Grandeur - Disturbed by Recent Poor Reviews

[MOcruiserman]

I'm booked to go on the Grandeur in October. However I'm disturbed by the recent spate of poor reviews posted on CruiseCritic.

 

The last 10 reviews have given overall ratings (between 1 and 5) of 1, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 4, 2, 3, 5. That's terrible. At this point I'm not going to cancel my trip but if the reviews don't pick up I'm going to seriously consider it.

[micheecruise]

I am cruising on the Grandeur in November, and hoping that the reviews get better as well. On one hand I think some people are just nick-picking, but then on the other hand I'm not so sure.....

 

I have until early September, so we'll see how the reviews come in the next few months.

[loubetti]

I would ignore the reviews. Often they are all about one, particular recent cruise, where there was bad weather, noro virus, or whatever encountered. I've seen this many times where one cruise elicits a bunch of bad reviews. Stuff happens, so be sure to read reviews carefully. You might be reading 8 reviews about 1 cruise! That doesn't mean the other cruises were bad, or was the one you read them about.

[DragonOfTheSeas]

I correspond with several people that regularly cruise on the Grandeur. In fact 2 of our friends got off of the Grandeur on Friday. They had a very nice time.

[cruisin4kicks]

I'm booked to go on the Grandeur in October. However I'm disturbed by the recent spate of poor reviews posted on CruiseCritic.

 

The last 10 reviews have given overall ratings (between 1 and 5) of 1, 1, 1, 1, 4, 3, 4, 2, 3, 5. That's terrible. At this point I'm not going to cancel my trip but if the reviews don't pick up I'm going to seriously consider it.

 

I am cruising on the Grandeur in November, and hoping that the reviews get better as well. On one hand I think some people are just nick-picking, but then on the other hand I'm not so sure.....

 

I have until early September, so we'll see how the reviews come in the next few months.

You're both from VA & PA. I would guess the Grandeur is pretty convenient for you to get to. We flew up from ATL the end of last May to go on it and enjoyed it. Had never been on the Grandeur and wanted to try it out. Now, just need to go on the Adventure, Quantum, and soon the Anthem to check off the entire active Royal fleet that we've cruised on at least once.

 

I don't read cruise reviews anymore and have never been on a bad cruise. Some cruises might have an issue or two but never enough to ruin a cruise. There is just so much to do onboard. Some people want to do everything and complain because activities overlap... others just like to lay back and chill. A complaint from one person may be something the other person has no interest in. To each his own, I guess.

 

Tim

[BND]

We love the Grandeur. The crew is very friendly and it's a nice relaxing cruise out of Baltimore. Easy to get to and we've only had great experiences onboard. Too many reviews are subjective and usually one or two minor things cause someone to give a bad review. I've also noticed a huge uptick in entitlement issues-people expecting things that are way above what they should and take things personally and/or having expectations that are way out of line. It's the "what are you going to do for me or give me" mentality. Pretty sad.

Edited March 15, 2015 by BND

[Dave4120]

We also love the Grandeur and will be on her again April 10th. I will have a full report...not positive or negative comments because everyone has a different opinion about everything.

 

I would never believe all of the comments you read positive or negative because you might feel entirely different. Do the cruise, experience the ship, then make a determination. Even if you find some things not what you expect, I would find it hard to believe that so many things can be that bad where your entire cruise would be a big disappointment.

 

Just don't over expect because a ship is trying to please the masses which is almost impossible to do. And, one final thought. The food in the MDR for the most part we feel is good. Gourmet? NO! But if you look at it like we do, I trust you'll be fine. We treat the dining room food as a big bowling banquet. Many people, and tons of average food coming out on a continuous basis.

