EMED2010 Posted September 23, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We sailed on Grandeur for the first time Sept 12-18 to Bermuda. This was our first time on Grandeur and on this class of ship. We previously sailed Brilliance and Explorer. I have to say I loved the smaller ship. It was easy to get around, there was plenty to do and I really do love the Centrum area over the Promenade mall-like area. On this ship, you are always close to the sea. My problem with the promenades on the larger ships is that you are missing out seeing the ocean. For the first time, we did not have a balcony. We had an oceanview on Deck 2. It was not too bad and I wouldn't hesitate to book that type of room again. It was also kind of cool to be that close to the water when looking out. We were midship and right outside the elevator doors. We only had noise on the first night from the steward closet which was across the hall. After that it was quiet and very smooth. I mostly used the stairs which were right there and very convenient. As for the smells I've read about, we did not smell anything unusual. We had no toilet problems either. Food: We were very satisfied with the main dining room. One or two things were hit or miss but that's normal anywhere. We had My Time Dining and requested the same servers each night since we enjoyed them so much (Monoj and Vincent). The kümmelwick sandwich at Park Cafe was as yummy as everyone said it was. They also had a scrambled egg/chili wrap at breakfast which was very good. Giovanni's offered a brunch for $20/person which included a kitchen tour and all the bellinis and mimosas you could drink. It was really good and a lot of fun. The only downside was Windjammer. It was pretty much the same thing every day with slight changes and what was there was not that great. The Windjammer on Explorer was so good and had little stations with a huge variety. My husband got the regular drink package since he is a beer drinker with wine at dinner. It worked out really well for him. I enjoy the drink of the day and then a good wine at dinner so I did not get a package. It was nice that both people did not have to have it and for us, it saved money. I brought my own bottles of wine on board and never opened them. This is the second time I've done this and I am not going to bother anymore. Zumba! Katy offered classes on the pool deck and three of the mornings and she did a great job! I hope more ships start doing this. Baltimore: Easy in and out - loved it Activities/Shows- We didn't do a whole lot. Saw the aerial show which was night. Went to the Quest which was the wildest one I saw. Schooner bar- loved the violinists, they were excellent. There was a guy that sang Billy Joel every night - that got a bit old after the first time. We watched the Art Auction one day, belly flop contest, sexiest man, 70's show - all were very cute. Bermuda was awesome! We rented scooters for two days and parked them near the ship. We went to St. George, snorkels at Tobacco Bay, got sea glass at Alexandria Battery, swam at Jobsons Cove and Horseshoe Beach, lunch at Swizzle Inn, Gibbs Lighthouse, etc. All in all it was a great cruise and I would sail Grandeur again and sail out of Baltimore again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare theminnow Posted September 23, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Very nice review. I wonder how many people will miss sailing on a vision class ship because it is 'too small'? Seems like most of the reviews done on these ships state how great the staff was and how the reviewer was surprised how nice a small ship can be on a cruise. Glad you had a good time. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marci22 Posted September 23, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 23, 2014 My husband got the regular drink package since he is a beer drinker with wine at dinner. It worked out really well for him. I enjoy the drink of the day and then a good wine at dinner so I did not get a package. It was nice that both people did not have to have it and for us, it saved money. I brought my own bottles of wine on board and never opened them. This is the second time I've done this and I am not going to bother anymore. I'm surprised you didn't use your wine as you both drink it at dinner. I think it's nice to be able to pour yourself a nice glass of wine in your cabin and bring it to dinner. We use the lounges so we don't usually order wine at dinner, but I often bring a glass of white to lunch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biomedbob Posted September 23, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Now you've let the cat out of the bag! The Grandeur was supposed to be my little secret! :cool: Glad you had a great time. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kleo30 Posted September 23, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We are looking forward to sailing on the Grandeur in November. We've only sailed on the Explorer. I'm looking forward to a smaller ship and relaxing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRUISEBOY305 Posted September 23, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 23, 2014 That's for sharing your thoughts OP. I've never sailed Grandeur but I love the two Vision class ships (Vision and Enchantment) that I've sailed on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stellarose Posted September 23, 2014 #7 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Getting excited for grandeur in December. Last rccl ship was freedom and found her a bit too big. My 13 and 11 year old are excited too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted September 23, 2014 #8 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks so much for your review! It brought back fond memories of the wonderful time we had on Grandeur! :) LuLu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiserking Posted September 23, 2014 #9 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Thanks for your review, really looking forward to our Grandeur cruise in February. Jonathan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
330searay Posted September 23, 2014 #10 Share Posted September 23, 2014 my wife and i prefer Grandeur. The times we have taken the children we have opted for the Explorer. definately more suitable for adult cruise. IMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EMED2010 Posted September 23, 2014 Author #11 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We are looking forward to sailing on the Grandeur in November. We've only sailed on the Explorer. I'm looking forward to a smaller ship and relaxing. Have a great time! I recognize you - I read your Explorer review when we were planning our Explorer cruise!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kleo30 Posted September 23, 2014 #12 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Have a great time! I recognize you - I read your Explorer review when we were planning our Explorer cruise!:) We loved Explorer! Hoping to love Grandeur just as much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishbonz Posted September 23, 2014 #13 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We loved Explorer! Hoping to love Grandeur just as much. Hi Kelly,,,How are you guys doing? Is doug still driving OTR or has the relish business taken off yet? Virginia and I are doing the grandeur the end of march so you will have to let us know how you liked her. Best Wishes,, Tony Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kleo30 Posted September 23, 2014 #14 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Hi Kelly,,,How are you guys doing? Is doug still driving OTR or has the relish business taken off yet? Virginia and I are doing the grandeur the end of march so you will have to let us know how you liked her.Best Wishes,, Tony Hey Tony! Doug is still driving, but is home every other morning. He has a run up near Boston. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOcruiserman Posted September 25, 2014 #15 Share Posted September 25, 2014 Thanks for the review. We're thinking of taking Grandeur in October 2015 to Florida and the Bahamas. Our cruise will have several sea days and I'm wondering what kind of activities are available during the day. On our cruise to Canada Holland America offered cooking classes, wine tastings and computer classes. Is this offered on Grandeur? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now