Live Review from Varganator

[atb]

In December, when we did this cruise, we took the water taxi to Phillipsburg, and were looking forward to lunch a some fruit of the vine, when we sadly discovered that Barefoot bar and restaurant was torn down, and is in the process of being converted to a super Diamond International. Because Phillipsburg needed another DI.

Talked to a few locals who were also sad to see Barefoot gone, because it was one of the few places on the beach where you could get breakfast.

[atb]

Where did you dock in St Thomas? Crown Bay?

[varganator]

Wow, what a day on the high seas. We arrived about an hour early in St. Marteen. Why we arrive early is beyond my comprehension. The entire place is on Island time and as such nothing is going to be open at 8am. But our arrival coincided with the arrival of 5 other ships, to include 2 of the floating cities that all of the lines seem to be going to now. When i did my early research on our stops I found a site; I can't remember the name off the top of my head but will post later; and according to my calculations DW and I woudl be 2 of over 11K people on shore that day. I had forgotten to factor in crew, and had only accounted for 5 total ships, not six.

 

We committed the cardinal sin of booking through people other than RCCL, and as such our excursion would have gotten us back to the dock at 4pm. This is probably too late for a 2pm all aboard, so DW and I will ahve to try to fight to get our money back. The gentleman that was supposed to be our guide had multiple suggestions, to include his final one of taking us over to downtown, and then driving us back before the excursion left with everyone else.

 

DW and I decided to stay at the Diamonds International Mini Mall and forgo waiting in line for a water taxi, or waiting in line to take a land taxi to town. I guess I forgot to mention that with the extra shop being a floating city we were probably closer to 15K passengers only in port today.

 

After some vital purchases at Pandora, and the Duty free we returned to the ship. I wandered the ship a bit, and there were a number of people who decided to stay on board since excursions had been mainly cancelled due to the change in times. I ate in the solarium and the food was wonderful. Maybe a little healthier in choice than I normally make, at sea or at home, but very good.

 

It may have been the Carib beer, 5 in total, EACH, but DW and I had tremendous urge to see if our interior cabin could get completely dark for a while. We found that it could, and awoke to go to dinner in the MDR.

 

Tonight's dinner was a little frenetic. It seemed as if some of our staff, Wayne and Edith, were not on their A game tonight. Nothing was missing from our meal, and we enjoyed the food a lot, but the wait staff seemed a bit off. I had the Macaroni and Cheese as a side. Not the best macaroni and cheese I have ever had, but I also need to mention that it is on the kids menu, so it is a bit simpler than I imagine the chef would make than for adult palates.

 

After Dinner was a little casino time +$300 on BlackJack at this point, and then off to the Love and Marriage game.

 

This game is a standard on every cruise since Magellan and Columbus have been sailing. It is always hilarious and tonight was no exception. Couples ranged from 11 days to 58 YEARS. Good for them. Bobby, the cruise director ran the show ans I think he is doing a very good job. His daily show with his assistant "Tornado" Tanya has been a highlight every day and his little jokes during the show tonight were very funny and a good time was had by all. The standard jokes were in there, and the couples all added some very funny stuff, whether intentionally or not.

 

Back into the casino after the show and then off to bed for DW. We have left the port today a little early to get ahead of the worst of a storm in the Atlantic. I hate to think what the ship would have been like, because we are definitely being tossed around out here. The ship is creaking and groaning, and I have checked the bed for a seat belt with no luck.

 

If I do not post tomorrow, it is simply because we are being tossed around too badly. It will be a loss to you all as I have a mixology class and a napkin folding class on the schedule. Along with the classes I think I also saw 2 or 3 trivia contests where I can place second again.

 

Good night and thanks for all of the positive comments. I am enjoying this, not so much that I will pay for the internet again, but non the less it has been fun.

[easyboy]

Enjoying your review. Hope we don't miss your post tomorrow.

[PhilNDebbieAtSea]

Awesome review!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!!! Enjoy the rest of the cruise!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[varganator]

First and answer that may or may not be the answer people are looking for. I do not keep track of dock names and places. I know that we were to the left of the City in St Thomas as you look at the island from the water. Down past Frenchtown.

