Grandeur of the Seas Family Review April 5 - 12

[mrsmrb654]

Hi Apryl,

 

Great review so far! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it as you post :) Quick question: did you guys happen to purchase a photo package or look into it at all? I'm particularly wondering what the price was after the $50 off mentioned in the Day 1 Compass & how that compared to the price offered online before the cruise... We're considering the package for our cruise next month (for our 10th anniversary also), but want to make sure we get the best price we can.

 

Thanks!!

Amy

[aprylstar]

Hi Apryl,

 

Great review so far! I'm looking forward to reading the rest of it as you post :) Quick question: did you guys happen to purchase a photo package or look into it at all? I'm particularly wondering what the price was after the $50 off mentioned in the Day 1 Compass & how that compared to the price offered online before the cruise... We're considering the package for our cruise next month (for our 10th anniversary also), but want to make sure we get the best price we can.

 

Thanks!!

Amy

 

We didn't purchase a photo package. I did however purchase the drink package ahead of time. If we had waited until we were on the ship, it would have been the same price & we would have received 10% off our duty free liquor purchase. I know it's apples & oranges, but if buying the liquor package on board presented a benefit, you may get lucky doing the same with the photo package.....

[GoldenDomer]

Hello there!!!

 

My son didn't make it to the kids club until day 3 due to me banishing him to the state room on night 2 after pigging out & vomiting! lol. I was going to include that in my review, but there is no time like the present! After our day in Port Canaveral, my son headed to the kids club around 9pm & we barely saw him after that! lol There were tons of kids that hung out there every night & rather than stick to the compass as planned, the instructor (John Mendez) tailored the night to whatever the kids wanted to do. My son spent every night of the cruise there after that & by day 4 the kids were looking for each other during the day on the boat & hanging out at the ping pong station etc. My son was the only Canadian & earned the nick name CA-Nayden right off the bat! This was my sons first time in a "teen club" and he said it was the best kids club to date (he has done NCL & Carnival). They did things like Sardines (opposite of hide and seek), Man Hunt, Capture the Flag, Photo Scavenger Hunts, Rock Climbing, Poolside Dance Party (I could not believe my son took part in line dancing but they had a blast! lol), Poolside moview, Apples to Apples, open arcade, Wii etc. John took them out to the windjammer & park cafe where they just sat around and told stories etc. A few of the kids exchanged emails. I can't praise John enough for making sure these kids had a great time.

 

As for Adventure Ocean, the lead instructor was a tall, young,

SUPER fun American gentlemen. The kids all loved him from what I could tell. Even my son met him & really liked him. I always heard kids in the hall talking about going to adventure ocean & everyone seemed to really like the program. The did print compasses for the 3 - 11 year old crowd. I kep the one they handed out on day 1 & will scan later today and add to this post.

 

If you have any other questions, let me know.

 

 

Apryl - Appreciate your description. From what you report, I'm pretty sure there will be plenty of activities to keep my kiddos entertained and engaged. Thanks for taking the time to review your experiences, looking forward to reading about the rest of your journey.

[aprylstar]

I've said this before, but I'll say it again. Cruise Critic needs a like button so that I can "like" all the kind words!!!

 

Day 3 was our first port day. Port Canaveral. I hear a lot of complaints about this place, but we don't mind it at all. If you don't want to spend $$ on an alligator tour, Space Center or trip to Orlando, then take a shuttle to Ron Jons/Sheraton. They have a really nice beach with all the amenities you need for a beach day within walking distance.

 

When we first got up, I headed up to the pool deck to catch some rays and read for a bit. It was nice to enjoy the warm weather. I took a few pics of the pool deck, movie screen and pool bar. There are 4 tubs. 2 on either side of the pool. The pool is divided into 2 sections. A very shallow section where you can sit & relax (or the little ones loved it to splash around) and a deeper regular pool on the other side:

 

 

 

Afterwards we all headed up to the top deck to watch our arrival to Port Canaveral. As you approach you can see Jetty Park & the beach there. It was pretty busy for 10am. The captain said it was a 20 minute walk from the ship if you were looking to get off and do something near by. Here is the view from the boat:

 

 

