Grandeur, NO PROMENADE, Oh MY????

DarthGrady · August 14, 2014

My family will be going on a 10 day cruise on the Grandeur. This will be our first cruise as Diamond members, and our 2nd Cruise without the Royal Promenade.....I can't really remember the Radiance, because it was so long ago. I need some help....

1. What perks can we expect as Diamond Members? and will we get those perks on the Grandeur?

2. Are we going to miss the Promenade immensely? Do they have an area to watch football etc.

3. What exactly is the new smoking policy?

4. This is our first time sailing out of Baltimore. We live close by? Anything we should know?

5. We are staying in a Junior Suite (becoming spoiled rotten)...what is the size of the Junior Suites compare to "Explorer of the Seas"?

Anything else you would like to add would be appreciated.

It looks like most the questions have been taken care of.

To the RP issue, I can only speak for myself, but I don't miss the Royal Promenade anymore. It's a very neat thing to see and experience, but it also has downsides. No view of the water, foot traffic can be heavy, etc.

I really enjoy the smaller ships nowadays, they feel cozy and take less time to walk around. The Radiance and Vision classes also have lots of glass which provides great ocean views.

The Radiance class ships also have great Windjammers IMO, with big outdoor patio sections that are nice to sit in when the weather is nice.

I think you'll enjoy the Grandeur. It may not have a Flowrider or RP, but you'll be getting a more traditional cruise experience. An experience that is (sadly) becoming rarer and rarer in an industry obsessed with building mega ships.

Edited August 14, 2014 by DarthGrady

PCWalton1 · August 14, 2014

No, you're doing it all wrong . . .

Tell her and then suggest you upgrade to a full suite - ha ha ha !!!

She'll think its her idea and no grief for you - lol

Have a GREAT cruise :-)

Too late the ship is sold out. :p

A2Mich · August 14, 2014

It's not a shopping mall by any means. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Have a GREAT cruise :-)

I know it's not really a mall - as long as it doesn't get too crowded (other than for the parades, etc.) I go on vacation to get AWAY from crowds of people. I don't do well in large crowds and would likely be disembarked from the ship if I was stuck in a large crowd elbow to elbow.

maureencruiser · August 14, 2014

And, those ropes you see in Merion Mom's pictures allow them to do things like this 3 stories in the air.

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Nessa1dc · August 28, 2014

Wow...what great information.....and thank you for the Beautiful pictures...

About those Roast Beef sandwiches....are they like the ones on the Allure?

Clarea · August 28, 2014

...About those Roast Beef sandwiches....are they like the ones on the Allure?

Yes.

Proseknitic · August 28, 2014

My family will be going on a 10 day cruise on the Grandeur. This will be our first cruise as Diamond members, and our 2nd Cruise without the Royal Promenade.....I can't really remember the Radiance, because it was so long ago. I need some help....

1. What perks can we expect as Diamond Members? and will we get those perks on the Grandeur?

2. Are we going to miss the Promenade immensely? Do they have an area to watch football etc.

3. What exactly is the new smoking policy?

4. This is our first time sailing out of Baltimore. We live close by? Anything we should know?

5. We are staying in a Junior Suite (becoming spoiled rotten)...what is the size of the Junior Suites compare to "Explorer of the Seas"?

Anything else you would like to add would be appreciated.

Remember that the DL is open 24/7, that includes the wonderful coffee machine. You will have the opportunity for anyone who is also a D member to stop in the lounge for snacks and free drinks.

The coupon books should be gone which means that there will be "coupons" on your Sea Pass card for 3 drinks every evening (same choices as in the lounge). If you hit a bar - order them one at a time. The software doesn't cope with 2-3 ordered at the same time and will charge you.

There will be either X many minutes free internet or a discount on an internet package.

All of the info on D level discounts should be on the letter you will find in your cabin from the Concierge.

Oh, and no promenade? It is great -you can sit and listen to music, watch people, relax without having shoppers stop all over you!

-Holly

whose Fall 2011 TA on the Grandeur turned me into "Loyal to Royal"

gregwhates · August 28, 2014

I think the Solarium cafe is one of the best improvements to the ships. They do a lovely breakfast, and the beef sandwiches are far too addictive!

Just out of interest, does the cafe on vision class have the bagel bar like radiance? We are on Splendour next October.

Freo · August 28, 2014

We've sailed from Baltimore a couple of times. We live in Northern Virginia, and we love going from driveway to cabin in about 90 minutes.

The terminal is well organized. You will drive up to unload your bags, then park. All of the parking spaces are in front of the terminal building.

Inside the terminal the security line can be pretty strict about bringing on beverages. Ensure that you are within the cruise line's policy. I've seen them open up soda can cases and check water bottles to make sure they are all factory sealed and not an attempt to bring extra liquor on board.