 

Breakfast today was less crowded then normal. Maybe because we were, and are, experiencing some very high seas and a fairly rough ride. The bags or out and hanging on each stairway. Thankfully I have not sen anyone use one yet, as I am sure it would set off a chain reaction. Good news, to this bad news: My DW and I have always sailed on fairly calm seas, so Sea Sickness has not been an issue that has come up. Both of us seem fine, to include walking around in the windjammer, which was ROCKING at lunch, but more on that later. During breakfast, one of the officers, and I do not know which one, but he had a lot of stripes on his jacket epaulets, came by the table and asked how everyone was doing with the ride. Nice touch, but we were all eating big breakfasts, so obviously we were fine.

 

As of this writing we did experience some smoother water, but are not back to what seems to be slipping and sliding all over the ocean.

 

After breakfast DW and I relaxed, walked around the ship for a little bit and then it was one of my favorite parts of the cruise, for that matter any cruise. NAPKIN FOLDING! OK, so this was beginning napkin folding, and since I have taken a napkin folding class on every cruise I have ever been on I am probably at a post graduate level. I decided to go to the class anyhow, and it was as much fun as I have had. Tomorrow (today) is advanced napkin folding, and I am sure that this will be a challenge and equally fun.

 

We stopped by guest relations to drop a couple of "shout outs" for the morning show, and then just kind of relaxed and hung out. We did go up to the Windjammer, and it was amazing how the ship moves on the upper decks. The captain has ordered the running track closed, which is a shame because I was planning on starting my New Years Resolution to start running today. Oh well, I guess I will have to go back to running only when someone is chasing me.

 

DW and I attended the mixology class after lunch. Held at the RBar in the centrum and put instructed by one of the head bartenders, this was a TON of fun. For $15, +tip, you get 5-7 shots of martinis, in various forms and fashion. There was also an opportunity to volunteer to help out, but my military training still works to insure I will never volunteer for anything. If you enjoy fancy drinks, and even if you do not, it is worth the money and a good way to spend the afternoon.

 

We then headed to the Casino, and I proceeded to give RCCL about $10 back of my winnings. We also took advantage of the drink special in the Casino bar. $5 Martinis. It was humorous to talk to the bartender, Dane. I know I keep talking about him, but he is really a superstar on this ship. The idea is for the drink specials to be in the Casino bar so that people come into the casino and gamble. This has worked like a lead balloon this entire cruise. The casino bar is packed, an everyone stays until the drink special expires, and then they go about their day.

 

After the drink special expired, I headed to the schooner bar for trivia. I wish I could say that I was on the second place team, but I do not want to be the first person to post something untrue on the internet. The category was car brand names. I do not have enough knowledge of Spanish car brands to even be of any help to my team. Rough contest.

 

DW and I both had the Roast Beef for dinner and found it to be very good. We ended dinner with desserts from the Jr Cruisers menu and the Banana split was very good, although the Brownie Blast was a little dry, even when eaten with the ice cream. Again, the small crowd at dinner made for amazing service, almost to the point of being obtrusive. Almost.

 

After dinner, I won some of my money back and then DW, 2 of our new good friends and I headed to the Headliner show. The show was the man of 1000 voices. He demonstrated about 30 or so, and most were right in the wheel house of the 60-80 year old audience. He literally did an Ed Sullivan imitation. Now I know of Ed Sullivan, but only from watching people do impressions of him. DW and I honestly felt we would have walked out if it wasn't so rude to do so. Even the opening video which introduced him had testimonials from Wayne Newton and Bob Barker.

 

We headed back into the casino and while I was down $25 after three or so hours of play, I feel as if I got my moneys worth in entertainment and fun. The dealers are really great and they almost all want you to have a good time. There is one, that my group of friends have started to call the "Dementor". He really is not happy when we win, and seems set on stealing not only or chips, but also our souls. My DW, who is top 3 nicest people you will ever want to meet, decided to take it upon herself to play a few hands with him and raise his spirits since we were all talking about him. The 2 of them had a good laugh about the jokes we were all telling, and she donated about $40 back to RCCL in 6 hands. She returned to our table, shaken by the losses, but feeling she had done her good deed for the cruise.

 

Really though, if any of you are going to play in the casino, understand that the dealers are all there to have fun and laugh with you. Tip them well, and make it a good time for all.

 

We should start to experience some better seas soon, or at least that is the hope. This evening, as I was tucking DW in for her bed time the closet doors and drawers were actually coming open. I am headed there soon, and will look for "Bed Belts" again to tie myself down.

 

Thanks again for all of the views and I look forward to cruising with all of you soon.

[mcgore83]

Great review! Love your sense of humor. Waiting for more...

[suesnake2002]

Love it

[wolfcathorse]

you said the captain looked young...can you remember a name? Was it mentioned in your Cruise Compass on the first formal night? Was it Ante or Thordour.

[Ichiban Nekko]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and good humor with us during your cruise. We will board as you disembark on Saturday (assuming Mother Nature cooperates!). Your posts took us from being a little underwhelmed to really positively anticipating our upcoming sailing. Thanks to you, we now look forward to many different variations of trivia, giving all the shows a try, going into the casino -- well at least the bar for Specials and to say hello to Dane -- and possibly even trying to learn a thing or two about napkin folding, LOL!! I have vague memories from the distant past of teachers/parents trying to impress that if I put a lot of energy into an activity, I would get a lot more out of it. Hmmmm. Perhaps they did know more than me after all! ;)

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you. We just wish you were going to be on board this sailing.

[varganator]

I will again start with answers to a couple of questions. One- We did park at Crown bay, according to DW, and do you want to argue with her??!! Two- Ichiban, let me know your cabin # and I will stow away in there for the next cruise. I am having too much fun to get off the ship now, as I am sure anyone who has been on a ship can relate to.

 

Now for a review of the day. It started with breakfast #1 from room service. They tend to call before they arrive, and of course, with an inside cabin and DW getting the 'good' side of the bed, I can never answer. They then arrive and I tip them. PLEASE tip these people if you order room service. They always seem to be so shocked by the tip that I am almost brought to tears. The room service wait staff really does work for the tips, and I hate to think that anyone who gets breakfast, or any other meal for that matter brought to their room is not tipping these fine folks.

 

I then ate breakfast #2 in the Great Gatsby. Obviously word has leaked about this review and I was seated at the 'celebrity' table. I was seated with the 58 happy years of marriage couple from the game show a few nights earlier. If you tell me that you have met a nicer couple of people you are a liar. These two really still love each other after 58 years, and I am in love with them. The other family seated with us were great too, and sped away from Breakfast to go up to the bridge. Very cool opportunity, and I guess being a diamond plus has it' privileges.

 

After this, it was back to the stateroom to make sure DW survived the wild seas of the night before and then off to napkin folding. She was fine, and my napkin folding was great, good, great , and perfect. These were the scores given by Tanya's Husband, the instructor. When I asked for a certificate to show I had successfully completed the course, he said no, but I am sure I can roll it into the settlement package form RCCL when I settle my suit against them for the hour I lost earlier in the cruise.

 

I then met up with DW and we went to the Great Gatsby for lunch. Before Christmas a family friend told me I had lost some weight. I assured him i would find it again, and I have on this cruise. Lunch in the MDR is an exercise in excess. Too many choices and I just ended up getting a really nice bowl of soup and saving myself for the Chef's table later this evening.

 

DW and I hit the solarium hot tub, roof closed after lunch. Nice crowd, and I guess that the fact that there are only 38 Jr Cruisers helped the lack of kids running around in the solarium.

 

A nice nap. added by the Hot tub followed and then it was time to get all dressed up for formal night and the Chef's table. Any rumors that I was dressed in full Bermuda formal wear to include the socks are true. I took more pictures than I did 7 years ago at my wedding and then off to the Chef's table.

 

The chef's table is one of those events that you can only experience on a cruise ship. We started at the bar in the Centrum, and then straight into the Galley. If you have never been in the galley of the ship this is worth the price in and of itself. You have never seen so much activity in one place to make so many people happy and looking for so little credit.

 

The Chef's table is a six course meal with wine to match each course. It takes about 3 hours to complete ans is worth every minute. This is the second time DW and I have done it, the first being on Carnival. If DW does not want to do this on our next cruise, I will go by myself.

 

We had an amazing meal, with some wonderful people, to include a lovely family including a mom celebrating the anniversary of her 21st birthday. I am not afraid to say that we all had a wonderful time and would go back again and again if the opportunity arose.

 

After the chef's table it was off to the casino, rather than seeing the variety show that included the man of 1000 voices the night before. I am going to assume that DW has spent more time than I have in there, since we received a certificate from them giving us $300 off our next cruise. I am about $200 to the good in there, and I have apologized to all of our favorite dealers since the next cruisers will not be as much fun as my crew this trip. Please make this apology be in vain.

 

For cruisers that are following us onto the ship say hello all of the crew from Marianne and Rich, and I hope that will earn you a smile.

 

I have loved every minute of my time on Grandeur and I look for ward to one last night with all of my loyal followers and l also look forward to hearing about your adventures aboard what is quickly becoming one of our favorite ships.

 

I will check in tomorrow, although it will be hard to type with tears in my eyes.

[Tee & Chilli]

Excellent review:)

[toothy26]

Loved this review!!! I cannot wait until I board in May!

[varganator]

The captain of the ship is Ante. He is wonderful. I have discovered in my wealth of cruise knowledge (7 cruises) each captain has his (or her) own shtick. Captain Ante's is the weather. He is the Jim Cantore of Cruise lines. He gives detailed weather reports every time he comes on and includes the depth of the water under the ship at any given time. Suffice it to say, we sail in REALLY DEEP WATER. Word to the wise, stay on the boat when we are out to sea.

 

DW and I started out day at the WJ Cafe for breakfast. Again, with a capacity crowd I never felt crowded the entire cruise. We either found a table immediately, or shared a table with new friends. Exceptionally accommodating crowd on board for this cruise. Your mileage may vary, but for us it was great.

 

I then watched the towel folding demonstration in the centrum. As if the housekeeping staff does not have enough to do, these people are volunteered to show us how they make the incredible creatures that greet us each night. Really cool to see how complex this process is, and equally amazing to see how fast they are when they do it.

 

Then it was off to the casino for some last minute games. Evidently the casino was hidden until today to a LOT of people. Crowded tables, and the new comers all did not like the fun that the regulars were haveing with dealers we had been playing with for 12 days. Too bad for them. We continued the fun and the final tally was +$325 for your humble reviewer. I do not know what my DW final total was, but she earned enough casino points to get us $400 off our next cruise, so I don't care what her total was. I am sure (I hope) that she didn't lose $400.

 

The seas were finally smooth enough that we were treated to Tango Argentina. I am not sure about the title, but if there is anything similar on any cruise you go on, watch this show. DW and I did some ballroom dancing in preparation for our wedding 7 years ago, and continued for a while. The people in this show are professional and beautiful does not begin to describe the performance they treated us to. It was ridiculous how smooth and graceful the entire cast was, to include the musicians.

 

Dinner tonight was in Giovanni's table. If you have one specialty dinner to eat, make it chops. Giovanni's table is good, but it is not great. Full disclosure, I am not a huge Italian food fan, but the choices are limited, and the experience does not compare to Chops. One cool thing about Giovanni's, which had nothing to do with the meal, was we got to see the pilot boat pull up and drop the pilot onto the ship, right under the window we were seated by.

 

After dinner we went to the viking lounge for a night cap and to watch the Chesapeake bay float on by. Incredible view and a nice quiet place to spend a romantic last evening at sea. After this I tucked my DW into bed, and headed to the late night 'Adult only' comedy show.

 

Again, with my vast experience on cruise ships this "adult" show usually means the same act with a lot of profanity thrown in to make the parents who decide their kids can handle it uncomfortable. "Mudflap" was not that guy. He had adult content, but for the most part he was not profane, and just plain funny. He covered a wide variety of topics, hilariously, and kept us all in pain from laughter for a solid one hour set.

 

For all of the painful worrying on this site about the movies being all "Kid" and "Christmas" movies on the cruise before us- Spoiler alert, the cruise before us traveled over the Winter break from school and December 25th- the movie tonight was "Sully". I suppose if there is a Tom Hanks movie to show on a ship, this one is much better than Castaway, and the movie seemed to be well received by those who watched it.

 

I guess I was not popular or lucky enough to get comped a free back to back cruise, so I will be up bright and early in the morning trying to return to the real world. After we settle in to where we will be staying the night I will post a next to final review of the disembarkation process.

