Grandeur OTS 2/21 Sailing Review

[kicker]

SIX RCI CRUISES AND STILL SEARCHING FOR.....

 

We cruised Grandeur OTS, 5 Night Itinerary with Costa Maya and Cozumel as ports. In this review I’ll try to concentrate on things I didn’t read in other reviews. I won’t go into detail about how beautiful the ship was (spectacular condition), but I’ll try to highlight some helpful info. As for my title: yes, I’m still searching for... oh, I’ll get to that in a minute.

 

First of all, for anyone who’s already cruised RCI: I was very confused all week - the elevators didn’t tell me what day of the week it was! Every time I got in an elevator I had to ask someone! Got into an elevator with the same guy three times the first day and asked him what day it was - he called security on me and they told me to stop bugging people. Very confusing!

 

Arranged our own airfare, flew in the day before. Stayed with a friend who took us to a great steakhouse in Clearwater, I believe (Bascomb’s?), so that was a great start. He drove us to the port in the morning.

 

Embarkation: first time as Platinum members - looked forward to our special priority check-in. Got to the port at 12PM - there were no lines anyways - we checked in and were on board within 5 minutes.

 

I must say, outside of not knowing what day of the week it was, I have no real complaints. Food: the usual Windjammer fare (I always look for that honey-stung chicken the first day thanks to a tip from VickiW). Plentiful, nothing missing from the menus as far as I could tell. Grandeur doesn’t have Johnny Rocket’s, but there’s a Solarium area Café that is open most hours of the day that has hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, fries. Sometimes they’d put cookies out, sometimes various salads. We also found free cookies and pastries in the Casino in the AM, as well as other spots on board. Had two breakfasts in the Dining Room. The Dinner menus haven’t changed much since my last cruise (May 08) - if anything there seemed to be more choices. This was a 5-night, but every item I ever had on a 7 night was offered (Prime Rib, lobster, duck, lamb, etc.). Our tablemate had one steak he wasn’t enjoying - they got him another and stayed while he took a few bites to make sure it was acceptable. My wife asked for Iced Tea the first night; our tablemate asked for a diet coke. Every dinner they each received two drinks each within a minute of sitting down. Ramon (Waiter) and Harley (asst): thanks for the usual outstanding service.

 

Cabin: We had an OV room, 3062, mid-ship. Very quiet area - with just the two of us there was more than enough closet and storage space. Smaller bathrooms than most ships, but it wasn’t missing anything. This cabin had more mirrors than any room I’ve ever been in (full lengths, a 4x5 foot on one wall, several more). That’s good, because next to beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and beautiful starry nights, what I enjoy looking at the most is myself. Here I am, combing my hair in the bathroom. Here I am, checking out my Tommy Bahama Hula Girl tie in the full length mirror. Here I am, standing in front of the large wall mirror scratching my (oops, enough of that!). Thank you, Stanley - we loved the towel animals, and especially loved the heart you left us the last night.

 

Entertainment: Comedian Darrell Joyce was on board all week - did the opening show, a late night, and participated in several other activities. Great stuff. The headliner (Day 3) was Comedian and Impressionist Paul Boland. In our six cruises we would rate him with the Two Funny Guys as the most entertaining comedy act we’ve seen - hilarious! The RCI Singers & Dancers: Wow, the voice on one of the female singers in particular was outstanding. This 5 day cruise had more entertainment in the way of “game show” types than the 7 day ones I’ve been on (Liar’s Club, Battle of the Sexes, Majority Rules - besides the standard Love & Marriage and Quest). Friends we made on board won a WII Bowling Tournament. There was also a volleyball tournament.

 

Cruise Director Dan (Dan, Dan the Party Man) Whitney: I loved the guy (and showed it more than I wanted to!). I had the honor (yeah, some honor!), of being chosen our team captain at The Quest (held in the South Pacific Lounge - everyone had to participate). Without going into great detail, I’ll just say it was one of my favorite Quests ever. As part of my outfit I had to have “I {heart symbol} Dan” written on my forehead with lipstick. What my team member didn’t tell me until later was that it was 18 hour lipstick that wouldn’t wash off! I had to walk around the ship for the rest of the evening with “I love Dan” on my forehead (must of had some people who didn’t make The Quest wondering what THAT was all about!). Scrubbed it for 15 minutes that night. By the next morning I got it down to looking like a Mikhail Gorbachev birthmark. Anyways, I do love Dan because when I showed him my unremovable homage to him, he went out of his way to have a crew member find me and give me an RCI baseball cap to cover my forehead! I ran into him two days later and he said he was still worried about me and wondered how long it took to come off - we shared a good laugh about it.