The check-in process was very efficient and we were able to board the ship very quickly.

Disembarkation at Baltimore is also smooth.

Enjoy your cruise!

Thank you CaptJack for the "warning".

This is our first cruise with a real Diamond Lounge. Looking forward to the espresso machine and the conciege service.

stewartgirl721 · August 29, 2014

I have been on both ships in the last year. And my winner is::

GRANDUER

Yes Explorer is a bigger ship. but every time I was in/on the Prom. I felt like is was a$$ to elbows. Packed!!! Never saw a parade nor wouldn't I dare the watch or jewelry sales. If I wanted ice cream/coffee I would invent new ways to get it with having to try to get through the people. Could never find a seat at the Café. Mom would end up bringing the stuff back to the room. On a plus the walk in closet in the Jr. Suites.;)

Granduer is smaller easier to navigate. No Prom means people are more scattered through out the ship. No bottle neck (aka traffic jams). The Park Café in the Solarium is a great location. Always seating available. The Centerium (sp) shows are amazing. You can pick a floor and they are chairs. Minus no walk in closet.:(

Baltimore: is easy peasy. They actually have it down pat. Easy on easy off.

luv2cruiserccl · August 29, 2014

My family will be going on a 10 day cruise on the Grandeur. This will be our first cruise as Diamond members, and our 2nd Cruise without the Royal Promenade.....I can't really remember the Radiance, because it was so long ago. I need some help....

1. What perks can we expect as Diamond Members? and will we get those perks on the Grandeur?

2. Are we going to miss the Promenade immensely? Do they have an area to watch football etc.

3. What exactly is the new smoking policy?

4. This is our first time sailing out of Baltimore. We live close by? Anything we should know?

5. We are staying in a Junior Suite (becoming spoiled rotten)...what is the size of the Junior Suites compare to "Explorer of the Seas"?

Anything else you would like to add would be appreciated.

Just off grandeur and had a wonderful time are u port or starboard js? Also had js and was really nice was on deck 8 port for us. Had a blast and u will have fun!!!!!

sent from my galaxy s4 please excuse any error's thanks

luv2cruiserccl · August 29, 2014

sent from my galaxy s4 please excuse any error's thanks

JMG · August 29, 2014

4. Cruising out of Balt. Aside from the ease of getting to Cruise Maryland...the thing I like about cruising out of Balt is going down the Chesapeake. It is different than being on the ocean. Approx 1/2 hour after leaving the dock, the ship will go under the Key Bridge. It is a tight fit and the cruise starts off with the excitement of that narrow clearance. 2 weeks ago we took a group on the GOS and one couple had been on Carnival earlier and totally missed going under the Key Bridge! They appreciated being able to enjoy that moment on the GOS cruise! In about an hour, the ship passes under the Annapolis Bay Bridge, then around 11:30 or so, the ship crosses over the Bay/Bridge tunnel and leaves the Bay and heads into the Atlantic. While cruising the Bay you pass the red/green channel markers. After dark you see the lights from the land on both sides of the ship....it is just very different than being in the Ocean. It takes approx 8 hours to go from Balt to the Atlantic. On our return, we were at the Bay/Bridge Tunnel by around 8:30pm but did not arrive at the dock until 6:30/7am.

note: the photos are fabulous but in person it is so much better!

Edited August 29, 2014 by JMG

palofmine · August 30, 2014

The newly refurbished Centrum, with R Bar and aerial entertainment, will make you wonder why you needed a Promenade. No Promenade Café? - try the new Park Café in the Solarium with quick breakfasts and great hot roast beef sandwiches. Cool and rainy out of Baltimore? - no problem, the Solarium pool is enclosed, and warm.
Now you can experience receptions, parties and events like the Quest in a real lounge, not the ice rink or out in the "street".

Nuff said?

I did not miss the promenade.. I actually like the small size of grandeur and vision.. We are ready to go up a class or two since the kids really loved the cruise and teen rooms.

Merion_Mom · August 30, 2014

Remember that the DL is open 24/7, that includes the wonderful coffee machine. You will have the opportunity for anyone who is also a D member to stop in the lounge for snacks and free drinks.

The coupon books should be gone which means that there will be "coupons" on your Sea Pass card for 3 drinks every evening (same choices as in the lounge). If you hit a bar - order them one at a time. The software doesn't cope with 2-3 ordered at the same time and will charge you.

There will be either X many minutes free internet or a discount on an internet package.

All of the info on D level discounts should be on the letter you will find in your cabin from the Concierge.

Oh, and no promenade? It is great -you can sit and listen to music, watch people, relax without having shoppers stop all over you!

