Grandeaur or Navigator?

[momtogo]

Hi, my husband and I haven't sailed in 10 years but are planning a cruise this winter. We can't decide between the Grandeaur and the Navigator. My husband feels the Navigator would give us more to do and more dining options since it is so much larger. I am concerned with the large number of passengers on the Navigator and the fact that it is an older ship that hasn't been refurbished. Can anyone give some feedback to help us make the decision. Both itineraries are similar so that isn't an issue. Thank you, I enjoy the comments and feedback.

[Merion_Mom]

Totally different ships.

 

By the way, Navigator was built in 2002.

 

Grandeur was built in 1996.

 

I love the Voyager class ships, but they *are* too big for some people. Navigator will have about 800 more passengers than Grandeur.

 

Navigator has a three story dining room; Grandeur has two. Navigator has the Royal Promenade. Grandeur doesn't.

 

If you are looking at five day cruises, check out the Enchantment.

 

Have a great cruise, whichever you choose!

[4everafter]

Where are you cruising from? I changed my mind last year from Grandeur to Navigator at the last moment and then tried to change back and it was too late!! We went on Navigator. this coming spring break we are going on Grandeur - mainly because I am a huge Tampa fan and I want to sail under the SKy Way Bridge!! The Navigator is going to Dry Dock at the end of January so you could be in for some surprises! And you'll probably more WOWed with extras on Navigator - ice skating show, specialty restaurants. We're looking forward to Grandeur because it will stop at Key West and then Cozmel, Navigator just went to Cozmel - but we did enjoy 2 days at sea. I'm not much help I guess! I'd say go with Navigator, more choices and stuff to do.

[Host Kewlguy]

Hi, my husband and I haven't sailed in 10 years but are planning a cruise this winter. We can't decide between the Grandeaur and the Navigator. My husband feels the Navigator would give us more to do and more dining options since it is so much larger. I am concerned with the large number of passengers on the Navigator and the fact that it is an older ship that hasn't been refurbished. Can anyone give some feedback to help us make the decision. Both itineraries are similar so that isn't an issue. Thank you, I enjoy the comments and feedback.

 

This is a no brainer. Go with the Navigator.

[megr1125]

Navigator....

 

i was on Enchantment (grandeur's sister...more or less....Enchantment was stretched) AND Navigator....we LOVE the voyager-class ships.

 

More to do, better "traffic flow"...the royal promenade is wonderful...cafe promenade is awesome (FREE cookies, sandiwiches, regular coffee and tea, plus you can buy specialty coffees)....

 

plus, navigator was gorgeous...!

[Host Kewlguy]

Navigator....

 

i was on Enchantment (grandeur's sister...more or less....Enchantment was stretched) AND Navigator....we LOVE the voyager-class ships.

 

More to do, better "traffic flow"...the royal promenade is wonderful...cafe promenade is awesome (FREE cookies, sandiwiches, regular coffee and tea, plus you can buy specialty coffees)....

 

plus, navigator was gorgeous...!

 

Just for the record: I would choose Enchantment in a heartbeat before Grandeur. :)

[megr1125]

Just for the record: I would choose Enchantment in a heartbeat before Grandeur. :)

 

Ha ha....i would choose ANY ship-if the price was right, AND especially if i can drive to the pier in a reasonable amount of time! (well, maybe not ANY...but ALMOST any!):rolleyes: :eek:

[COCKYMARK]

no doubt....navigator!!!

[sarahuk]

Weve just got off the Navigator and I feel for us the ship was too big. It took so long to get off the ship when it was using a tender. The main reason for us why we didnt like it so much was the outside space was limited. The sunbeds were so close together and the Windjammer was small for so many people and no outside space to sit and eat your meal. The solarium was also very small.

The plus points for us was the Royal Promenade in the evenings was a great place to sit and watch the world go by and for socialising.

I guess it depends what you personally like from a cruise. For us it has to be a smaller ship, but thats just our opinion and what works for us.

Sarah

[big al]

No comparison-Navigator wins hands down......it's NOT too crowded,either....there is no WOW factor on smaller ships like the Grandeur...we just got off the NOS in March and she looked great-don't forget Chops & Portifinos for dining options,and the great ice-skating show,along with Vintages and the British Pub-all wonderful options not found on the Grandeur....AND cabins are much smaller on the Grandeur.....anybody who chooses the Grandeur over the NOS should have an MRI.......

[big al]

No comparison-Navigator wins hands down......it's NOT too crowded,either....there is no WOW factor on smaller ships like the Grandeur...we just got off the NOS in March and she looked great-don't forget Chops & Portifinos for dining options,and the great ice-skating show,along with Vintages Wine Bar and the British Pub-all wonderful options not found on the Grandeur....AND cabins are much smaller on the Grandeur.....anybody who chooses the Grandeur over the NOS should have an MRI.......

 

Big Al

[tomko2]

We really enjoyed the Navigator -- didn't feel too big.

Photos in the link below.

Kathy

[temple1]

We are faced with the same challenge - Navigator or Grandeur. I would love Enchantment but she moves to Panama at the end of November and does come back to the Caribbean until the end of April.

[uksimonusa]

Having sailed both, grandeur is a great ship, but can't compare to the facilities and things to do on navigator

[yogimax]

You'll win either way. Take one this year and the other next year!

[vie lee]

Last Sept we did a New England/Canada cruise out of Balitmore on the Grandur and was very disapponted. We had been on her before (thru the Canal) but she wasn't the same. Kind of run down and the service was terrible in the dining room. Our waiter and bus boy were still referring to written notes to do their job. It was like they were in still in training. We came away with the impression that it was a training ship now to help staff their bigger ships.

 

Best advise I could give would be go on the bigger, newer ship.

[momtogo]

Hi everyone, Thanks for your feedback. We have decided to go with Navigator on 2/23/09 and are quite excited. A few things before we book... I'm not sure about the drydock schedule date that Five-Rileys mentioned as there are sailings scheduled during some of those dates. What happens during drydock? Also, I am prone to motion sickness and have read conflicting reports as to where to be on the ship. Anyone else with this problem that can tell me what is best? Thanks again!

[cb at sea]

Good choice! Try to get as midships as possible--not that it will make that much difference if seas are rough--but you'll feel better about your choice!

[Host Kewlguy]

Last Sept we did a New England/Canada cruise out of Balitmore on the Grandur and was very disapponted. We had been on her before (thru the Canal) but she wasn't the same. Kind of run down and the service was terrible in the dining room. Our waiter and bus boy were still referring to written notes to do their job. It was like they were in still in training. We came away with the impression that it was a training ship now to help staff their bigger ships.

 

We've spoken to many long time Grandeur cruisers who share that opinion with you. We would expect Grandeur to replace either Majesty or Monarch after 2009 sailing the 3-4 day itineraries out of Miami or Port Canaveral. That would also explain why they aren't adding a Concierge Lounge to the Grandeur.

[PH8]

Been on both.no contest..the Navigator.........add us to those who were less than thrilled with the Grandeur..........I mean it was ok,but just ok.....wouldnt be my first choice,but it was very nice cruising out under the Skyway Bridge.......

[jillybabes]

We've spoken to many long time Grandeur cruisers who share that opinion with you. We would expect Grandeur to replace either Majesty or Monarch after 2009 sailing the 3-4 day itineraries out of Miami or Port Canaveral. That would also explain why they aren't adding a Concierge Lounge to the Grandeur.

 

We were told last month while on the board that they will be adding a CL to the Grandeur in Oct. and other Vison class ships that do not have them by the end of this year...Later, Jill:cool:

[Host Kewlguy]

We were told last month while on the board that they will be adding a CL to the Grandeur in Oct. and other Vison class ships that do not have them by the end of this year...Later, Jill:cool:

 

I'll believe it when I see it. ;)

[jillybabes]

I'll believe it when I see it. ;)

 

 

It was from the Capt:p ...

[Host Kewlguy]

It was from the Capt:p ...

 

Well I certainly hope he's right. It's long overdue. Most likely it would be in the card room on deck 7 like on the Splendour and Legend. Although on the Splendour it was supposed to have been moved to deck 8 in the current location of the Crown and Anchor lounge for quite some time now.