[baf0117oc]

My husband and I just returned on the Grandeur and enjoyed the cruise. There was a Q and A session with the Captain and he indicated that our cruise had the best weather of the winter season. I was concerned prior to our departure as there were many negative reviews. I am sure weather and noro were a factor in those reviews. We felt that food in the MDR and specialty restaurants, entertainment and cleanliness of ship exceeded our expectations. Staff and crew went out of their way to accommodate everyone. Dan was one of the better cruise directors that we have had on a ship. He appears to be a genuinely nice guy based on my observation of his interaction with people. If you are used to the bells and whistles of the larger ships you may be disappointed, but I would expect that a person would do their due diligence before booking one of the smaller ships in the fleet. We are planning to book the Bermuda itinerary in the near future.

[roseshayit]

My husband and I just returned on the Grandeur and enjoyed the cruise. There was a Q and A session with the Captain and he indicated that our cruise had the best weather of the winter season. I was concerned prior to our departure as there were many negative reviews. I am sure weather and noro were a factor in those reviews. We felt that food in the MDR and specialty restaurants, entertainment and cleanliness of ship exceeded our expectations. Staff and crew went out of their way to accommodate everyone. Dan was one of the better cruise directors that we have had on a ship. He appears to be a genuinely nice guy based on my observation of his interaction with people. If you are used to the bells and whistles of the larger ships you may be disappointed, but I would expect that a person would do their due diligence before booking one of the smaller ships in the fleet. We are planning to book the Bermuda itinerary in the near future.

 

I hope the weather and people's predilection for the larger ships are a contributing factor to the recent reviews. I also agree that the recent case of Norovirus probably contributed to some of the reviews. Many of the anecdotes I've read here and on Facebook tend to say more positive things about Grandeur. Hopeful that our summer cruise to Bermuda will also be positive. I like to think we're low maintenance cruisers, and just being on the ship makes me infinitely happy.

[micheecruise]

I appreciate all the positive comments!! My family and I are very easy going, we don't let little things "ruin a vacation" , and I know some people just like to complain...it's nice to hear these good things about the Grandeur!! :)

[PTAngel]

I have sailed on the Grandeur twice & am sailing again in May & November. I can't think of anything bad to say about her. The people have been very nice, polite, & ready to do anything for you. Everything appeared to be very clean & well kept. This last trip, we were in the pool in the solarium late at night while they waited for us to get out before they closed it for cleaning. We ate at all the complimentary food locations & food was good. My first trip, we tried Chops & Giovanni's & both were excellent. Even without a beverage package, there was plenty of complimentary drinks available. I really got attached to the soft serve ice cream (couldn't seem to walk past that machine without stopping). I enjoyed all the shows I saw. The games were fun to watch. The only negative I found (I really had to search my memory for this one) is the crowd for the Halloween party. I know it was just me however because everyone had a lot of fun even me. There was always something to do or see. You should definitely give the Grandeur a chance. Enjoy! There's no such thing as a bad cruise.

[webteach]

I saw her in port on Friday and would have loved to be getting on board. Such a lovely ship and crew. There's so much to like- take the good and enjoy!

[Caleby]

She's a fantastic ship, I've been on her twice. I'm going to try other ships now since I've gotten norovirus twice on her, but I don't hold it against her. I thoroughly enjoyed the crew and the activities.

[runningtide]

I read the reviews mentioned by the post author. Most of the reviews were the same trip that had a nurovirus outbreak, and had to cut a day short. I'm sure that issue may have been a factor with reviewers that expected a perfect cruise and couldn't be simpathetic with the crew trying to handle the outbreak. I'm sure the extra work may have strained some services.

 

I have sailed Grandeur and Enchantment out of Baltimore. Love both of these ships and especially their crews. I'm leaving again next Saturday on Grandeur for a 10 day western carribean cruise. Looking forward to seeing Grandeur after her refit.

 

Don't worry about the reviews. You'll have a "Grand " time on Grandeur :D

[LilBlackDress]

I glance at the complaints, but I don't take much stock in them. It is human nature to complain, not compliment.

 

I learned a writing technique years ago and TRY to always implement. Start with a positive, state your negative, end with a positive. When writing a letter or email (or in this case a forum posting/review) Write it, don't send it, read it the next day and see if you still feel same or want to rewrite it...