 

Okay, what else? Apparently no more daily newspapers (the four page NY Times summaries they used to print). I missed them, but I think there’s more tv news choices than they used to have. As of this writing there were no “extra-charge” steaks in the DR, but our waiter told us when they do begin that, it won’t be replacing the menu steaks - it will be a larger steak similar in quality to what you’d get in CHOPS. Other than that, I didn’t see any real changes in service quality or amenities provided (oops, forgot - no more bedtime chocolates).

 

Ports of Call: When we first got to Costa Maya and came to the downtown area I remarked to my wife that it was the worst port we’d ever visited. Costa Maya was absolutely devastated by a hurricane several years back and signs of the damage are everywhere. Now, please understand my “worst port” remark was an initial comment - once I saw more of the port it was actually very nice, and I’d visit again. As you get off the ship there’s an area where you can rent golf carts ($45 for 2 hrs, $90 for the day); also 4 wheelers and more. You can shuttle downtown for $3 pp, taxi back is $2 pp. We rented a golf cart downtown to get back to the pier for $15 for an hour, which actually gave us plenty of time to view the area (most roads are still closed off). After returning to the pier we realized that right by the ship there’s a large area with several restaurants, a swim up pool bar, free lounge chairs and hammocks on the beach, a volleyball pool - lots of things to do, and probably a great area for kids at little to no money (you can buy food and drinks if you want, but there was no pressure to do so). Downtown I had a beer for $1. At the pier it was $3.50. Food prices were reasonable and portions were overly abundant. And, get this: Massages on the beach downtown - $10 for an hour. We were the only ship in port that day, so bargains could be found everywhere.

 

 

Cozumel: We did the Nachi Cocum All Inclusive Beach Day. We booked it ourselves on-line and shared a cab with a couple we had chatted with on the M&M Thread for this cruise. The weather wasn’t great (low 70's, very windy, colder as the day went on). By the time we left there were no more than ten people there. Had a nice meal and all the drinks you could handle, a private beach, and other things you could do at a price (parasailing, snorkeling, massages) that were offered once, but they didn’t bug you afterwards. Because of the weather I didn’t enjoy it that much - the day was basically saved by having our cabmates (Luann & Neil) with us for some good conversation. If I did Nacchi Cocum again I would do it with a larger group, although, that being said, if someone’s looking for a quiet beach, you might like it more than I did. Here’s a tip for getting around: The cab ride to NC was $15 (for 1 to 4 people) each way. You could rent a 2 person scooter ($40 for the day), or you could rent an actual car for a total (insurance & tax included) of about $60. My wife preferred the taxis which, in retrospect, was probably a wise choice considering I spent the afternoon pouring in as many free drinks as I could.

 

Okay, at this point you’re probably thinking, Geez does this guy think he’s writing a novel?. We’re getting near the end.

 

This cruise had fewer kids/teens than my other 5 cruises. Someone told me it was the best time to cruise if you don’t want a lot of kids (in between public school breaks and college Spring breaks). Personally I love kids (I’m a 55 year old one myself!), but this was a more sedate atmosphere poolside than most cruises you’ll see.

 

Final thoughts: for the 2nd cruise in a row we ate dinner with a great lady named Vicki (different Vicki’s though). Our tablemates were two people who never showed up (hey people - have some class - if you’re not coming to dinner at least let the wait staff know - they called your cabin to check on you and you never responded), and a couple (Vicki & Norman) whose company we totally enjoyed. By mid-cruise we were doing shows and events with them and another couple we met the first night (Kristen & Curt - we miss you guys!), and truly enjoyed their company. You were all great Quest teammates also, along with our other two teammates who helped out with the dentures and a hidden tattoo. Vicki: next time please bring some washable lipstick!!

 

M&M’ers: Met several people who had chatted on the Meet & Mingle Thread. All great people - we just didn’t get a chance to spend a lot of time with them, but we did enjoy meeting them.