We arrived a little late. I'm not sure why. Maybe they were waiting to clear an outgoing vessel or maybe b.c we departed 4 hours late the first day. Either way they let everyone with prebooked excursions exit the boat first. Our original plan was to take the Royal Caribbean Shuttle to Ron Jon's, but when the tickets arrived, they were only good between 12 and 6. We didn't have to get back on the boat until 9pm & my parents were driving up to meet us for the day so we cancelled & planned to catch a cab instead. When we walked off the ship, just past the RC shuttles there were independent shuttles. $3 cheaper per person ($12 each return trip) & they ran until late. We hopped on & were dropped off at the Sheraton (beside ron jons) by 12pm. We met my parents at Fawlty Tours. It is next door to Ron Jons and has a great pool and Tiki bar. Later that night we found out it had been a "clothes optional" hotel until last year! lol From Fawlty Towers we visited Sandbar for what my son claims to be "THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS ON THE PLANET" and for what I claim to be "THE BEST FISH TACOS IN THE WORLD". You can also get ice cold drafts in a tall collecter cup for $8 with $4 refills! The Sandbar is 1 block down from Ron Jons & on the beach. There is also a beach store across the road along with a 7-11 where you can stock up on cold beers & beach toys. Next to the Sandbar is a washroom & shower facility and both facilities are right at the beach! A great day w/ an easy walk. We hopped on the shuttle back to the ship at 8pm after lunch, beach time & a swim in my parents hotel pool!

 

 

 

We got back so late we missed the dining room dinner. We were starving anyway and headed straight to the buffet. I had a delicious burger topped with everything delicious & super crispy fries. Aftewards we showered up & got ready for the night. My son wanted to head to the teen club, but before hand we went to the 60 seconds or less game show in the South Pacific Lounge. It is their version of minute to win it & it is a blast!!! I was on the blue team & competed in the final challenge. We were down by 2 points, but my challenge was worth 3 points. I had to wear nylons on my head that had baseballs in the toes & I had to race across the stage with my head down swinging the nylons & knocking over water bottles. I got all 8 down in 53 seconds & won the competition for the blue team! Each of the 4 game winners received really cute NCL camera cases. Ayden went to the kids club afterwards. I already discussed it in a previous post, but from that moment forward, every minute he was not off the boat or eating with us, he wanted to go there to find his new buds. Milan and I hit the Casino for a few drinks & some gaming & we all met back up at 1230pm to hit the hay!!

[aprylstar]

Here are pics of the Fawlty Tower Pool & Tiki Bar and the compasses for the day. We had intended to go to Darryl Joyce late night comedy b.c we enjoyed him Day 1 so much, but we met up with friends at the Casino and never left!!! People that we talked to said it was Raunchy but HILARIOUS!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tinkerbell24081175]

I was on this cruise too and love reading your reviews. We were late arriving into Port Canaveral because the ship had to stay clear of the channel as a nuclear sub was leaving port. We talked to many people who said that they could see the sub as we were pulling into port. Certainly wish we could have seen it!

[aprylstar]

I was on this cruise too and love reading your reviews. We were late arriving into Port Canaveral because the ship had to stay clear of the channel as a nuclear sub was leaving port. We talked to many people who said that they could see the sub as we were pulling into port. Certainly wish we could have seen it!

 

 

Thanks & VERY COOL. I wish I would have paid better attention & got some pics. I guess I was too excited to get ready & meet up with my mom & dad. They are retired & in Florida, so it was nice to meet up with them. Everyone loves to escape our cold Canadian Winters. Especially this one!!!

[aprylstar]

Day 4 - Coco Cay. It did not disappoint. It was as pretty as Rum Point & had something for everyone! We made sure to get our butts up & to the dining room in time to get showered, packed up for the day & in line at the head of the pack. I am glad we did b.c I heard people who headed down later say that they waited 1 hour to make it from the end of the line to the Island. Here's a view of the ship from the tender boat:

 

 

We set up shop at Snorkel Beach and immediately hit the water. My son LOVED all the tropical fish swimming around & spent a good hour in the water watching them. A pair of goggles is all you need, but if you want to venture out you can rent or bring your own snorkel equipment.

 

 

 