 

I am only human and I don't always follow my own advice but when I do, I found I am met with positive reaction :)

 

Guess what I am saying is... don't worry about the naysayers more people complain only a few rave

[Aintnofun007]

My husband and I just returned on the Grandeur and enjoyed the cruise. There was a Q and A session with the Captain and he indicated that our cruise had the best weather of the winter season. I was concerned prior to our departure as there were many negative reviews. I am sure weather and noro were a factor in those reviews. We felt that food in the MDR and specialty restaurants, entertainment and cleanliness of ship exceeded our expectations. Staff and crew went out of their way to accommodate everyone. Dan was one of the better cruise directors that we have had on a ship. He appears to be a genuinely nice guy based on my observation of his interaction with people. If you are used to the bells and whistles of the larger ships you may be disappointed, but I would expect that a person would do their due diligence before booking one of the smaller ships in the fleet. We are planning to book the Bermuda itinerary in the near future.

 

 

just got off the same cruise, the only thing i could note is i felt a lot of the crew look/felt tired. not to say they did a bad job or were negative but some of them looked wiped....

[cruisejess]

We had a very nice 10 days on the ship. We did however find a couple of things that would prevent us from sailing on her again. The "Your time Dining" option just didn't work. We had reservations, but were told we really should arrive a half an hour before our reserved time if we wanted a table for two. Then the service was slow and impersonal. We ended up just eating at the specialty restaurants for eight of the nights. The service in those venues was excellent and the food wonderful. With tips for the waitstaff each night we estimate that it cost us an additional $500. for the trip. At breakfast and lunch in the dining room it was a big hassle to get seated at a table for two. The staff was not rude, but disinterested. The soup bowls had more soup dripped down the outside of the bowls then in them and the ice cream arrived melted.

Our other issue revolved around entertainment. It seemed aimed at the over 70 crowd. One of the bands that played in the centrum looked like they came from the Lawrence Welk era. The shows also seemed outdated and like things that we would have seen when we started cruising 20 years ago.

I will say we met terrific fellow passengers onboard and had fun every night in the casino bar with them.

All and all it was a great vacation and we were glad to come home to somewhat spring like weather. Have a great vacation.

[sjb317]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I do think some reviewers take the name Cruise CRITIC to the extreme. :D I've come home from a cruise to read poor reviews of it and wondered how we could have possibly been on the same cruise? If the food was so INEDIBLE how the heck did I gain 3 pounds?:D

 

Stop reading reviews and enjoy your cruise!

 

Sherri:)

[knittinggirl]

When you're checking those reviews, be sure to see how many reviews each individual has given. Generally, those one star reviewers have only given the one review, maybe a handful of posts. I don't take those very seriously.

 

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[Aintnofun007]

Our other issue revolved around entertainment. It seemed aimed at the over 70 crowd. One of the bands that played in the centrum looked like they came from the Lawrence Welk era. The shows also seemed outdated and like things that we would have seen when we started cruising 20 years ago..

 

 

first time i was on a cruise where a spelling bee was an activity, lmao

[MOcruiserman]

Thanks for all the responses, I'm feeling better about the cruise now. However I'm still going to keep my eye on the reviews.

[gms5002]

I think a lot of people are more inclined to write a review if they have something to complain about than if everything went well.

[jakenashleysmom]

Loved Grandeur, so did my kids. If you go looking for things to complain about you will find plenty , however if you are looking for a nice little ship with a great crew then you will have a great trip.😁

 

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[Philly Steve]

A Granduer cruise is a nice value and is so convenient. We had a wonderful time last May and are looking forward to our April embarkation,. She is the perfect size for us. As I remarked to senior officers during the Captain's party, she is built to last. They wholeheartedly agreed. I've never felt safer on a cruise ship.

[JenInMD]

I was on the 'noro cruise' this past January, and despite the fact that there were many restrictions because of it, we had a great time. The Grandeur is a wonderful ship, and the crew is awesome! Ignore the negative reviews. You'll have a blast!