 

Disembarkation: Took about 15 minutes being herded in a line like cattle (what other choice do they have?), but it moved smoothly and efficiently. No complaints. We took our time and enjoyed a last breakfast in the DR with the two couples I mentioned earlier. Had another friend pick us up and take us to lunch at one of George Steinbrenner’s favorite seafood restaurants (he wasn’t there). Here’s a tip: cruises are even more enjoyable when you find friends you can mooch rooms and meals off of before and after! (Thanks guys!)

 

My title: Six RCI cruises and still searching for ... an impolite, discourteous or unknowledgeable crew member! I find RCI crew members to always be outstanding in service and friendliness. I tried to talk my wife into a Carnival cruise just for a change of pace but she wanted RCI. We actually ran into a Couple in Cozumel who were on the ship I had looked at, and they told us they were having a terrible cruise (good food, but fewer activities and below standard service). So, we remain totally loyal to RCI. Thank you, RCI, for once again giving us a great vacation.

[Allaboutsailingrc]

Great review, Kicker. Thanks. I will be cruising Grandeur on the 30th (5th time for me on Grandeur) and she is one of my favorites. p.s. I have been on many RC ships including the newest Independence. I'd rather Grandeur or Jewel---my two favorites. You now made me all excited about my upcoming trip, however, too bad you won't be there. Sounds like you made the trip fun for all. Thanks for the optimism--nice to see.:D

[dgwags]

Yes, thanks for the wonderful review. So glad to hear from someone who was actually on the ship and knows what is actually happening and lets us know there was no real cut backs beside a tiny little chocolate at night.

 

Thanks for posting your review here because I haven't been seeing any new GOS reviews on the review board and obviously, with going on GOS in August, we want to read everything we possibly can about her.

[kicker]

Okay, reaching the point where my post-cruise depression will be settling in. Still on my post-cruise high from the great time I had, but I know I'll be looking at these boards less and less in upcoming weeks with no immediate cruising plans in the near future. So, if anyone else has any Grandeur questions, fire away.

[JSnow789]

Thanks for the review!

 

I'm on Grandeur next week for the 4 nighter down to Coz and back. I'm going alone so I hope I get to meet fine peeps like you!

[wraithe]

Good review, great title. I have to agree, for all the complaints you see on CC, I've never met an employee on an RCL ship that was anything other than happy to help and nice. Can't say that about the purser's desk on Celebrity Century, but everyone else on Century was awesome. I've got 14 nights coming up in November on Grandeur, and can't wait.

[mikeqube]

Thanks for the review. I have a question about the snack bar in the Solarium, did you notice if they served veggie burgers there?

[kicker]

Solarium Cafe is limited to hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza (cheese only, pepperoni, daily special). I don't believe they had veggie burgers, but I think they should be available in The Windjammer whenever that's open.

[mikeqube]

Solarium Cafe is limited to hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza (cheese only, pepperoni, daily special). I don't believe they had veggie burgers, but I think they should be available in The Windjammer whenever that's open.

 

I don't think I've ever seen them in the Windjammer. Do you have to ask for them?

[kicker]

I didn't have any, but I was pretty sure they had some available - or did I see it, perhaps, on the Room Service menu? Don't want to mislead you - its just I know I saw them offered someplace.

[goingtocruise]

Sounds like you had a great time. We sail on her in less than 2 weeks. What night was formal night. Hopefully not St. Pats day. My formal isn't green and don't want to be pinched. This will also be our first cruise as platinum members and was hoping to see what we've been missing. We strayed to Carnival once, and I thought about it again, but the kids (late teens) really want to stay with RCCL

[wrp96]

On other ships, they've had veggie burgers available in the solarium and in the Windjammer. Typically it's not something you notice though unless you are looking for them.

[pjlee3333]

Unfortunately unless its changed since November the Grandeur hasn't had vegiburgers since it was in drydock spring of 2007. We used to love them. You would have to ask the person behind the counter to look for them because they didn't always know they existed but once you did they found them and would gladly fix it. This past year I didn't see them in the windjammer but didn't specifically ask if they had any behind the counter. They did have them on the menu one night for supper in the windjammer. When we asked the manager in May why they had been taken off the menu in the solaririam she didn't know they had ever been on the menu (she was new since November 2007). This is the only improvement I wish this ship would make. We love this ship, its a great size for us, sails from Baltimore in the Summer/Fall, and has a great crew.

