Tell me about Granduer

[Cruise Crazy Gal]

We are considering going sailing on the Granduer out of Tampa this December. We will probably have and inside cabin. Tell me the good, the bad and the ugly of your cruise on the Granduer! By the way, cruising will be my husband and I as well as my parents, siblings and their children, so basically huge family cruise.

[GMoney]

Grandeur was the first ship I sailed in 1998, so when I returned and cruised on her to Bermuda 10 years later in August, I had some trepidation about what shape she'd be in and that she would not compare favorably to newer, larger ships.

 

Fortunately, I had a great time and Grandeur is still a lovely ship. No real bells and whistles, but she's clean and the staff is friendly.

 

Of the "smaller" ships, Majesty and Grandeur are my favorites.

[Tanker4]

We were last on her out of Tampa this past Feb for a 5 day and enjoyed her so much we've booked a 10 day on her this Dec. As the previous poster commented, she doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of the newer ships (which we didn't miss anyway) but was in great shape and the crew was fantastic. Looking forward to being back onboard in about 8 weeks.........:D

[lovelife]

She's a great "old" ship. Does not compare to the Freedom Class but suits us just fine. Taking our fourth sailing on her soon. Captain Rob is a hoot and his announcements are not to be missed.

[wraithe]

5th cruise on Grandeur coming up in two weeks, 2nd cruise on Grandeur this year, the last being a B2B that was 14 nights long, the only thing I didn't like was the fact they made me leave. You can click on the links in my sig to read my reviews and get access to many more. Grandeur seems to have two kinds of past customers, those who love her, and those who hate her, not much in between. It really comes down to what you want out of a cruise. If you need mini-golf and ice skating, then Grandeur is not for you, if you like a really nice, well cared for ship with a great crew and terrific ambience, maybe you'll like her as much as I do.

[Rancher Dave]

Nice ship, great shape. I personally really prefer Voyager Class if whole family is sailing, however DD did have a good time even on this smaller ship. Keep in mind this "smaller" ship is still way the heck bigger than most ships of yesterday (think back 20 years). Rock Wall, other activities to do...but still retains a smaller more intimate feel.

[CruisinWithMySweetie]

I'll be on the Grandeur December 26th :) This is my first time on that class of ship but I am so excited, especially after reading up on the reviews and posts on all the boards.

[Tagsalong]

Tampa is such an easy port to use compared to FFL & MIA. You should consider using the valet service if you are driving over in your own car. Last time for us it was $15 extra but well worth it.

 

Will do the Grandeur more often after they get a Consierge Lounge, which is supposed to be this Fall. As said already by others, a great mid-size ship.

[PudgiPoo]

Tampa is such an easy port to use compared to FFL & MIA. You should consider using the valet service if you are driving over in your own car. Last time for us it was $15 extra but well worth it.

 

Will do the Grandeur more often after they get a Consierge Lounge, which is supposed to be this Fall. As said already by others, a great mid-size ship.

 

You peeked my interest. Tell me more about the valet services.

[ginger lea]

Just took "huge family cruise" ourselves this past April. 8 of us shared a Royal Family Suite! It was awesome. Our kids love Adventure Ocean - the staff are wonderful. The Windjammer, the Dining Room and the Solarium Grill never left us without an option for food. Not to mention ordering Room Service. The Aft Balcony of the Suite was HUGE and lovely. We slept all 8 of us very comfortably. Our DGM and DM loved the Casino and Bingo. We definitely would book on Grandeur again.

[Tanker4]

You peeked my interest. Tell me more about the valet services.

 

We've used it in the past and it's really easy. Pull up to the baggage unloading area and most times, someone from valet parking will come over and ask if you would like to use their services. If not, they have a valet parking stand and you can find someone there. They unloaded our luggage, took the car and parked it in a fenced in parking area right beside the ship and adjacent to to unloading area. When we returned, after picking up our luggage and clearing customs, we walked outside the building to the valet parking stand. In less than 5 minutes, our car was sitting at the curb with our luggage loaded and waiting for us. The cost was $3.00 a day more than the parking garage and so much more convienent.:)

[Tagsalong]

You peeked my interest. Tell me more about the valet services.

 

You pull up to the curb, right near the entrance to the port building, and a well dressed young man or lady will greet you and ask if you want valet parking. Say yes, and they will help you get your luggage out and will get it to a porter, give you a ticket and you are off to check-in.

 

When you return, go to the booth just outside to door, give your ticket, pay and your car is driven to the curb and they help load the luggage. Nothing could be finer. Again, $15 plus tip more than self parking when we last used it.

 

Didn't see above post before writing this one. Ours was 5 day cruise: $3 x 5 = $15

[PudgiPoo]

Thanks Tanker4 and Tagsalong. I think this may be something we will use. The port can be a hassel and this would take the stress out of getting on and off ship. I love CC, where else can get get so much info in one place. The combined knowledge on this board is awesome.:cool:

[teajak]

We have always used valet parking at Tampa port until now. The parking fee is now $14.00 a day + $3.00 for valet. 10 day cruise comes to $170. plus tip. That's a lot.

[mikeqube]

I'm sailing on the Grandeur on 4/25/09 on a repositioning cruise. I cant wait!

[Tanker4]

We have always used valet parking at Tampa port until now. The parking fee is now $14.00 a day + $3.00 for valet. 10 day cruise comes to $170. plus tip. That's a lot.

 

$30 more than the parking garage (for a 10 day) Is it worth it? A personal choice I guess. For us, being Diamond members we qualify for early debarkation and are usually off of the ship by 7:30am. With valet parking, we are home by 8:30 or so and that makes it worth it for us.:)

[CruisesOnMyMind]

Please be careful about valet parking. Put your mileage on a piece of paper visible in your car! While we were on a cruise last year we had our friends say they returned to their vehicle with low low gas and the mileage not the same. Now that was a year ago, and that person is probably long gone, but please beware.

Better safe than sorry!