 

I will allow a couple of days to pass, and the glow of the cruise to fade before I leave you with a final thought on the overall cruise experience, but I can tell you one thing now. Sailing on the Grandeur will not disappoint, unless you are looking to be disappointed. The ship does not have all of the bells and whistles of the Mega ships. What it dies have is an amazing crew of friendly people and if you are lucky enough to travel with the type of people we did, you will have a great time. I am not one to give my personal information to people I have just met, but I have met some incredible people on this ship and hope to remain in touch with them for a long time to come.

 

On this note I would like to mention one in particular. A young man on board, who is about to finish his senior year at the University of MD, started a non profit organization when he was 15 years old. This organization is now going strong and a national organization. They use Lacrosse tournaments to raise money for Veterans organizations. He says he is the #2 guy in this effort, and I am sure he is telling the truth. This was just one of many people I met while on board, and he gives me hope for the future of where we are going.

 

It has been a great couple of weeks, thank you to everyone who has looked at my reviews, DW and I have enjoyed seeing the 'views' number go up as the cruise has progressed. Thank you for the positive comments. While I do not think they will be enough to pay for the internet on my next cruise, who knows. Maybe you will be seeing a review in August from Galveston as we sail in the gulf on RCCL again.

 

Cruising is what you make it. Go in planning to have a good time, roll with the rocky seas and the hiccups and you will have a great time. A better vacation will be hard to find.

[lazydayz]

Great review. Thanks so much for allowing us to enjoy your cruise with you. Congrats to you and DW on the anniversary.

[schlimazel_traveler]

Thanks for your review. I guess we never crossed paths! Possibly because we never made it to the casino, the main dining room, or any of the specialty restaurants. We were pleasantly surprised by the Windjammer, which was generally not at all crowded.

[varganator]

So now we have been home for more than a day. We spent yesterday with my file who is not doing well health wise, and then I continued on to the house to pick up the dog and unpack for both of us.

 

If disembarking was any easier they would of had to pull our car onto the ship. 45 minutes after waking up we were riding to the hotel. We stayed at the comfort inn and suites BWI. This is not the newest of nicest hotel, but it did The job and our car was there when we returned. We paid $5 per day, and the shuttle was free. The shuttle is shared with the best western next door, and was literally ready to pick us up before our last meal at windjammers. Obviously I can't skip one last meal, although in the past this meal has been a madhouse. Not so today, no explanation asked for or given. By the time we got down to our waiting area we were sent to the gangplank.

 

Customs is always scary, since we often bring back a suitcase full of Cuban cigars and bootleg medicines. Just kidding, the customs agent looked at the 40 something couple in front of him and sent us on our way.

 

By some miracle of faith, all of our bags were sitting together in the warehouse. Something curious in here. I was told I was not aloud to use my cell phone. We had gathered our bags. Read previous message as "A Porter had our bags on his cart", and I was calling the shuttle. Same shuttle that wanted me to skip breakfast. The lady 'security officer' told me if I used my phone she would kick me out of the warehouse. Seemed like a relatively empty threat, but I felt I should pass on the information.

 

Looking back, would we cruise on RCCL again? Yes, we booked 2 more cruises with them. Did I get my settlement? No, they gave me the hour back but no key chain. I suppose going up +$300 in the casino makes up for it, but RCCL knows they are on notice.

 

I defy anyone to find a freindlier crew than the crew on this ship. The CD was funny and not overbearing about it, the shopping Expert was knowledgeable and not too, too overbearing. The food was good, not great, plentiful, and available about 20 hours a day.

 

The ship is old, but she seems to be holding up well. It is my understanding that the ship will be undergoing drydock in the near future and I can see where some work is needed. For the most part, the public areas are clean and we only had one issue with a non flush of the toilet, which rectified itself after a slight pause. Scared me, since I was out of the bathroom already, but clearly not a big issue.

 

I am not a mega ship guy, and now that I have been in a port with 2 of them at one time, I will not become one. The next class up is where our next two cruises will be, so I look forward to that. I would go on grandeur again, and will definitely sail with RCCL, as was stated earlier.

 

By the sheer number of Pinnacle and Pinnacle plus cruisers, they are keeping people satisfied, DW and I included.