We dried off & checked out the straw market. WE picked up 3 t-shirts for $14 and then had lunch. Lunch was delicious!!! Ribs & Chicken, Burgers & Dogs. Assorted cold salads (chickpea, greek, german potato, salad bar etc) and desserts. It only ran from 12 - 2, so make sure you don't forget to eat! We needed to walk off all that yummy food so we spent a good hour touring the island. We walked along the water to the hippo slide & aqua park. Aquapark is booked by the hour (maybe around $15). The slide is $4 per ride or $22 for the day. My son took one turn on the slide and loved it. He says next time we are setting up shop at the Water Park Beach & he is getting a band for the day. After that we headed up and walked the nature trail. It is pretty basic & I can't believe some people pay for someone to take them on a tour of it. I guess if that's your cup of tea, there would be lots to learn, but we wanted to get back out to the beach. We knew that at the end we could continue along the path & find the "secret beach" referenced in other posts, but when we got there it was posted that the end of the bath was another 30 minute walk. We were already 30 minutes down the beach & figured it would take us an additional 1. 5 hours to get there & all the way back to our beach bag, so we turned around & rather than head back through the nature park we walked through the private area for the Diamond (and maybe other level) members along the water & all the way around to Snorkel Beach. The sun was hot, the scenery was beautiful & the water was warm. We spend the rest of the afternoon floating around the lagoon & watching the fish. At one point someone was climbing a tree to get coconuts & everyone was cheering & chanting for them. The life guard started blowing his whistle & we thought he was in BIG trouble, but to our surprise he pulled out a knife so he could cut the coconut down! lol They had lots of fun games, live music & sport tournaments going on all day. The only $$ we spent was the $4 for the hippo slide & $18 on shirts & we had a great day. I also took full advantage of my drink package and had a few coco locos & coronas!

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the boat, washed & ready for dinner in the dining room. Another delicious meal. Likely steak or Tiger Shrimp or Duck or Salmon. I had them all at some point along with delicious desserts & appetizers. Every night we ordered 1 appetizer each plus 1 extra shrimp cocktail & my DH ordered 2 dinners to himself every night. Gotta love cruising!!! After dinner Ayden watched Gravity in the hot tub on the big screen. Milan & I spent some time on the pool deck relaxing as well & went for 2 for 1 Martini's at the Viking Crown lounge (DH did not get a drink package b.c he is mainly a beer drinker or else he gets himself in trouble! lol). The Martini's were DELICIOUS. I recommend the peach martini& blue berry acai martini. Afterwards my son spent the night with the teen group & we had some drinks at the lounges and did some gambling at the Casino. By now we'd had a little bit of luck on some tables & some machines. Although we were not up, we were having fun & not down a whole lot of $$$.

[fluffysue]

Thanks for the info about Port Canaveral, I was wondering what the heck I was going to do there. :)

Just saw you did another update...wow Coco Cay looks beautiful. Can't wait to see the beach there. Do you know if the waterslide is for adults, or just kids? I'd try it once. :)

Edited April 15, 2014 by fluffysue

[aprylstar]

Family Photo (Past Private beach & barefoot beach) and the compasses for the day:

 

 

 

 

 

[aprylstar]

Thanks for the info about Port Canaveral, I was wondering what the heck I was going to do there. :)

Just saw you did another update...wow Coco Cay looks beautiful. Can't wait to see the beach there. Do you know if the waterslide is for adults, or just kids? I'd try it once. :)

 

lol I can't say for sure, but I don't see why not. Some kids are bigger than adults!!!

 

Also, we didn't do it this time b.c we met my parents, but Ron Jons is a giant shop. Sheraton has a mini shark tank with feedings just inside the shuttle drop off (and sometimes $1 margaritas for cruise passengers). As well directly across the street away from the beach is a Dinosaur Store. Lots of cool fossils to see & buy. As well it sounds like they are opening a museum on level 2 if they haven't already. We went there last year and my son loved it. I have pics in my NCL review in my signature (we did the same itinerary last year on the NCL jewel).

 

Glad I could help & yes Coco Cay was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[Kroozen]

Thanks for your review. I'm sailing on Grandeur in a little over 3 weeks, and I CANNOT wait!

[Merion_Mom]

Aftewards we showered up & got ready for the night. My son wanted to head to the teen club, but before hand we went to the 60 seconds or less game show in the South Pacific Lounge. It is their version of minute to win it & it is a blast!!! I was on the blue team & competed in the final challenge. We were down by 2 points, but my challenge was worth 3 points. I had to wear nylons on my head that had baseballs in the toes & I had to race across the stage with my head down swinging the nylons & knocking over water bottles. I got all 8 down in 53 seconds & won the competition for the blue team! Each of the 4 game winners received really cute NCL camera cases.

 

I am guessing that those were probably ROYAL CARIBBEAN camera cases. ;) :D

[aprylstar]

I am guessing that those were probably ROYAL CARIBBEAN camera cases. ;) :D

 

woops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

 

VERY CUTE ROYAL CAMERA CASES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I would go back & fix it, but it seems to only let me edit recent posts....

Edited April 15, 2014 by aprylstar

[Goodtime Cruizin]

"I also took full advantage of my drink package and had a few coco locos & coronas!"

 

Enjoying your review. Can you elaborate on this? Was this at Coco Cay Beach? I didn't know that drink pkgs were used on the excursions as well. Or maybe I'm confused.