-Holly

whose Fall 2011 TA on the Grandeur turned me into "Loyal to Royal"

Hi, Holly. :) The coupon books are loooooooong gone from all ships.

On the Grandeur, which does not have any unlimited internet packages yet, you will get the number of minutes appropriate to your C&A level on the "old" system. There is ALSO a discount for a package of minutes.

Many different people have posted on this thread, and many different people are apparently consulting it for information, so here are ALL of the discounts for ALL of the levels. All credit goes to Patti/cruisenfever:

How to Redeem your exclusive onboard offers:

1. Choose your offer! A full list of your offers can be found below.

2. Visit various participating venues throughout the ship to enjoy great spa treatments, sip on a cocktail by the pool, experience ultimate shopping and much, much more!

3. At the time of purchase, simply provide your SeaPass Card and your exclusive offers will automatically be applied by the staff. Then it's time to ENJOY!

4. Each of the offers listed below are valid for a one-time use on your eligible purchases.

Helpful Vacation Tip: Please inform the staff at the time of purchase if you would like to redeem your member offer for that particular purchase.

Crown & Anchor Society Member offers are applicable to select merchandise and services and

cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotional programs.

Offers are valid for the duration of this voyage for a one-time use per member

Gold Member Onboard Offers:

(1101) Buy any Wine, Beer or Soda by the glass and get a second (of equal or lesser value) FREE

(1102) Purchase any glass of Wine, Beer or Soda and receive a 10% discount

(1106) Receive 25% off any Coffee Beverage (Valid for use at Cafe Latte-tudes and Specialty Restaurants)

(1151) 25% off the purchase of Royal Caribbean International Cookbooks

(1701) $3.00 off your Pets at Sea Package

(1301) 10% off Tuxedo Rental Package (Offer applies to only one tuxedo rental package. Discount does not apply to shoe rental. Subject to availability)

(1901) Spend $25.00 or more on Royal Caribbean logo products and receive 10% off (Excludes: fine jewelry brands, trunk show merchandise and best buys and one day specials)

(2001) Buy One Photo and receive a 50% off discount on a second Photo (of equal or lesser value)

(2101) Buy a Bingo Package, and get 1 FREE Jackpot Card (Offer not available at "Win A Cruise", "Win A Suite" or "Final Jackpot Session")

(2201) Get 10% off any Spa or Salon service (Not applicable to media-spa services)

(2501) Buy an Internet Package and receive $5.00 or 10% off (Discounts are not combinable. (The greater discount will be applied to the guest folio after the package is purchased)

(2301) One FREE Spin to Win at the Casino (Redeem this offer in the Casino and we will give you 1 (one) free handle pull on one of our dedicated slot machines)

(2356) 20% off Casino Tournament Entrance Fee (Excluding Poker Tournaments)

Platinum Member Onboard Offers:

(1101) Buy any Wine, Beer or Soda by the glass and get a second (of equal or lesser value) FREE

(1102) Purchase any glass of Wine, Beer or Soda and receive a 10% discount

(1107) Buy any coffee beverage and get a second FREE (Valid for use at Cafe Latte-tudes and Specialty Restaurants)

(1108) One complimentary non-alcoholic specialty coffee with the purchase of dinner in any Specialty Restaurant)

(1151) 25% off the purchase of Royal Caribbean International Cookbooks

(1201) Receive $5.00 off a $30.00 bag of Wash & Fold Laundry (Only valid on the day of the ship's Wash & Fold laundry promotion. Not valid for any pressing or dry cleaning services)

(1204) $5.00 off $25.00 or more Dry Cleaning or Pressing services (Cannot be applied to any laundry special promotions)

(1301) 10% off Tuxedo Rental Package (Offer applies to only one tuxedo rental package. Discount does not apply to shoe rental.)

(1701) $3.00 off your Pets at Sea Package

(1901) Spend $25.00 or more on Royal Caribbean logo products and receive 10% off (Excludes: fine jewelry brands, trunk show merchandise and best buys and one day specials)

(2001) Buy One Photo and receive a 50% off discount on a second Photo (of equal or lesser value)

(2102) Buy a Bingo Package and get 3 FREE Jackpot Cards. (Offer not available "Win A Cruise", "Win A Suite" or "Final Jackpot Session")

(2202) Receive 15% off any Spa or Salon service (Not applicable to media-spa services)

(2502) Buy an Internet Package and receive $7.50 or 15% off (The greater discount will be applied to the guest folio after the package is purchased)

(2302) Two FREE Spin to Win at the Casino (Redeem this offer in the Casino and we will give you 2 (two) free handle pull on one of our dedicated slot machines)

(2356) 20% off Casino Tournament Entrance Fee (Excluding Poker Tournaments)

Emerald Member Onboard Offers: