noting limitations above.

 

Ports - finally made it over to St Johns and glad we took ship tour - ferry coming back arrived after the "last tender" but they held for us (yes, lots of ships in, we got stuck tendering but it was to center of town dock). Dominca is lovely but terribly poor. We shared a cab with 2 other couples and driver made it very enjoyable. Roads are horrible and allow plenty of time to get back - traffic is unpredictable and there's 1 road to the port. Go for scenery and beach, no shopping. 1st time on Barbados - nice if busy beach, town too busy for my tastes. St Lucia also very nice - in between fancier ports and Dominica for beauty and poverty. America's cup excursion in St Marteen canceled by high winds, so we wandered about town and did town beach and took it easy.

 

Added bonus - 20th anniversary of Grandeur was celebrated with a big party in Centrum, crew talent show (great or at least fun) and a big Grandeur-shaped cake.

 

Liquor - Sheridan no longer available on board, I saw it in St Marteen at $19 US/bottle.

 

Hope folks on the Christmas cruise have a great time. Wife & I continue to recommend this ship and convenience of Baltimore for a no-fly cruise vacation.

[sargejenn]

We were on in October and loved our cruise. It was Bobby's first cruise with RCCL and we loved him. We found the food good, the crew wonderful, and would not hesitate to cruise Grandeur again. By the way we are seasoned cruisers. We could always find something to eat that we liked,

 

We were on Grandeur in November and again this past 12 day cruise. We enjoyed Bobby very much - class act all the way - Tanya and Kelly from the activities staff also wonderful. Friendly crew who went out of their way to ensure a positive experience.

 

Food in the MDR was quite good, imho. Lots of selections for fish and other seafood. We did get lamb shanks and the lobster tails were tasty.

 

DH did not get a good steak in Chops but my filet was good. Only one waiter, not a team service event, so not really a steakhouse experience - Giovanni's was better. We did the BOGO first and second nights deal - would not recommend the specialty dining at full price.

 

It is my experience that people will complain about anything - and some people onboard do not seem happy unless they are griping about something. Loud, obnoxious woman near us one evening wanted the poor abused waiter to tell the chef that leaving shells on her shrimp was ridiculous. Nasty b*#<& - her husband was trying to get her to lower her voice and she just kept saying, "I don't give a s*#@. Really charming ...

 

People, please remember: you are being treated like kings and queens by an exceptionally friendly staff, eating much better food than you usually eat, going to warm and sunny places and are enjoying plenty of live entertainment. Be gracious and appreciative!

 

Or perhaps just stay the f$&* home!

[easyboy]

Got back today from 12/10-22 to St Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St Lucia, St Marteen. 3rd or 4th time on Grandeur. Trying to address questions from up-thread in no particular order:

 

Hope folks on the Christmas cruise have a great time. Wife & I continue to recommend this ship and convenience of Baltimore for a no-fly cruise vacation.

Thanks for your feedback.

Edited December 23, 2016 by easyboy

[2004corvette]

I'm on Grandeur right now. Anyone have any questions let me know and I will try to answer them

 

 

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was on board GOS 2 months ago Thanksgiving cruise and will again sail her next month.

 

trying to find out if Francis Callimag will be Suite Concierge and also if Bo will be the Casino Host for our upcoming 1/14/2017 sailing.

 

thanks in advance for you reply and enjoy your cruise.

 

Scott

[artvlay]

Royal Caribbean is making major cutbacks on all of their ships. They are going through a period to decrease the quality and selection of the food and then they will eventually up-sell food packages. Everything they do is "make a buck". I realize that is the business they are in, but it is drastic. Down the road when you purchase a cruise, the buffet will be included and anything else will be for a fee.

 

Those who remember cruising over the past 20 years or so have seen quite a number of changes in cruising. Well, they aren't done yet. They are looking how the airlines is charging for everything, and that is where they are going.

[schlimazel_traveler]

Thanks for the updates. I understand Tanya leaves at the end of the holiday cruise? Perhaps someone on board can find out who the incoming Activities Manager will be.

 

I'm encouraged that duck and lamb have been spotted again!

[atb]

Sorry to report that I truly believe the duck is missing. There are a few appetizers that provide a few (read 2 or 3) small slices of smoked duck breast. The Saffron menu (1st formal night) now has a chicken entree to replace the duck.

Francis Calimag is back from vacation until late march / early april.

Casino host is Bogdan Bratu, and manager Zsolt Kubanek.

We do MTD - and service was excellent for us - and food was good. Hot food hot and cold food cold.

[schlimazel_traveler]

Sorry to report that I truly believe the duck is missing. T

:(

 

Thanks. Glad to be forewarned.

[John Reid]

Thanks for the updates. I understand Tanya leaves at the end of the holiday cruise? Perhaps someone on board can find out who the incoming Activities Manager will be.

 

I'm encouraged that duck and lamb have been spotted again!

 

The remarkable Tanya will be leaving for vacation when Grandeur docks January 3. She will return for the March 6 sailing.

 

Fairly reliable source - she told me on December 8.

[schlimazel_traveler]

Yes, that's what I'd heard. I'm sorry to be missing out on Tanya. Any idea who will be coming on board January 3rd?

[alane10]

was on board GOS 2 months ago Thanksgiving cruise and will again sail her next month.

 

trying to find out if Francis Callimag will be Suite Concierge and also if Bo will be the Casino Host for our upcoming 1/14/2017 sailing.

 

thanks in advance for you reply and enjoy your cruise.

 

Scott

 

 

Francis has been back since the Thanksgiving cruise, and should still be there in Jan.

 

 

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Edited December 23, 2016 by alane10

[clyde1509]

Francis is on board now. Tanya is still here but does indeed go on vacation on Jan 3. I will try to find out who takes over

 

 

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