 

Thanks for reading and I look forward to cruising with all of you soon.

 

Varganator home and signing off.

[nivrag4511]

Great review.I love the Grandeur and will be on her for the 6th time in Oct. It doesn't hurt to live about 45 minutes from the port and it's so easy to get on and off the ship in Baltimore. I don't need all the bells and whistles of the mega ships. Grandeur is just perfect for me.

[Krin]

Thanks for a great review and welcome back.

[plash.ricrem]

Thanks for the detailed and humorous review. Headed out on Grandeur next week for my first RCI cruise, from all the reviews I've read of the Grandeur, seems like it's going to be a great time.

[deanna41]

Fun to read. Thanks for the review!

[caseythegr]

definitely ask for some mac and cheese! on my last cruise I ordered the kids' chicken fingers for dinner twice (I'm in my 40's). the first night my table mates laughed, but after that a couple of them also ordered the chicken fingers. I ordered the kids' brownie sundae a couple of times, too, and got part of the table doing that also. now that I know that there's mac and cheese, i may have to expand my repertoire....

 

I always order the Mac and Cheese, it's my "I'm on vacation" indulgence. We spent 9 nights on the Vision last year, by the 3rd night the Mac and Cheese magically appeared!

[caseythegr]

Thanks for the detailed and humorous review. Headed out on Grandeur next week for my first RCI cruise, from all the reviews I've read of the Grandeur, seems like it's going to be a great time.

 

We have sailed her twice and are going again in September. She's a great ship so I hope you enjoy her. Don't miss the cosmos in the R bar.

Laurie

Edited January 17, 2017 by caseythegr

[livetotravel1965]

 

Wow, what a day. We enjoyed Mimosas made with the Champagne won at the Meet and greet. So fun to tell the Cocktail waiter, No we are not paying for mimosas ours are FREE!

 

By the way, to the question of when you are able to get on the pool deck, today is the answer. When my wife and I walked the deck this afternoon it was PACKED. Lots of chairs available, but a LOT of people.

 

 

Spoiler alert - Team CANVAPA (Canadian-our 'old' cruise friends, Virginia-DW and I, and Pennsylvania- our 'newest' cruise friends) took SECOND in Movie Trivia.

 

After trivia we headed back to the casino. You could sit at the casino bar all day and drink specials, from Mimosas, to well drinks, to well martinis, and have a small tab and a large hangover. While in the bar I gambled a little more and I don't know if RCCL will be in business after the hurting I put on them in the 2 hours to close the night. I am $10 up for the day.

 

 

Hi Rich from Ottawa.

 

Just wanted to let you know that I just finished reading your live review of our cruise and that I really enjoyed it (as I did your company on our cruise) and was actually laughing out loud many times (as I did when spending time with you on the cruise).

 

I would like to thank you again for sharing your Champagne/Mimosas with my friend and I at breakfast, especially when it was supposed to be us who won the champagne instead of the other gift pack (hat, highlighter, pen and KEYCHAIN - since it sounds like you were really looking forward to the key chain!! ;) )

 

As the CA part of the CAVA and CANVAPA teams I enjoyed the trivia games and you won't want to hear this, but we did play one trivia game that you weren't there for near the end of the cruise with Schlimazel traveler, and thanks to the DH part of that couple, actually won a trivia game (heehee unlike you ;)).

 

Wondering how your father-in-law is doing. Amy received bad news as soon as we got to Baltimore, her mother passed away a day and a half before the end of our cruise. Before we left she knew it was a possibility, but it was still hard for her to find out while sitting on a crowded shuttle with our long drive home still ahead of us.

 

Speaking of the long drive home, I'm glad to say that we had really great weather for that - we really lucked out for our driving weather this trip. Hope your drive home was equally good and that you've made it home safe and sound.

 

It was really great meeting you and your DW and I'm very hopeful that we can meet again on another cruise some day. Sounds like you have a couple planned already. I wish we were within driving distance of more ports.

 

It really was a great cruise with wonderful and friendly staff and passengers. We met so many wonderful people. I will miss everyone.

 

Take care,

Lisa

Edited January 18, 2017 by livetotravel1965

[breezy_carol]

I missed this as it was happening but enjoyed binge reading it tonight. Makes me look forward to our July cruise even more.