[duncanmaria]

Great review!! We sailed the Grandeur a few years ago and had a wonderful time. It was the cruise that made us RCI converts. Glad to hear that the great lady's staff still has high standards of service and that Captain Rob is as hilarious as ever! Thanks for the memories!!

[kicker]

For us Formal Night was the 1st Sea Day - Day 2 of the cruise. That might vary unless you're doing the same itinerary.

[goingtocruise]

Thanks for the answer, it is St. Pats day. I thought maybe it would be because it seems like the second day was always formal on every other cruise we have taken. I guess we need to go buy a new tie and some kind of jewelry. So excited to be cruising again. I'm already packed and just waiting for next weekend.

[DELTABLUE]

I'm starting to look for recent info on Grandeur. kicker...thanx for your comprehensive review and up to date news. ;)Another thread said that Capt. Rune Johnsen was due to take the helm while Capt. Rob is away on vacation. Does anyone know when/if he will be returning to the ship? Would also like more info on Dan the Man. It was nice of him to get you that cap to camouflage your Quest mark.:p We've done a number of cruises on Grandeur with Simeon Bakeras CD but he has since moved on to Navigator. Did Dan give any idea if GOS was his ship for the time being or if he is just subbing?

 

wraithe...good to 'see you' here! :D

[vickiw0318]

Dan's been a regular on the Grandeur now for some time.

[kicker]

DeltaBlue - sorry for not noticing your post earlier, and thanks to VickiW for the Cd info. Capt Johnsen was doing his first sailing on the Grandeur when we cruised (2/21). He will be on for ten weeks, off for ten weeks, rotating with another Captain, though I'm not sure who.

 

I'm about to enter my Post-Cruise Depression period where I stay off these boards until I start planning another cruise, so if anyone else has any Grandeur questions, I'll keep checking this for a couple of days at least.

[shadowtiger]

DeltaBlue - sorry for not noticing your post earlier, and thanks to VickiW for the Cd info. Capt Johnsen was doing his first sailing on the Grandeur when we cruised (2/21). He will be on for ten weeks, off for ten weeks, rotating with another Captain, though I'm not sure who.

 

I'm about to enter my Post-Cruise Depression period where I stay off these boards until I start planning another cruise, so if anyone else has any Grandeur questions, I'll keep checking this for a couple of days at least.

Hi, Thanks for all your info. Can you tell me if the Grandeur has a concierge lounge with complimentary drinks before dinner? Or are they complimentary any other place on the ship before dinner for Diamond and up members. We have finally made diamond level and I can't seem to find out if this ship has the CL for before dinner cocktails. Not a biggee, but would be nice to get a free drink before dinner. Thanks in advance, shadowtiger

[kicker]

Shadowtiger - can't answer your question about the Concierge Lounge (hopefully someone else can). We're Platinum and don't expect to hit Diamond for about ten years!

[DELTABLUE]

Thanx for the info Vicki and kicker! To follow up on your comment kicker, before you abandon these boards during your inter-cruise slump which I can totally understand, you indicated that Capt. Johnsen will be on for 10 weeks, off for 10 weeks rotating with 'another' captain. Grandeur has been Capt. Rob Hempstead's ship. Are you indicating that he will not be back or am I reading you wrong?

 

shadowtiger...sorry to report that Grandeur has no concierge lounge and, to the best of my knowledge, there is no other drink perk available to diamond c&a members other than the invite to the platinum/diamond party. We're about to make diamond soon and won't find any real benefits on Grandeur.

[kicker]

I don't know the other captain. If you find any posts by Wolfcathorse - he seems to know the captains personally - maybe try a search for him - he seems like a nice guy willing to help.

[Bruinboy]

Great review. I wish more people shared your positive outlook and, of course, I loved your ability to laugh at yourself. Well done!!

[kicker]

Thanks Bruinboy. I try to be honest in my reviews - if I see something negative I comment on it. Its just that I see very little negative.

 

I've had nothing but great service in the DR and elsewhere on board. I suppose if someone's a chronic complainer, the Wait staff might be a little hesitant with them. At our table the Waiter bent over backwards to help us.

 

So, since my largest RCI complaints in 5 RCI cruises have been a cancelled excursion that we weren't notified about, and having (HORRORS!) 2 pepper shakers placed in front of me instead of pepper & salt, I just have to be positive.

 

Lastly, I have to laugh at myself - if you saw me you'd laugh too!:D:D