 

Again, very much enjoying the review.

[aprylstar]

"I also took full advantage of my drink package and had a few coco locos & coronas!"

 

Enjoying your review. Can you elaborate on this? Was this at Coco Cay Beach? I didn't know that drink pkgs were used on the excursions as well. Or maybe I'm confused.

 

Again, very much enjoying the review.

 

Good morning!

 

I purchased the premium drink package through Royal Caribbean for my trip. It is $55 per person per day & that price includes tax & tip on the drinks. It includes a collector cup that gives you access to the freestyle pop machines, unlimited pop & bottled water from the bar, unlimited beer (most kinds), liquor based drinks up to $10 (if you buy a more expensive one, they just charge the difference, only 1 I purchased was 10.50) & wine up to $12. Your package is good on the boat from the time you board until you depart & on their private island - Coco Cay.

 

You should be able to pull the list of drink packages they offer from their website ;)

[sammerz]

Thanks for posting this, quick question. You had an outside room right? Were you on the 2nd or 3rd deck ?

 

We leave in 17 days for our cruise!

 

 

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[Goodtime Cruizin]

Thanks for the anwer! I'm familiar w/ the Premium alcohol Pkg but I didn't know they were allowed to be used on the private islands. Very nice!

[aprylstar]

Yep! It definitely makes it worth it when 5 of the 7 days you can take advantage of the package all day. I do like my drinks, but being able to grab a bottle of water whenever was a luxury also. It was nice not having to lug a 12 pack onto the boat!

 

Thanks for the anwer! I'm familiar w/ the Premium alcohol Pkg but I didn't know they were allowed to be used on the private islands. Very nice!

[aprylstar]

We were 3534. I picked it b.c it was 2 doors down from the stairs to deck 5 where my husband could go to smoke outdoors or in the Casino. Easy access & he appreciated it ;)

 

Thanks for posting this, quick question. You had an outside room right? Were you on the 2nd or 3rd deck ?

 

We leave in 17 days for our cruise!

 

 

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[14Terry]

Question, in your opinion were the seas rough either on the way down or on the return trip to Baltimore. Thanks in advance.

 

 

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[aprylstar]

Question, in your opinion were the seas rough either on the way down or on the return trip to Baltimore. Thanks in advance.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Not at all. We had one night were the boat was rocking a little bit, but I want to say that was Wed night after leaving the bahamas. Either way it wasn't anything crazy. I did hear though that they were rough earlier in the winter & we did feel that last year on the Jewel (same itinerary in March) that we felt more motion.

 

On our first cruise in the middle of the Caribbean in January the sea got so rough that they had the barf bags in the hallways (we didn't see anyone get sick) & we survived that.

 

I guess you never know since mother nature has a mind of her own :)

 

I will be posting a photo later. It was Thursday night on our way back & the seas were like glass. It was beautiful!

[fluffysue]

Yep! It definitely makes it worth it when 5 of the 7 days you can take advantage of the package all day. I do like my drinks, but being able to grab a bottle of water whenever was a luxury also. It was nice not having to lug a 12 pack onto the boat!

 

They will give you a sealed bottle you can save for later, right? Trying to avoid ordering the water package like I did on my last cruise (which was also my first). Planning to grab a bottle of water from the bar whenever I pass one and don't want a drink (since from what I understand, they won't give you both a drink AND a bottle of water).

Thanks for all the updates and answers. :)

[aprylstar]

They will give you a sealed bottle you can save for later, right? Trying to avoid ordering the water package like I did on my last cruise (which was also my first). Planning to grab a bottle of water from the bar whenever I pass one and don't want a drink (since from what I understand, they won't give you both a drink AND a bottle of water).

Thanks for all the updates and answers. :)

 

Your welcome :). They never opened a bottle of water. Most bars had evian & if not it was geyser (or something lake that). Also many of the beers are the 16oz aluminum cans. The coors light ones are screw tops, so they loosened the cap & then gave it to you with the cap still on.

 

Cheers :p

[fluffysue]

Your welcome :). They never opened a bottle of water. Most bars had evian & if not it was geyser (or something lake that). Also many of the beers are the 16oz aluminum cans. The coors light ones are screw tops, so they loosened the cap & then gave it to you with the cap still on.

 

Cheers :p

 

Cheers! :) Thanks for the info. This'll help me get even better use out of the drink package than I got last time, if I can use it to stockpile water for excursions and nighttime use. Since I had 8 ridiculously huge bottles of water (a few of which went to waste), I didn't bother.